December 2, 2022

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RiveRs BanneR

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Mike Waddell

Sales Consultant

(204) 727-0531

P: (204) 727-0531

P: (204) 727-0531

P: (204) 727-0531

Bullet hits home

With rifle season nearing an end, rural residents are used to hearing gun shots. However, when Pam Sigurdson of Riverdale Municipality heard a gun shot on Thurs. Nov. 24, around 2 p.m., the shot hit a little too close to home. About a foot to the left of her bedroom window, to be precise.

“Our house is a big white house, visible for miles” Pam explained; she was at home with her daughter Skylynn at the time of the shot. “It’s pretty scary to look at” Pam said, referring to the bullet, which is still lodged in the jam, as it hit the house between a door and a wall. Pam, husband Les Dreger, and Skylynn live in the home, together with three dogs and four cats. They also have 20 horses in the back

pasture behind the home. The family is thankful that the bullet didn’t go all the way through the wall or hit any of the horses.

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

Hunters in the area are reminded to not hunt near homes or livestock. A large part of the hunter’s education course is to teach hunters to think about what is beyond their target. If you miss, where will the bullet go? Are you shooting over the crest of a hill? Could the bullet ricochet off a large rock? How close are you to a person’s house, a farmer’s field, or a road?

1550 Richmond Ave Brandon, MB R7A 7E3 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com www.murraychryslerwestman.com

1550 Richmond Ave F: (204) 726-9160 Brandon, MB R7A 7E3 TF: 1-866-980-3757

mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com C: (204) 724-7825

1550 Richmond Ave F: (204) 726-9160 Brandon, MB R7A 7E3 TF: 1-866-980-3757 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com C: (204) 724-7825

1550 Richmond Ave F: (204) 726-9160 Brandon, MB R7A 7E3 TF: 1-866-980-3757 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com C: (204) 724-7825 www.murraychryslerwestman.com

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RiveRs BanneR

G azette -R epo R te R

Santa parade (and more!) in Rivers

Can collections for canoes

s reported in the March 9 edition, the Grade 12 Interdisci plinary Studies in Science class at Rivers Collegiate planned a project for Riverdale Harvest. Dubbed the Boat Load of Food, students secured a canoe from Rolling River School Division with an intent to fill it with non-perishables. Although the campaign was fully organized by that class, the original idea came from a suggestion made by harvest volunteer Liliane Dupuis.

tion to the schools.

Plosker Rivers Banner

Pupils co-ordinated the entire month-long promotion, which culminated in a ceremonious presentation on March 20 to Riverdale Harvest president Heather Gray and Liliane.

“I heard the idea at a meet ing in Brandon. St. Augustine School had tried Fill a Canoe in conjunction with the 10-day Festival du Voyaguer in Win nipeg in February. It was very successful and whenever I hear food bank, my ears always perk up!”

A rifle has enough power to kill a deer; it can cause some serious damage, and someone could have gotten injured, or worse.

Most hunters are responsible and events like these can make all hunters look bad. Authorities have been notified. Beware of your surroundings. Hunt safe.

She then brought the sug gestion to Riverdale Harvest, which supported the idea and asked her to present the promo

Because the snow had melted so much, the canoe could not be portaged across the street to Zion Church (home of River dale Harvest). Rather, the teens carried bags, boxes and garbage

The Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce organized a day of fun for the whole family on Fri. Nov. 25. The events started at the Riverdale Community Center at 3:30 p.m. with just over an hour of free skating time. Then there was free cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus (thank you to Megan Lelonde), and pictures with Santa (thank you to Jim Saltesz for filling in for the big guy). There were also free hotdogs at 5 p.m., cooked by members of the Riverdale Fire Department.

At 6:30 p.m. the Santa Claus parade started on 6th Ave, going west, then south on Quebec St, East on 2nd Ave, south on Main St, then ended at the RCC where there was a Christmas movie and free treat bag, and another opportunity for pictures with Santa.

The parade line up, in order of appearance, was: Rivers Police Department, Rivers Fire Department, Rivers EMT’s, Walker Greenhouse & Brown Sugar Produce, Wags to Whiskers, CJ’s on Ice, Lucky Break Ranch, Super Thrifty, Westoba,

Heritage Co-op, Home Hardware, Busy Beaver Tree Services, Kroeger Backhoe, Daly Repair Services, Whelpton Electric, Canada Malting, Hair by MGK, Rivers Train Station Restoration Committee, Riverdale Municipality, Redfern Farm Services, Redline Transport, Eagle Ridge Equine, with Gill’s Plumbing and Heating pulling the Santa sleigh.

cans from the school foyer into the church basement the after noon of March 21, where the food was weighed and sorted. Although the project was a sen ior students brainstorm, the en tire high school was encouraged to participate. The collegiate hosted a poor boy floor hockey tournament in which to play, athletes had to pay with food for the canoe. Some students also canvassed Rivers, Oak River

and Chimo Beach areas for con tributions from the community.

When all was said and done, the scales at Riverdale Harvest noted a total of 434 pounds, “a fabulous amount,” says Heather.

“We are so pleased they decided to help those we serve. A lot of times kids don’t get enough credit but this group of students certainly deserves some praise.

All students stayed behind to help check expiry dates, sort and

The Christmas movie was Christmas Chronicles, the story of two siblings who try to catch Santa Claus on camera but wind up going along for the ride in Santa’s sleigh to deliver presents. Due to the extra weight, the sleigh crash lands, and they have to help get the sleigh running again so that Santa can finish delivering presents. It kept everyone on the edge of their seat for sure!

Meanwhile, parents were welcomed to the Tempo Place Emporium after the Santa Claus parade, while the kids were at the free movie. Patrons could watch a live performance by Manitoban Metis fiddler Brendan Chartrand, two-time competitor of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Competition.

CoC president Carina Blankenspoor reports that 50 family photos were

taken with Santa, 250 hotdogs were cooked up and served, 190 treat bags were given out, and 40 people attended the movie. Leftover food was donated to the foodbank and Christmas cheer. This wonderful Christmas-themed day couldn’t have happened without the tireless work of volunteers. Thank you to Carina Blankenspoor, CoC president (CB Aspire Salon), Kendra Walker (Walkers Greenhouse), JerriLynn Huberdeau (Wags to Whiskers) for donations, as well as in-person volunteers Alyssa Friesen (Alyssa Raeanne Photography), Pat Vreeman (Pat Vreeman Floral Design Studio), Val Collins and team (Heritage Coop), Dave and Donna Falkevitch (Rivers and Area Game and Fish), Wade (Party Jockeys), Ladies Hospital Auxiliary, Jessalynn de Jong (Carina’s daughter). Monetary and item donations acknowledged from: Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce, Ladies Legion Auxiliary, Pat Vreeman Floral Design Studio, CB Aspire Salon, Walkers, Wags to Whiskers, CJ’s on Ice, Sutton, Heritage Co-op, Super Thrifty, Waymor Agencies, and Tempo Emporium Place.

put away in the proper place on the shelving units. They were fantastic! We are very, very pleased.”

Elementary school staff mem ber/Harvest volunteer Yvonne Crouch initiated a similar cam paign in her school. That threeweek effort simply encouraged students to leave product in the canoe; 87 pounds of food was collected from the younger group on Thursday, March 22.

Photo by Sheila Runions

Photo by Heather Gray

The canoe at Rivers Elementary School was adequately filled.

Back row L/R: Meghan Knelsen, Erich Schmidt, Thom Heijmans, Heather Gray, Liliane Dupuis. Front row L/R: Minami Kijima, Haile Hubbard, Chassidy Payette, Morgan Ramsay, Bryce Summers, Quinn Hrabok.

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

ASarah

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Left to right: Jerri-Lynn Huberdeau, Carina Blankenspoor, Jim Saltesz as Santa, and Kendra Walker.

Historical foundations

When we look back through the archived pages of our newspapers, we get a bird’s eye view of how things were done over 100 years ago. Some things really stand out.

Perhaps the first thing that jumps off the pages is the lack of what we would today call “political correctness”. Opinions and humour back in the day were pretty much unbridled. There was no filter on the editors’ typewriters 100 or more years ago.They said whatever was on their minds and sometimes their comments very bluntly called out politicians and citizens alike.

We should probably not go back the the almost vicious commentary that appeared in the old time newspapers. That’s best left to the internet and Twitter (satire intended). At least the very negative comments in papers from days of old could be attributed to a real person who could be tracked down and held accountable. That’s often not possible in the internet world and that is a very real problem. If you can’t be identified, you probably shouldn’t be saying it.

Also, 100 plus years ago, the newspaper was pretty much the only source and place for discussion. There were no phones or computers, few movie theatres and no radio or TV stations. No internet either.

As far as advertising went it was the newspaper, perhaps posters and the Eatons, Sears or Hudson Bay catalogues.

The newspaper was king.

I will be the first to admit that newspapers have a lot of competition today, but I would also maintain that a good community newspaper is still near the top of the heap for local news, ads and commentary. Newspapers are sadly missed when they disappear, just ask the 20 communities in Manitoba that have lost their papers in the past five years.

One very notable difference in comparing papers today with papers from the past is that the ads were much bigger and more creative. Admittedly, some the claims in the ads were

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken

Waddell

in a frame to go on the printing press.

A review of early history, and then a review of more recent history, clearly shows that the newspaper is still has

100 plus years ago, the newspaper was pretty much the only source and place for discussion. There were no phones or computers, few movie theatres and no radio or TV stations. No internet either.

outlandish and quite unbelievable. Also unlike today, there were very large ads for cigarettes and some cigarette companies even claimed to improve your health.

Because “building an ad” was quite expensive and labour intensive, ads were used over and over again. We still have a few of those old ads, cast in lead or an early version of plastic. They were nailed to a wooden block to be placed

an important role to fill. King is too lofty a title but leader might be an apt description.

I think people understand that a good newspaper has to be a leader in local news, advertising and opinion pieces. But there’s a catch. Newspaper staff can’t be everywhere, all the time. The local newspapers that are left, cover many communities stretched out over

many miles. Everybody knows the cost of gas and labour so it’s no surprise that a newspaper’s staff can’t be everywhere all the time.

The good news is that it has never been easier to submit news, photos, ads and opinion pieces to the local paper. Email is a Godsend. Great stuff can be posted on Facebook for example but few Facebook posts have the reach of the local paper. Facebook contacts run in the dozens or occasionally hundreds. Most local community papers reach thousands. If a local paper circulates 2,000 papers, the industry standard is 2.3 people reached per paper printed.

”Papers have changed, electronic media has its place but the newspaper is still the information foundation. That said, everyone has to help strengthen that foundation.

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 staff.

Are we listening?

In 29 days, we will bid farewell to 2022 and welcome the new year of 2023. How quickly this year has flown by. It’s had its share of good times and bad; happy times and sad; achievements and failures; times of great gain and times of tragic, devastating loss. It’s also been a year in which frustration with decisions made by those in leadership have led to “Freedom Convoys,” expletive-laden rhetoric aimed at government leaders and extreme measures used to end the protests. And while the protests may have ended, the frustration that fueled them is getting more entrenched by the day.

To the frustration, we add the confusion produced by mixed messages from those in whose wisdom and integrity we should be able to trust. When they say one thing and do another, trust is eroded. When they openly violate laws that we are expected to obey, trust is destroyed. When they refuse to be transparently honest and accountable for their actions, they lose the respect of those they were elected to serve.

When confusion and frustration take root in people’s minds, they produce hopelessness and despair. That is when people will listen to and vote for anyone who promises them a tomorrow that is better than today. Unfortunately, as history has shown us, those running for office can be very good at making promises but

very poor at keeping them; and the voters often trade one form of disappointment for another and experience even more hopelessness and despair.

Is there hope for a world like ours? Yes, there is. Where can it be found? In the same place where it’s always been-in a person whose earthly life began 2000 years ago in a cave just outside of the little town of Bethlehem. That person is Jesus Christ; to whom the prophet Isaiah gave the following names: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Every name is significant.

When the best human wisdom fails to solve the problems we face, we need a “Wonderful Counselor.”

When all our power and resources aren’t enough to meet the needs that people have, we need someone with the power and resources of a “Mighty God.”

When our resources can only provide short-term, band aid solutions to our problems, we need an “Everlasting Father” to provide solutions that stand the test of time.

When we are looking for someone who can bring lasting peace to our troubled hearts, peace in our homes, families, communities and world, we need a “Prince of Peace.”

And all of these qualities can be found in the one whose birth we commemorate at this time of the year-

in Jesus who is God the Son, God revealed in human form. He walked among us for 33.5 years, died, rose again and ascended into heaven. Now, by his spirit, he fills the heaven and the earth. He is so close to us that he can hear our slightest whispers when we call to him for help. He knows all about the problems we face. He understands our hopelessness and despair. His knowledge and wisdom can provide solutions that no government or group of governments could ever provide.

But he will not impose himself on us. He waits for us to reach that level of hopelessness and desperation that will cause us to cry out to him and say: “Ok, God; we’ll do it your way.” God is calling us to do just that. Are we listening? If not, we should be.

YOURS NEIl STRoHSCHEIN

“

Home Bodies

By Rita FRiesen

not a Hand wRingeR in tHe lot...

People watching is one of my favourite pastimes. I learn a great deal from observing actions and reactions of others – about them and about myself! This week I have been reflecting on the women in my life that been the influencers, mentors, advisors, whether they knew it or not. And there is not a hand wringer in the lot.

A few years ago I was able to spend buckets of quality time with a woman who I had been watching for decades, and she never knew the impact she had on my life. I was so thankful that we had the opportunity to speak uninterrupted by life, from our hearts. As I shared the moments where your life had impacted mine she was amazed. I had witnessed her strength, her courage and determination to continue fully living when her world was coming apart. I witnessed her God given ability to forgive, forget, and rebuild a unit. She never was vocal about her struggles with the general public, though I am certain, well, I hope, that she shared with a close friend or confidant. When life presented me with an opportunity to exhibit forgiveness, forgetting and rebuilding I drew from her example. I am forever grateful. Some saw her as an ordinary, gaunt and sometimes rough person, I saw her as an angel.

Another woman who set a high standard for living experienced the trauma of World War Two as a child. She adapted to life on the prairies as a war bride, raising a family, becoming involved in the community and contributing to the work force and being true to herself. She did not suffer fools gladly, choose her words, and delivered them with authority. She made her point! I only knew her for the last three decades of her long life, so I assume that some edges had already been rubbed off, but I never heard her complain, always thankful for the support of family and friends. Always honest. Given many an opportunity to simply sit and wring her hands in despair, she did not.

I have many aunts, fifteen to be exact. Love them almost all the same and have grown from being their niece in many ways. There is one who provided me with a safe place, a place of acceptance and encouragement. Life on the farm was never easy, for years the toilet was a cash and carry in the basement, or a quick trip outside, even though the house had running water for sinks and the washing machine, and the shop and barn had every available advantage. She had huge gardens, loved flowers, birds and trees. She yard was an oasis on the flat prairie, filled with ponds, birdhouses and fruit trees. As her health declined her sons bought her a golf cart to provide mobility and she became adept at weed control from the seat. Her last years in town were the easiest. She never complained, always welcomed any visitor and gave thanks freely. Not a wringer of hands, a get it done with grace woman. Looking back, these are up three of the women that influenced my thinking and actions. No hand wringer here!

Check your pantry

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

2023 may seem far away, but it’s right around the corner. Be sure to go through your pantry, checking for any canned and dried goods that expire in early 2023. You can then make a plan for meals that will use up those items. If you know you won’t eat certain items in time (maybe there was a sale you just couldn’t pass up, but it turns out you really don’t like the item), then you can always donate them to the food bank.

By Chad Carpenter

Rivers hockey update

Gerald Lepp Rivers Minor Hockey

The U7s had a home game on Saturday against the Brandon Leafs. I t was a great game. The team is consistently playing a game every week now for the rest of the season.

U 9 no reports.

U11 Ratz was at the Steinbach Tournament over the weekend coming home with a 2-1 record. F riday night started off with a big win against St. Vital 8-3, a loss on Saturday to Springfield 7-4, and a final win Sunday morning against the Host Steinbach team 4-3.

U11 Quane had the week off, looking forward to the U11 home tournament this weekend.

U13 Beernaerts were in Boisevain for a tournament, they played some great games but came up short in

the B side finals. Next up Gladstone Wednesday in Rivers.

For the U13 Beernaerts team, the assistant coaches were missing from last week’s article. They are: Tanya Airey, Rob Boyd, and Jamie Brown. We apologize for the omission.

The U13 Rivers Jets Lepp team lost 4-2 to Gladstone on Tuesday the 22nd, and then beat Minnedosa 7-4 on Friday the 25th.

R ivers Lepp rounded out the first half of the regular reason with a 4-21 record. Tournament in Reston this weekend.

U15 lost to Neepawa 7-4.

Looking to avenge that loss Saturday when we go to Neepawa. Then we play Sunday in Brandon against Brandon Guild Insurance.

U18 Neepawa/Rivers girls lost to the Birtle/Hamiota Bruiskies 5-0 on Nov 27 in Rivers.

Bone broth, a re-emerging staple

Plosker Rivers Banner

If you’ve had a successful hunting season already, or have lots of bones taking up space in your freezer from your winter harvest/culling of livestock, don’t throw the bones to your dog just yet. Try making nutritiously dense bone broth.

Bone broth has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and there’s a reason this savory liquid has stood the test of time. Some reported health benefits are as follows:

1. Anti-ageing—with high levels of collagen, bone broth is said to improve the elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance of your skin, thereby reducing wrinkles, and it helps increase bone mineral density, especially in postmenopausal women.

2. Helps with digestion and gut health—bone broth has high levels of gelatin, which binds with water to support the healthy movement of food through your intestines. It’s also said to reduce bowel inflammation.

3. Improved immune function—the amino acids found in bone broth are said to help with your intestinal barrier function and microbial diversity, which translates to an immune-friendly powerfood.

4. Joint health—

collagen helps to reduce pain and stiffness in your joints, and improve joint function, especially for people with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, gelatin helps in tendon and muscle tissue repair.

5. A particular amino acid in bone broth—namely, glycine—is said to support healthy sleep patterns, improving the sleep quality of those suffering from insomnia.

Of course, all of the above benefits are only suggested by scientific research, and not meant to be interpreted as cures for all your health problems.

Need a recipe? Throw some bones in a big pot and simmer all day. You can also add onions, including the skins (they’ll add some nice colour to the broth), celery, carrots, whole peppercorns, and a bay leaf or two. When it’s all done and cooled off a bit, pour it through a strainer.

There are a few ways to store bone broth. If you have the freezer space, you can bag it up and throw it in the freezer. If your freezer space is limited, you can simmer it longer to make it more concentrated. In fact, you can put it in your slow cooker with the lid off and evaporate so much of the liquid that it turns into what’s called portable soup, or “pocket soup”, an 18th and 19th century British precursor to bouillon cubes.

You need to be sure to use gelatinous bones for this to work quite right, so if you have any leftover chicken or waterfowl feet from earlier in the season, you can add those to the pot when simmering all your large game bones. If you wait until there’s only an inch or two of liquid left in the slow cooker, you can let it cool, remove any fat, and what you have left is a single, wobbly, solid piece of bone “broth”, which you can dry on a wire kitchen cooling rack overnight. If you’ve done everything right, it should get to the point where it’s about ¼ of an inch thick and you can cut it into small bits using scissors. Your giant pot of bones turned into something that can be stored in a small container you can fit in your pocket (or more likely, put on your pantry shelf). When you want to use it, just rehydrate a piece or two with some hot water.

Another way to store your bone broth is to pressure can it into pints or quarts. This is really convenient as you don’t have to remember to take anything out of the freezer the night before you want to use it. It’s handy to have some jars sitting in your pantry to quickly make a home-cooked, nutritious soup, stew, or to use instead of water when cooking rice.

Make the most out of your harvest and enjoy some nutritious bone broth.

A decade in the making

Sheila Runions Treasurer

In March 2023 it will be 10 years since Remembering Rivers and Area was sent to the printer. It was at Rivers’ centennial in July 2013 that this history book was provided to those who pre-ordered, and others who purchased on the spot. Sales of the 513-page hard cover book were brisk in the years that followed and many positive comments were relayed to the history book committee. In recent years, sales have ranged from one to three copies annually. We still have books on hand and though they are now nearing 10 years old, they contain valuable

historical information which is very interesting to read. No cancel culture here!

But don’t just take it from us. We were very surprised and extremely thrilled to read a glowing and unsolicited book review in this paper on Oct. 14. Do you remember the report written by single-digit Leo Chen? Of all the books that exist, he picked ours!

He is not the first young boy to enjoy reading the compilation. Shortly after the book was available, Samuel Krahn devoured it and constantly shared interesting tidbits with his family: parents Robert and Liesel Krahn and siblings Simon and Sarah Krahn. At the time, Samuel was barely double digits in

age. If two young boys enjoy this history book so much, surely you and your loved ones will too! They make a perfect Christmas present and can be purchased from Prairie Crocus Regional Library.

The library is now our only outlet for sales; a big bouquet to Carol Hassard who sold books for us until her retirement from Carol’s Time Again Treasures, on Sept. 1. The library has just completed interior renovations and next year, they will work on upgrading the exterior. We are pleased to provide them a $5,000 gift towards the cost of a new sign and general face-lift.

Sarah

PHOTO BY SHEILA RUNIONS

Left to right: Rivers and District History Book chairperson Dora Irvine presents librarian Sherri Dziver a $5,000 cheque, which will be used for exterior renovations to Prairie Crocus Regional Library.

Advent is here!

after that. Bring your own mug and 4 to 6 dainties to share.

Love languages

The first Sunday in Advent was marked at Rivers United Church on November 27. We are now on the countdown to Christmas! Each Sunday during Advent, a candle will be lit on the Advent wreath, and each Sunday, the choir will perform an Advent anthem. These musical offerings have been carefully chosen and will be diligently practised! They will surely please!

Lesley McFadden will lead the service on December 4th; the other services in December will be led by our minister, Sheila Deforest.

As an addition to the regular Sunday services, the Outreach Committee is hosting an Advent Social Evening for women and men. (“Men” are specifically mentioned here, because, in the past, attendance at this event was limited to women. Not anymore!!)

This is a time to gather for fellowship in the midst of the pre-Christmas busyness -- another opportunity to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. Come for punch and visiting at 7 pm, followed by a short Advent devotion and refreshments

The White Gift service will take place during our worship service on December 11. The Sunday school children will take us to the manger in Bethlehem, with all the surprises and excitement that are part of the nativity scene. The children will be directed by Robin Rivas with help from Shelley Foster. The service will also include a collection for Christmas Cheer. You are invited to leave a gift of non-perishable food or toys under the Christmas tree. If you wish to make a monetary donation, cheques may be made payable to “Christmas Cheer”.

For the first time since 2019, Rivers United will hold a Christmas Eve service. A Carol Sing will begin at 7 pm, and the traditional service will begin at 7:30. Come and join us as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.

Rivers United Church has a vision for a church that lives and works in unity with all God’s people and follows the example of Jesus Christ in loving and serving others. We have a particular desire to provide outreach for those in need here and in the wider

community. The proceeds of the fall Thrift Sale were donated to the Children’s Hospital Foundation to be used for Child Life Programs. The proceeds of the Fall Supper were split between Riverdale Harvest and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. In the month of November, the congregation took part in a food drive for the Breakfast/ Snack Program at Rivers Collegiate. On November 14, Ten Thousand Villages came to Rivers United with a pop-up shop. We were happy to support this organization, which in turn supports talented and hard-working artisans and farmers in the developing world. We will continue to serve the community here and farther afield.

Our church is a safe place – a place where all can gather knowing that we are all children of God. We are so thankful that Sheila Deforest is sharing her ministry with us; she is truly a blessing! You can get the latest news from Rivers United at www. riversunitedchurch.org . The Advent and Christmas season is a special time of the year, and we welcome all who want to celebrate the Good News!

Sarah’s Science Corner

Pompom Poppers and Catapults

What to do: Pompom Popper

Learn about forces by building a pompom popper and catapult in this week’s hands-on Let’s Talk Science activity. This activity teaches children about engineering and physics, and is best suited for grades 1-8 students.

What do you need?

Pompom Popper

1 cup with the end cut out

1 pompom 1 balloon with the top end (not the neck end) cut off

Tools: scissors, tape

Catapult

8 craft sticks

5 elastics

Tools: scissors, tape

Safety: Do not aim your pompom popper or catapult toward another person or animal.

1. Cut the bottom end of your cup and turn your cup upside down on a table.

2. Take the balloon, cut approximately ½ inch off the closed end (not the neck end) and put both your sets of fingers inside the balloon to stretch it nice and wide and then place it over the end of your cup.

3. Tape all around where the balloon touches the cup.

4. Tie a knot in the balloon neck.

5. Put the pompom into the cup. Pull the balloon and let it go!

Catapult

1. Take the 6 small sticks and stack them in a pile. Put an elastic around each end to hold them in place.

2. Take the remaining two

sticks and wrap an elastic around one end to hold them together. Don’t make the elastic too tight.

3. Place the stack of small sticks between the two other sticks near the end where the elastic is.

4. Wrap an elastic around the outside sticks across the pile of sticks on one side and then the other to make an x-shape. This will hold your sticks in place.

5. Add an elastic to the top outer stick. This will give you a place for your pompom to sit and not fall off.

6. Put your pompom on the elastic on the top stick

7. Push down gently on the top outer stick while holding the bottom stick and then let go!

The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate is a 1992 book by Gary Chapman. It was on the New York Times Best Seller list from 2009 to 2013, selling over 11 million copies in English (it’s also been translated into 49 other languages). It’s become a widely accepted theory that couples can use to help communicate their love to each other.

The book describes five general ways that romantic partners express and experience love. These five “love languages” are: acts of service, gift-giving, physical touch, quality time, and words of affirmation. According to the book, each person has one primary and one secondary love language.

The idea is that by knowing what your partner’s love language is, you can strategically express your love to them through their love language. A person is naturally inclined to express love in their

own love language, which often isn’t met by their partner with the appreciation that they expect. So, you should start by observing the way your partner expresses their love (to you and to others). You should see a pattern—one or two love languages coming up more often. Once you know their love language(s), you can do something within those categories to show them you love them in their preferred way.

Many women love to receive gifts, like jewelry or flowers, or to receive compliments. Men typically prefer physical touch (go figure!) Some online polls suggest that overall, quality time ranks as the most popular love language, although scientific studies are lacking.

In the British comedy series Taskmaster, contestants are asked to perform a variety of tasks; their performance is then rated by the “taskmaster”, who serves as host of the show.

In one episode, contestants were challenged to show the taskmaster they loved him in the most meaningful

way they could think of. This was certainly a glimpse into the love languages of each contestant! Most chose grandiose gestures, like a plane flying a banner saying “I love you”, or writing and performing a song dedicated to him. Another contestant put a fresh coat of paint on the caravan that’s used on the set. The others didn’t quite understand how that showed love. The majority of them were clearly “gift givers”, while the other was an “acts of service” type of person. The utter confusion of the gift givers made it clear—you need to express love in the language of the other person, not your own, otherwise you’re wasting your time.

The book is available through interlibrary loan, or you can observe your partner and do some self-reflection to figure things out on your own. It may help with Christmas gift-giving: should you paint the house, or buy a necklace or watch for your significant other? Which would they appreciate more?

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

Dianne Kowalchuk Rivers United Church

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation was outraged to learn that the Federal government has expanded the attack on legal firearm owners by proposing to ban a large portion of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns widely used by hunters. An amendment to Bill C-21 was tabled that will essentially ban a large portion of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns capable of accepting an external magazine. The MWF has been having numerous discussions with the provincial government about the unfair attack launched by federal government. We are pleased to report that the government of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are fully supporting legal firearm owners and have issued the joint release below: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are united in opposing a proposed ban that would affect hundreds of thousands of firearms owners in Western Canada.

On November 22, through last-minute

amendments to Bill C-21, the federal government moved to ban hundreds of new models of legally owned firearms and shotguns. The amendments will criminalize hunters, farmers and target shooters who collectively own hundreds of thousands of firearms that could soon be prohibited.

"If these amendments are allowed to proceed, Bill C-21 will be the most sweeping and arbitrary ban of firearms in Canadian history. The federal Liberals claimed that they were never going after hunters, farmers, and target shootersthey lied. This is clearly part of a push to ban legal firearms ownership altogether."

Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice for Alberta.

"The rifles and shotguns that lawabiding Saskatchewan farmers, hunters, and sport shooters use will soon be confiscated by the Trudeau - NDP government. These men and women will be criminalized overnight. Saskatchewan will not stand idly by while the federal government yet again attacks law-

abiding citizens instead of focusing on crime." Christine Tell, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety for Saskatchewan.

"Manitoba continues to raise significant concerns regarding the proposed measures that will punish lawabiding firearms owners while doing little to address illegal importation of firearms from the United States. The federal government should focus its attention and resources on illegally imported firearms, and those who commit crime with guns, instead of measures that target law abiding citizens. Manitoba's government stands united with Saskatchewan and Alberta in opposing the federal Liberal government's confiscation plans." Kelvin Goertzen Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Manitoba.

The MWF would like to thank Premier Stefanson, Minister Nesbitt, Minister Goertzen, and the provincial government for supporting legal firearm owners against the federal government’s unjust attack on the very lifestyle we all love and cherish.

RIVERS BANNER CLASSIFIEDS

Notice

Rivers Christmas Cheer referral deadline is Sunday, Dec. 4. Please email smr@wcgwave.ca for more info.

Obituary

KENNETH ALEXANDER KINGDON

Kenneth Alexander Kingdon passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2022 at Birtle Health Centre.

Ken was born along with his twin brother, Arnold, on November 10th, 1937 at the family farm in the Empire District of Clanwilliam. Walter and Annie Kingdon, older broth er Art and sister Joyce, welcomed the boys.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Annie Kingdon and his 2 brothers, Art and Arnold Kingdon.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Edith (nee Sedgwick), daughters Louise McInnes (Trent), Lesley Dabe (Rick), grand children Josh McInnes (Kristy), Jessica Gee (Kyle) and Kelli Tanski (Chad), and 4 great- grandchildren Iyla, Emma, Rhett and Charlee. He will also be dearly missed by his sister, Joyce Cameron and sister-in-law Bernice, his Sedgwick family and his many nieces and nephews.

Ken grew up on the farm enjoying the horses, cows and family pets. He developed a love for antique cars and trucks. Due to the location of the Empire school (right across the road from the Kingdon farmhouse) the family was given the task of caretaking and hauling wood/coal for heating. Ken often told stories of sitting across the supper table from their teachers who boarded right at the farmhouse. So he had to behave and couldn’t even pretend to be sick for a day off school.

Many fond memories were made at the annual Kingdon family reunions held on the farm. Ken left the farm to pursue his plumbing career, but always returned for family visits, tra ditional Birthday and Boxing Day celebrations and especially to help Arnold at harvest time.

Ken met his beautiful wife of 59 years, Edith Sedgwick, at a dance in Clanwilliam and they were married on June 29th, 1963. Louise arrived and they started their family, while Ken was still taking his plumbing/gas fitter course in Winnipeg.

Ken and Edith moved to Rivers, MB and Ken worked for Brickwood’s Plumbing and Heating. Their second daughter, Lesley, was born in Rivers.

The family moved to Hamiota and Ken continued to work with Brickwood’s Plumbing and Heating. Eventually Ken and Edie and the girls would settle into the community of Oak River, where Ken took over the water plant, and they called Oak River home for over 30 years.

Ken began a new job with CFB Shilo Public Works and continued to work as a plumber/gas fitter until his retirement. He also participated with the Oak River Volunteer Fire Depart ment, becoming the fire chief for many years. Ken received 2 very special awards during this time. One “In Appreciation of Service” from the Engineers Genie Canada of CFB Shilo. The other award that he was especially proud of was “In Appreciation For Many Years of Service on the Oak River Volunteer Fire Department”.

He was a loyal member of the Oak River Legion and the Masonic Lodge in Rivers. He was always busy with local plumbing jobs, revisiting lots of homes in Oak River and area for many years after his retirement. Ken made several wonderful, lifelong friends in Oak River. He was a well-respected and loved friend. Many have described him as a kind, friendly, caring, special guy and a great gentleman. He truly was one of a kind and we were so blessed to get to call him our friend, husband, Dad, or Papa!

Ken and Edie moved to Minnedosa in 2001 where they have lived happily together, enjoying the garden, yard work and their amazing view of the bison, river and hills from their back deck.

Ken was exceptionally proud of his 2 daughters and grandchildren. He lit up with smiles and giggles when Josh or Jess entered the room at any time! He was famous for his puffed out cheek kisses, Papa waves, bowl of Cheezies, John Wayne westerns, Louis L’Amour paperbacks, and the crib games that he always won!! Back in the day he would be seen with an Old Port Tipped cigar and perhaps a beer and clam.

Mostly Ken will be remembered for his unconditional love and support - especially of his family, but also his many friends and neighbours - always in ALL ways!

A graveside service will take place at the Boyd Cemetery, Bethany MB in the spring. Further details will be announced.

White’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www. whitesfh.ca

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To family, friends and acquaintances, thank you for your love, kindness and concern after Don’s, our beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend, sudden passing as the result of an ATV accident.

As well we would like to extend our appreciation to the Rivers EMO and police who attended the scene. Also a heartfelt thank you to Constable Theissen who, not only came to take a look at the scene in daytime but was very empathetic offering comfort and consolation to our grieving family. All the kind words, food and support during this extremely difficult time in our family’s lives was greatly appreciated.

~Bromley Family~

Help Wanted

Rolling River School Division

Rolling River School Division located in southwestern Manitoba, Canada near Riding Mountain National Park and Brandon.

Educational Assistant required Elton Collegiate - 4.85 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.

Auction

FOODS

Meat Cutters/Production Personnel

HyLife is a global leader in food processing. Our mission is to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we need talented people to join our HyLife team as the company continues to grow. HyLife is committed to our employees and we have an exciting new career opportunity in the beautiful town of Neepawa, MB for you to explore!

As a Meat Cutter/Production Personnel you will be a critical member of our team in the creation of our world-class product. Our positions range from working on our production floor to shipping the final packaged product, with everything in between!

Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Slaughter and eviscerate hogs for further processing

• Harvest and package edible offal

• Process pork carcasses into primal cuts

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

• Carry out other tasks related to the processing of meat for shipping to customers or storage

• Sanitation

People who will succeed as members of our team will:

• Enjoy working in a fast-paced, stable, long-term work environment

• Appreciate working in a culturally diverse workplace. We employ people from all over the world!

• Treat people with dignity and respect

• Open to working in colder/warmer environments

• Physically Fit

• Experience as an industrial butcher or trimmer is an asset Current starting wage is $15.75/hour plus a $1.00/hour perfect attendance bonus! Wage scale extends to $23.55 per hour

In addition to HyLife’s benefits, vacation time, and competitive salary our company also offers a $500 dollar employee referral bonus program!

HyLife is here to support you in building an exciting career with our team!

If you have the qualifications and the passion to meet this challenge then we would like to explore your potential. Please apply online at http://hylife.com/current-opportunities/ or email to jobs@hylife.com or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0.

We want it to be YOU! Come join our HyLife team. We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

Maintenance/Caretaker Couple or Person Required

Relocate to SLIMS CABINS

NE Saskatchewan Full Time. Year Round.

Main camp road access plus boat in & y in outposts. Large, heated, well equipped shop to repair or fabricate almost anything. Troubleshooting, mechanical, heavy equipment operation, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, welding, etc.

If you possess a lot of skills, enjoy a rural location, are motivated, responsible, independent and respectful, this may be your dream lifestyle/employment.

Any excessive alcohol consumption (beyond social) or substance abuse is not welcome at our shing/ hunting camp.

Call 204 937 4007

For Sale

Trucks, Trailers, Truckbeds & Tires

• Full Repair & Safeties

• Vehicle Parts, Tires &

Wheels

• Trailer Parts & Batteries

• Sales, Financing, Leasing & Rentals

EBY Aluminum: • Gooseneck and Bumper Pull Cattle & Equipment Trailers

• Truck & Service Bodies

• Generation Grain Trailers KALDECK TRUCK & TRAILER INC. Hwy #1, MacGregor, MB 1-888-685-3127 www.kaldecktrailers.com

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING!

50,000 BATTERIES IN STOCK

*Auto *Farm *Marine

*Construction *ATV

*Motorcycle *Golf Carts

*Rechargeables *Tools

*Phones *Computers

*Solar Systems & design

* Everything Else!

THE BATTERY MAN 1390 St. James St. Winnipeg TF 1-877-775-8271 www.batteryman.ca

Events RTM’s

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URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? Having a Christmas/Winter Event? 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.

CULTIVATE SUCCESS. BOOK BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS ADS NOW! Advertise NOW in the 32 Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers to get your messaging to be seen all over the province! SEASONAL HIRING? Have a service to offer? Selling something?

Grand Opening? Have an online store? Let people know in the Blanket Classifieds! Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW or call MCNA at (204) 9471691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com

RELIGION

If you do not know Jesus before you die, Heaven will not be your home. Paid Advertisement.

Natural forces

More from page 5

What’s happening?

A force is just a push or a pull. There are many forces in nature that cause a push or a pull. Can you think of one? Wind is one that pushes. Gravity is another one – we can’t see it and we don’t feel it, but the force of gravity is why we don’t float around. It keeps us pulled down to the earth! When you pull the balloon on your pompom popper and then let go,

you cause a push onto the pompom inside the cup and it shoots the pompom out. Gravity pulls the pompom to the ground. Just like your pompom popper, the catapult also uses force to make the pompom fly across the room. When you push down on the outer spoon and let go, the push from the stick causes the pompom to fly into the air and gravity pulls the pompom to the ground. See how far you can get your pompom in the air or across the floor. Which makes the

pompom go further – the popper or the catapult? Why do you think this is? Have fun experimenting with forces!

Cool fact

Your weight is actually a measuring how much gravity is pulling you (your mass) down. Since there is less gravity on the Moon than on Earth, you would weigh less on the Moon! See our Feb. 18 issue for more details: https://issuu. com/riversbanner/ docs/subscription_-_ february_18_2022

Manitoba Hydro to update General Rate Application

Submitted Manitoba Hydro

November 29, Manitoba Hydro advised the Public Utilities Board (PUB) it will update its multi-year General Rate Application (GRA) with the PUB and reduce its requested electricity rate increase to two per cent in each of the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25.

The Crown utility had initially asked for 3.5 per cent in each of the next two fiscal years. Manitoba Hydro is still requesting confirmation of the interim 3.6 per cent rate increase approved by the PUB that took effect in January 2022 to help counter the effects of last year’s drought. The utility experienced a $248 million loss last year while this year it’s projecting a net income of $559 million — a swing of $807 million.

Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Jay Grewal said the significantly lower rate request is due to the Manitoba government’s decision last week to reduce what it collects from Manitoba Hydro annually in provincial debt guarantee and water rental payments. It’s estimated Manitoba Hydro will save approximately $190 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Because the savings from the reduced payments to government are compounding, or grow over time, Manitoba Hydro now forecasts annual rate increases of only two per cent for the next 19 years, starting in the 2023-24 fiscal year, as part of its long-term financial trajectory.

“The reduction announced by the

government will help keep rates low for customers, and that’s great news when we know many customers are struggling with the cost of living,” Grewal said. “It also gives Manitoba Hydro the ability to start to reduce our debt while making investments in our system so our customers get the service they demand.

“The reduction also helps ensure that Manitoba Hydro will have the financial resources available to handle risks created by factors out of our control like fluctuating interest rates, prices on the export market and drought like we saw last year.”

For a residential customer without electric heat (using an average of 1,000 kilowatthours (kWh) per month), the average impact of the lower two per cent increase is approximately $2 per month after September 1, 2023, and a further increase of approximately $2 per month after April 1, 2024.

For a residential customer with electric heat (using an average of 2,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month), the average impact is approximately $4 per month after September 1, 2023, and further bill increase of approximately $4 per month after April 1, 2024.

Finance Minister Cameron Friesen, the provincial minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, announced last week the government would reduce by half the annual payments made by Manitoba Hydro in the provincial debt guarantee and water rental fees, to see those funds go to debt reduction. Manitoba Hydro’s debt is

$24 billion and until now, approximately 40 cents of every dollar customers pay to the utility went to cover just the interest cost on that debt.

The minister said it is anticipated that applying the savings to debt will save Manitoba Hydro and ratepayers $4 billion in accumulated debt over the next 20 years.

“We know customers want greater certainty of any future rate increases so they can budget for their energy costs,” Grewal said. “Starting to reduce the debt now will begin reducing annual interest costs, providing savings for customers in the long-term as the need for higher rate increases is reduced.

“Regular, predictable rate increases also help Manitoba keep pace with reinvesting in the system, such as replacing old wood poles to retrofitting older generating stations to enhance their power production and efficiency,” Grewal said. “We’ll also be in a better position to meet the needs of our province in the future as we see increased electrification, resulting in the need for new generation and transmission, coupled with improvements to our distribution system and technology enhancements, all with the goal of serving our customers better.”

Grewal also said the reduction of payments confirms Manitoba Hydro’s reputation as having some of the lowest electric rates in North America. In Canada, Manitoba Hydro has the lowest electricity rates after Quebec.