Submitted by: Kamshi Kanavathy The multi-purpose room was filled to capacity with locals, keen to catch a glimpse of faraway places, especially those depicting warmth and sunshine, on a cold November evening. Hosts, MayAnn and Elmer Friesen and Lorne and Lesley Henkelman, talked about their eye-opening trip through Thailand, Cambodia and Bali. Highlights included visits […]

Submitted by: Nelly Mills An era has passed. White’s Drug Store has been sold. The Nahnybidas are moving toward retirement. Click any picture for a larger version. On Friday evening, the first night of the 14th annual White’s Drug Store Curling Classic, curlers and committee members honoured the long-standing Gold Sponsor of the White’s for […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Rotary Club This year marked the 50th Anniversary of the Swan Valley Rotary Auction. Bidding seemed to start earlier and remained steady throughout the evening. When Dave Theunissen rang the final bell, no items remained unsold and sales totalled $11,900. Proceeds of this year’s auction have been designated toward the Richardson […]

ValleyBiz Story The Association for Community Living hosted the 33rd Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale on Friday, November 2, 2012. It was a great opportunity for the community to start their Christmas shopping. Click any picture for a larger view. From tasty treats to hand crafted items, there was something for everyone. Don King sold […]

Submitted by: Bowsman Lions Club The 2012 Bowsman Community Halloween Party took place at the Bowsman Legion on Halloween night. Click any picture for a larger version. Kids demonstrated their carving skills and showcased their jack-o-lantern creations during the pumpkin carving activity. With close to 100 people in dressed up there were plenty of choices […]

Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshyn A sold out crowd of about 250 people attended the Harvest Celebration supper and dance hosted by the Shaker Misto Dance Club and the Benito Recreation Centre. Click any picture for a larger version. Following a delicious supper, the Dauphin Bratstva Dance club, Swan River Adult Dolyna dancers and the Shaker […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin The Swan Valley Novice team was invited to play a mini game during the 1st intermission of the Swan Valley Stampeders home game on Friday Nov 2nd. 11 boys and girls age 7 & 8 took to the ice with 3 Stampeder Players. Click any picture for a larger version. They […]

Submitted by: Bowsman Lions Club Over six years after proposing to purchase it for the local hospital with a commitment for over $300,000 by the local Lions Clubs, the cataract equipment “Ribbon Cutting” ceremony was finally held at the Swan Valley Health Centre on November 6th, 2012. Click any picture for a larger version. Members […]

Submitted by: Amber Friesen Over twenty women gathered on Saturday, November 3 for Inspire, an event to encourage and uplift valley moms in their important job of motherhood. Click any picture for a larger version. The guest speaker, Tricia Reed, engaged participants with her stories and thoughts on simplicity and community. There was lots of […]

Submitted by: Nelly Mills: The Harley House certainly has grown into a hub of our community. “Yah,” said Moe Bowles, one of the volunteers central to there birth of the town’s classic heritage house on Veterans Way. “We have a couple of organizations in here, and people use it for meetings, and art classes. It’s […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach The Services to Seniors Board hosted two anniversary teas to celebrate twenty-five years of Congregate Meal Programs being offered in two locations in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. Meal Coordinator Betty Bresky delighted the assembled guests in her Halloween dress at the Fairhaven Anniversary tea. Musical witches […]

Submitted by: Chris Reimer Shawn Reimer, formerly from Birch River, recently took a one year leave from his teaching position in Winnipeg. He and his wife Amy, who is a social worker, relocated to Nairobi, Kenya. Click any picture for a larger version. Shawn is teaching math at a school in Nairobi while Amy volunteers […]

Submitted by: Minitonas Early Years School | The noon hour soccer program at Minitonas Early Years School has been completed. Congratulations to the Fire Ringers who defeated the White Cap team in an exciting final game. Good job to all the teams!! You all played very well!

ValleyBiz Story | Zombies, ghouls, vampires, witches and all things dead, un-dead and generally scary haunted the Minitonas & District Arena during a fundraising Skate-A-Thon on Sunday, October 28, 2012. Click any picture for a larger version. The spooky group included over 70 participants ranging from the very scary to this frighteningly cute pair of […]

Submitted by: Irene Hartwig | They came in cars, trucks and even buses for the Swan Valley Air Cadets’ Open House and Light Show & Dance on Friday night at the Swan Valley Museum. The event began at 4:00 p.m. with an Open House in which young people ages 11 – 18, along with their […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart | We had a wonderful evening starting out with The Bowsman Accomplished Musicians concert group. Jade Graham, Leah Graham, Maclyn Burghart, Haley Ferriss, J.J. Burghart, Hadley Stinson, Seanna Stinson, Riley Roberts & Layna Burghart performed some lively fiddle tunes. Then the crowd was wowed by the great Calvin Vollrath, along with […]

Submitted by: Wade Dale FOOD! What an equalizer. No matter your age, sex, race, creed, color or religion, FOOD, nourishes not only our physical body but also ones soul and spirit. Click any picture for a larger version. A chance to gather at the table is an opportunity to discuss the coming and going of […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin and Micheline Carstairs The SVAPL 25th Anniversary banquet and fundraiser was held on October 20, 2012 at the Museum Hall. The sold out event exceeded our wildest expectations. Click any picture for a larger version. Everything from the wine, bottled and labeled with our own beautiful anniversary labels, to the unique […]

Submitted by: Trevor Barkman Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives Myrna Scott presents a cheque in the amount of $249 on behalf of the Veterans Community Hall to Ursula Taylor of the Swan Valley Food Bank. The funds were raised through ticket sales at the Parkland Food Challenge Ticket to Taste event on October 11, […]

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES DISASTER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SWAN RIVER, DUCK MOUNTAIN AREAS AFFECTED BY HEAVY RAIN, FLOODING IN JUNE Property Owners Encouraged to File Reports Following Mid-June Rainstorms: Ashton Up to $790,000 in disaster financial assistance will be made available for infrastructure and private property damage caused by heavy rains throughout the Swan River and […]

Submitted by: Lion Corey Hurren The Bowsman and District Lions Club held their 9th annual Bull-A-Rama at the Bowsman Arena on Friday, October 12. 2012. Click any picture for a larger view. The action packed event was another success to help support the three Swan Valley Lions Clubs purchase of the Swan Valley Cataract Equipment. […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Thursday, October 11, 2012 the Veterans Community Hall Food Processing Centre, hosted a challenge for producers and entrepreneurs wanting to promote their locally-made food products. Here is a closer look at the contestants, their products and the winners. Click any picture for a larger view. Diane Holinaty – Minitonas, MB – […]

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs The Home Routes House Concerts have entered their fifth season in The Valley, and the variety of shows has the audience enchanted. Click any picture for a larger version. “We have begun to attract artists from different regions, and different genres,” said Tim Osmund, artistic director of Home Routes, “and the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley resident Fred Sigurdson was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was presented October 10, 2012 in Swan River by Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette MP Robert Sopuck. Click picture for a larger version. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. To […]

Submitted by: Karla Weir Dr. Cindi Corbett is from Birch River and she is literally off saving the world. Picture from Global News Footage ValleyBiz Summary: Dr. Corbett along with 2 other scientists from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg have deployed to the town of Isiro in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The team […]

UCN Media Release | October 10, 2012 University College of the North (UCN) President and Vice Chancellor Konrad Jonasson officially opened the new regional centre located in Swan River, Manitoba, adjacent to Swan Valley Secondary School. ValleyBiz Photo / Click for a larger version Cutting the Ribbon from left to right are: Robert Sopuck, Member […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley Stampeders Junior A Hockey team members stopped by to help local Lions members load a truck with recycling that had been sorted by the Association for Community Living (ACL). Pictures submitted by Alex Haluschak Click a picture for a larger version. The Local Lions club organized the initiative with the […]

Submitted by: Darlene Hardy On Wednesday, October 3rd Living Word Bible College was pleased to host Christian recording artist, Dan Bremnes and Band in concert. Click any picture for a larger version. This was the third time that Dan was able to perform in the Swan River area. Dan has some special connections here, being […]

Submitted by: Wendy van der Walt From the time the doors opened in the morning, until late into the evening, Fabriculous was full of excitement this past Saturday. Pictures courtesy of Gordon Hornbeck. Click for a larger version. Eager shoppers came from Flin Flon, Dauphin, Kamsack and beyond to check out what our local quilt […]

Submitted by: Urban Tree Development Committee The Swan River Urban Tree Development Committee hosted a tree giveaway event at the Town of Swan River tree nursery on September 26, 2012. Click any picture for a larger version. Several people took the opportunity to walk through the nursery to select and tag trees for removal. If […]

Submitted by: Darlene Hardy Just 4 Kids club at Living Word Tabernacle began with registration night on Thursday, September 20th. Kids club meets every Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening begins with a variety of games such as modified soccer, relays and races. It […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | Dr. Michelle Marshall O.D. FCOVD, and Tammie Clemenson, office manager of Be Seeing You Vision Centre prior to the Low Vision Care Clinic held on Thursday, September 27 at St. James Anglican Church. Click any picture for a larger view. The audience of forty listened attentively as Dr. Marshall explained […]

Swan Valley RISE has become the driving force behind local efforts to improve medical services in the Swan Valley. Earlier this year RISE organized a joint effort between local municipalities, service clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals and through a coordinated and planned approach, the stakeholders have become a strong and effective voice for healthcare in […]

Submitted by: Leone Sigurdson The annual Legion Week ran from Sept. 16-22. Veterans of WW2, Associate and Affiliate Members enjoyed a variety of entertainment throughout the week. Click any picture for a larger version. Bingo on Tuesday. Wednesday was Veterans Night with many enjoying Ron Crone on the piano with WW1 and WW2 songs. Thursday […]

Submitted by: Melodie Smith Skateboarders and BMX bike riders demonstrated why they love the Swan River Lions Skate Plaza with a local talent show on Friday, September 21, 2012. Click any picture for a larger view. To all of our local talent that came out to show their stuff – well done – it was […]

ValleyBiz Story | Grandmothers, children and other supporters walked side by side through the streets of Swan River on Friday, September 21, 2012 to raise awareness about the abuse and sexual exploitation of children. Click any Picture for a larger view. The walk began at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, continued on to Taylor […]

Submitted by: Mike Yablonski The Monster Garage Sale on Sept 22 at the Friendship Centre was a great success. Thank you to all those who donated their unwanted garage sale items. Click a picture for a larger view. The sale ran from 4-8 pm and although there were not many big items, the quarters and […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Education Minister Nancy Allan was on hand September 20, 2012 at the official groundbreaking for the new heavy duty mechanic shop at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, which will serve students from this community, the surrounding area and adults taking programs offered by the University College of the North. […]

Western Regional Health Authority Media Release | Senior staff from the Western RHA met with community stakeholders in Swan River yesterday (September 19, 2012) to discuss plans for a more robust, sustainable surgical program in Swan River which will serve as the foundation for the return of a full time obstetrical (maternity) program at Swan […]

Submitted by: Darlene Hardy The Living Word Bible College, Opening 2012-2013 was held on September 16th, 2012. Approximately 90 people attended the morning worship service at 10 AM. Click any picture for a larger version. Those in attendance received words of encouragement from the book of James (chapter 3) which warns us to guard our […]

ValleyBiz Story | On September 16, 2012, the Swan Valley Gun Club held their Annual Turkey Shoot. The Turkey shoot helps raise money for the operation of the club and provides an opportunity for people to experience trap shooting either as participant or a spectator. Click any picture for a larger version. Live targets are […]

ValleyBiz Story | Sunday afternoon, on September 16, 2012, the date of the 32nd Annual Terry Fox Run, the legacy of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope could be seen in the enthusiasm of even the youngest participants. Click any picture for a larger version. In Swan River, 55 people registered to run, walk, bike and […]

Submitted by: Meghan Rose, Rural Leadership Specialist Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives On September 11, 2012 eighteen valley residents, youth to adult, took part in the ATV safety session at the Veterans Community Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. The participants learned about the legal requirements of operating ATVs on the farm […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley resident Richard “Dick” Walker was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was presented August 30, 2012 in Swan River by Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette MP Robert Sopuck. Photo submitted by: Dauphin Office of Robert Sopuck M.P Click for a larger version. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Tent Town Garden Club held their 30th Annual Fruit Festival at the Town Hall in Minitonas on Saturday, September 8, 2012. The Garden Club creates and maintains the beautiful public flower gardens around Minitonas. Click any picture for a larger version. The Fruit Festival is the Garden Club’s annual fundraising event. […]

ValleyBiz Story | Harvest is a busy time marked by early mornings and late nights, supper in the field and everyone helping out. The golden crops and swathed rows and vibrant sunsets also produce some beautiful imagery, a tribute to our agricultural roots. Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler Community Bible Fellowship Christian School is excited to announce that it has completed phase 1 of the playground upgrade. This phase included installing a new “treehouse” play structure as well as 2 park benches. Click any picture for a larger version. This structure was purchased through Blue Imp with local representative […]

Submitted by: Wade Dale On August 24, 20 quilters from all over the province of Manitoba came together at the United Church Bible Camp at Wellman Lake for a weekend quilt retreat. Some people brought their RV’s to stay in, some stayed in the cabins and some drove back and forth each day. Click any […]

ValleyBiz Story | Last night many looked to the skies for a glimpse of something that only comes around once in a blue moon … a blue moon. We took this picture last night as the moon lit the sky above the Valley. Click the picture for a larger view. Modern Folklore defines the Blue […]

Pictures and Race Results Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk Although wet track conditions caused races to be cancelled on Saturday, stock car points race and mud bog took place on Sunday, August 26, 2012. Here are some pictures and race results. Click any picture for a larger version. 8 Cylinder Heat 1 1st place- #3 Brian […]