Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Vesselli Dancers performed for a full house on April 7th, 2019 as they highlighted their 37 years of dancing. Different regions of the dance in the Ukraine, including Poltava, Bukovyna, Volyn and Transcarpathia were recognized for their authentic dance steps, choreography and costumes. After the singing of the [...]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | SVAPL’s first spring banquet, held on April 6th at the Veteran’s Hall in Swan River, was a resounding success! The theme this year was Spay it Forward. In keeping with our theme, we decided to “PAY it forward” and support our local businesses by purchasing prizes for the Raffles and [...]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | The Swan Valley Stampeders evened the Turnbull Cup Series on home ice Sunday night [April 7, 2019], beating the Portage Terriers 6-5 in overtime. Captain Brian Harris scored his second of the post season, swatting in a rebound at 6:18 on the power play. Swan River, [...]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | Despite outshooting their opponent, the Stamps’ fell to the Portage Terriers 3-0 in Game 1 held April 5, 2019 in Portage. The highly anticipated game one of the Turnbull Cup Championship series started slowly for the Stampeders. The Terriers pushed the majority of the play in [...]

Submitted by: Brenna Smith | Bowsman United Church held two performances on March 30 and 31, 2019 of the Cantata “The Tale of the Three Trees” and song of Praise and Prayer from around the world. During the Cantata, the audience was welcomed to open themselves up to the message of the dreams of the [...]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | For the first time in franchise history, the Swan Valley Stampeders are off to the MJHL Finals. The team will play for the league title after beating Steinbach 5-3 Monday April 1st, advancing with a 4-2 semi-final series win. After a turnover at the offensive blue [...]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | Photos by: Jennifer Paige Photography On March 20, 2019, the Swan School of Dance treated a large crowd to their year end recital entitled “Road Trip”. The dancers showed off their skills in Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop and Jazz, and the audience was taken on a journey from New York, [...]

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church What started as a small idea turned into an outpouring of community support that reached far beyond what we could have imagined. We originally planned to hold a soup and bun lunch in the church basement as a fundraiser for the Campbell family who are having to make frequent [...]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | Another great turn out for our annual Irish Stew hosted by Birch River Northern Neighbors on Sunday March 17, 2019 . The beautiful day helped to bring the people out to enjoy Stew, Biscuits, and lots of tasty desserts. Congratulations to Viola Harris for winning the 50/50. Hope to see [...]

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the afternoon of March 10, 2019 and the evening of March 11, 2019 Information Meetings were held in the 2nd Floor Boardroom at the Swan Valley Health Centre to explain the Diabetes Undone Program to be held in April. The same Program was held in Swan River last Spring [...]

Submitted by: Host Committee Asham U18 Junior Men’s & Women’s Championship The Swan River Curling Club hosted the Asham U18 Provincial Championship on March 7-10, 2019.  The event featured 12 Junior Men’s and 12 Junior Women’s teams from across the province of Manitoba.  The Champion for the Junior Women is Team Jensen representing the Dauphin [...]

Submitted by: Minitonas Figure Skating Club | Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors and community members that came out to support the Minitonas Figure Skating Club’s annual Carnival “Skating Through the Decades” on March 8, 2019 at the Minitonas & District Arena. The hard working and talented skaters took the audience on [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Submitted Photos Local artist Derryl May, has been bringing the art of snow sculptures to Swan River for the past 4 years. His sculptures have included a polar bear, an owl, a hand making the peace sign and, his latest installment, Snoopy on a doghouse. While May’s is most accustomed to sculpting [...]

Submitted by: Meghan Gray | The teams that participated in the Peewee A1 Tournament Tournament on February 22-24, 2019 were Swan River, Dauphin, The Pas, Flin Flon, Yorkton, Moose Lake, Snow Lake/Gillam. The Peewee A1 Stampeders had played a very good tournament on the weekend. Our first game on Friday was against the Flin Flon [...]

Pictured Above: 1st Event Sponsored by TD Canada Trust – Winners; Marilyn Peters, Lois Mosiondz, Mary Ellen Parsons, Cindi Fulford Submitted by: Deanna Chess | The 2019 Bowsman Ladies Curling Bonspiel was held from February 21-24, 2019. 17 teams participated in the Redneck Wedding Bonspiel. Pictured Above: 2nd Event Sponsored by Swan Valley Credit Union [...]

Pictured above (L to R): Directors Ryan Immerkar, Lorne Henkelman, Donor-Matt Black, Directors Lynda Parsons and Lew Taylor. (Submitted) Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) recently received a donation of $20,000 from Matt Black. The endowment will create a new Education Fund with the CFSV. Matt [...]

Submitted by: Susan Moshenko | Bellsite along with the help of the North Mountain Riders put on the 40th Annual Poker Derby on February 24, 2019. A great turn out considering cold weather. 172 driver hands 160 sleds. $4911 was paid out in prizes. A huge thank you to all those who went out and [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | Once again the Benito Firemen’s Association hosted another fantastic meal at the Benito Rec Centre. Over 225 people from the Swan Valley and surrounding area were treated to a delicious meal and a fantastic silent auction. Our Volunteer Fireman are a small group, who provide many great advantages to the [...]

Pictured above: Back Row: Coaches Craig Zamzow, Rick Betcher, Dave Kirk; Middle Row: Crystal Zamzow, Tucker Thompson, Noah Weir, Tyrell Leaske, Eli Betcher, Samantha Jo Moshenko, Kai Gorchynski; Front Row: Jackson Badowski, Tavyn Boychuk, Maddix Eisner, Andrew Pidskalny, Brady Burghart, Grace Kirk; Horizontal: Owen Martyniuk Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | The Swan Valley Pee Wee [...]

Sydney Gilroy, Chloe Formo and Jasmine Rose attempt to box out the Dauphin players for the rebound. Submitted by: Lise Fraser | The Swan Valley JV Girls headed to Brandon this past weekend, February 15-16, 2019. The first opponent of the tournament was the Tigers’ zone rival, Dauphin Clippers. This game was of utmost importance [...]

Submitted by: Bert Sutherland | On February 15, 2019 the North Mountain Riders held our 7th annual Pickerel Supper at the Westwood Inn. Full house for the event, we had a 50/50 draw and the lucky winner was Stan Anderson, taking home just over $1000.00. Local business & private individuals donated all kinds of items [...]

Example of paint, murals and tactile display in Malton Village LTC Home, Mississauga, ON ValleyBiz Story | Submitted photos. Colour is an important part of our world. It can impact our emotions and our state of mind. Colour is often one the first considerations in our home improvement projects. So, what if colour could be [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Submitted Photos Robyn Tibble recently placing 3rd in class in the open show at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, January 12-27, 2019. The show, which is considered ‘the Superbowl of the cattle show circuit’, saw Robyn compete against some of the best show people in the north American angus [...]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church Our 8th Annual Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment was held on Saturday February 2, 2019. In spite of the snow storm that was raging outside, inside was filled with love and laughter. Julie Nahnybida catered a lovely meal followed by a delicious dessert. Our Entertainers kept things lively and [...]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks We would like to thank everyone that made it out through all the snow to celebrate Elaine’s birthday with her. It was great to spend the afternoon visiting and catching up with friends and family, and the cake was good too!

Submitted by: Wade Kovachik | Pictures by: Jessica Kovachik | It was a cold one, but that didn’t stop the activity from happening at the Cowan Community Centre on Saturday, January 26, 2019. There at the Community Centre, a Winter Blues Dance was held featuring a new band to the area, Country Reign, that came [...]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | The Benito Ladies Auxiliary held an appreciation tea on Saturday January 19, 2019 to thank the community for their on going support of the Benito Legion Hall Building Renovation. We had a great Saturday afternoon and would like to thank everyone who braved the cold to join us! Again we [...]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | The Swan Valley Animal Protection League AGM was held at the Northwest Regional Library on January 15, 2019 at 7pm. The meeting was well attended. Sherry Martin, President, thanked everyone for the hard work throughout year in all areas. SVAPL had a very successful year with fundraising and Corporate and [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Representatives from the Minitonas Curling Club presented a cheque in the amount of $10,431 to the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation to be used for long term care at the Swan Valley Lodge and Swan Valley Personal Care Home. The donation represents the proceeds of the land and building of the Minitonas [...]

Submitted by: Glenda Turton, Pictures by Shauna Klekta | It may have been the coldest weekend of the winter, but the SVRSS was hot with music by the Dirty Catfish Brass Band on Sunday. The Dirty Catfish Brass Band is an eight-member band based in Winnipeg, MB. They all have University level music degrees from [...]

Submitted by: Amy Hofford | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a great performance at their Malanka Concert held at the SVRSS on January 14, 2019. Family and friends were treated to a performance from each dance group, starting with the youngest, and always adorable Sadochuk’s group (above). The Malanka Concert was a chance [...]

Submitted by: Anna Fullerton and Billie Werenich For the 4th consecutive year, we had a successful Alone at Christmas supper on December 25th, at the Elks Hall, thanks to the many volunteers who donated cash, food or their time. We thank the Elks Hall, Swan Valley Co-op, Valley Biz, and the many volunteers who helped [...]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | It was a clear, cold evening. The coldest if all 2018. This brought the attendance down for the Bellsite’s New Years Eve Dance. The smaller than normal group of followers for the band “Midnight Run” didn’t slow the band down, they provided a superb variety of dance music to keep [...]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun We had a wonderful Saturday afternoon eating trifles and enjoying the sun beaming in through the newly installed windows! Thank you to everyone for coming out on December 8, 2018 and supporting the Benito Ladies Auxiliary Christmas tea and bake sale! We would not have gotten this far in our renovation [...]

Pictured above: Donations being dropped off at the December 15, 2018 SV Stampeder’s game. Submitted by: Lorri-Ann Munro | The Swan Valley Communities That Care Toys 4 U Toy Drive has been happening in the valley now for a few years, but this was my first year coordinating the initiative. I am overwhelmed by the [...]

Submitted by: Community Futures Parkland | Our annual grant & award application and nomination forms are now available on our website. All applications and nominations are due on February 4, 2019. The Volunteer Awards are a great opportunity to nominate someone in your community who generously donates their time and energy to enhance community spirit. [...]

Submitted by: Darlene Kruk | The Pelly Coffee House held a very successful supper & entertainment evening on Saturday. Supper at 6.00 pm consisted of smokies,sauerkraut and perogies. 25 entertainers and musicians provided the entertainment and a potluck lunch followed. Draws were made for door prizes,50/50′s and lastly a raffle. 1st raffle of a TV [...]

Revival Group Submitted by: Phil Friesen The Swan Valley Fine Arts Christmas Carol Festival took place on December 2, 2018. A variety of groups and individuals presented musical selections in celebration of the Christmas season. Junior Choir Brad Slepicka Just for Joy Temple Baptist Church Choir Brenna Smith, Lana Edmonds, Brad Slepicka

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. [...]