June 17, 2022

Friday, June 17, 2022 • Vol.114 No. 41 • Rivers, Manitoba

RiveRs BanneR Micah Waddell

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant Mike Waddell Mike Waddell

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

Gazette -R eporter

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Gazette-Reporter

Rivers Varsity Girls Provincial champs once again

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

March 30, 2018

Volume 110, Issue 37

89¢ + tax

Crystal Bourdin and Lisa Janz Rivers Girls Rugby

It’s been a fun season for t he R iver s Gi rl s Rugby Team keeping their title this season a s u ndefeated i n t he Westman High School R u g b y L e a g ue. T he team had quite a few rookies joining them in 15’s this year and they wer e we lc ome d w it h open arms; fitting right in. The rookies were as follows Cassendra Moar, Briel Lemoing, Payton McNish, Jacee Jewar, Karas Munz, Mia Lepp, Elle Mclean, Madison Vandal, Kennedy Wood, Sierra Bourdin, Shirley Johnson and Stephanie Wolkosk i! W hile welcoming these rookies we are in turn also saying good bye for now to our senior g irls. We w ish Alexis Pompana, Alissa Janz, Brooklyn Zemliak, Brianne Zemliak, and Emma Austin all the best in their next chapters and hope to see them around the rugby pitch.

Championship game Last week on June 3rd the girls won the championship game played against The Dauphin Clippers who have made four f inal appearances in league history but are still chasing that championship win. What an exciting game it was, but our girls battled hard and came out on top winning with a final score of 20-7.

Sunday June 12 was the showdown again of the Rivers Rams against the Dauphin Clippers but

this time for the Provincial Championship Title played in Brandon at the Reilly Field. Once again, Back row L/R: Meghan our girls came out Knelsen, victor- Erich Schmidt, Heijmans, Heather ious and battled toThom a win Gray, Liliane Dupuis. Front of 34-14. row L/R: Minami Kijima, Haile Hubbard, Chassidy Payette,

Morgan Ramsay, Bryce Exciting season Summers, Quinn Hrabok.

It was an exciting season of action, mud...so, so much mud and rain in the beginning of the season, blood, sweat and tears but it all lead to where the girls stood today as Provincial Champs! We can’t forget the coaches Kat and Cody who teach Photo by Sheila Runions the girls to love the game Semi-final game Rivers vs. Crocus on June 1, just one of the very sopping wet muddy days on the pitch. and the rest all just seems to fall into place. Kat said there was so much hard Byeffort Sheilaput Runions work, time and Staff in by the girls Banner to learn 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. the game and for those Pupils co-ordinated the entire the church basement the after- tributions from the community. the shelving units. They were that knew the gameMarch to 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 keep on improving and in Science class culminated in a ceremonious food was weighed and sorted. the scales at Riverdale Harvest pleased.” plinary Studies helping out the rookies.

Elementary school staff memat Rivers Collegiate planned a presentation on March 20 to Although the project was a sen- noted a total of 434 pounds, “a for the Riverdale Harvest. Riverdale Harvest president ior students brainstorm, the en- fabulous amount,” says Heather. ber/Harvest volunteer Yvonne Cody is very project big on tire high school was encouraged “We are so pleased they decided Crouch initiated a similar camDubbed the Boat Load of Food, Heather Gray and Liliane. girls understanding that Because the snow had melted to participate. The collegiate to help those we serve. A lot paign in her school. That threesecured a canoe from the team is astudents communRolling River School Division so much, the canoe could not hosted a poor boy floor hockey of times kids don’t get enough week effort simply encouraged ity or familywith and that 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 an intent places they all have their non-perishables. Although the Zion Church (home of River- athletes had to pay with food for certainly deserves some praise. the canoe; 87 pounds of food was fully organized dale Harvest). Rather, the teens the canoe. Some students also All students stayed behind to was collected from the younger and need to campaign help each by that class, other out. Something elsethe original idea carried bags, boxes and garbage canvassed Rivers, Oak River help check expiry dates, sort and group on Thursday, March 22. from a suggestion made Coach Codycame impresses by harvest volunteer Liliane on the girls isDupuis. that what they do on the pitch also “I heard the idea at a meeting in Brandon. says a lot about their St. Augustine character. School had tried Fill a Canoe

Can collections for canoes

A

in conjunction with the 10-day SUBMITTED PHOTOS Festival du Voyaguer in Winrow left to right: Coach Cody, Sierra Bourdin, Alissa Janz, Briel Lemoing, Kennedy Wood, Karas Munz, Thanknipeg you in February.Back It was very Payton McNish, Lexi McLean, Madison Vandal, Cassie Moar, Jacee Jewar, Shirley Johnson and Coach Kat. So, a huge successful thank you and whenever I hear food bank, my earsFront always perk row left to right: Mia Lepp, Elle McLean, Emma Austyn, Brianne Zemliak, Brooklyn Zemliak, Alexis for all you have done t he tea m t hup!” is season Pompana, Stephanie Wolkowski.

She then brought the sugand the past four season The canoe at Rivers gestion to Riverdale Harvest, Elementary as our Coaches!

As well the r ugby s got School to was helper Susan Zemliak next season... speaking of we are always looking which supported idea andpl ayer adequately filled.

Phototo

by Heather Gray as a thank you to all the where they needed to thank you for keeping us which if you or anyone for new players add to asked her to present the promo-

parents, grandparents, bus drivers and anyone else who made sure our

be, without everyone’s help this would not be possible! To our parent

organized. Thank you again and we can’t wait to see you out on the pitch

you know in high school that is interested in rugby, please come check it out

our team!

2 Rivers Banner June 17, 2022

Standing up for what you believe L

ast week’s column on learning how to disagree without being disagreeable certainly got some reaction.

It was gratifying to receive the feed back and so far, everybody agrees that is how we should conduct ourselves.

If we all did that, there would be less strife and posturing in government at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. Because we may have a different opinion should not make us enemies. If the “agree to disagree” theme was applied to organizations, the membership numbers might go up. If was applied to marriages, the divorce rate might go down.

I think this principle definitely applies to politics. Across Canada, and certainly in the United States, everything gets divided into left and right. The Democrats in the states and the Liberals and NDP in Canada get branded as left wing. The Republicans in the states and the Conservatives in Canada get branded as right wing. This branding is a harmful process that virtually eliminates valuable discussions.

In reality, politics isn’t, or shouldn’t be about left or right, it should be about truth or fiction.

There are some “left wing” policies that are absolutely insane and there are some that make sense. There are some “right wing” policies that make sense and some that are insane.

The problem is that media, commentators and political operatives would have us believe that

they are always correct and “those other guys are always wrong.

That is simply not true.

If political parties would present, defend and debate policies and not just spout a set of platitudes, we would all be better off. Let me give you a close-to-home example. Many people in south-western Manitoba will remember Brian Ransom of Boissevain, Manitoba. He was educated at the University of Manitoba and the University of Alberta. He worked as a resource manager and farmer before entering public life.

He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in 1977, representing the rural riding of Souris-Killarney. In that year, Sterling Lyon’s Progressive Conservatives won an upset victory over Edward Schreyer’s New Democrats. Following the election, Ransom was appointed Minister of Mines, Resources and Environment. Following a reorganization of cabinet in 1979, he became Minister of Natural Resources and Chairman of the Treasury Board. In January 1981, he was promoted to Minister of Finance. Although the Lyon government was defeated, Ransom was easily re-elected in the riding of Turtle Mountain. He ran for the party’s leadership in 1983 as a representative of the party’s rural/ conservative wing, but on the second ballot lost to Gary Filmon.

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken Waddell Ransom did not seek re-election in the 1986 Manitoba general election. He subsequently became chairman of the Manitoba HydroElectric Board, and worked as a consultant in sustainable development.

I only met Ransom once that I can recall and I asked him why he left politics. He said, “I got tired of people not being willing to debate conservative polices on their own merits.”

1986 is a long time ago, but how many times have we seen policies wrapped up in political colours and presented to us without honest and clear debate. Ironically the colour red is “right wing” in the states and blue is “left wing”. It’s the opposite in Canada.

Ransom was absolutely correct. We need to discuss and debate policies on their own merit.

Are they based on facts and truth? Will they help the country and the people? Do they strengthen or restrict freedom? Who makes money from a proposed piece of legislation? Who suffers?

Defining a policy, without trying to hide or disguise it, is very important. Wishy-washy definitions of policy is what has caused the downfall of many leaders. The recent years stumbling by federal conservative leaders has made them unelectable. Firm, clear policy statements are what is propelling CPC leader hopeful Pierre Poillevre to the apparent lead. Whether you agree with Pierre or not, you know where he stands. Leaders need to stand out. In days of old, generals wore shiny uniforms and rode white horses. They stood out but also made highly visible targets.

We need to have leaders who stand out, who clearly say what they believe and carry out their ideas once elected.

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.

Two dads and two moms

Submitted Laurie Gawryliuk

My mother received the call, “Would you like to come pick up your daughter this afternoon?”

“Oh my…well of course!”

My brother, who was adopted two and a half years before, had no idea I was coming!

Mom wasted no time.

Diapers, bottles, booties and baby clothes. No time for a baby shower!

I was taken home with my mom and dad at three days old. Later in the year, I was legally adopted.

At 43 years of age, my parents asked if I wanted my adoption papers. I was surprised and anxious! I didn’t know what to expect!

My parents always told me and my brother that we were adopted. At 14 years old, Mom asked me if I would like to meet my mom. I said, “Of course not Mom, I love you.”

Not understanding the context of this question, I just never thought it was important. Why would I want another mother? I already have one.

So the day finally came, Dad walked over to the Credit Union and came back with my adoption papers from the safe-deposit box. I was quite tremulous to open each page, reading each word with great anticipation. It was then I realized this was something special.

What they did was so honourable and loving, and self-sacrificing. My parents allowed me to see into their world when they applied to adopt me. All their personal information, Dad’s yearly income, church affiliation.

Mom, as a homemaker, was very important as well. The home and their lives were seen as suitable for adoption.

RiveRs BanneR Est. 1908

STAFF

To adopt me was to fulfil their dreams of their marriage to have a complete family, one boy, then one girl.

Reading the information of my birth parents was a stark reality. It occurred to me– I did belong to a birth mother and a birth father… I did belong to other people.

The emotional tearing in my heart was hard. I knew deep in my heart I didn’t want this day to come.

The story read, “An unwed mother who carried me to birth and then made the decision to give me up.” I also realized that the provincial borders were opened now too, so searching beyond our own province was a reality! I could meet my family? Do it! It’s now possible!

I submitted an application form I received in the mail from the vital statistics department in Edmonton, AB. This was very helpful. The clerk told me no one was looking for me. I resolved to continue with the search.

The clerk added, “We will contact you with any new information.”

A few weeks went by… then I got a call! The same clerk in the adoption department said, “Your parents had submitted a search for you 12 years ago.”

Since then, they had moved. The clerk assured me that she would find them. And so within a week, she did!

The clerk asked me what I would like my parents to know about me and then we arranged a time for a call between us. The phone rang at 7:00 pm Manitoba time.

The first words I heard, “Hi Laurie, this is your Dad.” Then I said, “Hi Dad.” I started to cry.

Then, “Hello Laurie, this is your Mom.” I couldn’t believe my ears. I was overjoyed! We talked about our lives with each other for about two hours. They told me they were coming to Manitoba to their granddaughter’s wedding and asked if I could meet up with them.

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As time went on, my sister (who I’ve never met) called me and said they were planning a family get together in a rural community hall with a few family members, a week before the wedding. Everyone was excited to meet me. A potluck dinner was organized.

Oh my, what an event! Over 30 people there, and all of them I was related to.

Dad stood up at the head table and read a poem that was written by his sister from Nova Scotia for me. As he read it, tears came to his eyes and he had to stop for a minute. My aunt from Nova Scotia was not able to come. I never imagined such a beautiful poem could be written for me. I was so touched. The were a few tears, and a great deal of joy!

We had great music, played by various family members, great food and fun! Now I had met all of my five siblings.

One hundred per cent brothers and sisters, together with Mom and Dad in the same room. For the first time in our lives. No words could describe our joy.

There was a baby born two days before this family get together. My brother and his wife just had a baby girl. They had decided that if it was a girl, she was to be named after me, and she was. I also learned that it was my sister-in-law who made this decision. What a beautiful honour for me and my little niece!

I came to know that I also had two half brothers from biological Dad’s first marriage and one half sister. My life changed so quickly, from living with one brother all my life– who was adopted as well– to having nine siblings.

Quite a shock. Social adjustment 101.

Continued on page 5

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Sales/Reporting Sarah Plosker

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June 17, 2022 Rivers Banner 3

Home Bodies

By Rita Friesen The lawns I’ve loved and cared for…

T

hroughout my seventy-six I have lived in various locations, on varying sizes of properties.

So far, every one has had a lawn. Fortunately I love being outdoors, and mowing the grass has seldom been a chore. That is if the mower unit starts easily!

Started out with a walk behind, and have ended up with a walk behind. This one is inches wider than the first one, is easier to start and I still don’t have to perform the maintenance checks.

The yard of my youth had fruit trees and f lowers gardens with in the mowing area. A great deal of going around, but go around close enough to not need much of a trimming. It was an average size farm yard, and it was only after there no longer sheep or goats grazing the outer yard that the mowing hours increased. My mother loved a tidy yard, and spring and fall involved much raking, and burning of leaves – but that is a entirely different story! At that stage of yard care I only needed to follow instructions.

The next lawns were also farmyards. An exceptionally neat and well laid out yard site in the Homewood area was the first. All gardens, trees and lanes were laid out square to the road in front of the

home. Out in public view, in a competitive community, surrounded by extended family, the lawn care was exacting. The grass was never so lengthy that it clumped when cut- unless excess moisture was a factor. There were no zig -zag patterns in the mowing, like- really straight lines! And trimming around all buildings and gardens. Thankfully most of the work was done but the oldest child! The second one was south and east of Riding Mountain. The yard was sprawling, casual, and welcoming. Here the care fell to me. The 110 John Deere had made the move with us and put in hours or work. Here there was a need for the ride on, a walk behind and the trimmer. The soil was sandier and therefore did not grow as profuse a lawn and the time required was less though the area was larger. With more time, I created more f lowerbeds. No regrets!

With retirement came the acreage on the highway east of Neepawa. Oh, my, goodness, what a great deal of lawn care we decided was required. The faithful 8N was put into weekly use, slowly moving the kept area further and further back on all sides of the yard.

Now the care involved the 8N, the ever steady 110, a walk behind and the trimmer! Even with the size of the mower the hours of care increased. And to be fair, we planted trees. Many trees that we watered and weeded for years! Again, no regrets.

This last move, into town, provides me with enough lawn to enjoy caring for. After spending hours every week with regular maintenance on farm and acreage yards, it takes less than forty minutes to mow the front and back yards, with a walk behind! And so I have time to create gardens…no regrets!

There have been changes in education

Our hearts were saddened for the retired teacher who wrote to the Rivers Banner recently to express her outrage concerning “indoctrination” in the school system. She obviously was passionately involved in teaching during her career. We wish things were still the same, but they are not.

For decades teachers looked at teaching as a vocation; either you were “called” to teach or you weren't and you knew it. A classical education of high standards in mathematics, language, history and science was expected by both parents and school boards. The school boards sought to deliver that with its curriculum and by testing to standards.

Things have changed, yet we would still say that most teachers aspire to deliver the best education that they can to their students for whom they truly care.

But there are others who are social activists and some we are sad to say for whom teaching is just a job.

The changes have come from the top down – government to school board to administrators to teachers to classroom. Historically these changes start in the large cities, move to towns and villages and then to rural areas. Parents often are not consulted.

Just yesterday, June 13th, there were some interest-

ing headlines in our daily conservative newsletters.

Here are a few samples: “BC school district bans parents from 'youth pride dance' for K-12” “Quebec teacher says he's done drag queen story hours since 2016” “Another Ontario teacher cancelled for pushing against critical race theory” This morning, June 14th, on CTV Winnipeg News, the following banner “MB teachers get guidelines on using inclusive language.”

Not just social justice issues are contributing to a less than classical education. The philosophy of teaching the basics of reading and mathematics has changed as well.

In Montreal in the 1970's. Ron and I attended a workshop about Language Arts and were shocked to learn that the Protestant School Board of Montreal had imported an expert in “whole language” from the US to share with us a new method of learning how to read. Without any input from hundreds of Montreal teachers this new method became the standard of teaching English. This was of grave concern

Letter to the editor

Observation

By Addy Oberlin Rivers Banner

They have reminded me that I now know that I live in Northern Alberta: one day you burn the soles of your feet on the deck (even the dog wants to go back inside. The next day you search to put a sweater on and thunder and lightening covers the sky. Today it is cool and the wind is shaking the trees.

However when I get some news from Manitoba I hear that the weather isn’t any more steady there and they are trying to finish off seeding the fields before it starts to rain.

It is now summertime and we all like to take our families and friends on trips where the weather is warm and the scenery out of this world. Just thinking about it and planning a trip makes us feel happy.

Jesus lived a very busy life on earth and He to needed some time away and rest peacefully on the other side of the lake Luke 8:22.

Jesus tested their faith while they traveled across.

Be ready to get our faith tested. because as whole language came in phonics went out.

Phonics is the foundation upon which recognizing words and developing literacy is based. Learning the sounds and letters that go together allow a student to read more quickly and accurately.

When we came to Manitoba in 1976 phonics was still being taught, but eventually whole language appeared. Then Ron found that math had suffered changes also. Now Manitoba had “New Math”.

Memorizing the times tables went out, calculators came in. Number sense was weakened. As a trustee at our local school board in the first decade of the 2000's Ron learned that “Discovery Math” was the new fad.

You may have heard that Washington state's education system is saying that 2 + 2 doesn't necessarily equal 4 – it could be 5. This past weekend there was a TV program in which we learned that in Minnesota the math program includes new history as well. According to the Minnesota curriculum mathematics was originally developed by people of colour in the middle East and Africa. Then the white man came, stole the principles of arithmetic and used them to oppress the coloured man. So now racism is part of mathematics.

Because we entrust our precious children to public schools we desperately want to believe that they will have our sons and daughters best interests at heart.

If they could they should refuse to teach gender identity, refuse to groom them to “discover” whether they are a different sex or a mixture of many, refuse to show them explicitly sexualized books, refuse to teach equity which is not equality. Equality means providing opportunity for all to succeed not lowering the standards in order to get equitable outcomes.

But it will be hard for parents to lobby for higher standards and a classical education because now the minority speaks louder than the majority.

Ron and Linda Rioux

After All, Guns Don’t Kill People They Just Make it a Whole Lot Easier to Kill Lots and Lots of People.

The Federal government is wanting to increase background requirements and ban more than 1500 models of assault style weapons. They want to ban high capacity magazines and limit long guns to hold only five rounds. They want municipalities to have the ability to ban handguns and to allow immediate removal of guns if an owner is deemed a threat. Oddly enough this legislation seems very logical to me, I can’t understand why people need many rounds of ammunition and assault rifles.

And once again Ken Waddell attempts to minimize the reality of climate change. There was bad weather in the 50s so climate change can’t be real. Kens’ logic is simplistic and not rational. The hottest years EVER recorded in human history have been the last seven years. That wasn’t happening in the 50s. We know we have problems and it is frightening, but instead of hiding our heads in the sand and lying to ourselves and others, let’s be proactive.

We need to take responsibility, each of us.

Sincerely, Mary Lowe

Rivers Community Church 447 Edward Street, Rivers

204-328-7882

Everyone is invited to worship with us each Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

We continue to adhere to current Covid guidelines.

4 Rivers Banner June 17, 2022

Becoming an Outdoors Woman

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation organizes an annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, and the Rivers and Area Game and Fish Association sends up to three members each year. The event is typically a weekend at the end of May or beginning of June, with check-in just before lunch on the Friday and wrapping up shortly after lunch on the Sunday.

This year’s event was held June 10-12 and this reporter was lucky enough to attend. It’s not easy getting in—I had preferential treatment because I registered in 2020, but BOW has been postponed until now.

I patiently waited the two years. Prior to Covid, registration opened about three months in advance and was filled within minutes. No exaggeration, registration opened at 12 p.m. on a day in early March, 2020. I filled out the online form as fast as I could, submitted at 12:05 and got in. Another member from RAGF finished her registration form at 12:10 and got on the waiting list. A third lady from RAGF took until 12:11 and didn’t even get on the waiting list.

There are normally 80 registered participants and 40 instructors/volunteers at BOW, but this year they scaled back to 60 people just because this was the first major in-person event as things start to open back up following the relaxing of Covid restrictions in the province. While there is an

incredible amount of interest in attending, it takes a lot of work to organize and find volunteers to lead the workshops, so having two annual BOW events is not feasible.

The event is subsidized by generous donations from sponsors, including the Manitoba Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund.

BOW takes place at Circle Square Ranch near Austin. The MWF rents out the facility just prior to the summer season, so the event doesn’t overlap with children’s summer camps.

Participants sign up for four workshops covering a wide range of interests.

This year’s options included archery, ATV training, bow hunting, butchering, edible wilds, field dressing, filleting, fly fishing, geocaching, handguns, trapping, tying knots, fishing, muzzleloaders, wildlife photography, natural woman/oils, boating, outdoor cooking, porcupine quilling, rifle, shotgunning, firearms maintenance, smoking fish, hunting big game, survival skills, turkey talk, waterfowl hunting, and wildlife encounter safety training. There was something for everyone in the schedule of activities; besides the workshops, there was a sunrise hike, an outdoor fish fry, crafts, and an evening campfire featuring a live performance by Manitoban country singer Quinton Blair. There was also a live auction, with funds going toward the costs of the BOW program.

Bidding was intense; items included outdoors clothing, equipment, and handmade items, and close to $4,000

was raised.

I participated in the filleting, outdoor cooking, bow hunting, and trapping workshops. I will summarize them as best I can in other future issues of the Banner. That being said, I cannot stress enough the importance of the hands-on aspect of the course. Anyone can read books or watch videos online about how to do these activities, but it’s a whole other kettle of fish to put theory into practice.

Many participants I talked to chose to learn through BOW because having their boyfriend or husband teach them how to hunt would result in a lot of yelling and crying, and they did not want to test their relationship to that degree. No worry of that with the fantastic, patient, and knowledgeable workshop instructors at BOW. Other participants were young adults from Winnipeg wanting to get out of their city slicker bubble, or in their 40’s attending the event as a mother-daughter bonding experience with their teenager. For many, it was their first time leaving their kids or their only chance to have a break from their kids. With Circle Square Ranch staff cooking meals and doing dishes, it was like a vacation! It was an empowering weekend for women of all ages, with many women overcoming their fears, gaining new skills or honing existing ones, and gaining the necessary confidence to make their next outdoor wilderness or hunting experience a success.

Sarah’s Science Corner How can we make a paddle boat?

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner Make and test a model paddle boat and learn about potential and kinetic energy.

This hands-on Let’s Talk Science activity is best suited for Kindergarten to Grade 3 children.

What you need • Styrofoam meat tray or baked goods tray (well washed) • Scissors or utility knife • Elastic band • Duct tape • Permanent markers (optional) • Water • Kitchen sink or bathtub • Paddle boat part templates Safety First! Utility knives are extremely sharp. An adult should be responsible for using this tool. Never leave a child unattended in a bathtub or near any other body of water.

What to do Using scissors or a utility knife, cut the styrofoam tray using the paddle boat part template as a guide.

1. Cut a slit on each side of the paddle boat for the elastic band to be fitted.

2. Loop the elastic band around the paddle end of the boat. The elastic band should easily fit into the slits on the sides of the paddleboat.

3. Place the paddle in between the loop of elastic band.

Using small pieces of duct tape, tape the elastic to the paddle on both sides.

4. Wind the paddle towards you while holding the boat part still. Put some water into the sink or bathtub. Carefully place the boat on the surface of the water and let go of the paddle. What happens to the paddle when you let go? What happens to the boat?

What’s happening?

As you turn the paddle to wind up the elastic, the elastic gains energy. As the elastic unwinds, the energy makes the paddle turn. When this happens, the flat surfaces of the paddle push the water backward, which causes the boat to move forward.

Why does it matter?

Clocks, small motors, and other everyday objects use springs and elastics to provide them with potential energy.

Potential energy is energy that is stored. Stretched or twisted rubber bands and springs can all store elastic potential energy.

That potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy (energy of movement), allowing an object like a paddle boat, to move. Similarly, the spring of a pogo stick can be compressed and released, sending the pogo stick upwards into the air!

Investigate further • Vary the number of turns of the paddle. How does the number of turns affect how far the boat goes?

• Twist the elastic in the opposite direction. Which way does the boat move now?

• Change the size or shape of the paddle. How does the shape effect the movement of the boat?

• Feel free to decorate the boat with marker or some lightweight googly eyes, etc.

Holding a community event?

Contact us to help spread the news about your community event or fundraiser!

RiveRs BanneR

This year’s options included archery, ATV training, bow hunting, butchering, edible wilds, field dressing, filleting, fly fishing, geocaching, handguns, trapping, tying knots, fishing, muzzleloaders, wildlife photography, natural woman/oils, boating, outdoor cooking, porcupine quilling, rifle, shotgunning, firearms maintenance, smoking fish, hunting big game, survival skills, turkey talk, waterfowl hunting, and wildlife encounter safety training.

529 2nd Ave., Rivers, MB 204-328-7494 info@riversbanner.com

June 17, 2022 Rivers Banner 5

Meet the grads Journey begins

JENNA LEYS

NIKKI FREE

NEIL FRASER

TANYA CHUCHMUCH

PAT McKENZIE

BRANDIE YURKIW

ANGIE ESPLEN

BOB DAYMOND

KIT HARRISON

GRACE BIRNIE

ANNE McTAVISH

ERNIE TUCKER

RAY BERTHELETTE

SUTTON-HARRISON REALTY

give me up. Yes she was unwed and unattached.

Dad supported her financially through her pregnancy, life was different .

The phone call changed my adoptive Mom and Dad’s life on a dime! She is a young 24-year-old mother of my two and a half year-old-brother.

She receives the happiest news to become a mom to a little girl. But unprepared and at short notice, at that! She had to rush out to the store and buy everything that she would need for a new baby, because she had given everything away from my brother to her best f r iend. She a nd Dad were not expecting another baby for a while.

So my two dads and two moms played a major role in my life as an infant and as an adult.

The biological parents were w it h me i n t he beginning and then the later years, after I had grown up, sharing new memories. It’s as if God had designed this so. A family of two dads and two moms. The union of two families in one.

The two Dads, years apart, have passed on and my adopted Mom has passed on, as well. Oh, how I miss her. My birth mom lives in another

province. I’m not able to travel and visit her. My heart is happy when I can talk with her on messenger via my sisters and brother. Visiting her has been next to impossible for the last two years.

Every time she talks to me, she says, “I love you, Laurie.” After all this time, I feel the same sentiment as if these words were coming from Mom, who raised me. They breathe life into me.

In summary, you may ask what have I learned through all these experiences, as unique and special as they have been.

To remember that the gift of life is precious and wisdom and thankfulness is priceless.

I am thankful to the c om m it ment of b ot h Dads I called Dad, who loved to me with all of their hearts. They gave me much more than I could ever give them.

As we celebrate our Dad(s), let us remember that many men make the best decisions they can that circumstances allow.

Let’s support the faithfulness of the committed dads today and be thankful for a God who gave us dads.

Forgiveness is a great place to behold.

PETER HARRISON

DEBEE BRICKNER

LYNNE MILLER

JAMIL TAHHAN

KETAN PATEL

KELSEY GERRAND

TED TEMPLE

BONNIE JORDAN

TRACEY MOORE

22063ww0

AUBREY ARELLANO

Name: Layton Veitch Birthday: July 23, 2004 Parent(s) name(s): Ryan and Christa Veitch Sibling(s): Younger sister named Jordyn.

Pet(s): Two dogs; Penny and Jet. Where do you live?

Bradwardine First job: Working on my farm.

Hobbies: Hockey, baseball, farming, and watersports.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? A bit of both, more introverted.

Who do you look up to?

My dad Favourite thing about attending RCI? Seeing my friends.

Favourite food? Steak Favourite song or artist: I Can Still Make Cheyenne by George Straight, Chris Stapleton.

Dream vacation spot: World Juniors.

Favou r it e hol id ay : Christmas When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grew up? A NHL hockey player.

Future plans? Go as far as I can in hockey then become a personal trainer or take over the farm.

Future plans? Attend University of Regina and take Social Work

So began my journey.

Four new brothers, oh my! Aunts, uncles nieces and nephews and my biological dad’s mother– my grandmother. Think of it! It’s all so many new relationships.

What challenges for my husband, and my children, and my family– Mom and Dad and my brother. I had never had a sister before. Now I have four!

Amongst my friends and colleagues at work, I became known as the girl who had two dads and two moms. Always having to clarify who I was talking about.

I celebrated Father’s Day in a very special way.

I sent ea c h Da d a Father’s Day card. And my adoptive Dad, I usually drove to visit with him and Mom. My birth fat her w a s prov i nces away, so that required a f light and trip. I realize there was no distance. I loved them both dearly.

I learned much from both Dads. Moms as well.

I realized that a loving God, my Father in heaven was first. He created me between two people’s love and the love of my mother to carry me, although she knew she would have to

DWAYNE SWINTAK

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert Who do you look up to?

My dad Favourite thing about attending RCI? Hot lunches Favourite food? Steak Favourite song or artist: Tyler Childers Dream vacation spot: Bora Bora Fa v o u r i t e h o l i d a y : Christmas When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor

when you grew up? Vet. Future plans? Currently undecided but looking into going to school for psychiatric nurse.

HARVEY EBNER

Name: Sadie Quane Birthday: January 23, 2004 Parent(s) name(s): Kurtis and Marci Quane Sibling(s): Two brothers; Kaelen (oldest) and Bentley (youngest) Pet(s): A dog named Hank Where do you live? Rivers since 2016 First job: at the Honey House Hobbies: C a mpi n g, spending time with friends family, various water sports.

Continued from page 2

DAVID CASTELLANOS

puzzles.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert.

Who do you look up to?

My parents.

Favourite thing about attending RCI? Fun fridays in gym.

Favourite food? Pasta.

Favourite song or artist: Currently don’t have one.

Dream vacation spot: Greece.

Fa v o u r i t e h o l i d a y : Christmas.

When you were 12, what did you want to be

JEFF TEMPLE

Name: Alissa Janz Birthday: October 8 2004.

Parent(s) name(s): Lisa Janz (Andrew Janz) and D a n i e l Va n D a m m e (Candice Van Damme).

Sibl i n g (s): H ayl i , Gavin,Mackenzie, William, Lexi, Daxton and Khloe I’m the middle child.

Pet(s): Bear (dog) Copper ( dog).

Where do you live?

Rivers since 2008.

First job: Housekeeper.

Hobbies: Rugby and

THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING?

Connect with your local Realtor® 204-571-5900 | SHRADMIN@SUTTON.COM | SOLDBYSUTTON.COM

6 Rivers Banner June 17, 2022

Secret Recipes from Rivers Mammas and Grannies

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner In this week’s “recipes with a story” column, our featured recipe comes from Sandra Rintoul, who taught the outdoor cooking workshop with Michelle Assailly at the Becoming an Outdoors Woman event near Austin June 10-12, organized by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. I was lucky enough to be a participant in the workshop and got to eat all sorts of game meat in one-pot meals cooked on a propane camping cook stove or over the coals.

Our group didn’t have time to cook this recipe, which uses venison (although you could easily substitute ground beef ), but Sandra was kind enough to provide everyone with a printed handout so we could all try it at home. Sandra lives in Win-

nipeg, but we won’t hold that against her. Since she taught it to me, it’s now a “Rivers Recipe”. If you have a recipe (and a story) you would like to be featured, please email me at sarah.plosker@gmail.com Curried Venison 1 lb ground venison, or cubed ½ lb ground pork 3 Tbsp oil; vegetable, olive, canola, grapeseed 2 tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 2 apples (g ranny smith), peeled, cored, minced 1 Tbsp curry powder 1 tsp ginger, fresh or ground 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce ¼ tsp tabasco sauce, or cr ushed red pepper f la kes (optional)

2 cups stock, chicken or beef 2 Tbsp f lour or 1 Tbsp corn starch 2 Tbsp water ½ Cup dairy: evaporated milk, yogurt, coconut milk, almond milk, dairy-free sour cream 1 large egg yolk, well-beaten (optional) Fry venison in 2 Tbsp oil, season with salt, pepper, and garlic (add in the last minute or two if using fresh garlic).

Set aside, covered to stay warm. In same frying pan, cook onion, celery, and apple with 1 Tbsp oil. Cook until the onion is translucent and lightly browned. Stir in curry powder, ginger, Worcestershire, tabasco or peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes.

Add broth and simmer for 1520 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Wisk together f lour/corn

Curried venison tastes even better cooked over an open fire.

starch and water and add to the broth. Cook on low for approx.

15 minutes until thickened. Add the warm meat back into the curried veg sauce. Whisk egg yok into dairy (or omit the egg

yolk) and stir into the curried mixture. Heat, stirring, just to the simmering point, but do not boil. Serve the curried venison over hot rice, preferably rice cooked in coconut milk. Yum!

Business Directory PROS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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



Serving Rivers and area since 1906.

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

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

•

Residential & Commercial

•

Repair & Maintenance

•

HVAC Installations

•

Septic Truck Services

•

Licensed Gas Fitting

•

Duct Cleaning

•

24 hr Emergency Service

•

Backhoe & Skidsteer Services

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

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

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

“Building for all your farm needs!”

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

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

Stewart Endeavors

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

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

This space is available To you sTarTing as low as $24.50 per week call 204-328-7494 or email info@riversbanner.com

June 17, 2022 Rivers Banner 7

RIVERS

BANNER

PLACE YOUR AD BY:

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

Help Wanted

For Sale or Rent

TENDER Rivers Curling Club Seasonal Caretaker/Icemaker

LIFE SUITES FOR RENT

Only Tenders received on or before Thursday, June 30th, 2022 will be accepted.

Lowest or any tender may not be accepted at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

A complete job description is available by contacting Dennis Veitch at dmveitch@goinet.ca or by phoning 204-328-7133.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Pembina Manitou Place Located in Manitou

FOODS Meat Cutters/Production Personnel

• Affordable 55+ Life Lease Suites • 1 & 2 Bedroom suites available NOW • Equity Deposit Required • Rent includes Hydro, Water & Indoor Parking • Town has many amenities

Our people, perseverance, integrity, and exceptional partnerships have led HyLife to becoming Canada’s leading pork producer and global exporter of high quality pork products. The growing demand for our pork in Japan and China means we need exceptional people to help deliver our company vision. We have expanded our Neepawa facility to increase our overall production by 15% and in turn created new jobs throughout the company.

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 slaughter production floor to shipping the final packaged product, with everything in between! With our wide variety of jobs, excellent people, and our drive for innovation you will certainly find a job that suits you!

Contact Rick

204.208.4000

ricklussier@gmail.com

For Sale

Announcement

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING! 50,000 BATTERIES IN STOCK *Auto *Farm *Marine *Construction *ATV *Motorcycle *Golf Carts *Rechargeables *Tools *Phones *Computers *Solar Systems & design * Everything Else!

THE BATTERY MAN 1390 St. James St. Winnipeg

Events

Current starting wage is $15.15/hour plus $1.00 per hour perfect attendance incentive!

Wage scale extends to $22.10 per hour

www.batteryman.ca

• Full Repair & Safeties • Vehicle Parts, Tires & Wheels • Trailer Parts & Batteries • Sales, Financing, Leasing & Rentals EBY Aluminum: • Gooseneck and Bumper Pull Cattle & Equipment Trailers • Truck & Service Bodies • Generation Grain Trailers

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 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

TF 1-877-775-8271

Trucks, Trailers, Truckbeds & Tires

Minimum charge: $5+GST Extra insertions: 1/2 original price

Classifieds MUST be PREPAID Visa/Mastercard accepted

CLASSIFIEDS

Rivers Curling Club will be accepting tenders for a Seasonal Caretaker/Icemaker for the 2022-2023 curling Season.

Tenders must be signed, and returned in a sealed envelope marked “TENDER” to: Rivers Curling Club Box 85 Rivers, Manitoba R0K 1X0

DEADLINE: TUESDAY AT NOON

We believe that our success is founded on the strength of our team.

As such, we place a great deal of emphasis on attracting, developing and retaining good people, and consider every one of our employees to be a highly-valued member of the HyLife family. To that end, we are committed to providing a working environment that not only fosters personal growth, but also recognizes our employees’ contributions towards the common goal of our company’s success because of this HyLife has been recognized as a Platinum Member of Canada’s Best-Managed Companies.

WALK for Scleroderma Manitoba St. Vital Park June 26 or Virtually June 1-29 during

KALDECK TRUCK & TRAILER INC.

Scleroderma Awareness Month

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.

1-888-685-3127

Walk Registration or Donation Information at:

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

Hwy #1, MacGregor, MB

www.kaldecktrailers.com

sclerodermamanitoba.com

204 510-2855

Auctions Meyers Online Farm Auction

for Dave & Bev Zaroski Portage, MB Closes June 19, 2022

Case 1085B Excavator; Allis Chalmers Crawler; 2007 Ford F150 XLT; 4x4; SAFTIED; New Holland Haybine 499; TRACTORS: Case 930; IHC 706; Ford 5000; Case 730case O matic; 2) 565A Hesston balers; Bale Pro 7000; MF Tandem Disc; NH 851 Baler; Hollander 3PTH Planter; New Holland Haybine 495; 3PTH Montana Backhoe.

Bradley Meyers Auctioneer 204-476-6262

www.meyersauctions.com

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 theAssociation’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? Having a Spring/Summer 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.

INTERNET ADVERTISING NOT GETTING RESULTS? Advertise in the 32 Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers to get your messaging out now and be seen all over the province! Hiring? Selling something? Have an on-line store? Let people know in the Blanket Classifieds! Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW or

call MCNA at (204) 947-1691 for more details or to book ads.

MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www. mcna.com EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES / HELP WANTED Federated Co-operatives Limited. Class 1A & 3A Propane Drivers Wanted: Winnipeg, Brandon & Carman. Apply at www.fcl.crs FINANCE Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered.

No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-

1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca 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 FEED & SEED CERTIFIED SEED: Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. Also, Wheat, Oats & Barley. Contact Mastin Seeds at 403-556-2609. mastinseeds.com

Obituary BRIAN ROBINS ROBINS: Brian Leslie Robins, passed away with his family at his side after a brief illness on February 18, 2022 in Brandon, Manitoba. Brian was born on January 24, 1940 in Rivers, Manitoba to Douglas and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Robins.

Brian was raised on the family farm near Rivers that was originally homesteaded in 1891 by his grandparents Clement and Ada. He was very proud that his grandson now owns and farms the land. Dad and his siblings told many a story of a very outdoors life growing up on the farm, starting at a very early age helping to look after the livestock and with haying and cropping. Many a day was also spent on horseback exploring the local countryside, sometimes hunting or fishing for the next meal. Dad often spoke of one of his most vivid memories, riding in a horse and sleigh coming home from school across snowy fields in 1951 when they came to an abrupt stop and the driver started yelling “the lights are on, the lights are on” as they came over the crest of a hill. Access to electricity made such a profound difference to their lives and Dad was quite pleased when, decades later, the original pole, yard light and electrical connections from the farm shop were collected by Manitoba Hydro to be used in a historical display.

Sports were also a big part of Brian’s life, beyond those played as a youth. While never having golfed himself he spent close to 30 years as a greens keeper, almost all of it at the Riverdale Golf and Country Club. It was curling, though, that was by far the sport that captured his heart, in more ways than one. Quite an accomplished curler in his day it was also at the Rivers Curling Rink where Brian met the love of his life, Arlene Johnson, a teacher new to town in 1962. They married in Rivers on July 25, 1964. Brian eventually turned his curling interests into ice-making and spent over 3 decades honing his skills and passing that knowledge onto those he mentored.

Dad also helped out at several big events in Brandon and Rivers but the pinnacle of his career came in 2009 when he was incredibly honoured to be part of the Ice Crew at the 2009 Women’s World Championships in South Korea. While Brian took tremendous pride in providing good ice and greens he will also be remembered for his smiling face and truly enjoying a visit with anyone in the rink or on the course as he went about his work. It means a great deal to his family that Dad will be remembered and missed.

Brian attended school at Rivers Elementary and High Schools and began working out and farming upon graduation.

Farming was always a family affair for Brian, first with his parents and siblings, then with his own family. As Brian and Arlene raised their children much time was spent getting together with friends and relatives, attending school, 4-H and sporting events, and working together on the farm. Dad never missed a chance to keep up with farm duties like haying and working cattle, even helping his grandson with winter chores right up to the day before his stroke and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Brian was very proud to have been a Pedigreed Seed grower and Purebred Red Angus producer, as well as being the first farm in Manitoba to raise Miniature Horses, buying their first mare in the 1970’s and selling offspring from the herd from coast to coast in Canada. In his “retirement” years Dad was also well known for raising pheasants, partridge and wild turkeys, including building his own hatchery and several shelters for the multitude of birds that he sold or released.

Brian leaves behind his wife Arlene (nee Johnson) Robins, children Clayton (Rebecca) Robins, Kim BrownLivingston, and Kyle (Maya) Robins. Nothing brought a smile to Dad’s face like talking about his beloved grandchildren and their accomplishments. Brian (Papa) was a very devoted grandfather and great-grandfather to Robyn (David) Reimer and their children Landon and Blake, Sarah Brown, Quinn (Jessica Schwartz) Robins, Zane (Bailey Caruk), Emma and Kieran Livingston, and Noah, Hannah, Joshua, and Benjamin Robins. Brian is survived by his siblings Betty (D. Jack) Antoniak, Keith (Marlene) Robins, and Sharon (Ron) Basaraba. Brian is also survived by his in-laws Al Chalmers, Elma (Charlie) Cheyne, Leonard Johnson, Melvin and Angela Johnson, Barb (Cliff) Johnson, and Donald and Fran Johnson.

He was predeceased by his parents Doug and Lizzie, sister Rita (Al) Chalmers, granddaughter Joy Robins and in-laws Jack Antoniak, Laurence and Edie Johnson, Charlie Cheyne, Cliff Johnson and Margaret (Leonard) Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Brian at the Riverview Curling Club on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 1:00 p.m.

– 4:00 p.m. Although this will be a come-and-go event a brief ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. Brian’s family ask that all those who attend please consider and respect Covid precautions.

Honourary pallbearers are Keith Robins, Al Chalmers, Ron Basaraba, Leonard Johnson, Melvin Johnson, Don Johnson and Doug Johannson.

Donations in Brian’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2T5.

Messages of condolence may be placed at www. brockiedonovan.com.

Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral & Cremation Services, Brandon, MB, (204) 727-0694.

8 Rivers Banner June 17, 2022

Big Winners at Bowling Firefighters ace test

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

Wray and Carry Douglas of Rivers, together with teammates Alan and Debbie Tarn and Randy Calen from Minnedosa, won third place in the Manitoba 55+ Games held in Selkirk June 7-9 in five-pin team bowling. Their team, 2 Pin Standing, represented Westman in these provincewide games. First place went to the Odd Balls of the Interlake region, and second place went to Split Happens of Winnipeg. The top three teams received ribbons.

Carry explained that the competition was “pins over average”. What this means is that they take your average score over the bowling season, which runs Sept. to April, and then you get points at the event only for the pins that take you above your season average.

In a way, you’re competing against yourself, trying to show improvement. “You have to bring your A game” Carrie stated. Every bowling alley is different, so the alleys they were playing on at the Games were slightly different than what they were used to playing on when they were practicing.

Congratulations to our local firefighters who successfully passed their firefighter level 1 practical exam on June 12. Members of the Rivers, Whitehead, and Oak River fire departments have been working hard since January, and it was put to test on the weekend. Five months of hard work and determination has payed off.

The exam takes place at the Manitoba Emergency Service College practical training site, located at the airport in Brandon.

The exam is a scenariobased exam: firefighters don their turnout gear and self-contained breathing

Back left to right: Randy and Alan. Front left to right: Wray, Carry, and Debbie.

She mentioned humbly that they didn’t think they were doing that well until the scores were read. There were two full days of bowling, with 10 teams playing every day.

The team practiced every week for about a month before the Games, to keep their bowling arms in good shape. The Douglas’ have bowled for the past 20 years.

They’ve played with Debbie and Alan in the last three seasons. The Douglas’ are originally from Thomson, MB but have lived in Rivers for just over 20 years.

The 55+ Games competition has been held annually since 1983, first organized by the Manitoba

Society of Seniors then by Active Aging in Manitoba (formerly Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba) since 2012.

The event features over 25 events including all sorts of sports as well as card games and scrabble. More than 1,000 athletes participate, and 300 people volunteer at the event. The Games are described as the largest 55+ annual multi-sport event in Manitoba, breaking the common stereotype that seniors don’t stay active into their 60s, 70s and 80s and beyond. Congratulations to Wray and Carry and to the entire team for their great job in placing third in all of Manitoba.

Diamond notes

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

It seems like in a blink of an eye the Minor Baseball season has come and gone. Our local teams have battled not only the other teams in the Midwest league but the weather, between the bitter cold and rain throughout the spring. The regional championships for 11U, 13U, and 15U will take place in Hamiota June 2426. These regional championships will help determine who will advance to the Provincial A and AA championships later in July.

Our 15U players are playing on the Hamiota team this year, and remain undefeated in league play as the regular season draws to a close. Regardless of their results in the Regionals they will be playing the Provincial AA championships that Hamiota is hosting July 15-17—gotta love hosting-team advantage,

not that they need it (knock on wood!)

Rivers is lucky to have their own teams below the 15U age bracket. Dana McNish, Ryan Lamb, and John Hutton have led the 13U team to a 6-1-2 record overall this season heading into this week, including a 4-1-2 record in league play which translates to second place in Midwest, with a pair of games against first-place Russell scheduled for this coming week. Their last home game of the regular season will be Thurs. night at 6:30 p.m. on Viterra Field against Russell (all diamonds are on the east side of Rivers).

Aaron Tycoles, Chris Bridges, and Jay Woloski have led the 11U team to a fantastic 7-1 record, including 5-1 in the league which translates to first place. They will play their last two home regular-season games of the season Thurs. and Fri. nights on Tempo Field.

There are so many kids in Rivers in the 9U bracket that we have two teams this year, with Trevor Peters and Chris Anderson coaching one team and Carson Smith and Cam Anderson coaching another. Aaron Tycoles, Lorrie Oakden, Ashley Wood, and Derek Elliott are helping to teach the game in Rally Cap for younger kids who aren’t quite old enough for 9U. In total there are 78 kids registered with Rivers Minor Ball this year and it has kept the diamonds very busy most weeks.

Four Rivers Minor players are also part of the Midwest 13U AAA team: David Waldner, Nathan Hillis, John Hutton, and Dunc McLean. The team is off to a slow start in the league with a 2-7 record as they work towards the Provincial Qualifying Tournament in Niverville in late July. This qualifier will determine whether the team

apparatus (SCBA) while under a 3-minute time limit. They then receive a fire dispatch for a random scenario. It could be an interior structure fire attack, vehicle fire, firefighter down, entering a building off a ladder with a charged or uncharged hose, search and rescue, performing a mayday (firefighters in trouble); they need to be able to successfully navigate whatever situation they’re presented with. All while using proper radio language and the phonetic alphabet.

They’re also tested on some minor soft skills like rolling hose, extinguishing a pan fire, coupling and uncoupling hose, and inspections on any of the equipment the firefighters carry. It’s as

real as it gets in a controlled environment.

“Their time, commitment, ded icat ion, and energy are very much appreciated.” Richard Brown, the chief of the Rivers Fire Department, says of these f ine folks following the exam. The course ran from Jan. 20 to June 9, 2022, either once or twice a week.

“These firefighters have put in so much of their time and energy, all to be the best when the call of duty comes. They get paid very little for training; they put their lives on the line for the community.” Banner staff wish to congratulate these firefighters on their achievement and thank them for their service.

PHOTOS BY THE RIVERS/DALY FIRE DEPARTMENT

Above: Richard Brown (ins truc tor), Mitchell Poole (Whitehead Fire), Justin Black (Oak River Fire), Nathan Lenting (Rivers Fire), Trevor Pod (Whitehead Fire), Tyler Pod (Rivers Fire), Greg Black (Oak River Fire), and Troy Nielsen (Rivers Fire). Missing is Kevin Waldner (Rivers Fire).

Right: the four from Rivers who took the course, and were all successful. Left to right: Kevin Waldner, Tyler Pod, Troy Nielsen, Nathan Lenting.

will be in Tier 1 or Tier 2 Provincials in Altona on the August long weekend. Aaron Tycoles serves as the Manager and Head Coach of the team with Ryan Lamb and Scott Beever both of Rivers serving as Assistant Coaches. Ty Paddock of Oak River is an Apprentice Coach for the year.

On the big diamond, the Comets are off to a slow start with a record of 0-3. The Comets are the Rivers Senior team—guys 16+. A couple of 1-run losses could have def-

initely turned their way if the bats had not been as cold as the weather (for non-baseball folk, losing by a single run is a very close game!) The next home game for the Comets will be Sun. June 19 when the perennial powerhouse Boissevain Centennials come to Nutrien Field for a 6 p.m. first pitch.

The Comets will once again be hosting the Senior AA Provincials Aug. 5-7 at Nutrien Field and Viterra Field. Be sure to follow the

Comets and the Rivers Baseball Association on Facebook for volunteer schedules and other fundraising information. For more information on volunteering, contact Kenzie McNish at 204-573-4824 for concessions, gate workers, and scoreboard shifts; Tyler Gill at 204-761-7877 for beer gardens or groundscrew shifts; Scott Peters at 204-365-0309 for transportation shits; or Jocelyn Beever for scorekeeping/ announcer shifts at 204-7200365.