Celebrating our 106th AnniversaryRIVERSBANNER

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 105 years

Gazette-ReporterJune 5, 2015 Volume 107, Issue 47 89¢ + tax

Apathy apparent and appallingBy Sheila Runions Banner Staff

With a population of more than 1,200 and homes in Riv-

ers numbering more than 600, it was very disappointing when less than one per cent of home owners attended a public hear-ing regarding massive utility increases. Riverdale Municipal-ity advertised its May 28 public hearing through this newspaper, posters in town and full-page notices sent to every user in their water bills — they did their part in keeping ratepayers in-formed. As so often happens in this community, there are large majorities who whine and com-plain but when it comes time to meet their elected officials (and maybe that’s the problem — they likely didn’t even make the time to vote and therefore, have no right to complain in the first place) that vast majority is very visibly absent. A mere 45 people attended the hearing and of those, 10 would be con-sidered new and young faces, not the “old” pillars of the town who always attend town meet-ings. Apathy once again reared its ugly head; even Mayor Todd Gill (who emceed the evening) admitted attendance was “not near the crowd we expected. I wish people would come out and get the right information but I thank YOU for coming.”

The meeting was held to dis-cuss funding requirements for construction of a new water treatment plant. Proposed rate increases are jumping as much as 230 per cent in order that finances are in place for the $6 million project which is hoped for completion within 12 months.

“This rate increase is directly related to the proposal of a new treatment facility and waste-water lagoon,” said Gill. “It is not the duty of council to carry out large infrastructure projects such as water treatment and la-goons. It is our duty to identify

opportunities and deficiencies and take proactive or corrective measures. Contrary to some be-liefs, we have not been in need of a new treatment facility for 20 years. We have, however, been short of the required storage capacity for likely more than that. You will fi nd in many past utility fi nancial plans a proposed $2 million for upgrades and a new reservoir. In 2011 coun-cil was informed by Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) there were concerns with our plant and its ability to be up-graded to meet the newest water quality standards. The revenue to support principal and interest payments must come from water and sewer sales; a restructur-ing of the utility fi nancial plan must therefore occur. Coun-cil does not hold the expertise nor authority to determine and implement a new rate structure. Our obligation, by provincial legislation, is to contract an independent fi rm and submit an application with the study. The most recent study as ordered by Public Utilities Board (PUB) includes and reflects all oper-ational and capital requirements for the future of our utility. A public hearing hosted by PUB with regards to the utility rate increase will be held in Redfern Hall on June 15 at 7 p.m.”

The mayor ’s 15-minute speech included common ques-tions and his answers before 45 minutes were spent on public questions. Gill’s fi rst question was why there wasn’t more money in a utility reserve fund; PUB does not allow it. Past councils have requested increas-es to allow for a $100,000 per year reserve but PUB reduced reserves to $20,000 per year on belief it’s “unfair to charge cur-rent ratepayers for projects in the future they may not benefi t from,” Gill explained.

Why are you raising rates when the water cannot be con-

sumed? Gill reiterated a por-tion of his speech when he said is was a “coincidence is all.” Rate reviews/public hearings take time and council hopes to make the fi rst loan payment in December 2016. “We have anticipated the new rates being implemented in the last quarter of this year or the fi rst quarter of 2016; we need sufficient time to derive revenue.” In his speech proper he said, “Con-trary to the beliefs of some, we are not here due to a boil water advisory. It is nothing more than coincidence that this proposal is being presented at a time when our existing system has failed.”

Though there will be many steps to treatment and fi ltration, the new water plant will “ultim-ately be reverse osmosis.”

The lagoon project is in the midst of a its third revision of a design review; council is mak-ing yet another application to Build Canada and is hopeful to receive funding (denied last year) so construction can begin in late 2016. Gill’s question was why the two projects couldn’t be spaced further apart; he an-swered, “The only way time could be benefi cial is if it was 20 years to allow for the payment of one before starting the other. As we have learned, time comes with cost consequences as well.”

The first ratepayer question was to find out if a 230 per

cent increase was legal. Gill reminded the small crowd the new rates include increases for both the treatment plant and lagoon (an estimated $5 mil-lion project). He explained, “By law, utilities must stand on its own and must not run a defi cit; PUB will not allow it. These suggested rate increases come from independent studies and their recommendations.”

One person mentioned the “toxicity” of fluoride-treated water and how as early as 1976 Holland banned the use of that chemical and how in the past 40 years, much of Europe, China and Japan are now no longer treating water with fl uoride. Gill admitted to seeing much litera-ture on the topic but was unsure of what chemicals were used here; he and the present council (Councillors Larry Fast and Bryan Smith were absent) were asked to hold a referendum on treating with or without fl uoride.

A professional engineer with 30 years experience in water and wastewater treatment, and who teaches the same at Red River College, attended the meeting. He responded that, “Fluoride is a small part of the process and is not likely an issue here.” He plans to retire to Rivers and came to the meeting to be bet-ter informed and to offer expert advice; he “commended council for their proactive approach and I’m glad council is embarking on membrane technology.”

When asked if the town’s current infrastructure is strong enough to support the new sys-tem, Gill replied yes.

One person wanted to know when the increases would be ef-fective. While council hopes for the fi nal three months of 2015 or the fi rst three of 2016, Gill said, “It’s out of council’s hands. It will come into effect when PUB decides.”

He was also questioned about the sincerity of his confi dence

that water from a new plant will be on tap in 12 months. He stated, “I understand concerns from ratepayers are all valid but the reality is those concerns may create delays so construction may not happen as quick. We would like to see the reservoir constructed by winter, then the building and then the treatment equipment; it’s possible MWSB may tender it in three phases.”

When he mentioned tendering someone wondered “what safe-guards are in place if it goes over budget?” He answered there are “always contingencies in place for design so we follow the lead of the consultants. We originally thought it might be a $4.5 million plant, then MWSB denied a $10 million plant and said we needed to find some-thing this community can afford. No one likes to swallow these rates but we must. The reality is that’s what it costs. Oak River, Rapid City, Virden, we’re all going through this process and in Rivers, we are better off than some. We require $19 per 1,000 gallons in comparison to Oak River, which is looking for $30 per 1,000 gallons.”

Riverdale plans to drain its $400,000 utility reserve and bor-row $2.6 million to fi nance this project. With accumulated debt from Rivers and Daly through amalgamation and a potential lagoon loan next year, coun-cil could be in debt $6 million in 2016. Gill was questioned about these numbers and admit-ted he was “comfortable with this debt load as I think we’ve done our job because citizens will benefi t from these projects for many years after we are all gone. We’ve asked for manda-tory depreciation costs and an additional $100,000 to rebuild our reserves. There should be reserve funds available at all times though we are never al-lowed excessive funds in our utility account.”

You have another chance

to defeat apathy:

SHOW YOU CARE!

Attend the June 15

7 p.m. meeting.

2 RIVERS BANNER June 5, 2015

Community calendar

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related to adoptionsIf you are an adult adoptee

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Please visit manitoba.ca/adoptionrecords Contact your local CFS agency

Or call 1-855-837-5542 (toll free in Canada and the US)

Zion Church

865-3rd Avenue, Rivers

Sunday school/morning service at 10:30 a.m.

Decoration DayJoin us in remembrance of our fallen on

Sunday, June 7

Rivers Cenotaph

2 p.m.We invite the community to attend the service which will be followed by refreshments in the upper hall of Rivers Legion.

Council clipsRiverdale Municipal-ity, May 5: Rolling River School Division attended to discuss the Hockey Skills Academy at Riv-ers Collegiate this year . It is expected to expand next school year; the del-egation requested more ice time. A presentation was made on the Wet-lands Centre of Excel-lence; student proposals requested the municipal-ity provide support by mowing standing clover, providing a bus loop for access and expand As-pen Trail around the wet-land; council authorized municipal works to as-sist with these requests. A letter is to be mailed reminding residents that gravel at municipal-owned pits is not free; it is unlawful to remove gravel; such practice will be reported to police. Art Halliday was given permission to remove a spruce tree on municipal property adjacent to his to allow for better yard care on the south side; he will replace the tree with one of a variety approved by Riverdale. Council and CAO Kat Bridgeman were authorized to at-tend a district meeting in Brandon on June 18 with related expenses being paid. Council approved the Mel and Joyce Mulli-gan proposal to subdivide six acres containing the existing residence yard site and lane on condi-tion that a Declaration of Easement be entered into for continued use of the lane to the residual prop-erty. A bylaw to create a Recreation and Youth De-

velopment Reserve Fund passed third reading.

Finances: Council approved the release of $45,000 to Rivers Health Action Committee by way of transfer from the respective health care re-serves ($24,335.79 Riv-ers, $27,306.76 Daly). Council approved the purchase of a 1500 RAM SXT 4x4 quad cab for municipal works for $34,567.06; funds were transferred from the Equipment Replace-ment Reserve as per the 2015 budget. Council approved the purchase of a 2015 160M Cat-erpillar grader for mu-nicipal works at a cost, after trade, of $150,360; funds were transferred from the Equipment Re-placement Reserve as per the 2015 budget. Loan transfer documents from Daly and Rivers were transferred to Riverdale Municipality as follows: Rivers $1,440,924.17, Rivers $397,223.94, Daly $486,746.76; a credit ap-plication to continue the municipal operating line of credit at $1.5 million was signed. Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth will allow connection of the rural water pipeline to Tom and Jean Ryall for an

upgrade fee of $2,154.43; the fee and any addi-tional costs borne by Riverdale will be Ryall’s responsibility.

RM of Oakview, May 19: The Roads and Drainage Committee reported on requests re-ceived regarding access to property, machinery road upgrades, culvert replacement, municipal ditches, low-level cross-ings and drainage con-cerns; gravelling was discussed. Virden Recy-cling Depot will close by May 31. Council agreed to have the Rapid City foreman pick up sorted recyclables from Rapid City School on condition that recyclables are in re-cycling bags and placed alongside the garbage bin on Tuesday mornings, on a trial basis until the end of June. A bylaw to pro-vide for the issuance of borrowing for upgrades to Oak River Water Treat-ment Plant and operat-ing defi cits as a local improvement passed fi rst reading. Manitoba Wa-ter Services Board has indicated they were allo-cated additional funding of $22 million over the next fi ve years to expand the number of projects undertaken; council will

complete a Core Infra-structure Renewal Project Funding Request for proj-ects the municipality may consider in the next two to four years. Dandelion spraying in cemeteries and engraving on the co-lumbarium in Rapid City were discussed; coun-cil did not wish to get involved in engraving; spraying of certain cem-eteries was authorized.

Finances: Cardale Commemorative School Committee was given $500 towards the pur-chase and installation of a black granite plaque near the entrance of the old school. Council au-thorized the hiring of fi ve students under the Hometown Green Team Program, at $11 per hour. Tri-Wave Construction will access water from municipal wells in Ward 2 boundaries for road re-construction; $4,500 will be charged; Tri-Wave will give consideration to local farmers using the water for domestic and agricultural purposes. Council donated $250 to Rapid City Rodeo Asso-ciation for the annual high school rodeo on May 23 and 24. Council donated $200 to Minnedosa Per-sonal Care Home pie auc-tion on May 21. Accounts of 64,933.56 and unpaid invoices of $88,069.32 were passed for payment.

June 5: Veteran’s banquet, Rivers Legion HallJune 6: Town-wide yard sale, Rapid City, 9 a.m-12 p.m.June 6: Car wash, Rivers Elementary School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (June 13 rain date)June 7: Decoration Day, Rivers cenotaph park, 2 p.m.June 7: Cold plate supper, St. James’ Anglican Church, Rivers, 4:30-6:30 p.m.June 7: Razzamatazz Dance Club meeting, Riverdale Community Centre, Rivers, 7 p.m.June 8: Rivers Legion meeting, upper hall, 7:30 p.m.June 9: Rivers and Area Game and Fish Association meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, Rivers, 6:30 p.m.June 9: Band concert, Rivers Collegiate, 7 p.m.June 10: Rivers Kids Club annual meeting, Immacu-late Conception Roman Catholic Church, Rivers, 7 p.m.June 10: Riverdale Harvest annual meeting, Prairie Crocus Regional Library, 7:30 p.m.June 12: Alzheimer walk, Riverdale Personal Care HomeJune 13: Town/resort-wide yard sales, Rivers/Chimo, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.June 14: 100th anniversary of Cardale Church, 2 p.m.June 14: Country supper, Harding Community Cen-ter, 4:30-7 p.m.June 17: Chamber of Commerce meeting, Lee’s Res-taurant, Rivers, 12-1 p.m.June 18: Rivers 50+ meeting, Civic Centre, 2 p.m.June 19: Rivers Collegiate graduation ceremony, school gym, 2 p.m.June 20: Golf tournament, Riverdale Golf Club, phone 204-328-7830June 20: Street dance, Oak RiverJune 23: Diabetic clinic, Rivers Medical Centre, 8-8:30 a.m.June 23: RM of Oakview budget meeting, council chamber, 8 p.m.June 24: Riverdale District Health Auxiliary meet-ing, Kiwanis Courts, Rivers, 1:30 p.m.June 25: Rivers Ministerial Association meeting, Riverdale Personal Care Home, 10:30 a.m.June 28: Hike for Hospice, Riverdale Health CentreJune 30: Rivers Train Station Restoration Project meeting, Riverdale Municipality council chamber, July 1: Canada Day celebrations, Rapid CityJuly 7: Horse and 4-H shows, Rivers fairgroundsJuly 8: Rivers fairJuly 8: Beef supper, Riverdale Community Centre, Rivers, 4:30 p.m.July 14: Rivers and Area Game and Fish Association meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, Rivers, 6:30 p.m.July 18: Fundraising auction and dance, Riverdale Community Centre, RiversJuly 29: Chamber of Commerce meeting, Lee’s Res-taurant, Rivers, 12-1 p.m.Aug. 3-7: Laxdal Hockey School, Riverdale Commu-nity Centre, RiversAug. 10-13: Corbin Hockey School, Riverdale Com-munity Centre, RiversAug. 11: Rivers and Area Game and Fish Association meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, Rivers, 6:30 p.m.

RIVERS BANNER June 5, 2015 3

15061ss00

Annual spring

meetingTime: 7:00 p.m.

Date: Sunday, June 7, 2015

Location: Riverdale Community Centre (Redfern Hall, upstairs)

Meeting content: Executive appointments (secretary, vice-president, recital, picture co-ordinator), volunteer list, fees, new building discussion.

Anyone is welcome to attend!

would like to offer a sincere thank you to the following for another successful year: spon-sors, donors, volunteers, participants, Rolling River for use of schools, busing, etc., Rivers Home Hardware, Minnedosa United Church, Minnedosa Pharmacy and Jean Garbolinsky for their support of the 2015 festival. Without you, it wouldn’t happen!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGWednesday, June 10 at 7 p.m.at the nursery school—parents only, please!

If your child will be three on or before Dec. 31, 2015 and is potty trained, they are able to attend nursery school. Registrations will be handed out that night. Post-dated cheques will be required as payment prior to the start of school.

Worship service/Sunday school – 10:30 a.m.

Jr. youth (Gr. 5-8) — 204-328-7854 for details.

Professional counselling *Marriage *Family *Depression

*Addictions *Grief *Abuse Phone 204-573-3362 for an appointment.Pastor Wil Warkentin, MA in counselling

Rivers Baptist Church447 Edward Street Phone 204-328-7882

Rural Municipality of OakviewPUBLIC NOTICE

Regarding the 2015 Financial PlanPUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Sub-section 162(2) of The Municipal Act that the Council of the RM of Oakview intends to present its fi nancial plan for the fi scal year 2015 at a public hearing in the RM of Oakview council chamber on

Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 8 p.m.Council will hear any person who wishes to make a representation, ask questions or register an objection to the fi nancial plan, as provided.

Please note that the 2015 fi nancial plan will consider the following proposal: to build a new municipal shop in the village of Oak River for a total estimated cost of $450,000+GST. to be paid from Reserve Funds of the RM of Oakview ($245,000 from building reserve, $55,000 from gas tax reserve and $150,000 from the general operating fund).

Copies of the fi nancial plan will be available for review commencing on the 10th day of June, 2015, and may be examined by any person during the regular offi ce hours of the municipal offi ce at Oak River or Rapid City.

Diane Kuculym, Chief Administrative Offi cerRM of Oakview, June 3, 2015

105 years ago, 1910 A painted drop curtain and side wings were added to Wagar Hall in Rivers. A blizzard raged through the district last Saturday.

65 years ago, June 8, 1950 At its Tuesday meeting Rivers-Daly Hospital Fund agreed to abandon attempts to have a hospital here and ordered that all monies col-lected be refunded; interest gained from donations will be given to Red Cross. RCAF offi cer Air Commodore Costello from North West Air Command gave his fi rst 100 per cent inspection — all uniforms in perfect shape — when visiting Rivers air cadet league last Wednesday. Frost on June 3 blackened gardens and fi elds. Rivers town council has told Rivers Tennis Club that unless the courts on Fourth Avenue are placed under proper management and used for the purpose intended, council will advertise them for sale for housing purposes. Mr. and Mrs. Lawlor had a girl June 4; Mr. and Mrs. F. Dalgleish had a boy June 5. Peter Livingstone is building a new store in Bradwardine; other construction in that town is a new basement at Pool Elevator. Hazel Hanna married John Kelly on June 3.

55 years ago, June 2, 1960 Norman McLeod is the new manager of Rivers’ North American Lumber; he arrived last week. The Experimental Farm weather station at J. W. Smith farm in Oakleigh district reports four inches of rain from May 24-29. The Smith-Kennedy wedding was a May 28 event. Effective June 1, Elliott Bros. Taxi was purchased by F. W. Decker and Sons Ltd.; Elmer Elliott is now retired after 20 years of service in Rivers, the fi rst fi ve years as a cream truck driver. Mr. and Mrs. W. Buck had a girl May 26.

45 years ago, June 4, 1970 Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Johnstone celebrated their 25th anniversary on May 9.

The Moar-Stewart wedding was a May 30 event. Mr. and Mrs. BIll Hicks had a girl May 22.

35 years ago, June 4, 1980 Five Riverdale Hospital staff picketed Friday morning; 90 per cent of CUPE agreed to strike if a settlement was not reached. This is the second time for a strike in the town’s 73-year his-tory; the fi rst was in 1909 by Grand Trunk Pacifi c rail employees. Rivers elementary students had an expected day off Monday two weeks ago and last week, another unplanned holiday was given when the water line failed yet again on Thursday. A temporary line has been con-nected until a new one is installed. Adele Roseveare married David Nesbitt on May 17; Margaret Reimer married Randy Hrabok on May 23; Lynn Ratz married Roger Rowley on May 31. Mr. and Mrs. Doug Parker celebrated their 40th anniversary on May 31. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Perrett had a girl May 24. On June 3 Garner’s Women’s Shop moved into extra space at Rivers’ Link Hardware.

25 years ago, June 6, 1990 Mr. and Mrs. Bill Downey celebrated their 50th anniversary on May 27. Mr. and Mrs. Norm Short had a girl May 19. Bonnie Radcliffe married Rick Church last month; Tara Sveistrup married Darren Bray on June 3.

15 years ago, June 3, 2000 A public meeting last

Monday saw more than 100 people attend and 13 people commit to forming a Health Action Committee for Riv-ers. Their fi rst meeting will be June 12 when a chairman will be appointed. The group is forming because the province has released a template regarding rural hospital care in which Rivers would lose its acute care beds and doctors. An offi cial sod turning ceremony was held on May 10 for construction of Rivers Lions Village on the northeast corner of Quebec Street and Second Avenue; in the past three weeks plumbing pipes now poke through the cement pad and wall and roof timbers shape the size.

5 years ago, June 4, 2010 Talitha Dyck of Harding belongs to the Music for Young Children choir in Bran-don. The 10-year-old is one of 35 choristers aged fi ve to 10 who will sing O Canada and Star Spangled Banner at the Winnipeg Goldeyes game on June 6. Canadian Agricultural and Rural Extension Society (CARES) held a fundraising supper in Rivers on May 30; the sold-out crowd of 70 enjoyed Canadian and African food at the fundraiser for Tanzanian women and youth. CARES has members from Alberta to Ontario and Corina Lepp of Rivers is the Tanzanian project co-ordinator.

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204-328-7122 for tee times/info

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Rivers Banner Perspective

Tundra by Chad Carpenter

JUNE 5, 20154

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

KenWaddell

Across the ages

Everything involves the economy

MYPERSPECTIVE

KateJacKman-atKinson

STAFF Owners/PublishersKen and Chris Waddell

StaffSheila Runions, Maggie Smallwood

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PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAYAD DEADLINE: TUESDAY 5 PM PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE

Est. 1908

Members of:

One of Quebec’s most famous provincial polit-icians Jacques Parizeau,

the man who lead the 1995 referendum for Quebec separa-tion has died. He still stands in history for Quebec separation, alongside Rene Levesque who lead the 1980 referendum and Lucien Bouchard.

Quebec separation is a desper-ately nurtured myth, propped up by aspiring politicians, feeding on Quebec discontent with a variety of issues. It’s a socialist-fed movement that is used as a club to beat the Rest of Canada (ROC) over the head to obtain concessions. It has worked pretty well when you evaluate how much money goes from the ROC to Quebec every year and continues to do so.

Quebec, not unlike Manitoba, could be a “have” province if the economy and attitude was adjusted. Quebec is huge, has a large population, is multicul-tural, rich in heritage, history and resources. The founding city in Canada was established in 1608 and my wife and I vis-ited Quebec in 2008, the four hundredth anniversary of the founding. Quebec is a fantastic place.

But there have been prob-lems. Just like in Manitoba, rural Quebec, the heritage and historical heart of the province has been all but abandoned by the central government. Billions of tax dollars have been poured into urban infrastructure all the while rural and northern economies have been left to rot on the vine. Rural Quebec has been largely ignored. Rural Quebec, or what’s left of it, is lead around by the nose with a ring, like a subservient animal by the urban, and often touted as superior, Montreal.

Sound familiar? While Mont-real has less than 20 per cent

of the province’s population and Winnipeg has 60 per cent of Mani-toba’s, the large number of votes in each city carries a huge sway in the voting. Some would argue that it’s a democracy and so the majority rules. That’s true but it doesn’t mean that the majority shouldn’t also think, care or plan for the future. Urban centres are often called the “engines of the economy” but the citizens and politicians who believe that for-get where their fuel comes from. The fuel comes in many forms. It may mean employees, it may mean food, it may mean markets for urban produced goods. It may mean tourism destinations, it can mean a lot of things. When an economy builds up only its urban centres, it will fall.

Manitoba isn’t doing well and neither is Quebec. When you have such a disparity among rural and urban, between urban and northern, you create a self fueled problem.

What many people don’t understand is that everything involves economic develop-ment. Education and the related employment and infrastructure spending has an economic development impact to it. So does health care and maybe even more. All government departments have an economic spin-off that is important to the economy of the respective areas. When government spend-

ing is concentrated in the urban areas, at the expense of the rural areas, the rural areas starve. That’s happened in Quebec and in Manitoba.

Government departments have been given a very narrow mandate. When confronted about how health decisions af-fect the local economy, the health officials will testily inform you that their mandate has nothing to do with economic development. They will say their mandate is to provide health care at the least possible cost. That of course is a very narrow view. At least pos-sible cost to whom? The govern-ment, of course, which in turn means the urban voters. If you only have health testing facilities purposefully located in large centres, it may be at least cost to the system but the individual pays the cost of getting there, staying in the larger centre for the duration of the need and all at personal cost. So I ask again, at whose’s cost? At the cost of the rural or northern citizen be it financially, resource-wise or emotionally.

Both Manitoba and Quebec need to put a lot more thought into how to develop their resour-ces throughout the whole prov-ince or they will both become a few urban centres surrounded by a rural and northern wasteland.

In the last month or so, it seems as though I have had frequent occasion to talk to some seniors within our community. It all started about a month ago, when

I was gathering stories our VE Day special. During that time, I got a front row seat to stories from World War II, both at home and abroad.

Then last week, a woman in her 70s was t e l l i n g m e about some of her recent trips, includ-ing an excur-sion zip lining between the Whistler and Backcomb mountains. “One more thing off the bucket list,” she told me.

Growing up, I never knew my grandparents– they had all passed before I was born. I had some grand-parent stand ins; a good friend of my grandmother with whom we remained close and my best friend’s grandmother, who I was allowed to “borrow”. But I missed out on the experiences many children have with their grandparents. I didn’t hear first hand stories about any wars, times of great hardship or stories of life in “the old country”. I didn’t get to learn what my parents had been like as kids.

We all tend to get stuck within our generations. Our friends tend to be of similar age, stage and life experi-ence. It leads us to forget that others may have already overcome the challenges we face, or have a different way of looking at our problems.

Last week, I also went to Country Meadows Personal Care Home to take pictures of a successful program which pairs Grade 5 students with Country Meadows residents. As part of the Adopt a Grandparent program, the students visit the care home once a month, talk to the residents and they take part in activities together.

It might surprise some, but the students really enjoy hearing about the residents’ lives and the history of the area. With many children living far away from their grandparents, the program reminds students about the times they have shared with their grandparents.

Judging from the faces, both the students and the residents enjoy the program.

Beyond having some fun, intergenerational programs have been shown to have a number of positive effects.

For seniors, such programs have been shown to promote a better understanding of youth; decrease feelings of isolation, loneliness and boredom; provide a sense of purpose; offer a means to give back to the community and offer a way of passing on life skills, history, life experience and knowledge. Seniors can also learn new skills, such as technology, and pick up some of the enthusiasm often displayed by younger people.

For young adults, such programs help develop a healthy attitude towards ageing; provide an understand-ing of culture, history and other experiences; create a sense of social responsibility and community; improve skills such as communication, problem solving and life skills and offer a way to learn about culture, history and other life experiences. Conversing with an older person can also help them feel respected and listened to.

Years ago, this sort of transfer happened naturally. In the past, it was more common for multiple generations to live together and families weren’t nearly so disbursed across countries and continents. But today. we have to make more of an effort.

The benefits of intergenerational friendships don’t just apply to school-age children. At all ages of life, having friends with a different perspective can help us see the forest for the trees, or find the needle in the haystack.

Opinion RIVERS BANNER 5JUNE 5, 2015

By Addy OberlinObservation

Would we really want to? Or simply talk about it?

HOMEBODIES

Rita FRiesen

FAITHFULLY YOURS

neil stRohschein

God knows your name—not your number

on the counter overnight and it had thickened to a wonderful gelatinous mass. Thick enough to slice with a knife. And on the table, beside the heritage green bowl, was another smaller, matching one, filled with hard boiled eggs. Eggs from the mixed flock running around the yard. The evening meal consisted of those two ingredients, the eggs sliced by a tinny device created just for the slicing of eggs. A little salt and pepper and the meal sufficed.

‘Knack saat’, sunflower seeds roasted in the oven, a staple for an evening of crokinole and Chinese checkers. Some farm fam-

ilies grew a few special plants in the kitchen gar-den, others gleaned from the fields. In a shallow, darkened from use, cake or cookie pan, the seeds would be carefully watched and stirred as they roasted. Farm homes were more cas-ual than most homes today, and in one home where I was always welcome, as the family sat around cracking seeds, they were allowed to let the hulls simply drop to the floor. Sweeping up at the end on the day solved the problem.

A source of family laugh-ter was the kids or grand-kids coming in and seeing Ed watching baseball, a generic grocery bag hooked

all government programs. Our federal and provincial governments no longer identify us by name. They identify us by number. Every transaction we have with government—paying taxes, getting refunds, claiming CPP or EI benefits, getting a passport, etc.—is tied to that number we’ve had since we were young.

Now don’t get me wrong. Social Insurance Numbers have their place. They greatly reduce the pos-sibility, for example, that the payroll deductions your employer remits to Revenue Canada will be credited to another person whose name is the same as yours. Likewise, when you apply for pension benefits, your SIN gives the person processing your applica-tion the ability to quickly access your contribution history and calculate the

monthly payment to which you are entitled.

Having a number is one thing. Being treated like one is quite another. Sadly, there are times when people with legitimate needs seek help from gov-ernment; but the treatment they receive is harsh, cruel and so lacking in genuine care and concern that the needy person says: “I’m just a number to them. Nothing more—just a number.”

We’ve all felt that way at times—and not just after trying in vain to secure help from a government agency. Sometimes those closest to us—members of our own families—can treat us the same way. So can people in business, community organizations and even the church. All of these groups are formed by and run by people. And sometimes

I don’t carry many cards in my wallet. I only carry the ones I need for

work or for identification when asked to produce it (which isn’t all that often any more).

One card has been with me for 46 years. It is made of white plastic, with a red border. In the center of the card, in large type is a number—nine numerals in three groups of three numerals each. My name is printed beneath it. That number is my Social Insur-ance Number.

The federal government introduced the SIN in 1964. It was to be a Client Services number, used to keep track of contributions to the Canada Pension Plan and various government insur-ance programs. In 1967, Revenue Canada adopted the SIN for tax reporting purposes. Plastic cards like the one I have were phased out in March 2014 to help prevent identity theft.

Since 1967, thanks to something called “func-tionality creep,” Canada’s SIN has evolved into a uni-versal identification num-ber that we use to access

As the scoop of ori-ginal plain yogurt settled in the bowl,

a flood of memories rushed through my mind. Go back to a hot muggy summer afternoon on the farm. We have been out fencing in the swampy bush land, stung by mosquitoes and pesky black flies, face whipped by wily branches. Or baling clover on the back 40. Sweat dripping down, stinging tired eyes, and the abrasive clover stems shredding jeans and wear-ing leather gloves to a soft pliant texture.

You know the type of day. No air conditioner in the home, the cook as hot and tired as the field hands. Meal time, a time to rest, breathe deep and share thoughts. And there, coming out the fridge, the old green glazed bowl filled with ‘dicke milch’. Thickened milk. The un-pasteurised milk from the jersey cows had been left

the people closest to us will treat us as though we are just a number. It’s not nice, nor is it right, but it happens.

Are you ready for some good news? Here it is. The God who created you knows you by your name. He knows you as the unique person you are. He knows you better than a dozen best friends will ever know you. He was present when you were conceived in your mother’s womb; and like the caring shepherd about whom Jesus spoke in John’s gospel chapter 10, he has been with you ever since—watching over you, looking out for you and caring for you.

When you seek his assist-ance, the help God provides will be tailor-made to your unique needs. He will give you what you need, in the amounts you need for as long as you need it. And as your needs change, so will his supply of those needs. God will never treat you in ways that make you think you’re just a number, noth-ing more. God knows your name—not your number.

over his ears, not unlike a feed bag on the old horse, carefully spitting the hulls into the bag!

‘Spits’ were in the glove box, or on the seat, of the farm truck, in the combine and in the tractor. They were a staple.

Today, both yogurt and sunflower seeds are always in my kitchen. However, the yogurt comes in flavours, fat free, two percent, etc.Not sure how nutritious the substance is. The sun-flower seeds I purchase are pre-shelled, compact. I sprinkle them on top of my cereal, steal a handful for snacking.

For the price of one pack-age I could plant a garden row, or two. I wonder about eating healthy. I wonder about the cost of feeding a growing family. If we could go back to growing our own food, processing our own food, would we really want to? Or simply talk about it?

Three coats are ready to wear: a nice summer jacket, a hoody and the jacket that I wear when the weather is too nice for a parka and not nice

enough for a hoody. I wore each one this week. The farmers are happy that they got their crop in early but I see neighbors covering up their gardens, because the forecast is frost. A few days ago I put all my plants out on the deck. Today they are sitting in my sun-room,

where I shielded them all winter from the cold.Some years the southern part of Manitoba and parts

of the Interlake drowned because of all the flooding they experienced. This year they need the rain to come to help them to get the crops going.

I believe the humor of it all is that we have no control over the weather. David tells us in Psalm 74:16,17:”The day is Yours, and Yours also the night, You established the sun and the moon; it was You who set all the bound-aries of the earth. You made both summer and winter.”

We have to accept whatever comes our way and be happy nevertheless.

We get itLetters

Yet another opinion rant based on non-factual figures or info. We understand Ken, you hate NDP, unions and health workers/health care system. You figure I-have-money-how-dare-I-wait-for-services.

The same as Albertans threw blind faith for 44 years behind the PCs, you likely have voted for the same, or close to it, for a PC government. You say NDP spend $1.5 million more than they bring in. How much did the PCs (especially Fil-mon) cost Manitoba every Friday because he felt five days of being chastised was too much? You say health care is too top heavy. Well in the ‘90s Filmon thought it had too many workers and frontline staff; he slashed staff down to critical numbers/shortages to the point that nurses (the only ones who can take that strike hit) walked picket lines in -40 temps. We still don't have enough workers to offset the next five to 10 years of retirement-aged people. PCs getting elected will only be worse.

As for hog barns, I wish they didn't bring Maple Leaf in and banned all hog barn produc-tion in the mid-90s when several states did. You don't need hog barns if farmers did their own raising and killing. Our waterways, roads and environment are impacted by hog barns and their production. You can't tell me that having Koch (formerly Simplot) and Maple Leaf in the same area hasn't increased pollution and changed the environment of water.

If you seriously think 2,000 members run the province, it's laughable at best. The union I'm apart of has over 13,000 members and we have no voice. You say UFCW pushed the ban; I say environmental issues and stats show hog barns aren't money producers nor are they environ-mentally safe. USA banned them when Canada started to bring them in. We have always been a backward country, maybe due to the fact a certain 1980s PC national leader sold Canada. I have no alliance/allegiance to a party. If what the leader of a party fits with what I see best for my town, province or country, is who I vote for. Thankfully, party alliance voters are getting on in years and I finally see a change away from that system of voting. I have a grandparent that doesn't follow what a certain MLA says or has done, yet she will vote for that person/party until she can no longer make an X.Matthew Bauche Rivers, Man.

Ed note: This letter makes a lot of incorrect as-sumptions, but it’s his privilege to do so.

- KW

NADbank, ComBase: Adults 18+, print and online

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6 RIVERS BANNER June 5, 2015

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To be considered, you will be a high school graduate with the following credits: Mathematics 40S (Applied or Pre-Calculus), Physics 30S and English 40.

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Training ProgramAboriginal candidates who do not currently meet all the above qualifications may be interested in our six month Aboriginal Line Trades Pre-Placement Training Program. Selected candidates will receive on-the-job training and academic upgrading to meet the minimum requirements to compete for a position in the Power Line Technician Training Program.

To be considered, you will be a high school graduate with at least one of the following credits: Mathematics 40S (Applied or Pre-Calculus), Physics 30S or English 40. Proof of Aboriginal Ancestry is also required.

Applications for both the Power Line Technician and Aboriginal Line Trades Pre-Placement Programs must include a personal résumé and a complete transcript of marks (high school and any post secondary). Only complete applications will be considered.

Visit our website at www.hydro.mb.ca/careers to apply online. If you are unable to access a computer, please call our Employment Line at 1-204-360-7282 or 1-800-565-5200.

The deadline for applications is June 17, 2015. We thank you for your interest and will contact you if you are selected for an interview.

Manitoba Hydro offers a competitive salary and benefits package and working conditions that provide for a balanced approach to work, family life and community, including a nine day work cycle.

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BUILDING SUPPLIES

METAL ROOFING AND SIDING SALE!! We stock metal for House and Cabin Roofs, Roof-ing and Siding for Barns & Sheds, Millends for Out Buildings Shelters. SIG’ S STEEL 204-762-5030 sigssteel.com

CAREER TRAINING

M E D I C A L T R A N -SCRIPTIONISTS are in huge demand! Train with Canada’ s top Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today! 1.800.466.1535 www.canscribe.com. info@canscribe.com.

MOBILE HOMES6 New 16 x 80, 3 Bed, 2 Bath. Starting at $83,000, 1 New 16 x 68, 2 Bed, 1 Bath. Starting at $72,000. Altona Mobile Homes, 1-800-582-4036, 1-204-324-6776 Email amhl@mymts.net

Need reliable drivers who can work fl exible hours transporting CN and CP crews. Must have class 4 driver’s licence or higher. We pay wages above any Brandon taxi company. Phone 204-328-7448.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

STEEL BUILDINGS

BIG 35TH ANNIVER-SARY SALE! 20X20 $4500. 25X24 $5198. 32X36 $8427. 40X46 $12140. One end Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

Thank you seems so inadequate for the support we have received from our family and friends, as well as the fl owers, food, donations, phone calls and hugs — it is all appreciated. Special thanks to Rev. Glenna for being there when we needed her over the past year, and for the wonderful service. To Branch No. 75 for their service, Nick would want us to thank you for a job well done. Thanks Legion Ladies Auxiliary for the lovely lunch and all the kindness shown us. To Memories Chapel, especially Vern Schneider and Craig Hayward, thanks for your assistance and guidance.In lieu of thank-you cards, a donation will be made to Rivers Train Station Restoration Project and Riverdale Community Centre.God bless.

Shirley, Bill, Bob and Don Kamula

Minnedosa Insurance ServicesIs accepting resumes for a

Licensed Insurance BrokerRequirements: · Minimum 1-2 years’ experience with general insurance with a Level 2 license or better. · Working knowledge of broker management software an asset · Necessary skills are an ability to work well with others, excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

Please forward cover letter and resume by June 20, 2015 to lmcnabb@minnedosainsurance.com

or fax to 204-867-3781 or mail to Lori McNabb, Minnedosa Insurance Services,

PO Box 870, Minnedosa, MB. R0J 1E0

Real Estate

574 Third Avenue, RiversSunday, June 7, 2-4 p.m.

MLS No. 1508424

FOR INQUIRIES CALL Tracy at Way-Mor Agencies,

204-303-0011 or 204-328-5264

OPEN HOUSE

Rivers Train Station Restoration Group “The Great Train Trip Giveaway.” Raffl e tickets at Carol’s Time Again Treasures, 241 First Avenue, 204-328-4434 or Donna at 204-328-7841. Lic. No. LGA6081RF

McKenzie: The family of Bernie McKenzie invite you to a memorial celebration on Saturday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Rivers. Reception to follow; please join us and share your memories.

A heartfelt thank you to the ladies who organized and those who attended the wedding shower held in my honour on May 24 at Rivers United Church. Thank you as well to those who contributed to the com-munity gift at Home Hardware. The support was truly overwhelming and very much appreciated. Amanda Kowalchuk

I would like to thank everyone who attended my “surprise” shower on Sat., May 30. Special thank you to those who contributed to the community gift. A BIG thank you to Andrea, Tonya, Kristy and Mom for planning the wonderful afternoon. In lieu of thank you cards, a donation to Cancer Care Manitoba has been made. THANK YOU! Jenn Hawkins

Many thanks to all who enquired about my progress while in hospoital and since my return home; for cards, gifts, phone calls and visits — all greatly appreciated for contributing to my gradual improve-ment. Phyllis Leslie

Steve and Tammy Dyck are happy to announce the marriage of their daughter Saxon Lillian to Ryder Nelson Bur-roughs on March 13, 2015 and the birth of their Granddaughter on October 27, 2014. A Come and Go Celebra-tion will be held on June 6, 2015 at the Rivers Legion Hall from 2 - 4 p.m. Please consider this your invitation to attend.

Provincial classifi edsNOTICE

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 400,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or email classifi eds@mcna.com for details.

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the ad; Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any war-ranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such ads. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Associa-tion’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

RIVERS BANNER June 5, 2015 7

Provincial classifi eds

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Located on Hwy. 10 between Brandon and Minnedosa. Call or email for rates and information.

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ACCOUNTING SERVICECertifi ed Management Accountants

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STEVEN KROEKER

Hair DynamicsStylist Heather FastStylist Wendy Harder

Stylist/nail tech Melissa RoberdsOPEN

Tues., Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

Ph. 204-328-7435

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Jack Cram, Lawyer

Phone 204-727-8491 or 204-328-7540 (Thursdays,

2-5 p.m.) for appointments.

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Phone 204-727-0694 or1-800-897-5694

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204-764-2744FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

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Engaged

Yard SaleBryton Kingdon wish-es to announce the engagement of his parents, Wendy Rad-cliffe and Bruce King-don. The wedding will take place July 25, 2015 at Cardale.

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SAWMILLS from $4,397MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill. In stock ready

Town/resort-wide yard sales in Rivers/Chimo, June 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free registration to be on participant list, call Heather at 204-328-5254.

to ship. FREE DVD: NorwoodSawmi l l s .com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext 400OT.

TRUCKLOAD MAT-TRESS SALE! EX-TENDED UNTIL JUNE 7! Biggest Savings of the year on mattress sets on all sizes from Twin to King. Double or Queen pillow-top mattress sets starting at $389. Beautyrest Queen mattress set $649 in tight-top model, $699 in 3” pillow-top model. King mattress sets starting at $695 in pillow-top model. Twin spring system mattress-es starting at $169. All other mattress models will receive a 10% DIS-COUNT on a minimum $500 pre-tax purchase. Ideal time to stock up on mattresses for Cottage Season! Limited stock. Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6 & Sun 12-5. Call KDL Furniture at 204-571-1971. 660 Highland Ave., South side of #1 Hwy., Brandon.

Police partnershipsBy Bruce Klassen Chief

Rivers Police Service joined seven other po-lice agencies and Mani-toba Public Insurance (MPI) during May. We

participated in STEP (Selective Traffi c Enforcement Program), aimed at drivers who continue to use hand-held electronic devices. MPI provided funding for addi-tional enforcement to help reduce this very dangerous driving behaviour. On average, one in four road deaths in Manitoba are attributed to distracted driving. The il-legal use of hand-held electronic devices while driving is dangerous and completely unacceptable at all times. Drivers caught using a hand-operated electronic device (including cell phones) received a $200 ticket and moved down two levels on their driver safety rating, resulting in higher insurance rates. By the time STEP ended in Rivers, we issued 18 provincial offence notices — two each for cell phone use, seat belt and warrants for arrest, while the rest were for speeding infractions.

Rivers Police Service also participated in the Walk with Your Doc on May 29. I would also like to remind people of the

double solid line on Second Avenue. It is contrary to the Highway Traffi c Act (HTA) to cross a double solid line. Police have been issuing warnings thus far, but you may be charged under section 110 HTA which has a fi ne of $143.75 and two demerits, resulting in a higher vehicle insurance rate.

May had a total of 70 calls for service. One violent crime was reported, in the extortion, uttering threats, etc. category which is the fi rst for 2015. We have now dealt with four violent crimes this year, including two assaults and one sexual offence.

Theft under $5,000 and property dam-age often go hand-in-hand. We had one case each and the 2015 total thus far is seven of each; these two property crimes are all that were reported in May.

There were two reports of fraud and two other Criminal Code crimes (breaches, public mischief, harassing phone calls, etc.) in May; all Criminal Code charges in Rivers in 2015 amount to 30.

There were no federal traffi c cases and no reportable motor vehicle accidents in May; however, we did lay 21 provincial

traffi c charges in the speeding, etc. cat-egory, which now totals 40. Of the fi ve categories in the provincial traffi c code, Rivers has only dealt with the speeding, no licence, etc. section.

Four full months passed before any char-ges were necessary in the Liquor and Gam-ing Control Act; May saw police charge one minor for possession/consumption of alcohol. Another intoxicated persons /breach of the peace in May brought that total to seven.

We enforced the nuisance bylaw once and the burning bylaw twice. Rivers Po-lice Service is also responsible for animal control and traffi c bylaws; to date these four bylaws have been enforced 11 times.

We assisted the public twice in May, other agencies four times and helped RCMP in the former RM of Daly twice as well. Police have now assisted the public a dozen times, RCMP 10 times and other agencies 7 times.

Loyal readers of this report will know miscellaneous statistics account for the majority of our time and May was no different. Of the 70 calls last month, 29 fi les belonged in this section. There were three community relations, one missing persons (located), seven noisy parties/disturbances and 18 miscellaneous calls, including unfounded complaints. There are now 119 cases in the miscellaneous category.

8 RIVERS BANNER June 5, 2015

May 25, 2015

Riverdale Municipality has applied to The Public Utilities Board (Board) for revised water and sewer rates for Rivers Water and Sewer Utility (Utility) as set out in Bylaw No. 2015-08, read the fi rst time on February 24, 2015. A public notice was issued on April 1, 21015. As a result of the signifi cant response from the customers of Rivers Water and Sewer Utility, the Board will convene a public hearing.

A public hearing will be held Monday, June 15, 2015.Riverdale Community Centre, Redfern Hall, 101 Main Street, Rivers, MB

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., hearing to begin at 7 p.m.

BILLING CYCLE IS BEING CHANGED FROM QUARTERLY TO MONTHLY.

The current rates and proposed rates are provided:

Current Current restated to Proposed Increase/ Bylaw *** monthly for comparison (2015-08) DecreaseService charge $30.32 $10.11 $11.27 12%Water per 1,000 gal. $8.75 $8.75 $19.07 118%Sewer per 1,000 gal. $2.26 $2.26 $7.46 230%Water and sewerminimum charge * $63.35 $21.12 $37.80 79%Sewer only charge $35.21 $11.74 $32.00 173%Bulk water ** $12.05 $12.05 $19.00 58%Bulk water min. charge $6.05 $6.05 $9.50 57%for quantities less than500 gallonsReconnection fee $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 0%Hydrant rental (annual) $125.00 $125.00 $125.00 0%

* Based on 1,000 gallons (monthly) or 3,000 gallons (quarterly) ** Based on 1,000 gallons pro-rated for quantities greater than 500 gallons *** (2 of 2012) quarterly

Meter Group Minimum Customer Water Sewer Quarterly QuarterlySize Capacity Monthly Service Min. charge Min. charge Ratio Consumption Charge (W&S) (Water only)3/4” 1 1,000 $11.27 $19.07 $7.46 $37.80 $30.341” 2 2,000 $11.27 $38.14 $14.92 $64.33 $49.412” 12.5 12,500 $11.27 $238.38 $93.25 $342.90 $249.653” 22.5 22,500 $11.27 $429.08 $167.85 $608.20 $440.354” 45 45,000 $11.27 $858.15 $335.70 $1,205.12 $869.42

Questions concerning the application should be addressed to the municipal administration. Details of the municipality’s application are available for review at the municipality’s offi ce.

Interested parties should make every effort to attend the hearing and make their views known to the Board. Any person wishing to make written representations to the Board should write

The Public Utilities Board, 400 – 330 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0C4or send an email to publicutilities@gov.mb.ca, on or before June 11, 2015.

Interested parties wishing to provide evidence should apply to the Board for Intervener status using the form on the Board’s website at http://www.pub.gov.mb.ca/pdf/pandp/rules_pandp_fi ll_mar07.pdf . Applications for Intervener status must be copied to the applicant as well as the Board. Intervener applications should be received on or before June 11, 2015.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IN CONSIDERING THIS APPLICATION, THE PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD MAY OR MAY NOT FIND IT NECESSARY TO DETERMINE RATES DIFFERENT FROM THOSE APPLIED FOR BY THE APPLICANT.

Note: All proceedings will be conducted in accordance with the Board’s Rules of Practice and Procedure which the Board may vary in order to constrain regulatory costs. The rules are available at www.pub.gov.mb.ca.

Jennifer Dubois, CMA, Assistant Associate Secretary, Manitoba Public Utilities Board

400 - 330 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, MB R3C 0C4www.pub.gov.mb.ca

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGRevised water and sewer rates for Riverdale Municipality, Rivers Water and Sewer Utility

Way-Mor Agencies Ltd.Insurance, Travel, Investments, Real Estate

Phone 204-328-7540 ~ 204-566-2490Rivers ~ Oak River

to Janice Worth and Connie van Dixhoorn on successfully completing the

Canadian Accredited Insurance Brokers (CAIB) program with honours.

Beef bitsBy Brooklyn Hedley

Free Via trip starts soonBy Jessie Bell

At the May 26 meeting 10 members of Rivers Train Station Restoration Committee were reminded by chairperson Donna Morken to hand their unsold tickets in by June 7. The tickets are on an expense-free trip by Via Rail to either Vancouver or Toronto. They have

been slower to sell than the initial offering in 2009, but will still raise considerable money for station restora-tion.

Rivers and Area Lions

Club will hold a barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the day of the ticket draw— Thursday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Westoba Credit Union.

On other business, a letter of appreciation will be forwarded to Brandon University business edu-cation students for their recent extensive informa-tion on the possibility of obtaining empty rail cars for transition into motel units in Rivers. Apprecia-

tion will also be expressed in a letter to the Kamula family for memorial dona-tions received following the death of Nick Kamula.

A roster system was set for watering container fl owers at the stationette throughout the summer. Flowers were planted by

Dorothy Beedie and Beth Schafer.

It was decided a couple more benches made of rail-way wheels will be made for placement along Aspen Trail. A summer project to repaint the boxcar and ca-boose at Millennium Park, providing the right paint colour can be obtained, was discussed. The next meeting is June 30 in the council chamber of River-dale Municipality.

Rapid City 4-H Beef Club held a meet-ing on April 14 with Sierra Inglis starting the 4-H pledge. Sierra gave a report on district communications and Brooklyn Hedley reported on weigh day. Thijs VanDeLangemheen gave a report on the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair where he participated in the calf scramble; he didn’t catch a calf but Wyatt Inglis did. Annual crash day was set and we decided to invite members from outside clubs to participate.

Our May meeting was May 12 with Gavin Reid starting the pledge; president Wyatt called the meeting to order. Brook-lyn reported on crash day where she placed second in the jackpot with her heifer Sadie. We will be working the rodeo canteen once again this year Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24. Record books are due at our June meeting, which will be held in the library basement June 9.

On Saturday, May 9 the beef club held its annual crash day. This is a mandatory

event for all members and they are ex-pected to bring their 4-H calves. It was held at Rapid City’s new fairgrounds. Members participated in a showmanship clinic and judging of steers and heifers. This year we invited members from out-side clubs to join in and there were a few extra kids which was really nice to see. The last event of the day was a jackpot heifer show with Sydney DeKoning pla-cing fi rst, Brooklyn Hedley second and Dylan O’Shanyk third. Sydney and Dylan are both members of the Neepawa Club. To wrap up our day, everyone enjoyed a potluck barbecue.

Rapid City 4-H Beef Club would like to thank everyone for once again supporting our canteen at the Rapid City High School Rodeo on May 23 and 24. Your support is greatly appreciated! Funds this year will go towards our 60th anniversary celebration, which is to be held later this fall. Stay tuned for details!