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: 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 […]

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: 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.

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: 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: 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 […]

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: 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 […]

Picture above, Left to right: Ryan Wiebe, Carter Watkins, Sean Flatt, Adam Flatt, (not pictured) Coach Tom Clasper, Assistant Coach Karen Flatt Submitted by: Louise Watkins | As the curling season event schedule enters the mid-season benchmark, Team Ryan Wiebe continues to play with consistency in both Junior Men’s and Men’s Divisions. Clinching a Berth […]

Submitted by: Tanya Staniland | Another successful Harvest Windup was held in Lenswood on November 16, 2019! Everyone enjoyed the music, dancing, and food!!!

Submitted by: Maxine Larway | The Christmas Gift Show held on November 23, 2019 in the Riverview Condos Clubroom was well attended!! We raised $225 so far towards the Alone At Christmas Dinner” Vendors at the show included; Kristen: Thirty-One, Cyndi Miles Designs, Leanne Delaurier: Norwex, The Mushroom Patch, North Country Grains and Hannys Hobbies. […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The Lutheran Fall Tea held on November 16, 2019 was a beautiful event, as it always has been. This was the first time in our new home at St. James Anglican Church. It is a learning curve when two congregations share a home, like a couple merging their households, but […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Primary Care Centre | Dr. Leah Koetting presented her last speech at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre on November 21, 2019, regarding the Low Carb High Fat diet geared for diabetics and weight loss. The presentation was given to 80 people in attendance listening to the presentation. There were questions given […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Rotary Club | The Swan Valley Rotary Club hosted their 57th Annual Radio Auction on November 7, 2019. It was another successful event with proceeds from this year’s auction going toward a new concession stand in the Legion Park. The total value of items donated reached $19,600 and fetched $12,760 in […]

Westman Communications Media Release | Westman Communications Group (Westman) invested over $300,000 in network and plant enhancements in Swan River. The recently completed network upgrade now allows Westman to provide faster, more reliable Internet speeds and additional capacity to accommodate the increasing demand for Westman services. “Westman was proud to bring enhanced communication services to […]

Submitted by: Lorri-Ann Munro On Saturday November 16th the SVCTC Toys 4 U Toy Drive kicked off with an event hosted by the Swan River Fire Hall. The goal was to stuff a Police cruiser and the Swan Valley communities did not disappoint! Thank you to the Swan Valley Emergency Services, Shared Health/ Emergency Medical […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | Three very appreciative audiences were entertained this past weekend as the Valley Stage Players presented their comedy, “The Big Five-Oh,” a two-act comedy by playwright Brian Mitchell. The play was based around the Thomas family, whose patriarch, George, was trying to cope with all the life ramifications of reaching the […]

Submitted by: Keith Behrmann | The Bowsman Lions held their brunch for diabetes November 13, 2019 at the Bowsman Legion Hall. The 90+ attendees were served a delightful meal of P&H pancakes, Valley Meats sausages, scrambled eggs and coffee or juice. The net proceeds will be given to the Lions Diabetes program presented at the […]

Submitted by: Lynda Parsons | What an amazing night!! The Community Foundation of Swan Valley’s Annual Gala featured local talent Brad Slepicka & Tim Mueller, Martyn Snell & The Marxmen. Following a delicious meal catered by Julie Nahnybida, our guest speaker returning valley resident Miles Jones, shared both his humour and his message of legacy […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11, 2019 began with the march to the Cenotaph and the placing of three crosses in honour of the Air Force, Navy and Army. The service at the Veterans Community Hall began just before 11 am. Following the Last Post, Minute of Silence, Rouse […]

Submitted by Debbie Soloway | The Pine River Community Centre Fall Supper was held on Sunday November 10th, 2019 5:00pm -7:00pm. The supper was advanced tickets only and they completely sold out accommodating 160 quests. The tables were decorated in beautiful fall colors and the entrance table displayed a cross and a wreath commemorating Remembrance Day. […]

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Submitted by Donna Leming | Monday evening, November 4, 2019 a small group of ladies attended a Plant-based Cooking Class in the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church basement Meeting Room. They watched as Linda Ogram and Donna Leming demonstrated how to prepare some dishes. The ladies were then shown ways to plate their creation for […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | In October Elks Lodges across Canada planned events to promote new membership in the Order. The Elks Lodges in Swan River hosted a Dessert & Coffee Open House on October 30, 2019. Unfortunately, after 65 years in Swan River and an estimated $1,000,000.00 of donations back to projects in the […]

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk | The SVRSS Tigers winning streak comes to an end with an 8-3 loss to the Major Pratt Trojans on Sunday November 3, 2019. Tigers are on the road this Wednesday as they head to McCreary. Next home game action is Saturday, November 9, 2019 vs Sandy Bay at 4:30.

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church | By the time the Minitonas Knox United Church Fall Supper started on Sunday, November 3, 2019, the hall was filled with happy, hungry people. More than two full seatings of people were served a feast of turkey, meatballs, salads and many other trimmings and many take-out orders were […]

ValleyBiz Story | One of our readers from Russell, MB pointed out this little gem. On the November 5, 2019 edition of CTV Your Morning, co-hosts Anne-Marie Mediwake and Ben Mulroney have a short exchange about Swan River, MB. “It sounds like something from a fairy tale.” said Mediwake and, after remarking about how “delightful” […]

Submitted by: Association of Community Living | November 1, 2019 marked a special milestone in our Calico Corners history. The Association for Community Living-Swan River has hosted this amazing craft event for 40 years. Crafters from near and far look forward to this event every season to display and sell their wares. It was wonderful […]

A friendly reminder from ValleyBiz that Daylight Savings Time ends November 3, 2019 The official time to set your clocks back 1 hour is: 2:00 am Sunday, November 3, 2019 Set your clock to: 1:00 am Each year, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | The Benito Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank all who came out to enjoy our Fall tea and bake sale on October 19, 2019. Your support is so greatly appreciated! Winners of the draws were: Door Prize – Vera Markin Hamper – Irene Wright 50/50 – Bev Halushka Thank you […]

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk | The SVRSS Tigers had a very successful home opener weekend clenching their second win versus the Birtle Falcons with a 14–1 final score on October 27, 2019.

ValleyBiz Story | In a media release on October 28, 2019, Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy (RISE) announced their intention to purchase the former Minitonas Early Years School for the purpose of creating a Business Incubator. RISE is in the final stage of negotiations with the Swan Valley School Division for the […]