The SVRSS showed solidarity with the Ukrainian people in the midst of the current Russia military conflict by displaying a modified Ukrainian flag on the snow-covered front lawn of the school grounds. The design was crafted by Grade 12 student Barrett Hartog.

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The Minitonas Figure Skating Club held their year end showcase on Thursday (March 3) with nine skaters taking to the ice to display the skills they learned throughout the past few months of lessons.

There's more in this week's Star & Times!

The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association (SVSA) picked the perfect day for their annual Vintage Ride, taking off from the Westwood Inn Saturday morning (Feb. 26), heading to the Wellman Lake Trail Shelter on their club trails, before heading back in the afternoon.

A total of 57 vintage snowmobiles participated in the day, with sleds as old as 1974.

A rider heads down the trail on their vintage sleds up to the Duck Mountains. Snowmobiles from decades past were parked at the Westwood Inn before departing. A record number of riders and their sleds gathered at the Wellman Lake Trail Shelter for refreshments while visiting with their fellow snowmobile enthusiasts.

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There’s a new baker in town, and for the last year, she’s been producing edible art that’s sweet to look at and to eat.

Her name is Milena Antoniuk and her business is Home Bakery Swan River, with a Facebook page showcasing her fantastic cakes and desserts.

“About a year ago, I cast out all of my fears, ifs and hows and just decided it’s time for action,” said Antoniuk. “After realizing that perfect timing doesn’t exist, becoming proactive was inevitable.”

Since she was 10 years old, Antoniuk has had an extraordinary interest in everything related to baking.

“Every year, I would try new things, learn a few tricks and come closer to perfection,” she said. “I am always open to taking up a challenge, even if a client asks for something I’ve never made. Lately, I’ve been making custom cakes and cupcakes of any flavour, as well as macarons, cakepops, meringue desserts and honey cakes. Most of all, cupcakes are my favourite thing to make because it’s super fun to decorate.

“Fortunately, I’ve received so much satisfied feedback and it encourages even more to continue. I can say that seeing the results of my work brings me so much joy.”

So far, her fledgling business maintains a perfect five-out-of-five on her Facebook page, based on five reviews, praising the cakes and the decorating.

Antoniuk’s success as an entrepreneur also illustrates success as a new Canadian resident, being a relatively recent immigrant from Ukraine.

“Five-and-a-half years ago, my friend asked me to apply for a Canadian visa and move to Swan River,” she said. “I didn’t know where I was going and what was waiting for me, but a dream of living in an English-speaking country took over.

“Definitely the town is much smaller than I’m used to, but right now, every time I’m coming back from a trip, the first thought that goes through my head is ‘I’m home’. I appreciate every experience I get and because of Swan River, I have met so many awesome people, have got to work for five years at Tim Hortons, which truly is an unforgettable experience, fought my fears, discovered myself, grown, changed, improved and so much more.”