December 2, 2022

Friday, Decmeber 2, 2022 • Vol.115 No. 15 • Rivers, Manitoba

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Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 115 years

Gazette -R eporter

r

Santa parade Bullet hits (and more!) in Rivers home

Gazette-Reporter

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 109 years

March 30, 2018

Volume 110, Issue 37

89¢ + tax

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.

Can collections for canoes

Photo by Sheila Runions

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner Wit h r i f le sea son nearing an end, rural residents are used to hear ing g un shots.

However, when Pa m 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 behindBythe home.

Sheila Runions SUBMITTED PHOTO Banner Staff Left to right: Jerri-Lynn Huberdeau, Carina Blankenspoor, Jim Saltesz as Santa, and Kendra Walker.

The family is thankful cans from the school foyer into and Chimo Beach areas for con- put away in the proper place on that the bullet didn’t gos all r e p or t e d i n t he tion to the schools.

Pupils co-ordinated the entire Heritage the church basement after- Hardware, tributions from the community. the shelving units. They were March 9 edition, the the way through the wall Co-op, the Home taken with Santa, 250 hotdogs were Sarah Plosker noon of March 21, where the When all was said and done, fantastic!

We are very, very month-long promotion, which Grade 12 Interdiscior hit any of the horses.

Busy Beaver Tree Services, Kroeger cooked up and served, 190 treat bags Riversclass Banner culminated in a ceremonious food was weighed and sorted. the scales at Riverdale Harvest pleased.” plinary Studies in Science Hunters inat the Daly was Repair given“a out, and 40 people attended noted a total of were 434 pounds, Elementary school staff memAlthough the project a sen- Services, Riversarea Collegiate planned a presentation on March 20 to Backhoe, are reminded project to notfor hunt RiversRiverdale and District Chamber Electric, the Canada Malting, thesays movie.

Leftover food was donated ber/Harvest volunteer Yvonne Harvest president Whelpton ior students brainstorm, en- fabulous amount,” Heather.

RiverdaleThe Harvest. initiated a similar camtire high was encouraged “WeStation are so pleased Gray and Liliane. the Boat of Food, Heather near homes or Dubbed livestock.

A Load of Commerce organized a day of fun Hair byschool MGK, Rivers Train to they the decided foodbankCrouch and Christmas cheer. to help those we serve.

A lot paignChristmas-themed in her school. That threeBecauseon the Fri. snow Nov. had melted to participate. The collegiate Riverdale students secured afor canoe large part of the hunter’s thefrom whole family 25. Restoration Committee, This wonderful so much, the canoe could not hosted a poor boy floor hockey of times kids don’t get enough week effort simply encouraged Rolling is River education course toSchool TheDivision events started at the Riverdale Municipality, Redfern Farm Services, day couldn’t have happened without with an intent to f ill it with be portaged across the street to tournament in which to play, credit but this group of students students to leave product in teach huntersnon-perishables. to think Although Community Center at p.m. with Redline Transport, Eagle Ridge thesome tireless work volunteers.

Thank theofcanoe; 87 pounds of food (home of Riverathletes had to pay with food for certainly deserves praise. the Zion Church3:30 about what campaign is beyond justorganized over an hour of free Rather, skatingthetime. with students Gill’s also Plumbing and stayed you behind to Carina collected from theCoC younger dale Harvest). teens Equine, the canoe. Some All students to wasBlankenspoor, was fully group onSalon), Thursday, March 22. carried boxes and garbage Heating canvassed pulling Rivers, Oak River sleigh. help check expirypresident dates, sort and that class, idea was their target. Ifbyyou miss,the original Then there freebags, cookie decorating the Santa (CB Aspire Kendra fromgo? a suggestion madeClaus (thank you to Megan where will thecame bullet with Mrs. The Christmas movie was Christmas Walker (Walkers Greenhouse), Jerriby harvest volunteer Liliane Are you shooting over Lelonde), and pictures with Santa Chronicles, the story of two siblings who Lynn Huberdeau (Wags to Whiskers) Dupuis. the crest of a hill?

Could (thank you to Jim Saltesz for filling in try to catch Santa Claus on camera for donations, as well as in-person “I heard the idea at a meetthe bullet ricochet off a St. forAugustine the big guy). There were also free but wind up going along for the ride in volunteers Alyssa Friesen (Alyssa ing in Brandon.

School hadare tried hotdogs Fill a Canoe large rock? How close at 5 p.m., cooked by members Santa’s sleigh to deliver presents. Due to Raeanne Photography), Pat Vreeman in conjunction you to a person’s house, a withofthe the10-day Riverdale Fire Department. the extra weight, the sleigh crash lands, (Pat Vreeman Floral Design Studio), du Voyaguer in Winfarmer’s field,Festival or a road?

At 6:30 p.m. the Santa Claus parade and they have to help get the sleigh Val Collins and team (Heritage Conipeg in February. It was very A rif le has enough power started on 6th Ave, going west, then running again so that Santa can finish op), Dave and Donna Falkevitch successful and whenever I hear to kill a deer; itfood can cause Quebec St, East on 2nd Ave, delivering presents. It kept everyone on (Rivers and Area Game and Fish), bank, my earssouth alwayson perk some seriousup!” damage, south on Main St, then ended at the the edge of their seat for sure!

Wade (Party Jockeys), Ladies Hospital She then brought the where sugand someone could have RCC there was a Christmas Meanwhile, parents were welcomed Auxiliary, Jessalynn de Jong (Carina’s The canoe at Rivers to Riverdale Harvest, gotten injured,gestion or worse. movie and free treat bag, and another to the Tempo Place Emporium after the daughter). Monetar y and item Elementary School was which supported the idea and adequately filled.

M o s t h u nasked t e r sher to a rpresent e opportunity for pictures with Santa.

Santa Claus parade, while the kids were donations acknowledgedPhoto from: Rivers

by Heather Gray the promoresponsible and events The parade line up, in order at the free movie. Patrons could watch and District Chamber of Commerce, l i ke t hese c a n m a ke of appearance, was: Rivers Police a live performance by Manitoban Metis Ladies Legion Auxiliary, Pat Vreeman a l l hunters look bad. Department, Rivers Fire Department, fiddler Brendan Chartrand, two-time Floral Design Studio, CB Aspire Salon, Authorities have been Rivers EMT’s, Walker Greenhouse competitor of the Canadian Grand Walkers, Wags to Whiskers, CJ’s on notified. Beware of your & Brown Sugar Produce, Wags to Masters Fiddle Competition.

Ice, Sutton, Heritage Co-op, Super surroundings. Hunt safe. Whiskers, CJ’s on Ice, Lucky Break CoC president Carina Blankenspoor Thrifty, Waymor Agencies, and Tempo Ranch, Super Thrifty, Westoba, reports that 50 family photos were Emporium Place.

A

2 Rivers Banner December 2, 2022

Historical foundations

W

hen 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 f irst 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 ver y notable dif ference 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

“

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?

I

n 29 days, we will bid farewell to 2022 and welcome the new year of 2023. How quickly this year has f lown 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

RiveRs BanneR Est. 1908

STAFF

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

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-

529 Second Avenue, Box 70, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 Telephone: 204-328-7494 E-mail: info@riversbanner.com Website: www.riversbanner.com Circulation: 1,974

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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.

PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY AD DEADLINE: TUESDAY 12 PM PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE Rivers Banner does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or pictures. Such submissions, if printed, will appear at the discretion of the managing editor or publisher and only when time and space permit.

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

Sales/Reporting Sarah Plosker

Members of:

December 2, 2022 Rivers Banner 3

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 f lowers, birds and trees. She yard was an oasis on the f lat 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 inf luenced my thinking and actions. No hand wringer here!

Home Bodies

By Rita Friesen Not a hand wringer in the lot...

P

eople 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 ref lecting on the women in my life that been the inf luencers, 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 last weeks roughFrom person, I saw her as an angel. front page

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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.

Join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

447 Edward Street ~ 204-328-7882

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Check your pantry

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For any Curling Ice bookings or to rent the Behlen Lounge: Please call Cheryl Champion at 204-761-2656 anytime! Rivers Curling Club Members will receive a discount!

Rivers & Area Lions Club 43rd Annual Seniors Christmas Supper December 10th 2022, 4:30p.m.

Rivers Legion Hall call 204-328-7740 Only taking 150 orders, pick-up preferred, take out only.

25th annual

Trophy Buck Night Saturday, Dec. 10 7 p.m.-midnight Riverdale Community Centre $5 admission (12-and-under free) $10 per head 1 Mule Deer and 1 Whitetail per person allowed

Head Entry Draw Ruger .22 Magnum Card draws for a Browning .270 A Bolt with scope Savage 30/06 Rocky Mountain RM 370 crossbow with scope Must be in attendance to win Scoring begins at 5 p.m. and head entries close at 8 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 204-761-8276 or 204-729-7203.

Or visit our facebook page

4 Rivers Banner December 2, 2022

Rivers hockey update

Gerald Lepp Rivers Minor Hockey

The U7s had a home game on Saturday against the Brandon Leafs.

It 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 Tou r n a ment over t he weekend coming home with a 2-1 record.

Friday 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 of f, 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.

Rivers 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.

L o ok i n g t o aven g e t h at lo s s 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 Sarah 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 sk in, t hereby 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 sa id 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 hea lt h—

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

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.

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.

Advent is here!

Dianne Kowalchuk Rivers United Church

The f irst Sunday in Advent was marked at R ivers 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

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

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 Chr istmas 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!

December 2, 2022 Rivers Banner 5

Love languages

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

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 pa r t ner s ex press a nd 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

Sarah’s Science Corner Pompom Poppers and Catapults

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner 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.

What to do: Pompom Popper 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!

Continuation with photos on page 8

22121mw0

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?

6 Rivers Banner December 2, 2022

Manitoba Wildlife Federation news

Submitted Rivers Banner 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 shooters they 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.

Business Directory PROS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Hamiota’s Hamiota ~ Brandon ~ Birtle  ~ Pilot Mound ~  Killarney ~ Deloraine

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HAMIOTA: 204-764-2544  BRANDON: 888-726-1995 allianceaccounting.ca

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

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Repair & Maintenance

•

HVAC Installations

•

Septic Truck Services

•

Licensed Gas Fitting

•

Duct Cleaning

•

24 hr Emergency Service

•

Backhoe & Skidsteer Services

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Frame and Stud Fra Post Farm Buildings me

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

Johan’s Construction Ltd. 204-745-7628 cell Rivers MB,

Jack Cram, Lawyer

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

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

Stewart Endeavors Gravel - Sand - Stone - End Dump/ Belly Dump Services - Excavating stewie13@mts.net 204-365-0086 Alex Stewart Box 916, Rivers MB, R0K1X0

“Building for all your farm needs!”

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

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

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

December 2, 2022 Rivers Banner 7

RIVERS

BANNER

PLACE YOUR AD BY:

PHONE: 204-328-7494 E-MAIL: info@riversbanner.com

DEADLINE: TUESDAY AT NOON Minimum charge: $5+GST Extra insertions: 1/2 original price

Classifieds MUST be PREPAID Visa/Mastercard accepted

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 brother 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), grandchildren 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, traditional 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 Department, 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

Thank You 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.

Help Wanted Maintenance/Caretaker Couple or Person Required

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

Auction

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

Meyers Online Gun Auction

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

Starts to close December 11th

featuring rifles, shotguns & ammo, aluminum utility trailer, Lund 14 foot boat & Suzuki 30HP motor, 1984 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, Polaris 400 quad, quantity of estate furniture.

Bradley Meyers Auctioneer 204-368-2333 or 204-476-6262 sell Detailed List & Pictures at meyersauctions.com

For Sale

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

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

TF 1-877-775-8271 www.batteryman.ca

Events

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RTM’s The Aurora Plus 1648 SqFt RTM 3 bedrooms, ensuite, huge kitchen, quartz countertops, walk-in pantry, island. 9 ft walls and double cathedral ceiling. James Hardie Siding.

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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

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING!

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.

Announcement

8 Rivers Banner December 2, 2022

More from page 5

Natural forces

What’s happening?

A force is just a push or a pu l l. T here a re many forces in nature that cause a push or a pull. Can you t h i n k 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 f loat around. It keeps us pulled down to the earth!

W hen you pu l l t he 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 f ly across the room.

When you push down on the outer spoon and let go, the push from the stick causes the pompom to f ly 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 f loor. 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 det a i ls: ht t ps://issuu. c o m /r i v e r s b a n n e r/ d o c s/s ub s c r i pt ion _ - _ 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 (GR A) w it h t he PU B 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 t he sav ings from the reduced payments to gover nment 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 f inancial resources ava i lable to handle risks created by factors out of our control like f luctuating 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 a n aver a g e of 2 ,0 0 0 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 paymentsmadebyManitoba 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.

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