ValleyBiz Story | With the snow gone and signs of spring popping up, skiing and snowboarding may be the furthest thing from your mind, but not so for the dedicated members of the Thunder Hill Ski Club. Pictures courtesy Thunder Hill Ski Club As one of only a handful of non-profit ski hills in Canada, […]

2012 Swan Valley Host Society Media Release | The 2012 Swan Valley Host Society held a Kickoff Event at the Swan Valley Consumers Co-op on Friday, March 23, 2012 to announce the Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games “Games Wear Day of the Week”. Pictures by ValleyBiz Town of Swan Mayor Glen McKenzie, declared that effective […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, March 23, 2012 an official sod-turning ceremony took place at the construction site for the Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre. Sod-turning honours went to Ron Kostyshyn (Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister) Robert Sopuck, (Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette) Glen McKenzie (Mayor of Swan River) and Tom Hamilton […]

Submitted by: Michele Poole The Swan School of Dance held their annual recital, on Wednesday March 21st, at the SVRSS Auditorium. In front of a packed house, people were entertained with tap jazz, ballet, hip hop and to top the night off they performed an amazing Bollywood number. Click any picture for a larger version. […]

Submitted by: Dennis Medwid The Swan River, Bowsman and Minitonas Lions clubs are now offering a confidential paper and document shredding service with all proceeds going toward Lions projects within the Valley. The Lions Clubs of the Swan Valley have a long history of collecting and promoting recycling within the Valley. The addition of the […]

Songs of the Modern Wild West Submitted by: Nancy McLennan If you’ve never been to Montana, just listen to the music of Martha Scanlan and you are carried into her beloved landscapes. Martha’s post office box is three miles from her ranch cabin. There, she can get a few groceries, but to do a full […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler (on behalf of CBFCS) Community Bible Fellowship Christian School students Gr.1-8 participated in an online math competition that was open to all schools in the province. The contest involved students answering math questions through an online game called “Sumdog.” 13 schools participated in the 1-week competition. During the contest 340 students […]

Submitted by: Holly Urban & Melissa Johnson Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. held Family Fishing Day again this year on March 18. The weather was fair, and one Northern Pike was caught by Briar Werbicki. Swan River Elks provided a fabulous hot lunch and hot chocolate. There were 28 kids who attended along with […]

Submitted by: Barry Stephen | If you missed the 15th annual Billy Beal Classic, you missed one of the best ever. If you were there you’ll know what I mean when I say the weather was unbelievable, the conditions were great, the food was awesome and the fishing was pretty good too. Click any picture […]

ValleyBiz Story | Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Chief Nelson Genaille and Swan River Mayor Glen McKenzie signed a Municipal Development and Services agreement on Thursday, March 15, 2012. Members of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, councilors, youth and members of the public gathered at the Swan River Friendship Centre to witness the signing of the agreement that is […]

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association, Dance Festival began on Thursday evening at the Friendship Centre with the Dolyna Dancers and Benito Vesselli Dancers rivaling it out for top marks. Click any picture for a larger version. It is very interesting to watch all the traditional dances of Ukrain but […]

Submitted by Sharron Carpenter Spring is coming soon and with it thoughts of no more snow, baseball, seeding, warm days and many other things we wait for all winter. Some of us also wait for festival season too. The Fine Arts Festivals gives many people an opportunity to perform on stage. To do this, the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Skating Club presented Broadway on Ice, Sunday March 11, 2012 at the Swan Valley Centennial Arena. Click any picture for a larger view. The older skaters did a great job presenting their routines with the flair and personality of true Broadway performers. There were “No Worries” as the little […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas Figure Skating Club presented their annual figure skating carnival, “Disney on Ice” on Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Minitonas and District Arena. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening was full of endearing Disney songs and characters: From the country flair of Toy Story To the Hawaiian […]

Submitted by Derek Sagert The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 5th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride on Saturday, March 3, 2012. It was a beautiful day for all to enjoy. We had a great lunch, lots of laughs, visiting and many great memories. Over 40 vintage machines dated prior to 1990 attended the event.

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser | The 33rd Annual Bellsite Poker Derby took place on Sunday, February 26. There were 179 driver hands sold and 297 ghostrider hands sold. Click any picture for a larger version. 1st prize 20% of total Best Hand 4-8’s to Claudia Sutherland $834.00 2nd prize 15% of total Best Hand 3-A’s […]

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser | The first annual Porcupine Bash, started out with a guided snowmobile ride, with approximately 20 people. There were more sledders that chose to ride on their own. Click any picture for a larger view. Fire and Ice, had about 60 people stop in for Chilli and a bun. The home-made […]

Submitted by: Shanna Schroeder | Pictured here is our Minitonas Sharks Team after their second win of the day. Click the picture for a larger version. Left to right, front to back: Jake Bartel, Nate Immerkar, Brooke Foster, Kristen Moshenko, Ella Hart, Sammy Moshenko, Logan Grandfield, Callie Immerkar, Cayden Kovachik, Brayden Bartel, Trae Bateman. Coaches: […]

ValleyBiz Story | A fully licensed and inspected commercial kitchen meeting Provincial food safety standards, will soon be available in Swan River on a fee-per-use basis. The Food Processing Centre is an initiative of the Veteran’s Community Hall with funding from the Government of Manitoba and will be available for use by entrepreneurs looking to […]

Submitted by: Louise Schabert The 5th annual Benito Open Mixed Bonspiel took in 32 rinks.  An age range of 11 to almost 80 participated in the events of the week at the Benito Rec Centre.  A terrific time was had by all. First Event Winners sponsered by the Swan Valley Credit Union L to R […]

ValleyBiz Story | Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our local snowmobile clubs, and with a little help from Mother Nature, the Swan Valley is buzzing with excitement as we share our snow with sledders from the snow-free parts of the Prairies. We are fortunate to have two snowmobile clubs in the Swan […]

Story by: Nancy McLennan | February of 2012 appears to be a turning point for Valley House Concerts. Since the House Concerts began in 2008, over 900 people have attended the shows and professional musicians have earned almost $13,000 in revenue. Pictures by Micheline Carstairs (Click any picture for a larger version) On Wednesday (Feb […]

Submitted by: Barry Waito | The Boots in the Backcountry Introductory session on Monday Feb 13th at 7:00 pm attracted 34 registrants. Of these, 27 were able to make the meeting with the balance requesting to be kept up to date with further sessions. The meeting started with Barry Waito introducing himself, talking about the […]

Submitted by: Florence Gray The Luthern and Anglican ladies got together at the Luthern Church to make quilts for Luthern World Relief. Over the 3 day span (Feb 13-15) about a dozen women worked together using donated material, thread and wool to make 38 quilts. Click any picture for a larger version. First, one team […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten Part II of the Swan Valley Human Library took place last week at the Northwest Regional Library in Benito. Tuesday, February 7th, the 5th-8th grades came over from the school and checked out several books. Click any picture for a larger version. Both the “books” and the “readers” seemed to enjoy […]

Submitted by: Janine Stewart | Swan River will soon have a new option for licensed school age child care services. Photo by Caitlin Stewart Heyes Child Care Centre Board of Directors: Kim Kuruliak, Crystal Ross, Robyn Eisner, Janine Stewart, Michelle Eisner (click for a larger version) Heyes Child Care Centre hopes to open its doors […]

ValleyBiz Story | When Gerry Stevenson moved here from The Pas 13 years ago, he turned his passion for sled dog racing into an annual community event. The 13th Annual Birch River Sled Dog Race took place this weekend with 9 teams participating. Click any picture for a larger version. Following a circuit that includes […]

Submitted by: Kamshi Kanavathy | “No boys and no donkeys allowed, go away!” and so did David Copperfield’s Aunt Betsey open the 200th Anniversary Celebration of Charles Dickens at the North-West Regional Library in Swan River last night. Click any picture for a larger version. An entertaining and spectacular portrayal of Aunt Betsey was played […]

Submitted by: Service to Seniors | Service to Seniors were very pleased with the turnout for the Telehealth Heart & Stroke presentation they hosted on Monday, February 6th at the Swan Valley Health Facility. 33 people attended the session that dealt with the signs and symptoms of what has been termed “The Silent Killer.” The […]

Submitted by: Doreen and Doug Windsor St. James Anglican Church hall was filled to capacity on Saturday afternoon, February 4th for its’ very successful Valentine Tea Tasting event. Click any picture for a larger version. Much laughter augmented the fellowship which was enjoyed by each and everyone after they chose from a wide selection of […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | The Friends for Grandmothers of Africa were delighted to host nearly forty guests in the North-West Regional Library on January 24. The event was held to express the group’s appreciation for the interest and support which has been given to the Stephen Lewis Foundation by the community and therefore to […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten | Part One of the first Swan Valley Human Library event took place January 12-14th at the Northwest Regional Library in Swan River. It was a great time! Click any picture for a larger version. There were 15 Human Books available at different times for “checkout” (30 minute conversations/demonstrations) to Readers […]

Submitted by: Dee-Ann Clarkson | There was a good turn out for Friday night shinny in Minitonas. Everyone had a great time. If you missed out, join in next time. Click for January Dates Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Florence Gray We had a very good Christmas dinner at St. James Anglican Church on Dec.25. Very well attended with 51 people taking part in the meal. It’s amazing how many people volunteered with food and helping put the meal on the table. Without this help it just wouldn’t happen and the opportunity […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Bowsman Lions Santa Party took place on Thursday, December 22 at the local arena. Santa was on hand to make sure his list was complete and to hear any last minute wishes. Click any picture for a larger view. Family and friends honed their skills and enjoyed good company on the […]

Submitted by: MaryAnn Friesen and Scott Tibble Several valley churches worked together to put on a Live Nativity at Scott and Cindy Tibble’s farm near Benito. There were approximately 90 volunteers and more than 350 people that attended. Click a picture for a larger version. Cars were parked at the parking lot with the help […]

ValleyBiz Story | Mr. & Mrs. Claus made a special appearance in Minitonas during the Downtown Christmas Party on December 16th. Click a picture for a larger version. Hot dogs and hot chocolate were ready at 6pm as people started to arrive. The warmth of the bonfire welcomed young and old to gather round. Santa […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was an afternoon of skating, fun, friends and Santa at the Minitonas Arena on Sunday, December 11. Santa stopped by to hear the kids’ requests and the Lions Club handed out Christmas treat bags. Click any of the pictures for a larger version

Submitted by: Torey Werbicki | The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers hosted a Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 8, 2011. It was well attended and enjoyed by all. Click any of the pictures for a larger version.

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs | On Tuesday December 6, the Harley House proved to be a perfect setting for the sounds of old-time and bluegrass music performed by musicians, Chris Coole & John Showman of the Foggy Hogtown Boys from Toronto. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. These performers are part of […]

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs & Sharron Carpenter On Sunday evening, Dec. 4th.,the Temple Baptist Church in Swan River was the venue for the 48th. Carol Festival sponsored by the Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association. Click any picture for a larger version. This was the second year the Carol Festival was held in the evening […]

Submitted by: Doug and Doreen Windsor On a bright sunny afternoon, Saturday, December 3rd, St James Anglican Church parking lot was filled with vehicles by those attending the annual Christmas Tea & Bake Sale. Click any picture for a larger version. The church hall was filled to capacity by young and old as they enjoyed […]

Submitted Story: Community Bible Fellowship Christian School would like to thank Jessica Brady, from Agriculture in the Classroom, for coming to our school and providing our students and staff with breakfast from the Made in Manitoba Breakfast Program on Nov. 24th. Click on a picture for a larger version. The program expanded this year to […]

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs | This past weekend, the Community Foundation of Swan Valley put on a very successful dinner theatre fundraiser along with The Valley Stage Players who performed for a large audience of approximately 235 people on Friday night, and to a smaller audience with a wine and cheese on Saturday night. The […]

Pictures by: Wayne Grier and ValleyBiz | There was a great turnout for the Kickoff to Midnight Madness on Saturday, November 26. While the event marked the start of one of the busiest nights for local retailers it was also a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Click any of the pictures for […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Home Based Business Show has become an annual event, being scheduled each year to coincide with Midnight Madness. “The show is a good way of promoting people who have their own home based businesses.” explains Louise Oberton, who has organized the event for the past 2 years. Click any of the […]

Submitted by: Doug and Doreen Windsor The third annual “Cookie Walk” sponsored by Swan River & District Community Resource Council, was filled with action on November 26th at the St James Anglican Church hall. Click any of the pictures to see a larger version. Christmas shoppers had a great deal of fun as they chose […]

ValleyBiz Story | Valley resident, Karen Peters wanted to make a difference at Christmas time and that is why she decided to bring Ten Thousand Villages to the Valley by hosting a sale back in 1998. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee that promotes fair trade for Third World artisans […]

ValleyBiz Story | A public presentation of two Automated External Defibrillators (AED)s donated by Clarence & Winnie Russenholt’s Family was held at the Minitonas Town Hall on Friday, November 18, 2011. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Kirk Russenholt explained that it was last Christmas when thinking about what gifts to give […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Farmers’ Market held a Christmas sale on Friday, November 18, 2011. The event featured many locally produced items including woodworking, crafts, jewellery, sewing, soaps, baking, jams & jellies, honey, garlic and more. The sale provided the opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas gifts as well as a chance […]