Submitted Story | Sunday December 9th, 2018 ”Christmas Afternoon” at the Harley House was the scene of a crowded room of happy faces. This log house was a wonderful setting for a musical afternoon. Visitors gathered to hear the “Highly Strung” ukulele group perform a variety of Christmas tunes. The ukulele players have been taking [...]

Pictured above: SVRSS Senior Jazz Combo: Nick Baskier, Olivia Chmelowski, Jessica Kovachik, Aurora Rusk, Emma Stevens, Jillian Thelander, Justyna Vandepoele Submitted by: 2019 SVRSS Band Trip Fundraising Committee The Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS) presented their annual Christmas Concert, Suites & Treats, on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 under the direction of Glenda Turton. The [...]

Submitted by: Shannon McCarthy | Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL) hosted their annual Paw Prints holiday photoshoot for pets. It was attended by dozens of adorable pets and was hosted at Formo Motors who generously donated their space and time. Pets of all kinds came out to be given the star treatment; many dogs, [...]

Submitted by: Shannon Cameron Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) ran another fantastic Triple P program on November 3rd and 17th, 2018. Families from the Valley had the opportunity to get together for the two Saturday sessions at École Swan River South School to share their experiences of raising children from newborn to approximately ten [...]

Submitted by: Swan River NDP Constituency The annual Swan River NDP Constituency Christmas Supper was held at the Swan Valley Museum on Sunday, December 9, 2018. Socializing began at 5:00 p.m. with attendees being welcomed by Dennis Lischynski playing his guitar as he performed some favourite Christmas carols. The evening continued with a scrumptious ham [...]

Submitted by: Becky Schullman | Birch River Turkey Bingo was the place to be this past Friday evening (December 7, 2018). The tables were packed with people of all ages playing their 25 cent bingo cards to help support the Birch River Swimming Pool It was amazing to see the community come together for a [...]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their AGM and Fall Granting Night on December 6, 2018. “Philanthropy has been defined as the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially as the donation of money to good causes.” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. The Fall Grant recipients certainly [...]

Submitted by: Kathleen Sterma, Head Librarian The North-West Regional Library Swan River was dressed for the Christmas Season at the Festival of Trees on December 4th to the 8th, 2018. It was a very festive atmosphere with Decorated trees, Wreaths, Christmas music,cookies, and hot apple cider. Twelve trees were decorated in different themes with Community [...]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday December 7, 2018 the Swan Valley Stampeders presented a cheque in the amount of $670.50 to the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation to be used for Cancer Care. The funds were raised by donations collected and the proceeds from the 50/50 tickets sales at a recent Stampeders game.

Pictured above: Sitting L-R: Bev Leach, Linda Mcrae, Donna Jorundson, Christina Danyluk, Karen Kosolowsky Standing 1st row: Brenda Hunt, Julie Kooistra, Glenda Horochuk, Jayne Leadbeater, Lorraine Malcolm, Kim Kosokowky, Leigh Hunt Standing 2nd : Cheryl Dahl, Stephanie Jersak, Phyl Friesen, Maureen Bowles, David Gnida, Cindy Bobick, Rick Houle, Jessica Kovacik, Brian Dormer Standing with Tuba: [...]

Submitted by: Lesley Sembaluk | The Christmas Coffee House that was put on by the Minitonas Metis Local on December 8, 2018 was a fun and entertaining evening. There was about 100 people in attendance, with performances from musicians and singers from all around the Swan Valley and beyond. Our youngest performer on the stage [...]

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorne | Pictured above is our Chase The Ace winner Matt Black and our 50/50 winner Tory Werbicki. The Bowsman Skating Rink and the Bowsman Curling Club would like to invite you to play Chase the Ace and 50/50 every Friday from 6:00-8:00 with the draw at 8:10, at the Bowsman Hotel. [...]

Submitted by: Tim Mueller | Madge Lake Bible Camp Christmas Production/ Dessert Theater was a huge success.The first performance which happened Sunday morning saw the auditorium at Community Bible Fellowship filled to 90% capacity. For the evening performance it was standing room only. A big thank you to all who attended and supported this event. [...]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk A good time was had by all at the Lenswood Santa Brunch on Sunday December 2, 2018. Everyone enjoyed Christmas carols, pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice and a tonne of desserts. Santa arrived at 11:30 and was treated to a number of young and old guests telling him their wishes for Christmas. [...]

Front Row: Dayson Martin, Dade Werbicki, Easten Eggie, Scott Tibbett, Caleb Rooks, Payton Thompson, Matt Zamzow, Sam Lacasse Middle Row: Lincoln Staniland, Griffin Klatt, Alex Campbell, Trace Langan, Ben Poole, Damien Leask Back Row: Coaches Blaine Campbell, Sean Eggie, and Chris Zamzow During the weekend of November 23-25, 2018 the Swan Valley Atom A Stampeders [...]

Comrade Boyd McLure and Comrade Peggy Davy Ring the Bells of Peace Submitted by: Royal Canadian Legion BR#48 | The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #48 and the community of Birch River gathered on November 11, 2018 to remember. This annual Remembrance Day Service in Birch River is always well attended and we are thankful that [...]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | A great time was had by all at the Minitonas Market on November 10, 2018! Thank you to everyone that came out to support our local home businesses and to everyone who contributed to our silver collection for our veterans.

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | This year the Pine River Fall Supper was held on Remembrance Day therefore before the supper started there was a tribute to those who served and continue to serve in the military. There was a guest of honour present and special thanks were given to Mr. Anthony (Tony) Baschak as [...]

Submitted by: Judy Biech | Lenswood Community Hall was rocking to the beat of Ken Thompson and Brittany Moore on Saturday night November 10, 2018 at the annual Harvest Windup. A happy crowd of all ages socialized and danced the night away. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and especially the [...]

“Take up our quarrel with the foe: to you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.” – In Flanders Fields ValleyBiz Story | Taking up the torch was the theme of the Remembrance Day service in Swan River on November 11, 2018. The day of remembrance began with a [...]

Submitted by: The Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their 4th Annual Cultural Gala on Friday, November 9, 2018 at the War Veterans Community Hall in Swan River. “Here in the Swan Valley, volunteerism and philanthropy is at the core of who we are.” said Lorne Henkelman, [...]

Submitted by: Scott Swaiko | The Swan Valley Rotary Club held its annual radio auction on Thursday November 8, 2018. Local businesses donated 135 items which were auctioned off, raising over $13,000. The funds will be used to support Swan Valley community initiatives such as the Healthy Choices/Warn Lunch Program at ESRSS, the Animal Protection [...]

Pictured above: Hon. Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Manitoba with Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, Community Foundation of Swan Valley Board Members and Herb and Bernice Bohnhardt. Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | Honourable Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Manitoba, attended the Community Foundation [...]

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church Minitonas Knox United Church served close to 400 guests during their annual fall supper on November 4, 2018. Thank you to all who attended. Even with long lineup was long at times, everything progressed smoothly and quickly and it was not long before everyone had a chance to enjoy [...]

Pictured above: Kevin Thome in cockpit with Dr. Andy Maxwell Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler Community Bible Fellowship Christian School values hands on experiences for all students and seeks opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. This fall has provided great opportunity to take advantage of that, despite working around the crazy, fall weather. The Gr.5/6 [...]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | Birch River Northern Neighbors would like to thank everyone who came out and supported our special German Supper. Lots of German dishes and Desserts were enjoyed.Everything looked good and tasted GREAT. Also a BIG Thank You to everyone that helped out to make our supper a Huge Success.

Submitted by: Donna Leming Monday, October 29,2018 was the last vegetarian cooking class for 2018 held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 13 people attended with 9 new participants interested to learn more about vegetarian cooking. Demonstrations were given by Linda McCullough and Donna Leming. Recipes and food samples of Quinoa Chili and Vegan Egg Foo [...]

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher Our 39th Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale held on November 2, 2018 was well attended and enjoyed by all. Just enough chill in the air to get everyone in the festive mood. It was wonderful to see the new crafters attend and we all look forward to our yearly favorites to [...]

Submitted by: Rachel Puchailo | Shavin’ for the Brave in the Valley is a fundraiser that Sharlyn Ricketts and Rachel Puchailo started to raise money for the Swan River Cancer Care. Pledges were collected and Sharlyn and Rachel shaved their heads following a Beef on a Bun Luncheon on November 4, 2018. The event was [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Each year, millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to never forget those who sacrificed for our freedom. This year Royal Canadian Legion has launched a new Digital Poppy Campaign – another way to honor veterans in the digital age. “Every year, The Royal Canadian Legion conducts the Poppy [...]

Pictured above: Rachel Puchailo – President of the Valley Stage Players, Lana Graham – Manager/Caretaker of the Veterans Community Hall, Denis Beaudoin – Performance Director ValleyBiz Story | On October 31, 2018 the Valley Stage Players donated $5,000 to the Veterans Community Hall. The funds represent proceeds from their spring 2018 dinner theatre performance of [...]

Submitted by: Aleksandra (Ola) Luczkanin-Hunter On October 18, 2018 experts from RBC Royal Bank, Dominion Securities and Oakes Law Office held a Legacy and Estate Planning presentation discussing the foundations of creating a will, the importance of planning for the unexpected and what it means for loved ones. Estate and Legacy planning comes with making [...]

Submitted by: Rhonda Kitch Thank you to the 66 people who came out to the Westwood Inn and enjoyed a great steak supper! The Swan Valley Youth Travel Club appreciates your support. The food was delicious. Thank you to the staff at the Westwood Inn. Congratulations to Hannah Kitch on winning the Halloween Candy Bouquet. [...]

Submitted by: Lorri-Ann Munro We hope you had a chance to visit the Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) 6th Anniversary Spooktober- Fest Haunted House! It was a fabulous event, which offered a Halloween experience for all ages. Over 1575 visitors attended the Spooktober-Fest at the SV Historical Museum, running for three nights, October 26, [...]

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church The basement at Minitonas Knox United Church was bustling on October 20, 2018 as the ladies and youth prepared for the fall tea. The guests arrived and the room filled with the sound of happy chatter and laughter as people snapped up favorites from the bake table and carefully [...]

Submitted by: Patty Gattinger | A soldout crowd attended the 2nd Annual Swan Valley Outdoors Assoc. banquet and auction on October 20, 2018. Guests were greeted at the hall with an array of raffles and auction items. Staff from Johnny’s Catering served various appetizers to arriving guests as they visited the raffle stations and placed [...]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton Birch River Northern Neighbors would like to thank everyone for attending our annual craft sale. Lots of sewing, knitting, baking, and hand crafted things were there to choose from. Something for everyone. A BIG thank you to all the vendors for coming out from near and far,YOU helped make the day [...]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan The ladies and gents of the All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church meet every Thursday night to prepare perogies and cabbage rolls for our Fill Your Freezer event. Orders can be delivered frozen and ready for your freezer or HOT and ready to serve in time for the Grey Cup on November [...]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | The Benito Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank all who came to the tea and bake sale this weekend and we hope to see you all again in November!!

ValleyBiz Story | Maple Bus Lines announced October 18, 2018 the commencement of its freight service to Swan River. The company’s service fills the gap left when Greyhound ceased operations in October 2018. Monday to Friday passenger service for Swan River is scheduled to begin November 1, 2018. Departure Time from Swan River to Dauphin [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Consumers Co-op presented a cheque in the amount of $3,000 to the Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club on Thursday, October 18, 2018. The donation will be used toward the purchase of new gymnastics equipment. The new equipment will increase the practice time available for each student, will replace aging [...]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin When you need big time help at the Swan Valley Animal Protection League shelter, who you gonna call?? Mrs. Basso’s Grade 7 & 8 kids from the CBF school, that’s who! These guys came out on October 16, 2018 to tackle the huge job of cleaning up the leaves in and [...]

ValleyBiz Announcement | The Swan Valley has many unique and wonderful businesses/organizations that are essential for the ongoing sustainability of our community. Local organizations provide valuable services and support local activities. Many of these organizations also have a ValleyBiz Directory listing which helps us continue to provide this service to the community. ValleyBiz is excited [...]

Submitted by: Brittney Suchoplas After recent renovations and amalgamating with Whites Drug Store, a successful grand re-opening was held at Swan Healthcare Plus Pharmacy. On October 4th and 5th, 2018 customers and patients were invited to enjoy coffee and donuts. Many came to see the official ribbon cutting, seen pictured above. (left to right: Abbey [...]

Pictures submitted by: Tanya Powell On October 4, 2018 family members were supported by members of the community as they gathered at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre to honour and remember over 1200 Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women. The gathering began with opening prayers and personal stories of loss followed by a short video. Participants [...]

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the evening of Wednesday, October 3, 2018 fifteen people were present at the first of 2 vegetarian cooking classes being held this month at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For some of the people present, the class was a continuation of the Diabetes Undone Program that was held in the [...]

ValleyBiz Story | On Thursday October 4, 2018 the Swan Valley Consumer’s Co-op (Co-op) presented a cheque in the amount of $2,566.70 to the Taylor School PAC Playground Committee. The cheque represents $2,266.70 in proceeds from Fuel Good Day on September 18, 2018 where 10 cents was donated from every litre of pump gas sold [...]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | Almost a dozen new dancers joined the Swan Valley Hoedowners for their inaugural dance of the season at the Swan River Senior Centre on October 3, 2018. Caller Linda Gilchrist kept the evening rolling with fun dancing activities and lively music. The dancers enjoyed learning some beginning square dance moves [...]

Submitted by:Rose Kovachik | The skies may have been gloomy with just a peek of sunshine and it may have been chilly outside, but inside of the Cowan Community Centre on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept 30th, 2018 there was a bustle of activity. The Cowan ladies and a few gentlemen, were slicing, dicing and [...]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe | There are 21 students from the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School who are participating in an Experiences Canada Exchange with 21 other students from Elgin, Ontario. Each Swan River student gets matched with a student from Elgin and they are considered “twins” during the exchange. Elgin is a small rural [...]