Written and Submitted by: Debbie Soloway On Friday March 14th, 2014 Rachel & Darwin Dancsok of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan entertained to an audience of 45-50 people by singing and playing great country gospel favorites. Click any picture for a larger version. Rachel is an award winning country gospel singer, starting at the early age of thirteen […]

Submitted by: Courtney Densen On March 11 2014 in the Bowsman Legion Hall, great food, wonderful fellowship and a little luck of the Irish was to be found at the Bowsman United Church Soup n Bun. Patrons were treated to their choice of potato or hamburger soup, a variety of bunwiches, dessert, coffee, tea and […]

Submitted by: Yoenne Ewald The Swan Valley Farmer’s Market held their Annual General Meeting on March 11th 2014. The meeting was well attended. Looking back over 2013, the market saw a number of new summer vendors offering a diverse range of products. Pictured above, the Farmers’ Market Board.(L to R, back) Fay Perrin, Shirley Leask, […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler Community Bible Fellowship Christian School (CBFCS) recently installed a traverse climbing wall in the gym. It took the work of many individuals to make it happen. Click any picture for a larger version. The CBF church helped with installation, our parent advisory council (PAC) initiated the fundraising efforts, and parents and […]

Submitted by: Melodie Smith The tournament committee would like to take a moment to say thank you to all the volunteers, players, coaches, parents, fans, referees, Hockey MB, Cargill, and all our local sponsors for the GREAT weekend! Pictures above are Silver Winners – Swan Valley Stampeders Click any picture for a larger version. Gold […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax “Welcome to Boot Scoot’n and Ballet! From the OK Corral to Prima Ballerinas The Minitonas Figure Skating Carnival offered it all to over 200 appreciative family and friends. Pictures by Kim Leslie – click for a larger version. Head Coach Michelle Windsor and assistant Cindi Fulford coached over 30 young skaters […]

Submitted by: Linda McCullough Annual World Day of Prayer was held on March 7, 2014 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church with approximately 80 in attendance. Pictured above, coordinators Donna Leming and Linda McCullough. This years theme “Streams in the Desert” written by the women of Egypt was presented by the All Saints Ukrainian Catholic, Seventh-day […]

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk The gold medal game between the Winkler Flyers and The Pas Huskies ended in a 7-2 victory for the Winkler Flyers (pictured left). The Pas Huskies Silver medal winners. Portage Terriers Bronze medal winners. Portage played the local Swan Valley Stampeders in a hard fought game with a final score of […]

Submitted by: Patti Hack The Elbow Lake SnoDrifters 18th Annual Snowmobile Derby took place as scheduled on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The frigid weather (-51 with the wind chill when we woke up Saturday morning) kept many people away however, for those of us who braved the winter […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin The Swan Valley Stampeders Novice Black team went to Souris, MB for the Ultimate Hockey Championships. The kids played hard losing 1st game to Virden and a nail biter to home town Souris … Left them playing at 8 am on Sunday against Shilo… The kids rallied for the win & […]

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk The Atom Provincials kicked off this afternoon at the Swan River Centennial Arena. The local support for this event was amazing. The Swan River Daycare (left) was in attendance for the opening game. Click any picture for a larger version. Taylor School (below) also attended to cheer on the local team. […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk Our Swan Valley Tiger Fire Floor Hockey Team took 1st place in the Kinsmen Winnipeg Winter Games on Feb 22, 2014. Winnipeg Jets Captain Andrew Ladd (stretched out front row) also came out to support the games. Click picture for a larger version. What a great victory for our Special Olympics […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry The Bellsite 35th Annual Snowmobile Poker Derby, held on February 23, 2014 was a huge success. A total of $2,720.00 was given away in cash prizes. An estimated 150 sleds attending with over 200 registered drivers. Garth Scott wins 10% of prize money with 53 ghostriders ( the most ghostriders prize) […]

Submitted by: Louise Schabert The Benito Rec Centre hosted their Annual Open Bonspiel from Feb 12- Feb 16th. 29 teams entered the event with the following teams coming out on top. A big THANK YOU to all teams who competed. Above: The first Event winners of the Barrie Goodman Memorial Event were: The Hrycenko Rink: […]

Submitted by: Melodie Smith What a weekend! Seven teams battled through the Elks PeeWee AA tournament starting on Friday, February 14 and concluding on Sunday, February 16. Click any picture for a larger version. A Side Champs – Tisdale, SK B Side Champs – Swan Valley Stampeders C Side Champs – The Pas, MB Throughout […]

Submitted by: Betty MacCumber The February Minitonas Coffee house was held Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Minitonas Hall. The coffee house was a great success with about 100 people including performers. The Minitonas Coffee House is held the second Saturday of every month from 7pm until 11pm. We welcome all the performers and singers […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk By Tara Gray This article is re-published with permission from the Swan Valley Star and Times One of two athletes who will be representing the Parkland on the Special Olympics Manitoba (SOM) 5 pin bowling team is Peter Brass, who has qualified to compete in Vancouver at the 2014 Special Olympics […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk By Tara Gray This article is re-published with permission from the Swan Valley Star and Times Proud to represent the Parkland as one of two players from the Cobras 5 pin bowling team is Angie Ferland, who has qualified to play with the Special Olympics Manitoba (SOM) 5 pin bowling team […]

Submitted by: Dayna Bresky The Golden Gals Provincial Bonspiel was held in Swan River on February 2-5, 2014. Golden Gals Provincial 2014 Winners : Joyce McDougal rink from Brandon Curling Club Runner-up: Rita VanDeVyvere rink from The Heather curling club in Winnipeg, take silver. The curlers enjoyed their visit to the Swan River Valley. They […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Tuesday, February 28, 2014 the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS) was buzzing with excitement as 120 grade 4 students from across the Swan Valley attended My Vision for My Education (ME). Submitted photos. Click for a larger version. “The objective of My Vision for ME is to create an awareness […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin On Saturday, January 18, 2014 the Swan Valley Stampeders Novice Black team held a fundraising bottle drive. The kids, who are 7-9 yrs old were raising money to pay for their team jackets. Click picture for a larger version. It was pretty cold but we had a great time & raised […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach Over forty participants attended the Alzheimer / Dementia presentation at St. James Anglican Church hosted by Service to Seniors on Thursday, January 23, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The very informative presentation by Laurie Church, Parkland Regional Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, was very much appreciated […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart On Sat. January 25, 2014 the Bowsman Legion hall was filled with some great tunes to raise funds for the Bowsman School BAM fiddle & guitar program. Maclyn Burghart (left) showcased her skills on the mandolin.Click any picture for a larger version. Three generations of Lagace’s entertained the crowd with their […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater The “Soup & Bun Lunch,” held Friday, 17 January 2014 by the Swan River St. Andrew’s United Church, at the Veterans Hall, was well attended. The patrons joined the event at a steady pace for the 2.5 hours it was held. Click any picture for a larger version. The crowd enjoyed […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region would like to thank everyone who purchased tickets for our 50/50 Christmas Cash Draw. The lucky winner of $890 was Ethel Robinson. Click picture for larger version. Presenting the cheque to Ethel’s daughter, Candace Mattson are Tiger Bowlers; Nicholas Sloane, Justin Ames, Sarah Grauman and Jamie […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | 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. Click any picture for a larger version. This includes the many gifts that were received in our donation boxes located at different […]

ValleyBiz Story | Santa stopped by the Down Town Christmas party in Minitonas on Friday, December 20, 2013 to hear some last minute requests from the children and spread some Christmas Cheer. Click any picture for a larger version. Kids bundled up to join in the old time Christmas spirit, adorning the ground with a […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito School Leadership Council spearheaded the Benito & District Christmas Hamper Project. Click any picture for a larger version. With only two short weeks to organize and collect donations the children and staff leaders did a tremendous job finding their Christmas Spirit. Businesses and personal donations poured in from […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax | Swan River Royal Purple Lodge # 185 again served up some awesome Christmas baking. Over 50 boxes and 20 Christmas puddings were purchased. Funds from this endeavor will help support various activities in the community.

Submitted by: Donna Burghart | On November 29, 2013 the Bowsman School BAM fiddle program had guest instructor Donna Turk from Calgary, AB instruct workshops in the afternoon. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above is first year fiddler, Damien Stevens getting some help with his bow hold. The advanced group got instruction […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater Swan Valley Community Band started Sept. 1994, after our director, Julie Kooistra placed an ad in the Star & Times for those interested in playing again. Click any picture for a larger version. The beginning numbers were small, about 15, but has swelled to a steady number in the last 7-8 […]

Submitted by: Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk The Dolyna Dancers once again danced to a filled SVRSS Cafeteria this past Tuesday evening, during their 3rd Annual Old Fashion Christmas Concert! Friends and family were entertained by our dancers’ newest dances, instructed by Joe Synk and new to our instructional team, Kelsa Ewashko. A number of Traditional Ukrainian Carols […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath The St. Andrews United Church Fall Supper held on Sunday, December 1, 2013 saw nearly 500 visitors through the doors to enjoy the roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce counted down to Midnight Madness on Saturday, November 30, 2013 with Christmas carols, visits with Santa, hot dogs & hot chocolate and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Click any picture for a larger version. Those who stopped by to share in the holiday spirit appreciated […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Settlement and Immigrant Services The festival of trees saw well over 100 people through the doors during the two days. There were 11 trees and 21 gingerbread cottages. Click any picture for a larger version. 1st prize tree went to the Communities in Bloom entry. 1st prize gingerbread went to KA […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell Great weekend for the Swan River Bantam team as they took first place in their home tournament. They won 5-2 over Yorkton Dr Auto, and went undefeated all weekend with some very close games. Click any picture for a larger version. Dave Powell Bantam coach said that he would like to […]

Submitted by: Jakki Lumax It was amazing to see the Holiday spirit at the Christmas Trade Show that took place at the Minitonas Town Hall on Saturday, November 23, 2013 Between the companies displaying their products and the buyers getting excited to cross items off their lists, it was a day of smiles and business […]

ValleyBiz Story | Ten Thousand Villages came to Swan River again this year selling artisan-crafted personal accessories, home decor and gift items from around the globe. Click any picture for a larger version. The products are sourced from handicraft and agricultural organizations based in low-income countries, providing consumers with products that have been fairly purchased […]

Submitted by: Barb Holms The tea and bake sale held at Knox United Church in Minitonas on Saturday, November 23, 2013 was very well attended. The loud buzz of happy voices in the basement made it apparent that everyone was enjoying themselves. Click any picture for a larger version. Pie and tea/coffee were a welcome […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | Three appreciative audiences enjoyed the Valley Stage Players’ weekend production of Norm Foster’s comedy, Office Hours at Swan River’s Veterans Community Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. Friday night’s performance was presented in partnership with the Community Foundation of Swan Valley who sponsored the evening as a dinner […]

Submitted by: Teresa McKay Friday evening, Nov. 22, was an excellent evening at the Veteran’s Community Hall in Swan River. The dinner theatre evening was hosted by the Swan Valley Community Foundation in partnership with the Valley Stage Players. Many enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Dianne Simms Catering, followed by an entertaining presentation by […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Annual Cookie walk was held at the St. James Anglican Church on Saturday, November 23, 2013. Not only was it a great way to stock up on Christmas baking, but also a chance to catch up with good friends while sampling some baking. Click any picture for a larger version. The […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their turkey shoot on on November 16, 2013. Frozen turkeys are the prize – not the target at the this annual fundraising event. Click any picture for a larger view. The event is a fun for people of all ages, a challenge for experienced shooters and […]

Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshyn On Saturday, November 16, 2013 the Benito Recreation Centre and the Shaker Misto Dance Club hosted a Harvest Celebration Supper and Dance. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening started off with a delicious meal of perogies, cabbage rolls, beet niks, stuffed pork loin, mushroom and sweet and sour […]

Submitted by: MaryAnn Friesen A great turnout and a wonderful evening. Imported goods, mostly from Thailand and also some donated locally made items, were sold throughout the evening. Click any picture for a larger version. Proceeds went to support Destiny Rescue and Beyond Borders, two organizations that are working hard to put an end to […]

Submitted by: Judy Biech | The Lenswood Hall was vibrating with good music and good times on Sat. Nov. 16, 2013 at the annual Harvest wind-up dance. Click a picture for a larger version. A large crowd of folks, of all ages, from all over the valley & beyond danced to the lively music of […]

Pictures submitted by: Scott Swaiko | The 2013, Rotary Radio Auction was once again a great success. On Thursday, November 7, 2013 people across the Valley tuned in to GX94 radio with phone in hand to place their bid. Click any pictures for a larger version. Rotary members manned the phones and auction board to […]

ValleyBiz.ca Story | Many shoppers made their annual stop at Calico Corners on Friday, November 1, 2013. The Craft Sale & Bazaar, hosted by the Association for Community Living was filled with friendly faces and unique hand crafted treasures. MaryAnn Friesen sold items to raise money for Destiny Rescue, an organization dedicated to rescuing children […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway On Sunday November 3rd the Pine River United Church sponsored their annual Christmas Craft Sale, bake sale and luncheon. Click any picture for a larger version. There were 23 exhibitors that came from as far as Churchbridge & Sturgis, SK, Barrows, Swan River, Dauphin, Gilbert Plains and surrounding area. Many different […]

Submitted by: Jessica Lacasse Hope you had a chance to visit Swan Valley Community’s That Care Spooktober Fest Haunted House! It was a great event which offered a Halloween experience for all ages. Click any picture for a larger version. Over 1000 visitors attended Spooktoberfest over three days. The event offered a parent and tot […]