Monthly Archives: December 2019

Recognition for 35 Years of Service

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 […]

2019/12/31Local Interest

Memories of Loved Ones Glow Through the Night

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.

2019/12/30Local Interest

Minitonas-Bowsman Minutes – December 3, 2019

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. […]

2019/12/29Local Interest

Swan River Reps on FES and WES Subcommittees

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 […]

2019/12/28Local Interest

Christmas Cheer Board Provides 40 Christmas Hampers

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.

2019/12/27Local Interest

Benito Chrismas Tree & Gingerbread Display Well Attended

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.

2019/12/26Local Interest

Merry Christmas from ValleyBiz

“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 […]

2019/12/25Local Interest

Generous Donations to Toys 4U Toy Drive

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 […]

2019/12/24Local Interest

Unique Trees and Wreaths Display in Festival Of Trees

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 […]

2019/12/23Local Interest

Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers Malanka Concert – Jan. 13, 2020

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.

2019/12/22Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – December 3, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/21Local Interest

Ukrainian Christmas Eve at Y Not Johnnys – January 6, 2020

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 […]

2019/12/20Local Interest

Swan River NDP Hosts Annual Christmas Supper

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 […]

2019/12/20Local Interest

Memorial Candle Lighting – December 23, 2019

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

2019/12/19Local Interest

Valley Stage Players Donate to Swan River Curling Club

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 […]

2019/12/19Local Interest

Alone At Christmas Supper – December 25, 2019

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

2019/12/18Local Interest

Multicultural Christmas Program Celebrates the Season

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 […]

2019/12/18Local Interest

A Journey to Bethlehem at Minitonas Ladies Program

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 […]

2019/12/17Local Interest

Mistletoe Magic Lights Up the Swan Valley Museum

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 […]

2019/12/16Local Interest

Swan Valley School Division Minutes – December 9, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/14Local Interest

Santa Day at Swan River Elks Hall

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.

2019/12/13Local Interest

Great Time Visiting at St. James Christmas Tea

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. […]

2019/12/12Local Interest

Benito Gingerbread House & Tree Display – Dec 14-21, 2019

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.

2019/12/11Local Interest

Wonderful Attendance at Health Auxiliary Bake Sale

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 […]

2019/12/11Local Interest

A Flurry of Music at Community Band Christmas Concert

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 […]

2019/12/10Local Interest

Madge Lake Bible Camp Presents A Gift For All

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 […]

2019/12/09Local Interest

Swan Valley West Minutes – October 22, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/08Local Interest

RM of Mountain Minutes – November 20, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/08Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – November 19, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/08Local Interest

Minitonas-Bowsman Minutes – November 19, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/07Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – November 5, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/07Local Interest

Swan Valley West Minutes – October 8, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/07Local Interest

Songs of the Season Fill The Air At Carol Festival

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 […]

2019/12/06Local Interest

Festival Of Trees – December 3-7, 2019

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

2019/12/04Local Interest

Great Turnout at Benito Craft and Trade Event

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: […]

2019/12/04Local Interest

Another Win for Swan Valley Tigers Hockey

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 […]

2019/12/03Local Interest

Santa Stops by Lenswood Santa Brunch

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 […]

2019/12/02Local Interest

Swan Valley School Division Minutes – November 25, 2019

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 […]

2019/12/01Local Interest