December 3, 2021

Friday, December 3, 2021 • Vol.114 No. 15 • Rivers, Manitoba

RiveRs BanneR

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Cell: 204-573-0702 Office: 204-328-7494 Email: info@riversbanner.com Box 70 - 529 2nd Ave. Rivers, MB R0K 1X0

RiveRs BanneR 204-573-0702 • 204-328-7494 info@riversbanner.com 529 2nd Ave. Rivers, MB

Sales Consultant Sales Consultant (204) 727-0531

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

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r

Gazette -R eporter

Xmas Tire Xtravaganza

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 114 years

Gazette-Reporter

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

Volume 110, Issue 37

Banner Staff Rivers Banner

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

example from las t year ’s contest done

by B ev and Henry Lepp.

89¢ + tax

product to Carolyn via Facebook or text t he photo to 204-761-5080, if you don’t have a camera, Carolyn can come and take the picture for you!

With $1,500 worth of gift cards and certificates from different businesses in town there is lots of incent ive to compete.

Categories include tractor tires, car and truck and the third is any other

W it h C h r i st m a s i n 2020 being what it was, Ca roly n Cur r ie Ph i llips and others have put together a festive and fun contest for Rivers and Area residents. The Xmas Tire Xtravaganza, pick up a tire and decorate it in any way you desire, send a photo of the final

RiveRs BanneR

Advertise in the

tire or wheel including, but not limited, to bicycle or lawmower. First place in each catagory will take home $300 worth of the prizes and second place in each category will receive $200 worth. Please note that tires are not available from the landfill. Entries will be accepted until midnight on December 15. Lets get this holiday back on its wheels!

Banner & Press

neepawa

March 30, 2018

Farmersfor ’ advocate Can collections canoes

Chamber Christmas plans A

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

cans from the school foyer into and Chimo Beach areas for con- put away in the proper place on s r e p or t e d i n t he tion to the schools.

Wide circulation 11,500 farms,from businesses and households Pupils co-ordinated the entire the church basement theofaftertributions the community. the shelving units. They were March 9 edition, the Grade 12 Interdisci- month-long promotion, which noon of March 21, where the When all was said and done, fantastic! We are very, very Banner and number of children, will in Science 12 Draws Christmas. & Press and sorted. the scales at Riverdale Harvest pleased.” in aAceremonious plinary Studies class ofculminated s’ was weighed Farmerfood RiveRs Elementary school staff memon March 20Ad to voAlthough project was a sen- noted a total of 434 pounds, “a Rivers Collegiate planned a presentation R be available onatour website dozen members have agreed cate theBanne Riverdale Harvest president of ior students brainstorm, the en- fabulous amount,” says Heather. ber/Harvest volunteer Yvonne project Riverdale (riverschamber.ca) byforDec. to Harvest. provide an assortment A ray sunshine for the tire was encouraged “We are so pleased they decided Crouch initiated a similar camDubbed the Boat Load of Food, Heather Gray and Liliane. farming re ofschool futuhigh 1. Bags will be delivered the of prizes to be won, with Because the snow had melted to participate. The collegiate to help those we serve. A lot paign in her school. That threestudents secured a canoe from week of Dec 20 and, just likeSchool all Division draws being made on could not hosted a poor boy floor hockey of times kids don’t get enough week effort simply encouraged so much, the canoe Rolling River last year, if youwith live an outside Dec. 22. across You the street to tournament in which to play, credit but this group of students students to leave product in portaged intent toWednesday, f ill it with be Church (home of River- athletes had to pay with food for certainly deserves some praise. the canoe; 87 pounds of food non-perishables. the atZion of Rivers, there will be a Although may enter participating dale Dec. Harvest).

Rather, the teens the canoe. Some students also All students stayed behind to was collected from the younger campaign organized from pick-up location from was the fullybusinesses 11-21, by that class, the original idea carried bags, boxes and garbage canvassed Rivers, Oak River help check expiry dates, sort and group on Thursday, March 22. front step of our president, for a chance to win gifts from Book all 10 issues and came from a suggestion made Farmers’ Banner Michelle Budiwski.

She will Pat Liliane Vreeman Floral Design Press by harvest volunteer get your 10th ad free!

Advocate BR&anive Rs co-ordinate those neR Dupuis.details Studio, Heritage Co-op, CB Harvest progre ssing well “I heardwho the idea at a meetwith our rural residents Aspire Salon, Rivers Legion, for Westman fa rmers Contact Micah Waddell at ing in Brandon.

St. Augustine sign up for this Christmas Rivers Home Hardware, School had tried Fill a Canoe present from the chamber Westoba Credit Union, in conjunction with the 10-day and our member sponsors.

Riverdale Festival du Voyaguer in Win- Recreation ComThe Letters tonipeg Santa Way-Mor Agencies, info@riversbanner.com in camFebruary.mission, It was very and whenever paign will againsuccessful be renewed, SuperI hear Thrifty Pharmacy, Farmers’ Banner Banners food letters bank, my always perkTransport, Wags so ship your Santa toearsRedline & Press & Pres eed ’Field Food FR eNrs ive ast RiveRs rm up!” ? Rs a A F dv oc at e BanneR anneR info@riverschamber.ca or to the Whiskers and Reaxion She then brought sugAdvocate heBat...

Crop dusters w mail them to Rivers ChamGraphics.

Please look for our The canoe at Rivers of ll gestion to Riverdale Harvest, In a field fu Elementary in the air ber, Box 296, which Rivers, MB the ad idea in next BannerSchool for was supported andweek’s adequately filled.

Photo by Heather Gray to presentyour the promoWe’d love to feature R0K 1X0. Weasked will her ensure entry form!

Full page $959 Half page $599 1/4 page $289 1/8 page $159 Business card $99

• B Section

neepawa

Friday, June 26, 2020

PHOTO COURTESY OF

Four-year-old CJ lives

and breathes farming,

seeding with his dad

on C.S. Farms, near Polonia.

Friday, Septemb

er 18, 2020 •

The future farmer spends

a lot of time “helping”

NICOLE WILSON

his dad!

200646C1

B Section

neepawa

204-328-7494

Friday, November

Friday, August

14, 2020 • B

Section Lots of

27, 2020 • B Section

equipmen PHOTO BY DIANE WARNER north of Neepawat was out in the fields last Friday. off Highway busy combining 5, Doug McLaren Just , with Darrell was Waldner towing tank beside.

(See harvest the grain story on Page B2)

neepawa

For the first time in over a year, members of Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce were able to meet in person for its monthly meeting, held Nov. 25. It was also our first hybrid meeting with 10 members gathering in a room and two joining us by speaker phone. Since Christmas is less than one month away, a lot of time was spent planning for this celebration and we have some exciting news to share!

The super popular candy bags we delivered last year will make a comeback this year. Thanks to generous donations from Westoba Credit Union, Heritage Co-op and Super Thrifty Pharmacy, we will pack bags full of treats.

An online registration form for you to enter your address

February 25, 2022 • March 25, 2022 • April 29, 2022 May 20, 2022 • June 24, 2022 • July 29, 2022 • August 26, 2022 September 30, 2022 • October 29, 2022 • November 25, 2022

neepawa

Sheila Runions Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Sheila Runions

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Santa replies to each one!

Please allow enough time for Santa to answer your child before The Big Day (suggested deadline of Dec. 20).

Finally, we will hold The

And don’t forget to follow Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Delivery

nflower E OFFER be the su LIMITED TIM PHOTO BY

This field near

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volunteers standing

tall above the

wheat. Last

year’s crop must

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DIANE WARNER

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2 Rivers Banner December 3, 2021

T

Truth and Consequences

ruth: Trudeau can f ly to Glasgow to meet with 30,000 strangers from all over the world, but Parliament meets by Zoom.

Consequences: Trudeau is being scorned by more and more Canadians.

Truth: COVID-19 is a serious disease with serious results.

Consequences: Less than five per cent of Manitobans got infected with C-19. The vast majority recovered with few effects. Some got really sick and about 1,300 died in the province over 20 months.That’s about 65 out of 1,029 deaths per month in Manitoba from all causes.

Truth: 18,141 people in Canada died from C-19 over the age of 80. 11,100 in all other categories, including 6,086 in the 70-79 age group. 19 died in the 0-19 age group.

Consequences: The focus of protection and control for C-19 has largely been misdirected. How to protect and treat older people should have had a far larger emphasis.

Truth: The majority of cases and deaths have been in care homes.

Consequences: Care homes have

fought a good fight, but have lost a lot of people. The number of deaths shows how inadequately we have researched and funded the care for our elderly.

Truth: Jan Legaros of the Long Term Care Association of Manitoba said in an interview with The Banner & Press, “Care homes have been underfunded in Manitoba for 20 years.”

Consequences: Two political parties, and now four premiers, have presided over this shortfall. The staffing levels, the research levels, the study of best practises across Manitoba or from other areas have been lacking. Nutrition standards at care homes are inadequate.

As far as we know, supplementation with vitamins and minerals are lacking, if they exist at all, and if residents become dehydrated, IV f luids are not administered in care homes. They are not able or allowed to do so. Residents have to go hospital for that level of care. (Note: If that is incorrect, please let me know.)

Truth: When C-19 broke out, the care homes were disallowed to utilize their best (and free) resource, namely family and volunteers.

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken Waddell Consequences: Hundreds of residents suffered from neglect, loneliness, dehydration and a general lack of attention. In some cases, it was the fault of care home management, but in most cases, it was due to simply not enough staff and banning volunteers.

Truth: Many elderly people, with or without getting C-19, simply gave up when family and volunteers stopped coming to see them.

Consequences: Many died early deaths and sometimes alone and afraid.

Truth: The Canadian government actually owns many care homes and operates them on a for-profit basis. The federal government, through the crown corporation Public Sector Pension

Investment Board, is the sole owner of Revera Inc.– and therefore the owner of Canada’s second-largest chain of forprofit long-term care facilities.

Consequences: By taking a profit for their own pension fund, the Canadian government robs care homes of money that should go into more staffing and research. Let that sink in for bit and see if it doesn’t make you very angry.

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.

The supreme law of our country is being broken

On November 3rd, 4th and 5th of 1981, First Ministers of Canada worked feverishly to finalize a Patriation Agreement after 17 months of talks and Court Actions.

The talks had been interrupted by Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau when he decided that the talks were fruitless, and that he and his Government would proceed on their own to Patriate the Constitution.

The Patriation means having a Constitution Act that would ensure that future changes to our Constitution would be done in Canada with no further reference to Britain. As part of that Act, there would also be a Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other changes.

Many Provinces were upset over this unilateral move by the Prime Minister, and so several Provinces went to court arguing that this unilateral move was unconstitutional. These legal actions ended up in the Supreme Court of Canada which ruled that indeed what the Prime Minister and his Government were attempting was unconstitutional, and that a majority of Provinces would be needed to carry out such measures.

The Prime Minister was forced back to the negotiating table, and on the afternoon of November 05th 1981 as indicated above, and as a result of a Proposal put forward by Newfoundland, the Patriation Agreement was born, which became The Constitution Act of 1982.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an important part of the Constitution Act of 1982 describing individual rights and freedoms. In 1960 Prime Minister John Diefenbaker introduced the Bill of Rights highlighting individual rights and freedoms, but it had two f laws: a. It was an Act of the Federal Parliament which was subject to easy change by a majority Government and

RiveRs BanneR Est. 1908

STAFF

b. The Act only applied Federally, not Nationally.

Such a feat as getting individual freedoms and rights in the constitution was felt by all to be a magnificent achievement. And it was. No one at the time thought that Governments would attempt to violate any of its provisions, unless we were in some kind of war or major insurrection. And even then to justify such actions.

One of the features of the Charter is that it has Section 1 which provides a means for overriding its provisions: ‘1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.’

Fast forward to 2020 and the appearance of a virus which could have serious health effects upon our society. Exaggerated predictions were made which quite early on proved to be incorrect. However, Governments were gripped with fear and panic, and rather that use the already established emergency measures organizations they relied on in the past, a small cadre of health bureaucrats were enlisted and extreme measures were invoked that resulted in the cure being worse than the disease.

This resulted in many Government measures (Federally and Provincially) being implemented which clearly violated Sections 2, freedom of conscience, religion, and expression, Section 6, rights of mobility, to travel throughout Canada and leave Canada, and to pursue a livelihood anywhere in Canada, and Section 7, the right of a person to life, liberty and security of the person and Section 15, the right of equality for individuals before the law.

And let’s not forget that the Constitution is the

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Supreme Law of the Country. Section 52 of the Charter says: 52 (1) The Constitution of Canada is the supreme law of Canada, and any law that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution is, to the extent of the inconsistency, of no force or effect.

Not one Government has produced a report or study or had Parliamentary Hearings justifying their draconian actions, seeking the broad range of scientific data necessary and performing a cost benefit analysis, all normal requisite actions in a situation like this.

That is, the Governments of Canada have not met the test of Section 1 of the Charter: demonstrably justify their actions within reasonable limits as outlined in law, consistent with living in a free and democratic society.

And they seem to have no interest, even almost two years later, to undertake such crucial study.

Even worse, I have written the Premiers urging them to use the reference procedure ( www.lawyersstandup.ca) that they have at their disposal; that is, to refer their measures to their highest court to see whether their measures are indeed Constitutional.

Not one Premier has moved to take such reasonable action.

Our country stands on the precipice. Will democracy survive?

The Charter begins with: ‘Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.’

Government actions over the past almost two years have shamelessly and brazenly destroyed that meaning and that spirit.

Honourable A. Brian Peckford P.C. Last Surviving First Minister Patriation Agreement/ Constitution Act 1982

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.

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December 3, 2021 Rivers Banner 3

Home Bodies

By Rita Friesen Personal weather predictors…

A

fter we reach a certain age, we all have them– those joints and spots that ache when the weather is changing. Some of us started with our own forecasters at an earlier age than others, some of us have them due to injuries, and some of us have them genetically. I have two distinct predictors that I notice and rely on.

My earliest indictor is my right hand thumb joint. Just looking at it, one can see the poor thing is enlarged and has lost a fair amount of mobility.

I have always been a hand person, noticing others’ hands and criticizing my own. I loved Mary’s hands.

They were age spotted and wrinkled, not gnarled or twisted, best at making brownies and playing guitar. They were dignified old hands. I love one of my daughter’s hands. The fingers are straight and slender, well proportioned and gifted at playing piano or guitar, and caring for others. So mine are mine, and there are days when I look at them and see the beauty of dignified old hands, and days when I see short stubby fingers with short uneven nails and a gnarled knuckle! I let my daughter know when I am having a “good hand” day. But why is the knuckle inf lamed and enlarged?

When I was an early teen, the farm cow went visiting the neighbours and I was sent to retrieve her.

Had the rope around her neck and was heading out of the corral when she decided that her visit had not accomplished all she desired, and with a quick turn, she wrapped my hand around a pole with the thumb twisted in an unnatural position. It wasn’t broken or really sprained, just badly bruised and sorely hurt.

Cold weather aggravates the poor thing and there is a strong incentive to keep it warm. Incoming systems also trigger aches.

The second barometer is more recent. Way back in 2002, I had surgery for a brain aneurism. The surgery went wonderfully well, with very few residual effects.

I did have to re-learn, to a degree, how to read, going back to easy books I knew and loved to improve my speed and retention. Reading is still a chore rather than the devouring passion I had pre-surgery, but I can and do still read! The other result is a series of divots in the left front of my skull. There is a thumb size one and two much lesser ones at the points of entry for the operation. The larger one responds to the change in barometric pressure and if a system is coming in fast, I feel it. Heck, anyone brave enough to place his or her finger in the depression feels it!

Those days, the dip is marked. (I sometimes think of making a wax impression to verify the change in depth, but resist, not wanting to remove hardened wax from my hair!) When this occurs, the skin on my scalp is tense and crawly, and then, when the weather stabilizes, so do I! Yep, many of us have built in weather forecasters, a part of active living, a reminder we are still alive and in tune with nature!

From last week's front page

BY JANICE HEAPY, OAK RIVER

W U F I U G D T D Y A N D P S

A I Y O O H E E C X D Y T O M

U X A R C C C S T A F F C S Y

T P H D N U D T B C P H C I S

L J A A O E S S E E E M T T T

V G V B L C U E R D H L I I N

V D N B A S J R M J J A E O E

A C M U W E I E C E X P L N M

S U C Y P N J T C T R E Q F A

Tundra

By Chad Carpenter

H U L O M A T N X O F I A C I

S T Q I N T C I M G K K D X L

U F G K I E F O C W G E L E R

A G E N D A T H P B R H A P A

R I A H C E A C H I E V E O P

E A B T D O M L U F E T A R G

ACHIEVE ADVANCE AGENDA BEHALF CAUCUS CHAIR ELECTED FOCUS GRATEFUL HUMBLED IMPACT INTERESTS PARLIAMENT POSITION PROMOTED SENATE

Letters

This is a letter to everyone who lives in the Riverdale Municipality, A few days ago, I received a letter from council, informing me that as of Dec 31, 2021, they are going to request that Manitoba Hydro turn off all of our dusk to dawn streetlights.

In this age of equality and inclusiveness, I found this to be a very disturbing decision. Because many of Bradwardine's residents have either died or moved away for job opportunities and allowed their properties to revert back to RM property, Riverdale owns many of the lots. None of these circumstances were of my doing but it appears I am being punished for that because, according to words expressed by council members I have spoken to, the RM doesn't find it necessary to allocate tax revenue when 'too few' people benefit. Taxes are paid by all to provide for all in Canada and it's an unavoidable reality that tax revenues unfairly benefit some over others.

Did it occur to them that we all pay huge sums of money to Autopac and only the few who make claims get a benefit?

We have a health care system that we all pay into and only the few who seek medical attention benefit.

And then there is the welfare system, where we all know full well that some of the recipients are perfectly able to work but choose to let us pay their way.

Isn't it still 'necessary' that everyone else continue to pay regardless of the inequality of outcome?

I think so.

Is it ethical to deny and terminate currently existing public services based solely on where we live?

I think not.

Diversity is the presence of differences within a given setting.

Equity is the process of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair, and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging. Is this action showing an attitude where they include all residents with diverse locations providing, wherever possible, the same services to all?

It seems clear that a marginalized minority is being discriminated against.

I translate this decision as a form of bullying the residents of Bradwardine.

How many costly yet purportedly 'necessary' government decisions have been made recently to increase our 'safety'?

In this case, it appears to me to be the opposite when they are prioritizing savings over the safety of this widowed senior and all other residents.

I feel left in the dark when they don't think my security is 'necessary' if it seems too costly to them.

It's hard to feel like an equally valued town resident when I'm not even worth two streetlights to them.

If you know some pressure points to reverse this move, thank you for using them on our behalf.

If we allow this, what's next?

Barb Szapko Bradwardine, MB

Community Calendar Dec. 4: Rivers & Area Game and Fish Association Buck night, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5: Rivers Legion Bingo, doors open at 11:30.

Dec. 5: Class of 2022 Bottle and Can Drive, leave donations at the end of your driveway, 2 p.m.

Dec. 8: Rivers and Area Commmunity Foundaton AGM, Lee’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9: Rivers Legion Crib, 7 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve.

Rivers Community Church 447 Edward Street, Rivers

204-328-7882

We are holding services each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., in accordance with current government regulations.

PLEASE JOIN US! If you are more comfortable sharing in our service from the safety of your home, watch our Facebook page: Rivers Community Church

4 Rivers Banner December 3, 2021

Observation

By Addy Oberlin Rivers Banner

T

oday was a pretty bad day and nobody wanted to leave the house . Of course I had two appointments and my daughter was so kind to take me to my appointments. She almost wiped out in my drive way and more salt was needed and at my appointment the girl slipped and limped to the store.

Yes that is right, our town became an ice rink and the highway became an obstacle course. Since the temperature was below zero and the sun did not want to shine it was difficult to move around.. Maybe we try to be stronger and try to conquer nature but the One who created the earth and all that it includes is in control and we use our common sense to adhere. Two of my grandchildren stayed home from work because of the ice in the big city.

We need to stay safe and adhere to the law of our Lord and Savior.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” Genesis 1:1.

Let’s honor His creation.

Who’s the most important at Christmas?

Submitted by Rev. Fred Quist Rivers Banner

History is full of great ideas and important people associated with those ideas. From Mr. Dunlop’s idea of the rubber tire, to Colonal Sanders’ KFC, to the modern communication by way of satellites in space and so on.

But Christmas; who would have thought that such a seemingly ordinary event, the birth of another baby, and born in a stable, would have caused such a stir; from local shepherds really unconcerned with the crowds in Bethlehem, to wealthy lawyers in another country causing them to leave home with expensive gifts packed, make the journey by primitive mode, just to see another baby.

Whoever thought of Christmas, without a doubt, was very– became very special. Let’s inquire of those who had a part, for someone, or ones, must feel they are responsible for making Christmas what it is.

The prophet Isaiah: “May I be first? In the order of importance the announcement of such a world event was

FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein Christmas cameos (Octavian)

I

n 21 days, Christians of many faith traditions will hold special services on Christmas Eve. As they have done in previous years, they will read, chant or recite the Christmas story as recorded in St. Luke’s gospel, Chapter 2. As these verses are read, we may close our eyes and imagine what it must have been like that night in the town where Jesus was born, out on the hillside as the angels announced his birth to the shepherds or around the manger as new parents and shepherds looked on a sleeping baby.

It all seems so magical; but nothing could be further from the truth. The world into which Jesus came was filled with insurrection, rebellion, conspiracies and murder. After the death of Julius Caesar, two men-Marcus Antonius (Mark Anthony) and Octavian went to war to decide who would succeed Julius as Rome’s head of state.

Octavian won and the Roman Senate acclaimed him as their new leader.

Octavian’s first priority was to ensure that all his borders were secure and that any rebellions anywhere in his jurisdiction were put down before they could cause serious problems. Then he decreed that for the time being at least, “Rome was big enough;” and that no expansionist wars would be fought for as long as he was in charge.

Octavian was a very powerful leader. As his power grew, so did his ego and so did his determination to assume ab-

given to me; ‘His Name shall be called Immanuel’; did you get it?

‘Immanuel’, God standing on earth among us.”

“And may I also be granted the privilege of pointing to the exact location on planet earth where Christ the Lord would be born, and that 750 years before he came” speaks the prophet Micah, “This surely makes my prophetic word, in anyone’s thinking, of great importance.”

“Don’t forget,” says the angel Gabriel, “God gave me the honour of announcing His plan to send His Son into the world, even to the baby’s name.”

“But I became the mother of God’s Son,” said Mary.

“Christmas is really because of me.”

“It was me, Joseph, who was responsible for seeing that Mary got to Bethlehem. I was required to go to Bethlehem, not Mary. But I could not leave her alone.”

“How about me,” brayed the donkey, “If I had faltered along the way, the baby would have been born somewhere along the way, discrediting the prophetic place of Jesus’s birth.”

“I’m too busy for your questions,” said the innkeeper.

“If it wasn’t for my stable, the couple would have had to

solute power. The Senate, to keep him happy, voted him any title he wished to have. One of the titles they gave him was “Augustus,” which means “Enlightened One.” That is how he came to be known as “Emperor Augustus,” the title by which he is introduced to us in Luke 2:1.

Once all of his borders were secure and Octavian realized just how big his empire really was, he commissioned a census. Residents were required to return to their ancestral towns, be registered by the census takers and pay a “head tax” (a specified fee per person) set by the Emperor. Dates for the census were set and everyone had to comply. St. Luke (Luke 2:2) tells us that this was the first census ever taken in the Roman empire; and ancient history verifies Luke’s statement as fact.

When he commissioned the census, Octavian had no idea that he was helping fulfill an ancient Old Testament prophecy. Hundreds of years before Octavian was born, the prophet Micah (see Micah 5:2) had predicted the birth of a king whose kingdom would be larger and last far longer than Octavian’s empire. That king was to be born in town of Bethlehem, just a few miles away from Jerusalem.

But as the Christmas story begins, the one who is to give birth to this king is living in the town of Nazareth in northern Israel. And she is so close to her due date that traveling to any location, even to visit a friend across town is out of the question. But the emperor’s order had to be obeyed. So she and her husband Joseph packed their bags and went to Bethlehem where, in fulfilment of Micah’s prophecy, her child Jesus was born.

There are no limits to God’s power. Octavian did not acknowledge or worship God; yet God used him to help fulfill Micah’s prophecy. God can do the same today. He asks us to follow the examples of Mary and Joseph-to obey those in authority over us; and trust him to cause all things to work together for our good. go on to the next town; think of that.”

And the shepherds– “This would have been just another baby born, if it hadn’t been for us voicing to the world the birth of a special child. We were the only media reporters to announce the Saviour.”

“The great joy was given to us,” chorused the angels.

“To lead the heavenly choir in the royal anthem, Glory to God in the highest, truly was the real announcement of Christmas.”

Lastly, the wise men spoke up solemnly, “Our message was not just announcing a reigning monarch, the outcome of a political choice, but speaking with divine authority, we declared this child to be the King of the Jews.”

There was a movement, and sweet sound from the crude little crib where a baby lay. As each bent close to the infant, His bright eyes opened and a look of peace and love came over His face. The entire cast was touched with a sense of awe and wonder. Each bowed their heads and worshipped.

There seemed to echo the words to change all thought; “His Name shall be called Immanuel… God with us.”

Don’t get stuck in the past Stay up to date with the latest local news with the Rivers Banner!

December 3, 2021 Rivers Banner 5

Your voice matters – let it be heard

Cam Dahl Manitoba Pork Council

Political campaigners have an adage “public policy is set by those who show up.” We are in the middle of a federal election and now is the best time for individual producers to influence policy. Now is the time for you to actively participate in the political process and let your voice be heard, and to ask yourself “what message do you want your next Member of Parliament to deliver to Ottawa?”

Canadians will elect 338 MPs on September 20th, with 14 coming from Manitoba.

Every one of these MPs will influence, for good or bad, what happens on your farm, the international markets that will be open to you, and the regulations you will face as you work to bring high-quality safe food to Canadian consumers and people around the world.

There are both urban and rural communities in Manitoba that are thriving because of the investments made by our industry. This is a story that producers need to tell directly. I am confident that

when candidates and parties know and understand the value of agriculture, good public policy will follow.

What does “showing up” mean? Every constituency is likely going to have allcandidates meetings (if your riding does not have some scheduled, organize one). Go to these sessions prepared to stand up for the potential of agriculture and the future of your farm. Instead of avoiding candidates when they come door-knocking, engage with them on agricultural issues.

Don’t assume that your candidates understand the importance of agriculture, even if you are in a rural riding.

Engagement by farmers, and telling the story of agriculture, will help to drive candidates, and the parties that they represent, to openly acknowledge the significant role that our industry plays in the economy and the makeup of our communities.

What agricultural issues should you consider raising with candidates? There are some that cut across all sectors of agriculture. Access to international markets is one ex-

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ample. Most Manitoba farmers depend upon international markets for their incomes. For instance, Manitoba exports approximately 90% of the hogs raised in this province, either through processed pork or live animals.

Export dependent farmers need governments to pursue trade agreements, like the Canada – E.U. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) or the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). We also need governments to go beyond negotiating agreements. We need to see significant new resources dedicated to ensuring that trade agreements really do increase our access to new markets, and that the promise of free trade is not rendered void by protectionist non-tariff barriers.

Largest importers China is one of the largest importers of Canadian agricultural commodities, however this relationship has not been founded on science-based rules of trade. China is using unscientific, unjustified policies to

limit the export of Canadian meat as well as grains and oilseeds. These trade barriers are costing farmers millions.

There are no simple solutions to challenges with China, but farmers need a government that is willing to dedicate additional resources and launch a more strategic approach that partners with Canadian farmers and exporters.

Agriculture faces significant market volatility and production risk. The drought this summer provides a vivid example of this. These risks put the long-term financial sustainability of the industry in peril and limits the opportunities for additional investments.

Manitoba’s agriculture value chains need candidates to recognize the need to reform business risk management programs, such as AgriStability, to make the programs easier to use, more predictable and timely. Compensation rates should be increased to levels that ensure farmers get the help they need when they face a disaster.

Foreign animal diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) or Foot and Mouth Disease

(FMD) would devastate livestock production in Manitoba if they are discovered here.

Producers will lose their livelihoods and thousands of jobs would be at risk. Producers are working with governments, but more needs to be done to plan and prepare for foreign animal disease detection in Canada.

We need candidates to commit

to building partnerships with industry and ensuring that we have the resources, both fiscal and human, available to combat these threats.

In Manitoba eradicating invasive wild pigs is a key policy requirement to prevent the spread of disease.

Continued on page 6

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Public policy is set by those who show up

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onment Canada is the authority on weather , though Continued we may from alsopage hear Manitoba 5 fromcommit to an eradication plan.

Network and other local media outlets Thesemore are a sample of the tely. A tornado issued when weather Wild pigswatch can beisreservoirs policy areas that are important ns are favourable to produce a tornado; to foreign animal diseases like forhowever, the future of agriculture in ng is more serious. warning thatThe a most importASF and FMD.AThey also canindicates Manitoba. has occurred or hasfor a diseases high likelihood of being be repositories like ant thing is to push candidates occur. PRRS (porcine reproductive to support the industry and its afest place be duringsyndrome), a tornado ispeople. a lowNow, spot during the elecand to respiratory erior room from windows, an in-is the time to get PEDaway (porcine epidemic diar- such tionas period, m in therhea), basement underneath stairs toAfter the all, if producers and or other infectiousthe involved. t. Rooms that have extra support thespeak walls illnesses.

Candidates should in don’t for agriculture there bathrooms are also to ideal as bathroom be challenged explicitly will be pipes others who will, and extra support to the walls. Mobile homes and & Area Club railers are very Rivers unsafe places to takeLions shelter as not anchored to theAnnual ground. Seniors Christmas 42nd formed and stay safe. For Supper more information blic Safety Canada http://www.publicsafety.

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December 3, 2021 Rivers Banner 7

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We would like to thank everyone who showed their support and kindness to us during the sudden loss of our son, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Jim your thoughts and prayers were deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten. ~Margaret Michaluk and Family~

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Growing indoors - part 2

8 Rivers Banner December 3, 2021

Patricia Hanbidge Orchid horticulture

Last week, we focused on some of the things that we need to provide if we are planning to grow plants indoors. We talked about plants needing light, water, warmth, oxygen and food to grow and then focused on the importance of having supplemental light in order to produce any substantial amount of food from the plants that we grow. If you are interested in lear n ing more about how to grow any plant successfully go to the following link and enjoy a six-part online course t hat is free to all participants. https:// f b.me/e/12RLDJPmR One of the best things about growing plants from seed is we then have the freedom to grow almost

anything we desire! There is an amazing selection of different varieties and cultivars of plants that sometimes makes it rather difficult for us to decide what we should grow. It is easy to get carried away and grow too much as this time of year we are craving green growth and those tiny little packets don’t seem to hold that much! It is only once those plants get growing, we see how a few seeds can easily grow into way too many plants!

Instead of planting all the seeds in the package, only plant as many as you will need. Share the leftovers or store them in a cool, dry place.

If we are going to be successful starting seeds, it is useful to understand a little bit about the seed itself and what it requires to germinate. Seeds are

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made up of an outer seed coat that protects the inner parts of the seed during dormancy. Inside t he seed coat lies t he endosperm which serves as the food supply that is essential for the early growth of the seedling. In the center of the seed is the embryo which is really a very minute undeveloped plant.

There are four things that seeds need to germinate. Water is essential for penetrating the seed coat which causes the endosperm to swell. The water dissolves nutrients in the endosperm which are then available to the embryo and life beg ins! Some seeds need light in order to germinate while others do not. Oxygen is also necessary as the seed needs to respire in order to break down those nutrients in

the endosperm. Last but not least, germinat ion requires heat. Each seed will have an optimum germination temperature for the best rate of growth.

If you are new to starting seeds, then choose to grow those plants that are relatively easy to germinate and do not need special conditions. Most seed packages will give directions on how to plant those specif ic seeds. At this time of year, I grow salad greens and herbs as those are the plants that I wish to have at my fingertips to enhance our diets. Generally, small seeds need not be covered with soil but instead gently pressed into the media or soil. Medium seeds can be lightly covered and large seeds can be poked right into the soil. A good rule of thumb is to plant the

seed to the depth of their diameter.

Keep the soil moist to ensure even germination whether you are seeding indoors or directly into the garden. Use a gentle spray to avoid washing the seeds around, or they may pool into dense clumps.

Keep the humidity high until the seeds germinate by covering seed pots with plastic wrap. Once you see the plants germinate, uncover t he seed l ing s to avoid conditions that are too wet for the new seedlings.

Once the seeds germinate those young seedlings will need adequate light in order to grow. Placing them directly under a fluorescent light fixture or grow light will ensure that the seedlings are strong and sturdy. If you find that your seedlings are tall and

spindly it is because they are not getting enough light and are reaching for the sun.

Final copies of “Loving You” $20. free Christmas mail delivery.

A retired couple suddenly become the caregivers to the family matriarch as she slides into dementia.

Read how they help her while coping with this responsibility. Partially biographical from actual events in Rivers, Clear Lake, Brandon and Calgary.

Message me on Facebook, email me mckenzibb@ gmail.com