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 […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their annual turkey shoot on Saturday, November 12, 2011. The turkey shoot is held each year on the first Saturday after Remembrance Day to raise money in support of the operations of the Museum. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The event started […]

They shall grow not 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. Click the picture for a larger version. Remembrance Day observances began in Swan River at 10:25 on the morning […]

Submitted by: Mike Yablonski | A very successful “MONSTER” Garage Sale was held on Nov 4 and 5 to benefit an upcoming trip for Grade 7/8 French Immersion students at Ecole Swan River South School. The Friendship Centre was packed full of items donated from students, families and the community. All leftover items were donated […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, November 7, 2011 a trial run of the new Air Transport Program to Swan River was conducted by Manitoba Government Air Services and Manitoba Health. Submitted photos. Click for a larger version. Local medical service providers were provided with the opportunity to tour the aircraft and obtian operational details of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Association for Community Swan River Branch (ACL) celebrated their 50th Anniversary during this year’s annual Calico Corners Craft Sale & Bazaar. Founded by 6 families in 1961 their mission statement is: Association for Community Living (Swan River Branch) supports people living with an intellectual disability in their own homes within our […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Rotary Club held their annual auction on Thursday, November 3. Members of the Rotary Club, along with other volunteers were busy taking calls and managing bids throughout the evening. As usual, the bidding became quite hectic near the end. Submitted pictures. Click for a larger version. Each year, the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas District Arena held a skate-a-thon on Sunday, October 30. Kids of all ages joined in the spooky halloween spirit as they dressed up to raise money for the arena. Click any picture for a larger version. Prizes were awarded for the following: Oldest in Costume – Jen Zamzow Youngest Girl […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Girl Guides | We would like to thank everyone who stopped to buy cookies. The day was a success even though we had to stop early due to the rain. The girls in the picture are, left to right, Erin, Shaylin, Paige, Brittaney, & Kristyn. Click the picture for a larger […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Shaker City Spooktacular planned by the 7&8 students of Benito School was a huge hit! Along with their parents and family friends the children hosted an event that will be talked about for days to come. Click pictures for a larger version. The Kiddy Howl event hosted by children […]

Written by: Lydia McKinnon Pictures by: Pat Ellingson On Tuesday October 25, 2011 the skyline of the village of Benito drastically changed as two very prominent buildings were demolished. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The big green building on the west side of Main Street had been a big part in […]

ValleyBiz Story | A group of 14 individuals from the Swan Valley travelled to Dauphin on Wednesday evening to attend a presentation by Dr. David Ivan, on economic development strategies for small communities competing in the new economy. Left to right: Martijn Van Luijin (Community Futures Parkland), Andy Maxwell, Ken Carstairs, Jason Sakal, Kevin Neely, […]

Submitted by: Patty Gattinger | Our annual fundraising banquet was held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011. This was a special year for the local Ducks Unlimited committee as it marked the 30th Anniversary of the banquet. Things got underway at 5:30 p.m. with h’orderves being served as people viewed the different raffle tables that were […]

Submitted by: Kelli Riehl | Thank-you to everybody who attended the Girl Guide and Pathfinder, Ottawa 2012, fundraising dinner on Oct. 21! We hope you enjoyed the spaghetti, meatballs and home made bread as much as we enjoyed serving you! Here is a picture of two of the youngest girl guides going to Ottawa. Click […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, October 21, 2011 a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Northwest Regional Library in honour of William “Billy” S. A. Beal in recognition of his significant contribution to the Valley during its formative years. Mayor McKenzie, Ernesto Griffith, Reeve Henkelman Click any of the pictures for a larger version. An […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Bowsman Hockey Arena was packed Friday Night with people from across the Valley looking to get their adrenalin pumping at the 8th Annual Bull-A-Rama, presented by the Bowsman & District Lions Club. With all proceeds from the event donated toward new cataract equipment in the Swan Valley, the event was a […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax | Special Olympics is growing in the Parkland Region. Special Olympics is an International Organization with the mission of enriching the lives of Manitobans with an intellectual disability through active participation in sport. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Within the last few years, two Special Olympic teams […]

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs | Fall is once again upon us, and along with fall seems to be an increase in animals that are abandoned and in dire need of the services of our group, the Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL). Click the picture for a larger version. This past year has been an […]

ValleyBiz Story | Autumn officially arrived just a few days ago and has painted the Valley with its beautiful fall palette. With the sound of geese over head and leaves crunching underfoot this weekends sunshine warmed the crisp air and the made the colors shine. Click any picture for a larger version. Leaves in all […]

Submitted by: Pastor Rob Ter Horst | A BIG thank you to the residents of Swan River who contributed so generously to the Swan Valley Food Bank (SVFB). The goal was to exceed our last food drive in April which collected 445 lbs and that goal was certainly met. Click picture for a larger version. […]

Town of Swan River Media Release | The Council of the Town of Swan River has voted to move forward with the construction of Phase One of the Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Center. After receiving approval of the $2.4million borrowing by law from the Manitoba Municipal Board the necessary approvals are now in place. […]

ValleyBiz Story | Rain didn’t stop Terry Fox and it didn’t stop 50 people from showing up to run, walk and bike in his memory, continuing his Marathon of Hope to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Moments before the run began the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Minitonas Early Years School held a school wide Terry Fox Walk on Friday. According to Principal Miles Jones, “The goal of the event is to raise awaremess of Cancer and to let young children realize that they can help make a difference.” Students watched a video about Terry Fox, then assembled outside […]

Submitted by: Crystal Nepinak | Winners of the Blue Sky Riding Club Team Penning competition held on Sunday were Barney Stehr, Trevor Nicolauson, & Janie Galloway. The sponsor prize was donated by Rona in Swan River & presented by Albert Outhwaite. Other winners included Jessie & Brenda Foster and Andy Suchaplas Leo Colbert, Juergen Schubert […]

ValleyBiz Story | Minitonas Town Hall was filled with friends and neighbors sharing a cup coffee, tasty treats and good company during the Tent Town Garden Club Fruit Festival on Saturday. The club uses the event to raise money to keep Minitonas public gardens beautiful. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The […]

ValleyBiz Story | Pine Creek First Nation held their annual Pow Wow this weekend. The 3 day event featured lots of drumming, singing and dancing. People from various communities gathered together to celebrate their connections and honor their culture and heritage. Click any picture to see a larger version. Grand Entry Pictures by Shawn Klekta, […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was like stepping back in time on Sunday at the Swan Valley Historical Museum Harvest Festival. Against a backdrop of historical buildings and vintage machinery, with the smell of bread fresh from the clay ovens filling the air, it was the perfect place to celebrate the past. Click any of the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Cowan Trail Celebration, which started 13 years ago and has become an annual tradition, took place Saturday, August 27. Approximately 70 riders saddled up their horses or hitched up their teams, then hit the trail for the 6 hour ride. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The day […]

Gymnastics camp which included both recreational and competition classes, took place this week at the Swan Valley Museum Complex. The Coach for the 3 day camp was Corie Mccormick, former Head coach of U of M Gymnastics and currently of Gymkyds Gymnastics Centre in Winnipeg. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. KinderGym […]

It was a great day of racing on Saturday at the Swan Valley Speedway. The forecasted rain and thunderstorms stayed away in favor of mostly sunny skies. Drivers raced for points and the day was topped of with the ever popular mud bog. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Davion had a […]

ValleyBiz Story | Over 30 kids participated in PhAT Camp this past week. The week long Physical Arts Training Camp presented by XCOMPANY promotes community-building and values through the arts, physical education, martial arts & fitness programs. During the week the kids worked on developing their performance skills and had a lot of fun in […]

The farmers market was buzzing on Thursday with people snapping up everthing from fresh vegetables and baking to local honey, flowers and preserves. For those who want to take home some the tasty wares, the farmer’s market is open Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm. Click any of the pictures to see a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | The Gateway Valley Inn held their 6th annual Show & Shine car show on Sunday, August 14. The afternoon also included live entertainment and a barbeque with proceeds going to the Benito Vesselli Ukrainian Dancers. Click any of the pictures for a larger version.        Many stopped by to check out the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Harley House held an open house on Wednesday, August 10 to showcase restoration efforts made to date and to raise awareness about the project. Volunteers were honored for the many hours of hard work spent turning back the years on portions of the main floor. Click any of the pictures for a […]