December 9, 2022

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant

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By Gerald Lepp Rivers Minor Hockey

In case you missed the action-packed games, here’s a recap of this past week of Rivers Jets hockey.

The U9 Smith team had no games this past week.

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.

The Rivers U11 teams held their tournament this past weekend. With teams from Reston, Oak Lake, Neepawa, Minnedosa, Swan River, and Tri Valley, it was a fun competitive weekend. Oak Lake beat Minnedosa to win the B side and Neepawa beat Reston to capture the A side. Turnout for the weekend was great. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend a great success!

The U13 Lepp team attended the Reston Rockets tournament this past weekend and ended up winning the A side banner and the infamous “Candy Cup” (aptly named because it’s made out of candy) by defeating the Brandon Penguins 6-2 in the final. Congratulations! Hope the team enjoys all the treats.

The U15 team lost in Neepawa on Sat. Dec. 3, 5-2, and won in Brandon against Brandon Hockey Blues 4-3. The U18 Girls lost to Grand Plains 3-0 on Sun. Dec. 4 in Neepawa.

Sun. Dec. 4 was the last day of deer hunting season in Manitoba. To all the hunters in the area, we hope you had a successful harvest, whether that meant filling the freezer, getting a bigger buck than last year, or getting that prizewinning buck-of-a-lifetime to mount on your wall. To all the non-hunters in the area, if you’ve been wondering why no one’s been returning your phone calls the last few weeks, everyone’s been outside enjoying the sunrise/ sunset and keeping their eyes peeled for movement. They’ll return your calls this week for sure!

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

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

will be having their annual Buck Night celebration at the Riverdale Community Center Sat. Dec. 10. It’s a chance to get together, socialize, swap hunting stories, eat and drink. There will be 20 trophies awarded, including four for mule deer, as well as a head entry draw,

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

tion to the schools.

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

three card draws (for a total of three guns and one crossbow up for grabs), and lots of raffles for various items. It’s always a fun time and you may come home with some great hunting-related prizes. Check out their Facebook page or call Ron at 761-8276 or Dave at 729-7203 for more

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

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SUBMITTED PHOTO

Rivers U13 Lepp team who took the Candy Cup in Reston, MB during the Rockets Tournament along with the “A” Side Banner.

Can collections for canoes

information.

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

Meanwhile, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation has been fighting an amendment to Bill C-21 which for the moment has been tabled by

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

and Chimo Beach areas for con tributions from the community.

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

capable of accepting an external magazine. The MWF is encouraging people to contact their elected federal representatives to let their voices be heard.

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

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

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

game season (subject to change). For white-tailed deer, they are: archery— last Monday in August; Muzzleloader—Oct. 23, Youth Muzzleloader—Oct.

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

The Rivers and Area Game and Fish Association

Photo by Sheila Runions

Photo by Heather Gray

The canoe at Rivers Elementary School was adequately filled.

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant

More rules doesn’t mean better results

Ifind it interesting that there are 10 truck loads of lava per second coming out of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii. Wonder what that does to warming up the atmosphere and to the carbon levels? Guess everyone has to shut down their furnaces in Canada to compensate for the Hawaii volcano. There are 1,350 active volcanoes in the world, plus a bunch more under the oceans.

• Just love how some people rail against the use of oil, but don’t seem to want to shut down the gas line to their home or office. It’s pretty simple to shut off the gas meter, but it’s a lot easier to complain about farmers fuelling their tractors to grow food.

• It was drawn to my attention that Prime Minister Trudeau said he would seize guns, but has backed off a bit now by saying he didn’t mean hunters’ guns. I am personally sick and tired of Trudeau and this whole gun debate. It has been going on for decades, has solved nothing, cost millions of dollars and crime is still climbing. If a person commits a violent crime with a gun, put them in jail forever. It would cost less and be more effective.

• It was good to hear that a recent assault in Winnipeg on a woman was thwarted when the victim killed the assailant. It has been deemed self defence. Too bad that doesn’t happen more often.

• Seems that Montreal Canadians

goaltender, Carey Price, is in hot water for posting a picture of himself in hunting gear and holding a rifle. The timing was a bit awkward, as it was on Dec. 6, 32 years ago, that the tragic Montreal massacre took place. Just to refresh memories, here is what is posted on the web about that event:

“Perpetrator Marc Lépine, armed with a legally obtained Ruger Mini-14 semi-automatic rifle and hunting knife, entered a mechanical engineering class at the École Polytechnique. He ordered the women to one side of the classroom, and instructed the men to leave. After claiming that he was

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken Waddell

has accomplished little. Isn’t it strange that Lepine purchased the gun legally and that he was able to convince the men to leave?

•People intent on evil will get guns,

with people of all ages. We must say that most young people are excellent with us, respectful and friendly. They have learned proper public behaviour very well and it is wonderful to see.

• I feel sorry for people who work in the schools and daycares, as some of the rules and regulations and bad behaviour they have to put up with is atrocious. Just talk to any person in that field quietly and privately and you will see what I mean.

“fighting feminism”, he shot all nine women in the room, killing six. The shooter then moved through corridors, the cafeteria, and another classroom, specifically targeting women to shoot for just under 20 minutes. He killed eight more women before committing suicide.”

After that event, the federal government embarked on a huge gun control effort that cost millions and

legally or otherwise, and attempt whatever evil action enters their minds.

•Seems to me that while spanking children isn’t in fashion any more, and maybe with good reason, that children should be afraid that they might get spanked. Maybe Lepine needed some more love when he was a kid or maybe more discipline, I don’t know of course.

•All this negative stuff said, my wife and I are out and about in the community a lot and we see and interact

• What all this boils down to is that the government needs to take a step back and understand that more rules doesn’t always mean better results.

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.

When an apology isn’t enough

It is 30 AD; and along the shores of the Jordan River east of Jerusalem, a prophet named John the Baptist suddenly appeared on the scene. He looked nothing like the religious leaders of his day. Everything about him was different. He wore a coat of rough camel’s hair that he tied together with a leader belt around his waist. He had long hair and an even longer beard; neither of which had ever been cut or trimmed. He ate locusts and wild honey. He was an adult orphan (both parents had died while he was still quite young). He didn’t have a home in the city or in a nearby town. He was a hermit. He lived in caves and secluded places in the desert.

Now if someone looking like this was to suddenly appear in one of our churches, we would probably call the police and ask that he escorted from the premises. If his story made the national news, it would be accompanied by statements from “experts” in psychology who would give us their ideas of the type of mental illness he suffered from, how serious his condition was and if there was any hope for a cure.

But to the Jewish people of the first century, John wasn’t considered to be the least bit weird. His dress, diet and demeanor identified him as one who had taken the vow of a Nazarite; by which he devoted his

life to God and to God’s service. The length of his uncut hair and beard indicated that in John’s case, this vow had been made for life.

So when John suddenly appeared on the scene and began to preach, the people of his day knew that they could expect a message and a style of delivery that were as radical as John’s dress, diet and demeanor. They would not be disappointed.

John didn’t waste words. His message was direct. He got into people’s faces, told them that their Messiah was about to be revealed. He identified specific sins in the lives of those who came to him and demanded that they repent and reform. But then he added this demand: “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” (Matthew 3:8)

These words identified a problem that has plagued society since creation. We all know how easily we can say something or do something that offends other people and God. We also know how easy it is, when confronted with what we have done, to say “sorry” and go on our way, hoping that this apology has somehow managed to cover over the things we have done and we can forget all about them.

Unfortunately, most of us have heard these apologies far too often. For example, politicians and other leaders

get caught using public funds inappropriately. They issue a statement telling us they are sorry for what they have done and then-guess what-some of them will go out and do the same thing again. They will be caught again, and they will apologize again. But this time, they will wonder why no one believes them.

We don’t believe them because we don’t see “fruit worthy of repentance.” The words were spoken, but the actions that followed revealed that they were not sincere.

Before we get too vocal in our criticisms of these people, we must answer this question: “We criticize others whose actions don’t live up to the words they speak. How often can God say the same thing about us?”

FAITHFULLY YOURS NEIl STRoHSCHEIN

”

“

The government needs to take a step back and understand that more rules doesn’t always mean better results.

Home Bodies

By Rita FRiesen

Well, honestly, that look began to appear before Halloween! The look began in stores, and in some homes, long before I even felt like trying to get in the mood. I have come to a deeper understanding about the tree and lights going up and on so early. In the circle of people I love and care deeply about are those that dread the long dark days, and the glow of lights brightens their day, and their outlook. Most of them try to wait until the passing of Remembrance Day, and mostly they succeed. And if they don’t, that’s ok. I get it, too, that merchants need the success of this holiday season sales to keep on going, and we all want local merchants to continue to serve our community. We know they serve us well, and in a way that we really can not expect to be served in many large centres. {I am going to truly digress and share an oft told story! Working local retail I was able to assist an elderly woman in the selection of the perfect fitting bra. Yup. I was in the dressing room, tucking and lifting unti we found the perfect fir, and as I walked away, feeling accomplished, I heard her say, quietly, to her friend, ‘write down that number and I will pick it up

in the city.’ Not too likely anyone in a larger, more economical outlet would have been as patient. I can laugh now, it took a day or two!} so, thank you all our local suppliers!}

When we were raising the first five children the standing rule was that no decorations went up until the night before the First Sunday of Advent. I learned early that was early enough, for once the house was decked and be-decked, it stayed that way until the middle of January. And yes, the glowing lights on tree and doorway brightened many a winter night. Even with the grands around we stuck pretty much to the same schedule.

And now? Well, things are different on so many levels. There is no scheduled gathering of the clan at my home. There will be gatherings but not here. I truly am ok with that. For me hosting was work, hard work. Cleaning the home, preparing sleeping spaces for many, food for days of eating, and gifts to buy. Through in a few scheduled activities, some which were opportunity for service, cards and phone calls- well, for me, it was hard work. Rewarding for certain but I am not volunteering to repeat hosting. I will do a bit of baking, to give away. I have set up some decorations, not sure I need a tree, but I need the white ceramic country church- looks just like the old Norgate church!- with a nativity scene set out beside it. The lights glowing through the windows makes me smile.

As we get ever closer to Christmas I encourage everyone to drop the stuff that isn’t important any more, pick up a new custom, one that fits you now. Breathe deeply, inhale slowly and enjoy this season.

Rivers Law of the Month

Ice fishing regulations

L.M. Schwartz Chief of Rivers Police Service

The weather is getting colder, the ice on the lakes is getting thicker and anglers will be eager to get out on the ice and catch some fish. Decembers Law of the Month pertains to ice fishing regulations.

Rivers Police Service often partners and patrols with Manitoba Conservation Officers to monitor safety and compliance. We want to remind ice fishing enthusiasts of the following:

• Anglers 16 years or older must possess a Manitoba Fishing License. Manitobans 65 years or older can obtain a free conservation fishing license. All out of province youth under 16 years of age can fish without a license but must fish off a license holder for limit.

• The fine for fishing without a license is set at $486.

• Anglers may only use one rod and line except for when ice fishing, anglers may use two rods and lines but with no more than two hooks or lures per line.

• Hooks or lures must not be spring-loaded.

• All hooks must be barbless.

•All ice fishing shacks must clearly display the owners name and address.

• Open liquor is prohibited in ice fishing shacks (under the Liquor and Gaming Control Act)

Those going out onto the ice should keep the following ice thickness guidelines in mind:

• 5cm for walking or skating alone

• 20cm for skating parties or games

• 25cm for snowmobiles

• 35cm for fishing huts

• Clear blue ice is usually strongest, grey ice is unsafe. Ice fishing is an excellent winter sport and pastime. Let’s do it safely.

it’s Beginning to look a lot like CHRistmas...

Farm-fresh eggs in winter

Sarah plosker Rivers Banner

If you love eating farmfresh eggs during the summer months, you may be disappointed with having to eat storebought eggs during the winter. Typically, hens lay an abundance of eggs during the summer, with the longer days signaling them to lay. In the winter, the shorter days signal to them to slow down or stop egg production altogether. Nature’s way of ensuring that chicks are born when it’s nice and warm, not when it’s -30 degrees outside.

Farmers and homesteaders can add supplemental lighting to their coop to trick the hens. Maximum egg production occurs naturally when there’s 16 hours of sunlight in the summer. With day length being around 8 hours now, that’s only half as much light as during peak summer production. What’s more, on cold days a lot of a chicken’s energy goes into staying warm. You may need to feed them more so that they have extra energy to lay, or provide heating

to the coop (even just a heat lamp) so the hens can focus their energy on egg production. Breed selection is also important. There are many cold-hardy breeds that are more likely to keep laying during the winter.

Waterglass eggs

If you can’t get your hens’ egg production up, one thing you can do is store your summer eggs for use in the winter. There are a few different methods for freezing eggs, including cracking them whole and individually freezing them in muffin tins, or scrambling and freezing in little bags. Some of the main complaints with freezing eggs is the lack of freezer space this time of year, and some slight texture changes to the eggs.

Another method of storage is waterglassing eggs. This preserves raw eggs, shell and all, in jars or buckets that are shelf stable. No need to freeze or even refrigerate. This old-fashioned method of preserving eggs has been practiced since the early 1800’s. Waterglass

eggs are ideal for longterm storage, and keep fresh for 12-18 months. You must use farm-fresh eggs, not store-bought, because store-bought eggs have been washed and therefore no longer have their protective bloom. Store-bought eggs are also too old to be preserved. You want fresh eggs, typically laid within a day from when you’re going to preserve them. They should be unwashed but clean.

You can store waterglass eggs in food grade buckets, with threegallon buckets being an ideal size, holding up to 80 eggs. Five-gallon buckets are popular but heavy. You can also use large mason jars. A one and a half quart mason jar will hold about 1213 eggs. There’s a lot of wasted space in the neck of the jar, and the weight of all the jars on a pantry shelf adds up quickly. A lot of little jars also take up more space than one or two buckets. If using a large bucket, you should remove the freshest eggs first, which means reaching to the bottom of the bucket. Earthenware ceramic

crocks are also a popular option.

T here are two different solutions that can be used for waterglassing eggs, one using sodium silicate and one using pickling lime (calcium hydroxide, also called hydrated lime). Both sodium silicate and lime are harsh on the skin and should be used with caution.

The recipe with lime seems to be most popular these days, with lime being easily available at garden supply stores and farm supply stores. The recipe is simple: use one ounce hydrated lime for every quart of water. The water should be free from chlorine and fluoride. For this reason, distilled water or natural spring water are often used. Mix the lime and water until the lime is completely dissolved. Add the eggs to the solution, pointy side down if possible. Secure the lid to prevent water from evaporating. Store in a cool, dark location. Whenever you need eggs during the winter months, simply take them out of the container and wash well. You can take out extra to be stored

Go for a real Christmas tree

Sarah Plosker

Rivers Banner

There’s nothing like going out as a family and picking out the biggest, best Christmas tree to bring home to decorate. Nothing beats the smell of a real tree; it’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Plus, it’s a guilt-free purchase: the demand for real Christmas trees actually helps the environment. Indeed, it’s reported that one acre of Christmas trees provides enough oxygen for 18 people every day, and a single Christmas tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide during its short lifetime. What’s more, they’re recyclable.

Below are some popular

species to choose from. Your options may be limited on whether you buy yours from a big box store, a u-cut farm, or have enough space to grow your own.

Balsam fir: This tree has short, flat needles, making it easy to decorate. However, the slender branches bend and may not be able to accommodate heavy ornaments. Its branches are commonly used to make wreaths. A rather fragrant tree.

Colorado blue spruce: This tree has a unique look with its blue-grey needles. It has a unique fragrance, and makes for a stand-out Christmas tree.

Douglas fir: This tree

should be called the Douglas pine, as it’s actually a pine tree and not a fir tree, but don’t pass it up on account of its erroneous name. It’s described as full and bushy, and great for open spaces.

Fraser fir: This tree is known as one of the longest-lasting species of Christmas trees. It has dark green-tipped needles and a light fragrance.

Noble fir: The branches of this tree are often used for making wreaths and garlands. With stiff branches, it can handle any heavy ornaments. It’s a rather fragrant tree.

Scotch pine/Scots pine: The most popular Christmas tree in

Canada! This type of pine tree tends not to shed its needles, making it a great choice for people who don’t want to spend all their time sweeping up dead needles. They are very bushy and don’t have a strong smell.

White pine: Similar to the Scotch pine. The long needles have a soft, feathery appearance, but make the tree difficult to decorate.

White spruce: With thick, heavy branches, this tree can handle the heaviest of ornaments. Its needles are dark green, almost blue. Its scent is pretty strong, which some people love while others can’t stand.

in the refrigerator for use the next day to be efficient.

Reporter’s note: I waterglassed eggs for the first time this past summer, and have been using my now 5-month-old eggs in Christmas baking. I’m very happy with the waterglass eggs and definitely prefer them over frozen eggs. I wanted to report on this now rather than

back in the summer because I wanted to see if it worked out first! The only thing that hasn’t seemed to work out is that it’s difficult to keep them pointy-side down in the solution, so I haven’t been able to fry an egg over-easy. But I’ll definitely be doing it again next year. It’d be a good homesteading project to do with children too.

Letters

The war on Christianity

When I was a child and on through my early adult years, Christmas had a magical and mystical quality I will never forget.

There was something surreal about how events half a world away and hundreds of years ago had such a profound effect on our daily lives.

It was a time of reflection when we reviewed the Christian messages of brotherhood, hope and peace embodied in Christian teachings.

On a clear night, we would seek out the North Star and be dazzled by the millions of stars twinkling from horizon to horizon. We knew that due to the shape of the earth, there were billions more

hidden from our view. It was humbling to realize our place in a gigantic cosmos we did not understand.

We rejuvenated ourselves in the warmth of family love, sharing stories of Bethlehem, the Birth of Jesus, the Three Kings, and Angels speaking to shepherds tending their flocks. The rejuvenation was personal, not institutional. We realized we all had a role to play and a duty to be the best we could be.

For over a century, Canadians valued their Judeo-Christian heritage, standards and values while ensuring that people of other faiths were allowed the opportunity to adopt the beliefs and faith

of their choosing. We had vowed that the bloodbaths of 800 years earlier, when monarchs adopted a belief and dealt harshly with anyone of a different belief, would never recur.

Governance and faith are still incompatible. Business interests pined to commercialize Christmas as a missed opportunity for profit. Beginning in the 1960s, concerted advertising began to gradually commercialize the Christmas season. Longstanding traditions were gradually replaced by fluff and imagery – welcome a stylized Santa, Rudolph, and a wide range of similar shlock, all intended to commercialize the

season.

Of more recent vintage, various people and faith groups have decided that traditional Christmas images and trappings are offensive. Heaven forbid that anyone is offended! Local governments were quick to declare that traditional Christmas trees and creche scenes were forbidden on civic property in the name of equality and inclusiveness. Government interference in faith has left us with nothing to commemorate the greatest single event in history, an event that shaped different societies worldwide. The avarice of the elites has no limits. The destruction of the

traditional Christmas season has left us less civil, compassionate and tolerant as a society. The lessons of the good Samaritan have been thrown under a bus.

The moral compass we rejuvenated each season lies broken under a mountain of meaningless shlock, leaving current and future generations lost in a sea of dubious equivalences and society much the poorer for it.

As usual, restoring the magic and mystical aspects of Christmas rejuvenation falls to the family unit. It is still the bedrock and foundation of our society.

Too often, we don’t recognize the value of something until it has been snatched from

The Children of God

Over the centuries people have continually attempted to make the Bible conform to the current culture instead of the other way around, but thankfully the Word of God will lead us into all truth if we allow it. Jesus prayed the following to God the Father followed by a statement he made to Pontius Pilate:

• Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

John 17:17

• …I came into the world…to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.

John 18:37 Someone told me that the Bible needed to be updated, implying that God himself is in need of recalibration; a slippery slope indeed! We need to hear what the Bible says:

• The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the

word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8

• I the Lord do not change. Malachi 3:6 • Heaven and earth will pass away, but my (Jesus’) words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35 Unfortunately, contradictory comments are made by lay people and church leaders alike, mainly due to an unfamiliarity with the Bible; that being the purpose of this letter. In the December 2, 2022 copy of the Banner, Dianne Kowalchuk wrote on behalf of Rivers United Church saying that we are all children of God. I think very highly of Dianne and she is an extremely intelligent lady, but she is incorrect. The Bible clearly distinguishes between two types of people; those who go to heaven (the children of

God) and those who go to hell (those who are not.) Again, let’s listen to the Bible:

• John the Baptist said Jesus would come and gather his wheat (God’s children) into the barn and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Matthew 3:12 Luke 3:17

• In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus talked about separating the wheat from the weeds at the time of harvest (judgement). The wheat will be gathered into his barn while the weeds will be burned. Matthew 13:24-30; 36-42

• Talking about sheep and goats, Jesus said he would separate them at the time of judgement, putting the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. The sheep will enter the kingdom, while the goats are condemned to eternal fire. Matthew

25: 31-46 Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads God’s children (his sheep) into the kingdom. John 10: 1-16

• The Apostle John also distinguishes between the children of God and of the devil. 1 John 3:10

We become God’s children by adoption only through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

• …to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

• Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Romans 8:14,16

• You are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Galatians 3:26,27

• …God sent his son… to redeem those… who might receive the full rights of children. Because you are children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out Father. Galatians 4:4-6

• He (God) predestined us to be adopted as his children through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:5

Through Jesus Christ, we have the indescribable privilege of calling God our Father. Galatians 4:6

Hard teachings yes, but true nonetheless, and Jesus constantly made comments that many found hard to accept, causing them to turn back and no longer follow him. John 6:5-71

We cannot be children of God if we live a lifestyle

us. Fortunately, as our future darkens, the need for faith increases. We need to believe in something greater than ourselves, and that there is an order to our cosmos as unseen and unknown as the billions of stars we can’t see in the night sky. Our horizons are limited, while our faith is not.

I wish each of you and your families a joyous and fulfilling Christmas season. I am confident that faith and hope will endure and eventually prevail again.

contrary to Scripture, which repeatedly tells us to repent of our sin. Jesus told the woman caught in adultery to leave her life of sin. John 8:2-11

I’ll finish with another verse that distinguishes between the two groups of people:

• Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it; but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13,14

You can reach me at 204-720-4383 or jgklasssen@icloud. com if you have any comments, questions or concerns.

John Klassen Rivers, MB

John Feldsted Political commentator, consultant and strategist Winnipeg, Manitoba

For many, putting up Christmas decorations is an important winter tradition. It doesn’t have to stop with the tree. If you’re feeling extra crafty this year, or if you’re looking for some family fun/bonding activities, try making your own wreath to hang on your front door.

Fun for ages 2-5: This one is so easy, your toddler can do it!

Cut out a circular wreath form from a cereal box, paper plate, or cardboard box. It could be maybe 4 inches wide with a 4 inch hole in the middle, or whatever dimensions you choose. Cut about a million small squares of green tissue paper. Apply glue to a small section of the wreath cutout, wrap a piece of tissue to the eraser end of

a pencil, and stick the tissue to the glue. Repeat 999,999 more times. Add some red if you’re getting sick of green. Once you’re finished, attach a ribbon or string to the back to hang.

Fun for ages 5-12: Take an old wire hanger, unwind the top, and bend it into a circular shape. One at a time, put as many bulb/ball ornaments as can fit on the hanger, being sure to angle them to create a 3-D wreath. Then re-wind the top and use the hook of the hanger to hang the wreath. You can cover the top portion of the hanger with a big bow or other decoration to hide the fact that it’s a hanger, or embrace the thrifted look.

Fun for ages 13-18: Sorry, nothing they do with their parents will be fun. Teenagers, am I right?

Fun for bird watchers: Freeze

an inch of water in the bottom of a Bundt cake or tube cake pan. Throw in some cranberries, apple slices, evergreen needles, star anise, and other treats for the birds. Add another inch of water and freeze. You can add more water for a longer-lasting wreath, or just make another wreath as-needed. Once your last layer is solid, briefly run the pan under warm water to loosen the frozen wreath. Loop ribbon or twine through the center of the wreath and hang it on a sturdy branch or hook outside. As the ice melts, birds will come to eat the exposed treats. Works best if you also keep a dish of liquid water for birds to drink—liquid water is harder for birds to find than food this time of year!

Iceonfishing the horizon

Plosker Rivers Banner

Now that hunting season has come to a close, the next thing on the horizon is ice fishing, of course! It’s been reported that there are a few shacks already on the ice of Lake Wahtopanah. Ice thickness levels vary, with the south end by the Dam usually being slower to freeze.

According to the Lifesaving Society, recommended ice thickness in relation to vehicle sizes are: 4” (10 cm) for walking and cross country skiing, 5” (12 cm) for snowmobiles or ATVs, 8-12” (20-30 cm) for small cars, and 12-15” (30-38 cm) for medium trucks.

With the past week of extra cold winter weather, ice thickness on Lake Wahtopanah is reported to be 13 inches thick—safe for trucks and medium to large ice shacks now.

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

Sarah

RIVERS BANNER CLASSIFIEDS

Many thanks to family, friends and neighbors for all the lovely cards, phone calls, visits, flowers and donations on the passing of our husband, Dad and Grandpa, Jim Brown. We would like to thank Dr. Breneman and Abby from Cancer Care for your care during the time of Jim’s illness and Campbell’s Funeral Home for your support. Also a big thank you to the ladies who helped with the lunch. We feel very fortunate to be part of such a caring community.

~Dianne & family~

In loving memory of Barb Punton

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

Announcement Help Wanted

Rolling River School Division

Invites applications for School Secretary

Tanner’s Crossing, Minnedosa Permanent 10 months per year 5 hours per 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.

Rolling River School Division

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

Invites applications for Secretary-Library Clerk

Oak River School, Oak River, MB Permanent 10 months per year 6 hours per 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.

George and Katie married on December 13th, 1952. They lived

in the Oakleigh School District on a farm for 17 years and then moved to Brandon, two years later to Rivers Mb. They are both very musical

FOODS

Meat Cutters/Production Personnel

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

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

Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Slaughter and eviscerate hogs for further processing

• Harvest and package edible offal

• Process pork carcasses into primal cuts

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

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

• Sanitation

People who will succeed as members of our team will:

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

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

• Treat people with dignity and respect

• Open to working in colder/warmer environments

• Physically Fit

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

Wage scale extends to $23.55 per hour

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

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

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

MCNA Province Wide Classifieds

NOTICES

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna. com.

URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? Having a Christmas/Winter Event? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www. mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details.

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

Wanted WANTED: Old advertising dealership signs, gas pumps, globes, pop machines, light ups. White Rose, Red Indian, Buffalo, North Star, Case Eagles. etc. Collector paying TOP PRICES. 306-221-5908

and each play several instruments. They also both worked at Rivers Air Force Base. Katie was also in partnership with Joanne Skinner,

known as the KT-50 shop in Rivers. They have three sons who keep them on their toes, Garry, Bill and Dale. Our pride and joy. Our

motto is - always forgive and forget.

George and Katie Kroeger celebrate 70 years on December 13th 2022!

Happy 70th Anniversary

Plosker Rivers Banner

Make your own magnet maze in this week’s hands-on Let’s Talk Science activity. In this activity, children learn the basics of magnetic attraction by creating a maze using a magnet and metal paperclip. This activity is best suited for preschool, kindergarten, and grade 1-3 students.

What you need

• Paper plate or cardboard

• Cardstock

• Magnet

• Metal Paperclip

• Markers

What to do

• Draw a maze on cardboard or paper plate.

• Draw a shape or character (like a bug or a rocket ship) on a piece of cardstock and cut it out.

• Attach the metal paperclip onto the shape or character.

• Place the shape or character at the start of the maze and place the magnet underneath the plate.

• Use the magnet underneath to move the shape/character throughout the maze.

produce a magnetic field that is not visible to the naked eye. The magnetic force is attracted to ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, and steel. In this activity, the magnetic force is strong enough to attract the paper clip (made of steel) through the paper plate barrier.

W hy does it matter?

Magnets are in many household appliances, such as refrigerators, televisions, telephones, and stereos. Magnetic materials are used in tapes, disks, and other electronic storage

Enter at select member businesses* from December 12-23

for a chance to win gift baskets from Cj’s on Ice, CB Aspire Salon, Westoba Credit Union, Tempo Place Emporium, Redline Transport, Heritage Co-op, Way-Mor Agencies, Busy Beaver Tree Services, Cj’s Snack Snack & Mini Golf, Super Thrifty Pharmacy, Pat Vreeman Floral Design Studio, Korrena’s Bou tique, Lynne Miller (Sutton-Harrison Realty), Lee’s Restaurant, Chelle’s on Main.

All draws to be made on the 12th day (Friday, December 23, 2022).

Some prizes will be combined for a total of 13 draws, afterall, everyone loves a baker’s dozen!

Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce

The 12 Draws of Christmas entry ballot

Name:

Phone number:

*Ballots may only be dropped at participating member businesses, who are Budi wski Holdings, Busy Beaver Tree Services, CB Aspire Salon, Chelle’s on Main, Cj’s on Ice, Cj’s Snack Shack & Mini Golf, Gill’s Plumbing and Heating, Hair Dynamics, Heritage Co-op, Korrena’s Boutique, L Squared Ranch, Lee’s Restaurant, Lucky Break Ranch and Tack, Lynne Miller (Sutton-Harrison Realty), Party Jockey’s, Pat Vreeman Floral Design Studio, Redline Transport, Riverdale Municipality, Rivers & Area Game & Fish Association, Rivers Home Hardware Building Centre, Sprin gland Mfg., Super Thrifty Pharmacy, Tempo Place Emporium, The Trestle Green house, Wags to Whiskers, Walker’s Greenhouse, Way-Mor Agencies, Westoba Credit Union.

Sarah