Submitted by: David Ogram A Breathe–Free 5-Day Stop Smoking Program will be held in the Basement Meeting Room of the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church in the next few weeks. This very successful Program combines video presentations, group support, a personal plan booklet and educational information to help participants to break the smoking habit once [...]

The Swan River Dolyna Dancers held their second annual Malanka Concert January 13, 2020 at the SVRSS Cafeteria. Each dance group performed a dance in front a full audience of family and friends. The Sadochuk, Beginner and Junior groups started the evening off with each group dancing a Poltava. This was followed by an intermission [...]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Friday, December 20th, 2019 in the R.M. of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, Manitoba. Members Present: Reeve: Robert Hanson Councillors: Wilmer Malcolm, Stephen Nadolney Nestor Rizok, Connie Forbes, Arnie Pedersen and Brad Wyatt. CAO Paige Larocque was present and acted [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Approximately 40 people attended the Provincial Pre-Budget Consultations held in Swan River on the afternoon of January 14, 2020. Minister Scott Fielding began with a presentation of the budget priorities for 2020, focusing on five areas committed to in the 2019 Provincial Election including: – reducing taxes, – $2 billion in healthcare [...]

Submitted by: Lynn Roberts Branconnier | Swan River Ladies Curling Club “Disney on the Ice” 92nd Annual Bonspiel March 20, 21 and 22, 2020 CASHSPIEL – 4 EVENTS Cost: $160 per Rink Banquet & Entertainment Saturday Evening Best Team Costume Prizes Blind Calcutta – $20 per team Entry Deadline: March 18, 2020 To enter contact: [...]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | The community was treated to a delicious Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper at Y Not Johnny’s on January 6, 2020. Many traditional dishes were featured. All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church is grateful to Y Not Johnny’s for his generous support of our parish’s fundraising event. Also thank you everyone who were [...]

Regular Meeting of the members of the Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, held in the Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 17th day of December, 2019 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve: W. Pacamaniuk Councillors: G. Bartel, S. Walmsley, C. Densen, W. Kolisnyk and D. Wagner CAO: Patti Simpson Absent with Notice: Councillors: L. [...]

Submited by: Violet Plett | Kene & Milly Concerts January 20-23, 2020 Barrows Swan River Birch River Sapotaweyak Come out and enjoy an evening of great Gospel music. Kene and Milly have traveled extensively throughout Canada and the US. for many years. They have sung in various places is the valley before, including the Barrows [...]

Submitted by Anna Fullerton and Billie Werenich | Once again we are very grateful for Swan Valley residents who helped in any way to present the 5th annual ALONE AT CHRISTMAS supper at the Elks Hall on December 25, 2019. For all the volunteering of cash, time, driving or food donations we are truly appreciative. [...]

Submitted by: St. Andrews United Church 9th Anniversary St. Andrew’s United Church Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment February 1, 2020 Veterans Hall 5:00 pm Wine Bar 6:00 pm Dinner Catered by: Julie Nahnybida Tickets $35.00 each Tickets available from: Eleanor Proppe 204-734-5645 Nancy Jones 204-734-2507

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 in the R.M. of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, Manitoba. Members Present: Reeve: Robert Hanson Councillors: Nestor Rizok, Connie Forbes, Arnie Pedersen and Brad Wyatt. Councillors Malcolm and Nadolney were absent with notice. CAO Paige Larocque [...]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Community Foundation of Swan Valley held their Fall Granting Night & AGM on Thursday December 5, 2019. A total of 12 Community Grants were awarded, followed by presentation of Donor Advised Funds, Designated Funds and Field of Interest Funds. Chairperson Lorne Henklemen opened the evening with a [...]

Submitted by: Keith Behrmann | Pictured above (from left to right) are Bowsman and District Lions members; Lion Lynn Cook, Lion Don Mullin, Lion Ken Darbyshire, Lion Bruce Currie, and Lion Ken Sutherland who were recently recognized for 35 years of service. Other members achieving this milestone were Lion Wayne Hanke, Lion Barry Stephen, Lion [...]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | On December 23, 2019, a candle lighting ceremony took place at the Birchwood Cemetery. Memorial candles were lit in memory of loved ones to casting their glow of remembrance over Christmas.

Regular Meeting of the members of the Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, held in the Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 3rd day of December, 2019 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve: W. Pacamaniuk Councillors: G. Bartel, L. Hutman, C. Densen, D. Wagner CAO: Patti Simpson Absent with Notice: Councillors: S. Walmsley & W. [...]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Three new members and two returning members have been appointed to the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF) Committee’s Fish Enhancement Subcommittee (FES) and Wildlife Enhancement Subcommittee (WES). Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen made the announcement December 11, 2019. “The subcommittees of the FWEF provide critical input [...]

Submitted by: Crystal Duchesne | The Christmas season is a time for goodwill. Thanks to generous donations from the community, the Christmas Cheer Board was able to provide 40 Christmas Hampers to less fortunate families in the Swan River Valley. Pictured above: Riverdale School packaging hampers. Pictured above: Volunteers sorting the turkeys and hams.

Submitted by: Sandra Yaknovich | Our first year of Christmas tree and Gingerbread House display was held on December 14 – 21, 2019. We had a successful turnout of 16 Gingerbread Houses and 6 Christmas Trees and the event was well attended.

“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal and that every path may lead to peace.” —Agnes M. Pharo From all of us at ValleyBiz, we wish you a Christmas filled [...]

Pictured above: Red Apple collects toys to fill Santa’s sleigh. Submitted by: Lorri-Ann Munro | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community for their generous donations to the Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. Once again, this year the SVCTC Toys 4 U Toy Drive were [...]

Submitted by: Kathleen Sterma The library saw some wonderfully unusual trees and wreaths entered in the Festival of Trees this year. We had a total of 16 trees and 10 wreaths on display from December 3-7, 2019. By peoples choice the winner of the tree competition was SVRSS Environmental Management, and the winner of the [...]

Submitted by: Christine Klimuk | Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers Malanka Concert Monday January 13, 2020 7:00pm SVRSS Cafeteria Come out and enjoy an evening of dancing and treats. We will be making our $,1000 draw at the concert. Silver collection at the door.

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding and Councillors Friesen, Moriaux, Wintoniw, Gray, and Delaurier present. Absent with notice: Councillor Whyte Also Present: Staff – CAO C. Croll, PW Director D. Poole Media – Star and [...]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | Ukrainian Christmas Eve at Y Not Johnnys Mon. January 6, 2020 Supporting the All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church $30 per person $10 from each meal donated to the Parish Kolach Bread for sale (all proceeds to the Parish) A traditional meatless Christmas Dinner featuring all your favorites. Kutia, borsch, cabbage [...]

Submitted by: Catherine Wenstob | On the evening of December 8, 2019 the Swan River NDP held their annual Christmas supper. The Swan Valley museum has been our location for a number of years. This year it was even more festive with the addition of Christmas light on historic buildings in this beautiful setting. The [...]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | Memorial Candle Lighting Birchwood Cemetery December 23, 2019 5:00 pm Remember a loved one with a candle. Register for candles at: Buds N Blossoms $10.00 per candle

Pictured above: Valley Stage Players (VSP) Vice-President, Denis Beaudoin; Swan Valley Curling Club President Gary Slack; VSP President Lloyd Gilchrist, VSP Secretary, Kimberley Kowles ValleyBiz Story | On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, the Valley Stage Players presented a cheque in the amount of $7,854.25 to the Swan River Curling Club. The cheque represents the proceeds [...]

Submitted by: Anna Fullerton | 5th Annual Alone at Christmas Supper Elks Hall December 25, 2019 Come at 4 pm Supper at 5pm Call if you need a ride. We welcome donations of help, food or cash. Drivers needed. To reserve, call: Anna Fullerton: 204-734-5274 or Billie Werenich: 204-734-5591

Pictured above: Nigeria was represented by the Ojo and Omosebi families Submitted by: Donna Leming | A multicultural Christmas program was held at the Seventh-day Adventist church on Saturday December 7, 2019. Each group sang a Christmas Carol and shared how they celebrated the birth of Jesus and traditions in their country. Czech Republic was [...]

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church The Minitonas Knox United Church presented their annual Ladies Christmas Program on December 2, 2019. The program is held early in early December each year and, for many in the community, marks the start of the Christmas season. This year’s program told the Christmas story from the viewpoint of [...]

Submitted by: Candace Balbo | Over 750 people braved the cold to enjoy the Mistletoe Magic event at the Swan Valley Historical Museum on Saturday December 7, 2019. And a magical night it was with the return of a long time Valley favorite in the Kern Christmas display – refurbished and installed on the Museum [...]

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the December 9, 2019 Submitted by: Jon Zilkey, Superintendent/CEO 1. The CEO reported to the Board about the Kinsmen Project to provide funding in the amount of approximately $20,000 for extra food and food services for our seven schools. The Kinsmen will be coming on January 15th to [...]

Submitted by: Malcolm Shaw | Saturday, December 7, 2019 was Santa Day at the Swan River Elks Hall. People stopped by sit with Santa and have some treats. Thanks to all that donated to the Elks Fund for Children.

Submitted by: Bev Leach | There was much chatter and laughter in St. James Anglican Church on December 7, 2019 as many local residents enjoyed the annual St. James Christmas Tea and Bake Sale. Pictured above: Diane Sylvester and Marilyn Staples were managing the bake sale table as the guests began to arrive for tea. [...]

Submitted by: Sandra Yaknovich Benito Library Gingerbread House and Christmas Tree Display December 14-21, 2019 Benito Library During Regular Hours Coffee and Dainties will be served.

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | December 6th, 2019, the Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary (SRVHA) had another successful annual Christmas Bake sale, Grocery Hamper raffle and Novelty table. There was a wonderful attendance and it wasn’t long before all the baking was gone. The day brought in $765.00. The grocery hamper was won by Shirley [...]

Submitted by Jayne Leadbeater | At the SVRSS Cafeteria, last Wednesday, 4 December 2019 over 70 people enjoyed a musical evening presented by Swan Valley Community Band who were performing their 26th Christmas Concert, “FLURRIES OF THE SEASON!” Lots of familiar faces were in attendance, with a few from as a far away as Edmonton [...]

Submitted by: Kendra Thiessen | Taking place on Sunday, December 1, 2019 Madge Lake Bible Camp’s Christmas Musical and Dessert Theater was a wonderful evening. This year’s performance included live music, delectable desserts and a guest performer from the Swan Valley, Tim Mueller on dobro, mandolin and guitar. A big thank-you to all who attended [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 22nd day of October, 2019 at 7:04 pm. Present: Reeve: William Galloway Councillors: Carrie Blosha Glen Foster Bill Gade Matt Wills Tyler Kushniryk Darryl Pierrepont Interim-Acting CAO: Cheryle Zbirun [...]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 in the R.M. of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, Manitoba. Members Present: Reeve: Robert Hanson Councillors: Wilmer Malcolm, Stephen Nadolney, Nestor Rizok, Connie Forbes and Brad Wyatt. Councillor Pedersen was absent with notice. CAO Paige Larocque [...]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 19th, 2019 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding and Councillors Delaurier, Friesen, Moriaux, Wintoniw, Gray and Whyte present. Also Present: Staff – CAO C. Croll Media – Star and Times Reporter J. Bergen 1. Call meeting to [...]

Regular Meeting of the members of the Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, held in the Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 19th day of November, 2019 A.D. at 7:05 p.m. Present: Reeve: W. Pacamaniuk Councillors: G. Bartel, S. Walmsley, L. Hutman, C. Densen, D. Wagner, W. Kolisnyk, CAO: Patti Simpson Delegations: 6.1 Les Emerson [...]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 5th 2019 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding and Councillors Friesen, Moriaux, Wintoniw, Gray and Whyte present. Councillor Delaurier attended by phone. Also Present: Staff – CAO C. Croll, PW Superintendent D. Poole, CFO T. Gnida Deanna [...]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chamber at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 8th day of October, 2019 at 7:02 p.m. Present Reeve: William Galloway Councillors: Carrie Blosha Bill Gade Matt Wills Darryl Pierrepont Tyler Kushniryk Interim-Acting CAO: Cheryle [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival held their 56th Annual Carol Festival at Temple Baptist Church on December 1, 2019. Various groups and individuals raised their voices and instruments in song in celebration of the season. The afternoon featured performances from Highly Strung Ukulele Group, Girls Christmas Choir, Terri Boyd & Jason [...]

Submitted by: Kathleen Sterma | North-West Regional Library Swan River Festival of Trees December 3-7, 2019 ‘Stop By” Complimentary refreshments. Vote for you favorite Christmas Trees and Christmas Wreaths Favorites decided by People’s Choice email@swanriverlibrary.ca 204-734-3880

Submitted by: Karen Gade | The Benito Rec. Centre was buzzing on Saturday, Nov. 30 when the Benito United Church hosted their 18th annual Craft and Trade event. The mild weather contributed to the great turnout. 42 tables of crafters and home based businesses gave those attending a large variety of shopping choices. Pictured above: [...]

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk | The Swan Valley Tigers game on Sunday December 1, 2019 vs REMP ended with Tigers winning 8-2. The team collected food and toys for the local food bank, collecting a total of 136.9 pounds of food! (Not including the toys). The food bank was very grateful for the donation! Thank [...]

Submitted by: Judy Biech | Lenswood Hall was filled December 1, 2019 with a big crowd of hungry kids, parents, grand parents and great grandparents attending the Lenswood Santa Brunch to kick off the Christmas season. Our 3 cooks were busy cooking all morning and did a great job on the pancakes and sausages. The [...]

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the November 25, 2019 Submitted by: Jon Zilkey, Superintendent/CEO 1. Principal Jacquie Mydynski-Arp and Guidance Counselor Jennifer Simpson presented to the Board on the Career Exploration work and transitions that SVRSS does with all of its students. Very informative report that led to a good discussion about potential [...]