Công viên dành cho chó thả xích mới mở ở East St. Paul

Sheldon Birnie NHÂN VIÊN BÁO CÁO

3 phút đọc

Thứ Tư, ngày 26 tháng 7 năm 2023

Đông St. Paul sẽ đến với những chú chó và người dân địa phương rất thích điều đó.

Vào ngày 13 tháng 7, RM của East St. Paul đã chính thức khai trương công viên dành cho chó không xích đầu tiên. Chỉ rộng khoảng một mẫu Anh, vị trí nằm phía sau nhà thi đấu tại 266 Hoddinott Rd.

Thị trưởng Carla Devlin rất vui khi có một công viên nơi cư dân có thể mang chó của họ đến giao lưu.

“Council has been working on projects where we can have our community congregating and meeting, talking and sharing, and we thought the dog park would add to that,” said Devlin, who bought her family’s two English bulldogs to the opening.

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Province commits to purchasing land for new school in Transcona

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

If you build it, they will come.

On July 17, the provincial government announced its intention to assist the River East Transcona School Division in purchasing land in Devonshire Park to build a new K-8 school, which had previously been announced in March.

“In growing neighbourhoods such as Devonshire Park, it is essential that Manitoba families have access to high-quality schools and education services,” said James Teitsma, MLA for Radisson, in a statement. “This capital project will ensure that children, youth and families have access to a kindergarten to Grade 8 school that meets enrolment needs and provides beneficial activities and resources to the community.”

“The incredible growth in this part of our division underscores the need for a new school, as we anticipate that it will be at capacity upon opening,” said Colleen Carswell, RETSD board of trustees chair. “We look forward to participating in the process of building a school that will serve the families in the Devonshire community.”

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CN on board with preservation of engine

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

It’s no small task preserving history.

For the past two years, the Transcona Museum has engaged in a capital campaign to raise over $600,000 to fund a permanent enclosure for the historic CN 2747 engine, located at 735 Kildare Ave. West. On July 14, CN stepped up and committed $200,000 to the project over the next four years.

“CN deeply values this project and what it represents for our company,” Janet Drysdale, CN senior vice-president and chief stakeholder relations officer, said in a statement. “CN has a proud history with Winnipeg. Even today, our locomotive shop, Symington Yard and national training centre in the city are at the heart of the CN network. Special thanks to Member of Parliament Daniel Blaikie, who brought this opportunity to our attention.”

“It has been a long road since 2019, when I first pitched the project to CN’s senior management during their centennial celebrations, but their commitment has not wavered and the project is on track to be a great success,” Blaikie added.

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A look at Manitoba’s cycling history

T. Kent Morgan

4 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

While looking through the “If you grew up in Winnipeg Manitoba, you remember…” page on Facebook, a cycling photo from 1952 caught my interest. A large group of cyclists was pictured in front of The Paddock restaurant on Portage Avenue, across from what is now the Polo Park Shopping Centre.

The accompanying said that the riders were ready to start the 150-mile Canadian Open bike race from Winnipeg to Kenora, Ont. That immediately got this sports historian searching the newspaper archives for more information. The 1952 event took place on Aug. 4, with Al Stiller, a youth organizer from Chicago, finishing first followed by another Illinois cyclist, Ted Ernst. Winnipeg’s Bill Bullman of the Manitoba Cycling Club was third. Stiller’s winning time was just minutes better that Bullman’s in 1951 when he won the marathon race in seven hours and eight minutes.

Bullman didn’t take much time to rest from his third-place finish as he was back on his bike from Aug. 7 to 9, competing in the Canadian track cycling championships in Winnipeg. Over the three days, the local man proved to be the country’s top sprinter when he first won the 1,000-metre race and followed with victories in the quarter-mile, half-mile and one-mile events on the final day.

Despite Bullman’s accomplishments, the overall championship went to Pat Murphy of Delhi, Ont., with 38 points. Murphy clinched the title when he won the final, 25-mile race (150 laps). Bullman’s chance for the crown ended when he had to drop out after 50 laps. He finished with 28 points, one ahead of Art Johnston of Toronto, who was second in the 25-mile race. Ted Kennington of the Manitoba Cycling Club won the junior championship.

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‘Red runs deep’

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

Three-quarters-of-a-century on, the St. Vital Mustangs Football Club is still going strong.

To help celebrate the occasion, the Mustangs are busy organizing a 75th anniversary/homecoming event.

Club officials are thrilled that construction of the team’s new turf home field will be celebrated at the event, which they acknowledge as a big milestone, but it’s the rich history of the Mustangs and the club’s longevity that will be the principal focus.

“The new field is an integral part, but the continuation of the club is the main celebration,” club president Craig Bachynski said in an email interview.

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Driven to make an impact

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

A group of Winnipeg youth with the drive to help out in their local communities are making inroads as their initiative continues to gain traction.

Described as a “completely self-constructed” endeavour, the Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series is a grassroots initiative that takes place during the most clement months of the year.

Once a month, a team of volunteers comes together to put up hundreds of flyers in a different neighbourhood of the city and collect donations from area residents for charitable organizations. Alternating with the community drive schedule, every two weeks, the youngsters collect litter in a different area of the city.

The series is a former recipient of a #RisingYouth Grant, a program funded by the federal government that recognizes youth leadership and service. Founded in 2021 by Bridgwater Trails resident Shiven Srivastava, the first Winnipeg Community Drive and Cleanup Series ran from August to October of that year, and has continued to gain momentum. It ran between April and September in 2022, and started again in June this year. As the series has expanded, its volunteer base has grown to more than 80 people in less than two years, with up to 20 of those attending each event. The team typically visits 300 to 500 homes per community drive.

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Bringing Sudbury Saturday Night to life

RoseAnna Schick

4 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

As a kid growing up on the prairies with access to a large record collection, my early knowledge of geography often came from music. From the stories told in songs. Because of song lyrics, I knew where Moose Jaw, Moosomin and Saskatoon all were. I knew they grow potatoes on Prince Edward Island. That you could paddle all the way from Mattawa to Ottawa. And that Sudbury was the place to be on Saturday night.

As an adult, finding myself in the town that Canadian icon Stompin’ Tom Connors sang about made me wonder what exactly it was about Sudbury that made him want to memorialize it in song. Was it because he already knew something about it?

After all, the city was already famous by the Sudbury Basin, a unique geological impression formed by one of the largest and oldest impact craters on the planet. As an ongoing source of mineral extraction, the region is home to nine mines, two smelters and one nickel refinery — all of which means Sudbury has the honestly-earned nickname of ‘hard rock’ capital of the world.

The city is also smack dab in the middle of lake country. With an official count of 330, Greater Sudbury boasts more lakes than any other municipality in Canada. Ramsey Lake borders much of downtown and is both a scenic and recreational haven for swimming, sailing, paddling, and boating. Bell Park, named after local lumber baron William Joseph Bell, features a boardwalk, gazebos, sitting spaces, and an amphitheatre for live shows such as those put on by the Northern Lights Festival Boréal annual celebration of music.

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Nighttime fun in Elmwood

Susan Huebert

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

On Friday evenings in summer, many Winnipeggers head out to the lakes or wilderness areas for some fresh air and sun away from the city. Others, however, can find interesting activities to occupy their time close to home. One prime example is the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s Elmwood Night Market, which is being held twice in this, its second year. The first was July 7 and the second will take place on Aug. 25.

The Elmwood Night Market is an event that everyone can enjoy, from young children to seniors. Admission to the event is free. At the first night market this summer, a variety of activities were available for participants, all taking place in and around 180 Poplar Ave. from 5 to 9 p.m. Over 45 vendors participated in the July event, offering everything from baked goods and candles to bicycles.

People of all ages can find something to keep them occupied at the night market.

“We welcome families, seniors, and young adults. Kids are absolutely welcomed as well,” said Kendall Pratap of the CNRC. Activities for children include carnival games, henna tattoos, and glitter tattoos.

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Giants face Legionaires in MJBL final

FP Community Review staff

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

The St. Boniface Legionaires won the first game of the Manitoba Junior Baseball League final on Monday, July 24, beating the Elmwood Giants 7-1 at Koskie Field.

Both MJBL semifinals went down to the wire last week, requiring fifth and deciding games on Friday, July 21.

The Legionaires squeaked out a 6-5 win over Carillon Sultans in their decider in Steinbach, while the Giants downed the Altona Bisons 10-8 at Access Field in Altona.

St. Boniface opened its series against Carillon with a 6-4 loss on July 17. The Sultans followed up with a 9-4 win the next day to put the Legionaires on the brink of elimination. St. B answered back with a 4-1 win to keep the dream alive on July 19, then won again 6-5 on July 20 to force a fifth game.

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You can change the story of your life

Christine Ibbotson

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

Dear Money Lady readers,

Have you ever looked at the story of your life and decided you wanted a different one?

The path to a new life is often right in front of is, but for whatever reason we can’t see it, can’t feel it, and certainly can’t imagine making a change. Changing the course of your future always brings new opportunities that, in the beginning, could never be imagined. A new career, new friends, more money, more love — it is all there for those who want a different story. Of course, this all sounds great, but the reality is we never realize we want or even need a new life story until we have usually hit “rock bottom.”

Most people use the phrase “rock bottom” when referring to addictions or alcoholism, but it can just as easily happen with a financial failure, career, or business failure, or even an injury, trauma, divorce, or death. After struggling with anxiety and depression, hitting rock bottom means you have gotten to the point that you are finally sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. The Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) once wrote: “The path to paradise begins in hell.”

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Moe is looking for an ideal ‘retirement home’

Manitoba Mutts

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue is a 100-per-cent, foster-home based, not-for-profit, charitable rescue with a mission to relieve animals in distress and animal suffering from overpopulation and/or abandonment, provide for the care, maintenance and rehabilitation of stray, abandoned and displaced animals in Manitoba and be a leader on matters that promote and improve the welfare of all animals through enhancement, protection, care and education.

Every two weeks, Manitoba Mutts highlights an animal available for adoption.

☐ ☐ ☐

Hi, I’m Moe!

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Making headway amid health-care challenges

Andrew Micklefield

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

As Canada grapples with nationwide health-care challenges and every premier in the country asks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to increase funding, Manitoba is getting results with several initiatives, including a $200-million health HR action plan to train, recruit and retain healthcare workers.

A recent recruitment mission to the Philippines resulted in 350 letters of intent to bring already trained health-care professionals to Manitoba. At least 190 registered nurses, 50 licensed practical nurse equivalents and 110 health-care aides are in the process of coming here with their families. They will receive assistance with travel and immigration costs, as well as accommodation and professional licensing fees.

Another $19.5 million added 259 nurse training seats at five Manitoba post-secondary institutions as part of a larger plan to add 400 new nursing education Seats.

Red River College continues to offer micro-credential courses to train people quickly and free up nurses’ time without bogging them down with tasks others with training can perform.

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The world converges at The Leaf

Anne Yanchyshyn

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

The Leaf, the talk of the town for its uniqueness in design, is the new exotic glasshouse building at Assiniboine Park. It is set on 30 acres which form the Diversity Gardens and replaces the once-popular conservatory. Its architectural design, huge and sprawling like no other, is unique in content as well, while its outdoor flowers and gardens must be a glorious spectacle by now.

One pamphlet refers to The Leaf as a mini-tropical forest with four distinct divisions: the largest, the Hartley and Heather Richardson tropical biome; the Mediterranean biome — think olive trees; the Babs Asper display house; and the Shirley Richardson butterfly garden.

As I strolled along the winding and inviting pathways of the tropical biome and read labels, two friendly ladies volunteered to point out rare specimens along the way, such as the Brazilian coffee bean growing directly out of a branch. Later, one of them, Donna Harper, emailed me a picture of a sparkling blue butterfly — a much-appreciated bonus.

Our stroll took us to see the fish pond a level below us with a cascade of water streaming into it from the highest point above. I facetiously called it Winnipeg’s waterfall — not quite a rival to Niagara Falls.

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East Winnipeg news in brief for July 26, 2023

FP Community Review staff

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

Local libraries to hold cultural, architectural events

To get into the spirit of festival season, Louis Riel Library (1168 Dakota St.) will hold a Folklorama at Play event on Thursday, July 27 from 7 to 7:45 p.m., featuring vocalist Tom McDermott, who will showcase Irish songs.

On Monday, Aug. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m., St. Vital Library (6 Fermor Ave.) will hold an event that will look at the history of the library, which will include a tour of the building.

Participants will have the chance to learn more about the branch’s history and architecture during the event, which is presented in partnership with the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation,

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Mulligans at MacGregor

Ryan Desjarlais

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 26, 2023

This week’s offering was unexpected. I was heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway, listening to Gord Downie on the radio, when I saw the sign for MacGregor, and wouldn’t you know it? It had the little golfer symbol on it. Another roadside attraction. Turning in, just off the highway, I was quickly playing a round at MacGregor Town & Country Golf Club.

This course is relatively flat and straightforward. Walking the layout is easy and, if you have junior golfers, it makes a point of having a yellow set of tee markers at every hole. The fairways are green and lush, and frequently irrigated. The tee boxes are also in good shape. The purposely planted fairway trees are mature and in good health. There is also a surprising amount of bush behind some the key greens. The greens are having a rough year, but they are obviously being carefully repaired and maintained. Their current state could require a few mulligans to be declared if you play with people who care about silly things, such as the score.

Hole 1 is a dogleg left, with two sand traps at four and eight o’clock. A slight ditch crosses the fairway about 30 metres from the green but the most notable feature is the green. It is remarkably narrow, but incredibly deep. If you make the green in two, you may need to putt with your driver. Adding to the difficulty during my round was the pin placement, which was right at the back, on a little mound. It reminded me of a hole you might play at a mini-putt.

Hole 2 is a straightforward par 3, but the next link is a challenging par 4. It isn’t the distance that makes it challenge; that honour belongs to the sand traps. The one at 4 o’clock is hard enough with its raised lip, but the one at 7 o’clock is downright intimidating. A log retaining wall separates the trap from the green.

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Một lời nhắc nhở kịp thời để làm cho nó dễ dàng

Janine LeGal

3 phút đọc

Thứ Tư, ngày 19 tháng 7 năm 2023

I moved to St. Boniface at the very beginning of the pandemic in 2020. I’d lived here from the 70s to the early 90s, and at that time it felt more like a small town attached to the city. Being from rural Manitoba, I guess I sort of liked that. Nowadays, St. Boniface is definitely part of Winnipeg. It seems much more urban, though it still has its own character and strong sense of community. It’s a neighbourhood with history, diversity and convenience.

Though my experience of this community decades later is different — louder, more fast-paced, perhaps less peaceful — than it once was, there remains a charm and a comfortable familiarity.

Because much of my time is spent at the computer, getting outside in daylight hours is always a bonus. One day I decided to take a much-needed morning walk despite looming story deadlines and upcoming interviews on my calendar.

First it was time to get to Pet Valu at the Dominion Centre to procure some supplies to help Pandora, our long-haired cat, avoid further tangling issues. I was welcomed by the friendly and helpful staff, who were excited about the nameless new silver feline that had appeared the day before. The pretty little thing came running to greet me when I arrived. It was hard to look away from those soulful blue eyes. If we didn’t already have three cats, that bundle of sweetness might have come home with me, I told the young woman at the cash register while she cuddled it, clearly captivated.

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Find a better review

Better Business Bureau

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

It’s something so many of us struggle to find these days: a human touch.

When we look for information or help on almost any service or product, we’re often directed to an online chatbot or an automated customer helpline. And while these can be helpful, we’re often left in the same position in which we started: with no real answers to our questions or concerns.

It’s this lack of human oversight that has allowed misinformation and rumours to catch fire online. Anyone can go anywhere and write anything. The site will accept the text without review and now it’s there for anyone to see, read and believe. And while some of us may think that we’re savvy surfers, this type of thing can have devastating consequences for hard-working, local businesses.

Since anyone can write a review online, which is then posted as fact, an entire company can be taken down by a competitor, a malicious person or simply a bored teenager. And since the online world plays such a large part in business success, these open forums are particularly harmful. On the contrary, a business can easily build itself up with fake positive reviews, surpassing competitors on search engines and shooting up review sites for all the wrong reasons.

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NGCC’s Knight of Celebration heralds community spirit

Staff reporter

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre’s recent annual Knight of Celebration event attracted approximately 1,000 visitors. The fun-filled family event, which was held last month, featured bouncers, a candy scramble, a cartoonist, cotton candy, a DJ, face painters, food, games, and a petting zoo, as well as fireworks at dusk.

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Passion for soccer fuels local youth

Troy Westwood

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Dimitris Mantas is a 15-year-old soon to be going into Grade 10 at Glenlawn Collegiate.

“School went pretty well,” Dimitris said. “My grades were good. High school was fun. I knew a bunch of people and I had a bunch of fun. My favourite class is math. I find I can understand math pretty easily. I just get it. I like it.”

Dimitris grew up playing a number of sports including hockey and soccer, but over the last three years has focused his attention on just one sport.

“When I was playing hockey I felt like just another player on the ice,” he said. “When I play soccer, I feel I can make more of an impact. Soccer is my favourite sport. love the competition of soccer.”

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Reach out to an old pal on July 30

Heather Innis

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

I’ve heard it said that time seems to go by faster as one gets older. As someone who is approaching the mid-century mark, I can certainly agree with this perception. As a child, the summer months always seemed to last forever. Now, as an adult, years (or even decades) can go by in what feels like the blink of an eye.

One unfortunate consequence of this phenomenon is that as adults we may inadvertently let far too much time pass in between communication with friends or family members. We probably all experienced the situation where we have run into someone we know at the grocery store or local shopping mall and realize that although we had never intended to lose touch, years had gone by since the last time we had spoke.

As a teenager, I remember thinking that it had been “forever” since I had gotten together with a friend, although in reality it had probably only been a few weeks. Now, I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve let entire years go by without reaching out to those I consider dear friends.

So mark your calendars: Sunday, July 30 is International Friendship Day. It’s a day to remember and honour our friendships and relationships. Whether it be via text, email or telephone I encourage you to take the time on this day to let a friend know how much they mean to you.

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Growing the community voice

Audrey Gordon

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Residents’ associations are important community-led grassroots organizations that can achieve incredible results for their neighbourhoods. From organizing events, obtaining project funding or improving community infrastructure, residents’ associations can make a big impact. They offer a formal avenue to route community concerns, needs and plans to an organization that can mobilize to achieve the outcomes they want. They are truly a voice and representation for their neighbourhoods.

In the Southdale constituency, the Niakwa Park and Southland Park residents’ associations are in full swing. They add a layer of support and action that brings enrichment to the community. From neighbourhood beautification with planters and flowers, to playground improvements or Canada Day events — local residents’ associations have made amazing progress.

There is opportunity to strengthen community voices and improvements in Southdale and Windsor Park. Two years ago, my office organized information sessions, bringing board members from established residents’ associations together to share information with Windsor Park and Southdale community members on how they can start up their own residents’ associations. My office is organizing another information session that will take place on Wednesday, July 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Southdale Community Centre. This is a chance to learn about getting a residents’ association off the ground and decide if joining a preliminary, community-led working group to start this process is the right fit for you. Speakers from local (Niakwa Park, Southland Park) and neighbouring (Sage Creek, Island Lakes) residents’ associations will be presenting on the creation and success of their associations and be on hand to answer your questions.

I hear from many impassioned community members about the needs and goals of the Southdale and Windsor Park neighbourhoods. From concerns about property crime to a need for neighbourhood enrichment, the ideas and opportunities are vast. While I am always willing to listen and work with community members and organizations on many initiatives, residents’ associations are a great way to build more avenues for community-led input and progress. As formally established organizations, residents’ associations can apply for funding from all levels of government for projects that community members are passionate about. They can bring together the voices of the community members and turn ideas into action.

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10 amazing years of ASPIRE

Darlene Gerrior

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Louis Riel School Division has many exciting learning opportunities in our schools over the summer. This year we celebrate 10 amazing years of the ASPIRE (Academic Summer Program Including Recreation and Education) program.

Assistant Superintendent Darcy Cormack and I were met by Allison Drummond, schools and family community connector in charge of the program this year, along with her co-facilitator and former ASPIRE instructor, LRSD teacher Alexis Anderson to conduct a tour of the site at École St. Germain. We really appreciated the information and context they shared with us as we observed and interacted with students enthusiastically participating, sharing and creating in this positive learning environment.

ASPIRE is an equity-based program designed to help students continue to grow as learners throughout the summer. The ASPIRE program strives to promote literacy and numeracy skills, along with recreational activities for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students. There is no cost to families to participate in the program.

For the five weeks from July 4 to August 3, approximately 400 students in grades K-6, from 20 of our LRSD schools, were included. The programming is in four English sites and two French Immersion sites.

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Pedalling for a purpose

Tony Zerucha

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Fred Enns said he has lived a blessed life. Now, he is giving thanks by riding 3,000 kilometres in one month to raise money for Ukrainian newcomers to Manitoba.

Beginning on July 18, Enns set out on his bike for a leisurely ride across Manitoba. His plan is to pedal approximately 100 kilometres each day. Along the way, he will accept donations to support Ukrainians who have recently come to Manitoba. Enns is paying his own expenses, meaning that every dollar folks donate will help people who need it. The funds will be given to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Manitoba.

When it came time to raise funds, a bike ride was a natural fit. Enns is a devoted cyclist. His cycling tours have taken him across Canada, the United States and much of the world.

Enns made a career out of helping others. After graduating with degrees in arts and education, he spent the next 35 years teaching various subjects at every grade level. He is still helping.

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St. Vital Minor Hockey Association registration now open

FP Community Review staff

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

As mid-summer approaches, it may be a while before youth in southeast Winnipeg lace up their skates, but preparations are now underway for the upcoming hockey season.

According to its website, St. Vital Minor Hockey Association’s registration window is now open. Fees for the 2023/2024 season have been announced, as well as testing and evaluation dates and details. The site also includes information for U18 male players.

Go online at stvitalminorhockey.com for more information.

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City news for July 19, 2023

FP Community Review staff

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Folklorama kickoff event to be held on July 29

With Folklorama around the corner, individuals will soon have the chance to attend the kickoff to Winnipeg’s annual cultural extravaganza.

The upcoming free event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 29 between 4 and 8 p.m. at Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre (55 Pavilion Cres.).

Organizers say visitors can expect to experience interactive cultural workshops, a parade featuring this year’s pavilion ambassadors, and the pavilion expo, as well as performances, food trucks, and children’s activities.

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FP Community Review staff

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Young readers invited to take part in library program

The East Kildonan-Transcona library advisory committee has put together a Summer Reading Quiz for students between Grades 7 and 12. The contest is currently running in conjunction with the Winnipeg Public Library’s Summer Reading program.

Quiz sheets can be picked up at local branches, and entries must be dropped off at either the Henderson (1050 Henderson Hwy.), Munroe (489 London St.) or Transcona (1 Transcona Blvd.) libraries by Sept. 1. Complete and correct entries will be entered into a draw. We have five prize packages to be won. Draws for the prizes will be held on Sept. 6.

SVAS’ Annual Display and Fair to be held on Aug. 11 and 12

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Little libraries, big hearts

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Preslee Marshall is hoping community members bookmark the date of her upcoming free library event.

The event will be held on Saturday, July 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in MPR #2 at Winakwa Community Centre, which is located at 980 Winakwa Rd.

Inspired by the Little Free Library movement in Winnipeg, the event is intended to create a larger scale impact and will give children the opportunity to browse through lots of books and pick out a few favourites to take home and keep, Marshall said.

To date, Marshall — who lives in Windsor Park — has collected more than 2,000 children’s books for the event.

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Bhagria’s going for gold

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Vivek Bhagria will be leading from the front at the upcoming World Dwarf Games.

The 28-year-old St. Vital resident will captain Team Canada at the upcoming tournament, which will be held in Cologne, Germany from July 28 to Aug. 5. It will be Bhagria’s third time competing at the event.

An avid soccer player since childhood, the Dakota Collegiate alumnus will also be taking part in badminton, basketball, boccia and volleyball at the games, as well as representing his nation on the soccer pitch.

In terms of his medal aspirations for the event, Bhagria — who is the general manager of the South Winnipeg Community Centre’s Fort Richmond site — has a clear idea what colour he wants to bring home.

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The low down on muzzles

Jeff McFarlane

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

Ever walk through the dog park, or even down the street and see a dog with a muzzle on? Might be a big scary looking dog, or a small timid looking dog. Either way, the muzzle should not be a badge of infamy, but rather the signal that the pet parent has identified an issue, and is taking steps to protect the pet from getting in trouble.

The most obvious and expected use of a muzzle is to prevent aggressive dogs from hurting other dogs. In many cases this is the reason for the muzzle, and it is used for this far too infrequently. Muzzled dogs may have “dog aggression” issues, especially when on leash. When on leash, many dogs are more protective of the person on the other end of the leash, and most have no issue confronting other dogs, even ones much bigger than they are. In these cases, a muzzle can prevent an incident from escalating to the point where a dog or person gets bit.

Some people use a muzzle while walking to prevent the dog from eating things. Yes, it is a way to prevent a dog with allergies or sensitivities from getting into goose poop, or eating dog cookies dropped at the dog park that may contain wheat, or bread left for the ducks (don’t feed bread to ducks/geese, please, use cracked corn or a duck feed) or some other garbage that dogs so love to get into. One little crouton sized piece of bread can cause an episode in a pet with allergies that can requires hundreds of dollars in vet care.

Anyone walking a dog with a muzzle hopefully has purchased the proper muzzle. Not only a correctly fitting one that doesn’t rub and cause wounds, but also the right type. There are inexpensive nylon/fabric muzzles which clamp the jaws shut. These are meant to be used for short periods only. Trimming nails, doing minor grooming like burr removal or tick removal, or cutting out a mat. Nylon muzzles hold the mouth shut, the dog can still breathe through its nose, but it cannot pant. And panting is the main cooling method dogs use, so if that kind of muzzle is used too long, or when the dog is exercising, it can cause them to overheat and worse.

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Student cookbook raises more than $5,000 for CancerCare Manitoba

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2023

When it comes to helping her community, Hillary Wortley has hit upon a recipe for success.

Earlier this year, the 16-year-old St. Vital resident created a cookbook called A Taste of Community: Our Cookbook.

Wortley, who will enter her final year at Glenlawn Collegiate in September, spent the first term of the recent academic year at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, where she was part of the project-based learning program Propel.

The program allows students to experience a project-based learning style that encourages creativity, self-direction and the opportunity to focus on a passion or interest.

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Battle for MJBL championship on

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Friday, Jul. 14, 2023

Never underestimate Elmwood.

That’s a lesson that teams across the Manitoba Junior Baseball League have come to know all too well over the years, and the last decade in particular. Winners of five straight league championships, seven in the past nine years, the Elmwood Giants are looking to make it six straight this year after finishing first in the eight-team league with a 12-8 win over the South Winnipeg Wolves.

“That was the biggest one in a while,” Ed Kulyk, longtime manager and head coach of the Giants, said. “It’s been a fun ride.”

But only a few weeks back, Elmwood was struggling, going 7-8 early on, with four teams ahead in the standings, including perennial contender the St. James A’s. However, since then, the Giants has rattled off nine straight wins to capture the club’s fifth straight pennant with a 16-8 record.

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East Winnipeg news in brief for July 12, 2023

FP Community Review staff

3 minute read

Thursday, Jul. 13, 2023

LRSD’s board office operating on summer schedule

School’s out for summer, and Louis Riel School Division’s board office will be operating on a summer schedule for the next few weeks.

According to its website, LRSD’s office will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but closed from noon to 1 p.m. on those days.

It will also be closed on the following Mondays — July 17, 24, and 31, and Aug. 7 and 14.

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Twins were Manitoba’s MLB ‘home team’

T. Kent Morgan

4 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

After the Washington Senators moved to the Twin Cities for the 1961 American League season, Manitobans had a Major League Baseball team within driving distance. Rather than settle in the largest city in the state, Minneapolis, or the capital, St. Paul, the team named the Twins played in the Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, south of the major centres, where the Mall of America now is located.

Before the north-south Interstate 29 was built, baseball fans drove eight to nine hours to the Twins home park using either Highways 75 or 81 Stateside. This columnist remembers being accompanied that summer on his first trip to the Met by Ted Nakano, who had been a catcher in the Elmwood Giants system, and Paul Yoshimasu, a future Canadian 10-pin bowling champion in 1966.

On the diamond, 1961 wasn’t a good season for the Twins, who finished in seventh place in the eight-team league. Fans embraced the team with an attendance of 1,256,723, the third best in the AL. In 1962, the team finished second behind the world champion New York Yankees. Harmon Killebrew led the league in both home runs and runs batted in and Camilo Pascual won 20 games and led in strikeouts. The following season the team dropped to third place, but topped the league in attendance.

The club decided to thank Manitoba fans for their support by coming to Winnipeg on July 13, 1964 to play an exhibition game against the Northern League All-Stars. It was the first visit to Winnipeg by an American League team. The St. Louis Cardinals of the National League had played here in August 1962 against the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The Twins were leading the major leagues in home runs with 125, so Goldeyes general manager Terry Hind moved the left and left-centre fields at Winnipeg Stadium back several feet. It turned out that the longest Twins blast that evening was a foul ball by Killebrew.

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Updating St. Vital’s indoor arenas

Brian Mayes

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

During the last week of June, the City announced new investments into the two indoor ice arenas in the St Vital ward — those at Glenwood Community Centre and the St. Vital Arena. The ice at Dakota and Southdale community centres is well used by St. Vital residents, but there are both outside St. Vital ward.

The arena at Glenwood CC (formally known as Moffat Arena) will receive an $82,000 grant from the city to upgrade its underground piping in order to keep ice in at the arena for 12 months, instead of 10 months at present.

The city also announced that from June 20 to July 20 the St Vital Arena will undergo a $115,000 mould abatement project, focusing on the wooden ceiling.

The grant to Glenwood adds to a provincial government grant , and some money from the community centre itself. The funds will also cover electronic upgrades, a second dehumidifier and a new, larger condenser. This is the fourth major investment in the Glenwood rink since I was first elected in 2011. Back in 2013, I joined St. Boniface MP Shelly Glover and St. Vital MLA Nancy Allan in a $400,000 grant to bring better heating and humidity control into the arena. I later used $10,500 in ward funds to purchase a new score clock, and in 2020 I was pleased to combine money from the city budget and some ward funds totalling $104,000 for new arena glass.

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Camp aims to get kids to try rugby

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

Organizers of an upcoming rugby camp for youth are hoping participants pick up the ball and run with it.

Both lilterally and figuratively, that is, because a big part of the two-day Haka rugby camp is to expose youngsters to a sport they may not have played before.

The camp will be held at on Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Maple Grove Rugby Park, which is located at 190 Frobisher Rd. in south St. Vital. Hosted by the Assassins Rugby Football Club, the camp is run by Haka Rugby Global, which fuses its passion for rugby with New Zealand’s Māori culture and heritage.

New Zealand’s national rugby team — otherwise known as the All Blacks, in reference to the colour of the team’s uniforms — is a traditional powerhouse in the sport.

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Béliveau students fundraise for diabetes research

—Staff

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

Students at Collège Béliveau have raised $205 in support of diabetes research.

The leadership committee at the Windsor Park based-school recently a fundraiser that involved selling cookies and lemonade.

Organizers are grateful for the contributions of the students and teachers involved with the initiative, including the committee.

Pictured, from left: Collège Béliveau leadership club member Jaina Hughesman presents a cheque to Winnipeg Cosmopolitan Foundation’s president Gary Wensel.

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New splash pad comes to Whyte Ridge

Terry Duguid

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

Families in Whyte Ridge and surrounding areas have a new place to cool off this summer. The Whyte Ridge Community Centre is officially the home of a brand-new splash pad.

With over 3,000 square feet of space, the splash pad will be a great feature to serve our growing community in Winnipeg South. The new amenity is wheelchair accessible and came with upgraded features throughout the community centre grounds, including new benches, picnic tables, and upgraded landscaping.

The splash pad is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood, which has a growing population of young families with children. Before the splash pad, there was no public space nearby to swim or cool off during the hot summer months. Now, the Whyte Ridge splash pad will be a staple of summertime activities for families in Whyte Ridge and surrounding areas.

Since the idea was first proposed years ago, it has been truly inspiring to see the community rally support behind the project. It was just over a year ago that I gathered with community members to break ground on the new project, with commitments from all levels of government to contribute funding.

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Teeing up for a good cause

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

Jayson Nickol is inviting folks to come out swinging in support of a cause close to his heart.

Nickol is the director and founder of Swings for Soldiers, an annual charity fundraising golf tournament in support of Soldier On, a Canadian Armed Forces program that supports sick and injured members and veterans through sport, recreational and creative activities.

Swings for Soldiers is scheduled to be held at Niakwa Country Club (620 Niakwa Rd.) on Monday, July 24. Registration will be at 11 a.m., lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m., and things will tee off at 12:15 p.m. After the golf, dinner will be served in the club’s banquet room.

The south Winnipeg resident joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles as a reservist in 2005, and was attached to the Princess Patricia’s Second Battalion based in Shilo, Man. While serving in Afghanistan in 2008, the Glenlawn Collegiate alumnus was shot by an AK-47 round, which shattered his right femur.

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Explore Canada’s outdoor theatres

RoseAnna Schick

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

Summer is the perfect time to head out on hikes, hunker down on beaches, or spend time at one of our country’s outdoor theatres. There’s nothing quite like taking in a stage show under the stars, starting right here in our own hometown.

Did you know that Canada’s largest and longest-running outdoor theatre is right here in Winnipeg? Rainbow Stage was created in Kildonan Park after the original bandstand, which had stood since 1917, was damaged by the flood of 1950. The idea surfaced to replace it with an open-air theatre, with construction beginning in 1951 and completed in 1953. The 3,000-seat theatre officially opened on July 7, 1954, with a variety show featuring the Ukrainian Youth Association, the James Duncan Chorus, the Jewish Community Choir, Eric Wild and his CBC Orchestra, and other local talent.

The new theatre was named Rainbow Stage after the long band of rainbow-coloured lights running along a wooden arch above the stage. The first musical performed there was Brigadoon in September 1955, kicking off a nearly 70-year tradition of professional musical theatre in Kildonan Park. The dome over the theatre was built in 1970 and further renovations were completed in 1975, with total seating reduced to 2,400. Today, Rainbow Stage typically programs one to three musical productions each year, as well as educational programs such as dance classes and artistic workshops.

In Vancouver, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) has been a popular attraction since 1940, when a group of local people first got together to produce operettas and musicals at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. The first season presented The Geisha, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As You Like It. Over the years, TUTS has survived bad weather, bankruptcy, fire, and a global pandemic, and remains active today for generations of locals and tourists. It was an early inspiration for the creation of Rainbow Stage, whose organizers looked to TUTS as an example of what they’d like to see for outdoor theatre.

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Lịch sử truyền cảm hứng cho tương lai

Simon Fuller NHÂN VIÊN BÁO CÁO

3 phút đọc

Thứ Tư, ngày 12 tháng 7 năm 2023

Việc gia đình Rose Pagtakhan nhập cư vào Canada nửa thế kỷ trước là một phần nguồn cảm hứng đằng sau hai học bổng trung học mới mang tên nó.

Giải thưởng dành cho Người mới đến đầu tiên của Gia đình Pagtakhan gần đây đã được trao cho một học sinh từ Dakota Collegiate và một học sinh từ Glenlawn Collegiate.

Các trường có trụ sở tại St. Vital được chọn vì Pagtakhan, người đã đến Dakota, và một số thành viên trong gia đình, theo học khi họ lớn lên.

Mỗi học bổng có tổng trị giá 700 đô la, được quyên góp bởi các thành viên của gia đình Pagtakhan. Người nhận Dakota là Temi Ajibola, và người nhận Glenlawn là Abbas Haider.

Đọc

Alice is a goofy, lovable mitten thief

Manitoba Mutts

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

Hi, I’m Alice.

I’m a sassy, active and goofy girl who loves toys, chasing squirrels, being outside and playing with my doggie foster sisters. I’ve also been known to steal a mitt or toque, but I just want your attention, I don’t even chew them.

I am fully house-trained (unless you are gone a long, long time), and I haven’t needed to be crate-trained, as long as I have a puppy friend and some toys to play with. But I don’t seem to mind being in a crate when I’m tired.

I am good with other dogs after a good introduction, but cats get me so excited and I want to play with them too much — so it’s best if you don’t have kitties.

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Keep on running

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

The proposed running track at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate has taken another step forward.

At an event on June 23, Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) and Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) announced funding for the Norwood school’s backyard revitalization project.

Specifically, the funding is for two outdoor aspects of a previously announced project that will rebuild and redesign the school’s greenspace, which is — in-turn — is an extension of Nelson Mac’s years-long reimagination of its learning model.

The student-initiated revitalization project is focused on the key question of how the school’s community can use its exterior space to extend and reflect the learning that goes on inside the school, while also being accessible to the communities of Norwood, St. Boniface, and St. Vital.

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New thriller from local author hits shelves

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

A central character in his latest novel might be missing, but Ryan Souter’s passion for writing remains clear and present.

The St. Vital resident recently released his third self-published novel called Missing Maria, which is described as a psychological thriller mystery story about a mother searching for her missing teenage daughter, who enlists the help of her detective brother.

For the book — which follows 2020’s Little Devil Inside and 2022’s Hope Rises — Souter said he enlisted an entourage of support to help with the book — including hiring former Winnipeg Free Press reporter Bill Redekop — and he’s happy to have created working relationships with everyone involved with his most recent project. Other contributors include Riley Martin, who designed the cover and has helped with social media content creation; Kali MacDonald, the book’s interior designer and website designer; and beta reader Marilyn Souter — his mother — who provided feedback.

Without giving too much away, Missing Maria centres on a woman’s teenage daughter who goes missing one evening. The book’s blurb describes aspiring novelist Dalia Comb, who lives “a luxurious life with her loving family and professional husband until the fateful night their teenage daughter, Maria, doesn’t return home.”

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A trip down memory lane

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

A picture’s worth a thousand words, they say.

For Brad Childe, that has proven to be true. A while back, Childe, who moved to Bronx Park from St. Vital in 1967, started a Facebook page with a childhood friend.

“It’s been a really great way for E.K. people to connect,” Childe said of the Grew Up in East Kildonan/North Kildonan/Elmwood/East St. Paul Facebook page. “We have almost 3,000 followers now, and there’s always comments going back and forth about events from the past in the area and everything else. People posting elementary and junior high class photos.”

Childe recently posted a photo, which ran in the Aug. 15, 1967 edition of The Herald, of 11 local children who had been nominated as “mayors or mayoresses” of municipal parks with George Suttie, who was mayor of East Kildonan at the time.

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Marvel in the glory of a prairie sunset

Sonya Braun

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

There’s nothing like a sunset sky on a summer’s night in the prairies.

At the end of June, my husband was favoured with the opportunity to test-drive an incredibly powerful camera (for you photo buffs, it was the Fujifilm GFX100S).

For 10 days he trotted about Winnipeg, our hometowns in Saskatchewan, and along Highway 59, capturing the beauty of God’s green earth. It was great to see him at play as I tagged along when he left the house or gave him full permission to stop along the road while we were travelling.

What we witnessed as we took time to get ourselves outside was so worth the effort.

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The stories behind our park names

Sandy Nemeth

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

The L-shaped green space that occupies the area to the north and east of École George-McDowell on Paddington Road is known as Hal Rogers Park. It’s 2.37 hectares of outdoor space that is used 12 months of year for recreational and competitive sports, by all ages and from all over River Park South. Named for the founder of the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs of Canada, it also includes a play structure, which was officially opened on June 13, 1996.

While the play structure has undergone several iterations as portions were repaired or replaced, it continues to be well used all year, even as original sections have been removed or dismantled. It remains part of one of the area’s largest spaces in the community named for an individual of note.

To the south, at the end of Paddington, is Malala Park, named after Malala Yousafzai, co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014. Smaller, but no less inviting and with a front row seat to the south Perimeter Highway and the ongoing construction, it is a much newer addition to the area.

Across Winnipeg there are hundreds of parks named for individuals, a mapped list of which is accessible interactively at parkmaps.winnipeg.ca. It’s an interesting way to discover the background and history of the parks and spaces throughout the city. It doesn’t, however, explain why the park named for real estate developer Charles Enderton, in the Crescentwood area, is better known as Peanut Park.

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A brief history of Transcona

Cindy Murdoch

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

Being a resident of Transcona, I’ve heard many comments over the years about how far Transcona is from everything. Although Transcona is now a suburb of the city, it was, in fact, not always part of Winnipeg.

Beginning in 1835, the area we now know as Transcona was administered by the council of Assiniboia. In 1870, the province of Manitoba was created and assumed control of the area.

The community of Transcona came to be in 1908, when the Grand Trunk Pacific and the National Transcontinental Railway chose a large area of land east of Winnipeg as the location for repair and maintenance of their railways. The plan was to build a town, so that roads and municipal services such as water and sanitation would be available to those working for the railways.

Construction camps were initially set up for the railway employees, but many men chose to build homes in the area for their families, anticipating work with the railroad for years to come. As a result, Transcona grew quickly and by 1910 the population was reported to be 1,600.

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Have you received your rebates yet?

Christine Ibbotson

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

Are you taking advantage of the July benefits from the Canadian Government?

Because of higher interest rates, increased inflation and the rising costs of the basics, families across Canada are feeling the squeeze this summer. This is especially painful for seniors on a fixed income.

There are two ways that inflation hits a retirement portfolio. First you withdraw more to meet higher living expenses and second, the central banks increase interest rates, which pushes down share prices and reduces the value of equity portfolios. The net effect is that retirees withdraw increasingly larger amounts from a constantly shrinking asset base. So, now what?

As part of its 2023 budget, the Canadian government introduced a new grocery rebate, which was scheduled to be issued on July 5. The Climate Action Incentive Payment will also commence in July for our Atlantic provinces (something the rest of the country should have received in April).

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Fighting for common sense and community safety

Raquel Dancho

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 12, 2023

The House of Commons has risen for the summer. It has been an honour to represent you and our community in the House of Commons. As shadow minister for public safety, I take issues around community safety seriously and have been working relentlessly to fix the broken Liberal bail system in Canada, which has allowed violent repeat offenders to wreak havoc on our streets and harm innocent Canadians. Over the past year I have been hard at work on this, and several other important issues:

• Formally introduced Bill S-205 in the House of Commons which, if passed, will ensure that dangerous abusers of women wear monitoring bracelets throughout the criminal justice process;

• Co-sponsored Bill C-342 to stop vile killers and serial rapists like Paul Bernardo from being transferred from maximum-security prisons to lower security facilities. If passed, Bill C-342 will require all court-ordered dangerous offenders and mass murderers be permanently assigned a maximum-security classification. The Minister of Public Safety’s office was aware of this transfer well in advance, but the minister claimed otherwise and misled the public. Further, despite having the power to do so, he failed to prevent and reverse the decision. As a result, I have called for his resignation;

• Championed Bill C-325 for safer streets. This bill would mandate parole officers to notify police in order that an arrest can be made if parolees convicted of serious and violent crimes breach their conditions;

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Walk, run, or bike

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Monday, Jul. 10, 2023

Sometimes all it takes to get outside and get moving is a little encouragement.

That’s the idea behind the Transcona Trail Trekkers, an informal group which meets regularly to walk, run, or bike in northeast Winnipeg. Co-founders Linda Bateman and Gordon Guenther had run together in a running group before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down group activities in 2020. When people started getting back together again, that group was no longer active.

“We figured we’d start our own to service this quadrant of the city,” said Guenther, a Birds Hill resident. “We started a Facebook page, started inviting people, and now we’ve got just shy of 300 members.”

Every Wednesday evening at 6:45 p.m. and every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m., a walking group and a running group set off for a five-kilometre loop of the Transcona Trail, behind Costco and the Tim Hortons on Regent Avenue West.

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Top high school athletes in province honoured

FP Community Review staff

2 minute read

Monday, Jul. 10, 2023

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association recently announced the 2022-23 high school athletes of the year in four competition categories — A, AA, AAA, and AAAA — which are based on school populations. A male and female athlete of the year was selected from each category, along with the overall high school male and female athlete of the year.

Kyu Fust, of Dakota Collegiate, was named AAAA female athlete of the year. Fust participated in volleyball, basketball and fast pitch softball while maintaining an 83 per cent grade average. She was captain of the Lancers basketball team, which won back-to-back AAAA provincial basketball championships (she was named MVP at both). She was also captain of the volleyball team, participated in club basketball, and was a member of the school’s dragon boat team. She also volunteers with co-op education inclusive sports and coaching at the grassroots level. Fust will attend the University of Regina this fall.

Nicholas Parrott, of Churchill High School, was named AAA male athlete of the year. Parrott played football, golf, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field, while maintaining an 80 per cent average. On the football field this season, he had nearly 1,000 yards rushing, a 10.1 yards per carry average, six touchdowns, 11 defensive tackles, one sack, and was named the school’s offensive player of the year and a WHSFL Division 3 all-star. He was a referee and scorekeeper for junior high volleyball and basketball games, a volunteer coach at the junior varsity football spring camp, and organized the first Black History Month celebration at the school. Parrott will play for the CJFL’s Winnipeg Rifles football team this year.

Colson Smith, of Garden City Collegiate, was named AAAA male athlete of the year. Smith maintained an academic average of 87 per cent and was a graduating honour roll student while participating in hockey, golf, baseball, and ultimate. He was the captain of his hockey team, and the recipient of the 2023 Players Choice award at the AAAA provincial hockey championships, where he was also named an all-star. Smith is also the captain of his baseball team, which has won back-to back provincial baseball championships and he is also a rookie hockey coach for the school. Smith will be attending South Suburban College in Chicago in the fall, where he will play baseball.

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“Woefully neglected”

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

4 minute read

Friday, Jul. 7, 2023

A major public park in northeast Winnipeg has seen better days, according to locals.

At a June 20 East Kildonan-Transcona community committee meeting, Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) requested public engagement and a report back to the committee on the status of upgrades to Kilcona Park’s Harbour View, which many would say are long overdue.

“I thought it was in horrendous shape last year, but this year is even worse,” Murray Greenley, a longtime northeast Winnipeg resident, said. “There’s no running water. There’s no bathrooms, they’re using porta-potties. It’s worse. It’s gotten worse.”

Greenley spoke at the standing policy committee on community services meeting on June 29, following the EKT community committee motion to gain clarity on Kilcona Park’s future.

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A new twist on online shopping scams

Wendy Hrynkiw

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

I’ve discovered a new risk of online shopping and want to share my experience with you.

I frequently sell items online using Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji. Occasionally I purchase items there, too. I recently saw a beautiful patio set at a truly amazing price. My ‘Mom radar’ went off, however, and I could hear my Dad saying, “if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.”

I answered the ad anyway, with my radar in high gear.

I inquired about the patio set, and received an immediate, “yes, it’s available” reply. I asked where I could view it and was sent an address immediately. However, I wasn’t convinced. This was a beautiful patio set, likely worth $2,000 and the seller was only asking $200. Surely, they must have had tons of people reply.

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Bonivital SC to hold Mini World Cup Aug. 3 to 6

Staff reporter

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

With Folklorama on the horizon this summer, Bonivital Soccer Club is kicking up some fun to celebrate with a Mini World Cup event.

Organizers say it will be a regional tournament that will draw players from across the city and surrounding areas. ‘National teams’ will be made up, featuring U9 to U17 age players in good standing with the Manitoba Soccer Association, which is sanctioning the event.

Opening ceremonies will take place on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 5:30 p.m. Folklorama begins on Sunday, Aug. 6 after the final game of the tournament. The Mini World Cup will take place at St. Vital Memorial Park (100 Sunset Blvd.).

Prospective players will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Odeon Park to lose ‘island’ status

Christian Cassidy

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

The roadworks currently underway on Smith Street near Notre Dame Avenue will drastically change a park that has stood at the intersection for nearly 90 years.

Known as Odeon Park due to its proximity to the Walker/Odeon/Burton Cummings Theatre, it measures just 335 square metres and acts as a traffic island, diverting vehicles travelling north from Smith Street onto either King Street or Notre Dame Avenue.

The park was once part of the Grace Methodist Church property. When the church was constructed in 1883 at the intersection of Ellice Avenue and Notre Dame Avenue, it prevented Arthur and King streets from connecting to Portage Avenue. This may not have seemed important in 1883, but as the Exchange District solidified its role as the city’s industrial heart and Portage Avenue became its major retail street this lack of street connection became a problem.

In 1890, city council received the first of many annual petitions from business owners who complained that the lack of access forced the transportation of goods between the neighbourhoods onto Main Street which created severe traffic congestion.

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The sweet sound of learning

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

Murdoch MacKay Collegiate has been rocking this past semester.

Students in an applied technology class at the Transcona-based school — under the tutelage of art teacher Bjorn Johnson and woodworking teacher Steven Bell — have incorporated a number of learning themes, including science and math, to build their own electric guitars from conception to the finished article. It’s the first year the class has been held.

Johnson and Bell said the students put their hearts and souls into the project as they enthusiastically enhanced their respective skill sets. The process has involved countless moving parts, including computer-aided design and computer-aided machining, and Faraday’s law of induction — specifically, in this case, with reference to magnetizing a low-voltage string to make a sound.

“The students are in the finishing stages now,” said Bell, speaking on the eve of the school’s convocation event for graduating Grade 12 students.

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We have a new web address!

John Kendle

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

Beginning on Wednesday, July 5, you will find the Free Press Community Review online at fpcommunityreview.com

The Free Press Community Review made its debut as your weekly community newspaper in January 2022, and now that our readers and advertisers have become accustomed to receiving either the West or East editions of the printed newspapers in their mailboxes or on their doorsteps on a weekly basis, we’re taking our rebranding exercise one step further.

In addition to updating the name of our website, we are also updating all our email addresses so that they end with freepress.mb.ca, which brings them in line with every other email address associated with the Free Press.

As always, all our contact information can be viewed on page 6 of the newspapers, as well as under the ‘Contact Us’ tab on the main page of our website, at fpcommunityreview.com

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City of Winnipeg to offer free lifeguard training in August

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

This summer, you can take a dive into another round of free lifeguard training offered by the City of Winnipeg.

The 16-week program is to begin in August, and will train 40 participants until certification.

It aims to give applicants with any level of prior experience, partial or none, training in the six courses required to work as an instructor guard anywhere in the city, without the worry of class fees. The six classes offered are: Bronze Medallion; Bronze Cross ; Standard First Aid & CPR C/AED; Swim for Life Instructor; National Lifeguard – Pool; Lifesaving Instructor.

“By investing in lifeguard training, more children will have the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a press release. “Making the program free will help address the shortage of lifeguards and fill vacant positions within our city so that fewer parents are put on a wait list to get swimming lessons for their kids.”

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Community members honoured

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

Strong communities aren’t built overnight. It takes years of dedicated, selfless service. Now, some of those who have made Transcona the community it is today are being recognized for their contributions.

The Transcona Business Improvement Zone recently added four new names on its Transcona Walls of Fame with a short tea service for friends and family of recent inductees, all of whom have left their mark on the Park City.

The 2023 inductees were Bill Blaikie, who represented Transcona in both the provincial legislature and in parliament; George Lawrence, who helped establish the Transcona and District Pipe Band, among other achievements; John Jacob Neufeld, a longtime community centre volunteer and baseball booster; and Paul Martin, a veteran of the Second World War who served the city of Transcona as a school trustee, councillor and mayor.

“This year, we honoured the seven new names from the last two years, because we didn’t do a ceremony last year, with COVID and everything,” said Leila Dance, executive director of Transcona BIZ.

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Princess Margaret student wins composition award

FP Community Review staff

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

North Kildonan

Larissa Martens, a North Kildonan resident and student at Princess Margaret School, was a winner in the 2023 Music for Young Children International Composition Festival. Martens, who is eight, wrote a piece titled Polar Lights, which was submitted by her teacher Terri Myers, who has been involved with Music for Young Children since 1986.

— Staff

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When lemonade becomes animal aid

Tanya Misseghers

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

The dog days of summer arrived early on June 4, when close friends and Royalwood residents Amelia Marsh and Isla Broesky raised $110.75 to support of the Winnipeg Humane Society by selling lemonade in their neighbourhood.

Both girls are seven years old, just completed Grade 2 and are first-time fundraisers. They shared what inspired their lemonade stand:

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and I just decided it was time to do it,” Isla exclaimed.

“We chose Winnipeg Humane Society because we feel bad for the animals that live there and want them to get more toys, or maybe help them to find owners,” Amelia added.

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A pilot project with growth potential

Laurie Gydé

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

Angela Konkin moved to Winnipeg from the West Coast 10 years ago. She was already familiar with harm reduction and food security programs when she became executive director at the Marlene Street Community Resource Centre eight years ago.

The challenge Konkin immediately faced was a need for more guaranteed food for the 90 families living within the Manitoba Housing development.

With grocery prices skyrocketing, creative juices kicked in. The result? The St. Vital Horticultural Society helps give the community a sense of autonomy through growing their own food.

Garden boxes have been added so that many single-parent families can enjoy freshly grown produce.

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It’s best to be prepared

Jeff Wharton

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

On June 1, it was my privilege to present private members’ statement in the Legislature honouring Dennis Wiwcharyk, a long-time resident of Red River North, for his outstanding contributions to his East St. Paul community.

Dennis has served for 25 years as emergency co-ordinator of the RM East St. Paul. He and his team have worked on multiple occasions on emergencies that could affect the municipality. While each emergency is a learning experience, nothing compared to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Dennis and his team dealt with so many different aspects, from trying to weave their way through the different health regulations, working to keep offices open, having to close facilities and keeping municipal employees safe and healthy. Because all this was new to everyone, there was reference material.

Now that things have returned to normal, Dennis can once again prepare for emergencies that could impact the municipality. The emergency co-ordinator is required to have a municipal emergency plan in place, and East St. Paul’s plan is award-winning. In 2019, Dennis and East St. Paul won a Manitoba Emergency Preparedness Award. Congratulations Dennis for your hard work and dedication to your community.

I would also like to recognize Emma Baker, a resident of East St. Paul for over 10 years. Emma will part of Team Canada competing at the 2023 International Baton Twirling Federation’s National Cup in Liverpool, England, from Aug. 4 to 13. On behalf of all constituents of Red River North, I want to wish her all the best in both this competition and all your future endeavours.

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Hecla rất đáng để đi

Ryan Desjarlais

5 phút đọc

Thứ Tư, ngày 5 tháng 7 năm 2023

I had the good fortune, again, to enjoy some golf during the summer solstice. I started playing a soggy round, thanks to some much- needed overnight rains, at Marvellous Meadows Golf Course (reviewed here last season). As I was packing up, I got a call from a wonderful friend inviting me to join his group and play the back nine with them. When I found out where they were, I did not hesitate. Driving north along the eastern shoreline of Lake Winnipeg’s southern basin, I soon found myself at the narrows of the great spirit lake. Most folks will simply know it as Hecla Golf Course, which is part of the Lakeview Hecla Resort.

Some courses around the province add the words ‘country club’, or ‘resort’, to their names to add a little gravitas to their moniker. Well, there is no pretense here. The course is right beside one of this province’s premier resort hotels and the other members of my party had enjoyed a stay-and-play package offered by the resort.

Adding to the grandeur of the place is the fact that Hecla is also a provincial park with loads of areas to explore. Coming by boat? No problem. Follow the lighthouse tower to Gull Harbour and take the short stroll to the clubhouse. This course is a full 18-hole course but I met with my party at the turn, just in time for lunch. The outdoor grill was serving up hotdogs that were actually a version of farmer sausage.

Starting my round on hole 10, I got a taste of a park feature, and a lake view, all in the same hole. Along the fairway there is a split in strata, and you can see the sedimentary rocks that are talked about elsewhere in the park. You also get to see Lake Winnipeg, from a distance, behind the green. As you get closer to the green, one of the resort’s hotel wings comes into view. It’s quite a busy hole, and a tricky one to play. Just before the green there is a depressed water hazard running across the fairway. After 10, you get a par 3, but the water hazard is much wider, and the elevated green forces you to club up. Both these holes have sand traps around their greens and this is a continuing feature of all the greens here.

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Preparing your backyard for your pets

Jeff McFarlane

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

A lot of our time as pet parents is spent either keeping our pets in or out of something. It’s not their fault that they’re curious and want to explore, and most of the time they learn where they can and cannot go. But sometimes we need help in teaching them.

A fenced yard is a godsend to dogs, as it can allow them free range over a limited area while being safe and secure. Depending on the size of the dog, you may have to make adaptations to your fences to prevent escape, such as sealing small gaps for little dogs or making sure there is nothing near the fence that a large dog can use to launch itself over.

You may have areas in the yards where you want them to go and others that are ‘out of bounds’. You can even designate an area you want them to “go”. These areas can be defined using barriers, or you use scents to attract or repel them. If you are trying to create a bathroom area, which is a great idea to save your lawn, a plot of pea gravel is best. It is easy to clean with a garden hose, and most dogs won’t have an issue with the texture of the rocks. Be aware that large or sharper gravel might be uncomfortable on their paws, making them shy away from the area.

Once an area is established, you can take the dog to the area and, once they do their business, give them a reward. This is usually enough to train them. If not, there are sprays and posts designed to attract animals to use the area. Again, once the behaviour is set, you should be able to discontinue the use of the attractants.

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Young goalie enjoys the Rink Academy

Troy Westwood

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

Chase Charriere is a 15-year-old Grade 9 student at Shaftesbury High School who said that his 2022-23 school year went well.

“I was actually surprised with how it went this year considering how much time I am spending in the Rink Hockey Academy program,” Chase said. “I get to school for 7:20 a.m., then I leave at noon to go to The Rink. During the afternoon we are either on the ice, in the gym, or in a classroom setting, learning about the game till about 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.”

The moment you hear a young athlete mention the Rink Hockey Academy, you know they are serious and dedicated to the game they love.

“This was my first year in the program. It is an awesome program,” Chase said. “The program is very specific to each athlete. I would say it has helped me to get stronger mentally and physically the very most. My game has really improved with my added physical strength.

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Celebrating successes, overcoming challenges

Nello Altomare

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

As the MLA for Transcona, I have the honour of serving the beautiful community I grew up in. It is a privilege to celebrate all that we have accomplished together as a community, and to continue fighting to overcome the challenges we face.

Transcona has much to celebrate at this time of year. Students are beginning their transition out of high school and into university and the professional world. The past several years have been hard, with a global pandemic and the Progressive Conservative government’s chronic underfunding of our education system.

PC cuts to education mean our teachers and students have to do more with less. Class sizes are growing, and schools are forced to make tough decisions about what programs or positions to cut because the PC government has underfunded education for seven years. Education is an investment in the future of this province. I know our community wants what’s best for our kids, and that means a quality education that gives our children every chance to succeed.

I have also been celebrating with seniors’ groups across Transcona as they get ready for a summer of programing and building connections. The Transcona Council for Seniors recently held its annual general meeting and shared the success of its transportation assistance program. As I talk to seniors across this great community, I hear many frustrations about the lack of services available in northeast Winnipeg. It has been harder to get bloodwork and X-rays done since the PCs closed three labs in Transcona. Many are struggling with locating a family doctor, and face challenges in the home-care system. Our seniors should be able to age in place with dignity and respect.

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calendrier communautaire 233-ALLÔ

Calendrier communautaire

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

6 juillet • Cinéma sous les étoiles

Mon cirque à moi • Cathédrale de Saint-Boniface

6 et 13 juillet • Yoga • Patio 340

6 juillet • Vernissage double: « Habiter, une poignée de terre à la fois » et « Éclectique » • La maison des artistes visuels

6 et 13 juillet • Jeudis Pétanque • Parc Provencher

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Trust is the key – here’s how you turn it

Better Business Bureau

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

Do you ever wonder how the mom-and-pop shop down the street has managed to stay open, steady through any storm or socio-economic crisis the world could throw at it?

Without any type of digital presence, advertising or flashy storefront, the business opens its doors every day. Many marvel at this feat, while others understand that, even more important than Instagram reels or neon signs is the feel the shop gives customers when they walk in.

It’s more than a friendly smile and good products. It’s a wholehearted feeling of trust that draws customers in and keeps the company’s doors open. Trust supersedes any material business practise and is often the deciding factor in whether a business fails or succeeds.

Trust plays a central role in business, yet is often overshadowed by the numbers, marketing, procedure and policy. But it should be pulled into the limelight. Studies show the far-reaching benefits of trust, from retention to performance. For example, researcher Jeroen Neckebrouck has found that family-owned businesses tend to more trusted, and areas with high concentrations of family businesses showed higher performance.

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Poverty can affect all aspects of life

Christine Ibbotson

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

Dear Money Lady Readers,

In an economic environment where people are struggling, it is important to remember that charity comes in many forms — monetary of course, but also by being helpful, understanding, loving and generous with your time and support.

It is a common assumption that people stuck in the cycles of poverty are personally responsible for their situations. This is a widespread belief of many who arbitrarily assign moral meanings to poverty. It is very easy for outside observers to see ways that the poor should better their situation. Those with money often say, “if they wanted it bad enough, they would find a way to improve.”

Passing judgment on those who may be impoverished is not the Canadian way. As a country, we support many world-wide charities and are very empathetic to those in need. Scarcity can be found everywhere, even in our own families. Border-line poverty affects the ability to make decisions and ultimately derails both the motivation and ambition of those who live in poverty. Poor single parents and the elderly, have a lot of challenges and not having enough money for ordinary things that others take for granted causes some people to make less rational decisions. When you are preoccupied with money worries, you cannot help but feel challenged, in every way, every day.

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City news in brief for July 5, 2023

Staff reporter

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

City awards 19 community centre renovation grants

On June 28, the City of Winnipeg announced recipients of its community centre renovation grant program from the program’s spring intake.

“This program is a crucial investment in our community centres, ensuring they have the necessary resources to undertake repairs, upgrades, and safety improvements that enhance the overall experience for visitors,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a statement.

In total, 19 city-owned community centres will receive a total of $1,259,466 towards renovations, which can include safety improvements, retrofits, and repairs. Community centres to receive grants for the current intake period are: Bord-Aire, Champlain, Deer Lodge, East Elmwood, Gateway, Glenwood, Morse Place, North Kildonan, Northwood, Norwood, Park City West, Robert A. Steen, Southdale, Sturgeon Heights, Tyndall Park, Valley Gardens, Vince Leah, Whyte Ridge, and Wildwood.

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Volunteers needed at St. Vital Museum

John Hindle

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

It’s been a couple of months since I agreed to take on the presidency of the St. Vital Museum and it has been a wild ride so far.

The museum is a wonderful place and if you have any connection to St. Vital or even if you just like history, this place is for you. Located in the old fire hall at 600 St. Mary’s Road, the museum displays artifacts showcasing the history of St. Vital dating back to Louis Riel. Rooms separate the artifacts which are grouped into themes such as sports, music, sar, Louis Riel, police (featuring an actual jail cell, as the old St. Vital Police Force was based at the hall), litchen, schoolroom, two old firetrucks and more. You will definitely find something to connect with.

I have also realized that we can build this museum even better and stronger by finding more supporters and engaging more people. An individual membership is only $20 annually, donations are needed and welcome and, most importantl,y we need you to come and see for yourself.

Two wildly successful weekends recently brought energy to the museum with crowds taking part in Doors Open Winnipeg as well as people who attended the 100th anniversary celebrations of Glenlawn Collegiate. Thanks to everyone who stopped in.

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Brain Tumour Walk for Winnipeg surpasses expectations

—Staff

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jul. 5, 2023

The recent Brain Tumour Walk for Winnipeg, hosted by the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, was a big success.

The event was held on June 25 at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park, and the theme of this year’s walk was “heroes reunite.”

“The walk was incredible,” said Pam Gordon, the chair of this year’s walk and key organizers, noting — at press time — fundraising had surpassed $100,000 with donations still coming, surpassing the original fundraising goal.

“We had 600 people out to the event, which we are so pleased with, as it is the first one after COVID. The mayor was wonderful — he took the time to visit with everyone and delivered a message from the city.”

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McIvor subdivision shot down by committee

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

4 minute read

Tuesday, Jul. 4, 2023

The East Kildonan-Transcona community committee met on June 20, the group’s last meeting before a two-month summer hiatus.

A proposed subdivision at 329 McIvor Ave. was discussed at a public hearing, which had been opened May 23 but adjourned in hope that the property owner and a neighbouring property owner might resolve a dispute regarding access.

Neighbours Katie and Heinz Rahn, from 321 McIvor Ave., spoke in opposition to the proposal, again bringing up concerns regarding how the project, as proposed, would limit what they will be able to do with their land, essentially hemming it in. The pair expressed disappointment that the landowner was not willing to work with them to create a larger development plan, including both properties. City planners, however, disagreed with the term “land locked”, as the property has access to McIvor, though they admitted it made for a “tricky situation.”

The committee did not recommend approval of the subdivision and variance.

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Leading the way

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Friday, Jun. 30, 2023

They say it isn’t easy being green. But then again, nothing good comes easy, does it?

Transcona Memorial United Church (209 Yale Ave. W) has been working hard since 2018 to improve the ecological footprint of the church and its community spaces. On June 27, the church got a big boost from the federal government, when Elmwood-Transcona MP Daniel Blaikie was on hand to announce $480,000 in federal funding by way of the Green and Inclusive Buildings program for the church’s community services hub.

“We’re seeing more and more every season, and this year is no exception, the really disastrous effects of climate change. In order to be able to push back and be able to mitigate those effects, we need everybody on board and everybody doing their part,” Blaikie said.

Along with the church, TMUC has an accessible space that is widely used by community programs such as the Transcona Seniors Pickleball Club, Transcona Girl Guides, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, and the Transcona Food Bank, among others.

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Problem-solving in the Tigers’ Den

Adriano Magnifico

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Problem-solving was front and centre in the 2023 edition of Louis Riel School Division’s Tigers’ Den pitch competition.

Thirty student teams from LRSD submitted two-minute video pitches that described innovative and creative ways they wanted to make a difference in their communities and the world around them.

They shared problems and thoughtful solutions concerning poverty, health care, potholes, purposeful cooking, mental health, and inclusive education systems, in formats that showcased digital dexterity and critical thinking, key skills in today’s information economy.

LRSD’s Tigers’ Den has existed since 1997 and is in its third year as a virtual YouTube pitch competition.

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Healing body, mind and spirit

Andrea Geary

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Blink once and you’d miss it – ‘it’ being Vital Village Metaphysical Shoppe at 960 St. Mary’s Rd.

Owner Sue Crielaard opened the small shop, which features a retail section in the front and treatment room in the back, over five years ago. Needing space for instructing her reiki students, she opened a second location at 806 Osborne St. South two years ago.

Prior to becoming a business owner, Crielaard worked in the social services sector for three decades.

“I was always involved in community development – community rehabilitation work,” she said. “Spirit is a whole different way to help people.”

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A Canada Day message from the Lieutenant-Governor

Anita Neville

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

A time for unity, and celebration, Canada Day inspires citizens from coast to coast to coast to gather, in collective national pride, as we mark the anniversary of 156th anniversary of Confederation.

Together, we celebrate Canada – a vibrant nation of majestic beauty revered for its rich multicultural mosaic and democratic social values.

The Canadian flag, with its iconic maple leaf, has long been recognized around the world as a symbol of peace, freedom, acceptance and dignity. Today, in communities large and small across the country, our flag will be central to a shared celebratory spirit of the greatness and very promising future it represents.

While we celebrate how far we have come as a nation, we must also acknowledge the truths of the past that were extremely harmful to Indigenous people, and the pain that remains. As Canadians we must all commit to listening and learning, and working together to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunity to succeed and thrive in this land we call home.

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Donate art to a good cause

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

There are times when a good spring cleaning can go a long way.

The non-profit organization Grands ‘n’ More Winnipeg is once again inviting individuals to scour their attics, closets, cupboards, and anywhere else they might stash stuff in support of a good cause.

Community members are being encouraged to donate pieces of surplus art to the seventh annual Art from the Attic sale, which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 15 at St. Vital Centre, when organizers predict there will be somewhere between 1,800 and 2,000 pieces of art for sale; a figure that’s based on donations from previous years. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.

Between now and into September, dedicated volunteers will be collecting, cleaning and sorting a wide variety of hangable art in all kinds of sizes and genres. To give prospective donors an idea of how they can help, organizers say past donors have either been downsizing, moving, sorting through someone’s effects, as well as responding to the realization they’ve fallen out of love with a particular piece. In turn, their art will find a loving new home while also helping support a good cause in the process.

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Indigenous tourism in Manitoba

RoseAnna Schick

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Indigenous Tourism Manitoba is an organization created to support the more than 150 Indigenous tourism operators throughout the province. They help bring both domestic and international visitors to businesses that contribute to Indigenous economies through unique tourism offerings.

One of the trailblazers of Indigenous tourism is Wapusk Adventures in Churchill. The company started in 2001, when dog musher Dave Daley began running dog-sled excursions. What began with 10 dogs and a dream grew into a multi-award-winning company with more than four dozen dogs that takes thousands of tourists each year on rides through the beautiful boreal forest. Tours include dog sledding with cultural talks, snow shoe walks, and northern lights viewing.

Daley has long been a key player in the development of Indigenous tourism, and continues to be. As the chair of ITM he is an ongoing advocate for the sector, working together with Travel Manitoba and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to develop opportunities for Manitoba-based companies. A fun fact about Daley is that he’s had a song written about him – The Ballad of Dave Daley, by Roy Mexted – which is available on streaming sites.

Melanie Gamache is a francophone Métis beadwork artisan based in Ste. Genevieve. She took up beading in 2015 before beginning Borealis Beading, gradually growing the company from creating her own pieces to organizing and hosting cultural learning. Her hands-on creative experiences allow participants to practice the art of beading, finger weaving, or quilting.

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Tabs for Wheelchairs celebrates milestone

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Twenty-five years, 50-plus wheelchairs, millions of tabs, and countless smiles. On one level, Tabs for Wheelchairs is a numbers game — in the best possible way.

This year, the local fundraising initiative is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The concept is simple. Individuals, groups and organizations collect tabs from drink cans to help raise money for specialized wheelchairs for youngsters.

“It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to be a part of Tabs for Wheelchairs,” said its founder and co-ordinator Gwen Buccini, reflecting on reaching the quarter-century mark. “I thank everyone who has joined us over the last 25 years and made it possible to have collected over 350 million tabs and presented — as of this month — 54 specialized wheelchairs.”

The St. Vital resident started the campaign in 1998 when she was a teacher at Holy Cross School, and she’s continued to dedicate her time and energy to the cause since her retirement. Tabs for Wheelchairs now has the support of 182 schools, 275 groups and companies, and hundreds of individuals throughout the city and province, Buccini said.

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Rambling about… Rinn

Weldon Rinn

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Ever thought about writing as a side hustle?

I spent years pondering writing and, after some pushing by some of my comrades, I decided to try and get into the field.

I was teaching in Morris for the Red River Valley School Division in around 2003-04 when I first heard that the Southeast Journal might be seeking a columnist. I had always been a keener in English and language arts and a creative person when it came to writing of any genre you can imagine— even poetry, which I loved… try justifying that to your fellow football and hockey mates.

Cut to the chase, Don and Brenda Piett, editors and owners of the Journal, took a flyer on me and voilà, Rinn’s Ramblings, as named by Don, was born. Fast forward a few years and I met and was interviewed by John Kendle, editor of The Lance (now Free Press Community Review, East edition) and I had secured a second publisher. The difference between the two newspapers I write for is that Mr. Kendle would like to keep my columns relevant to east Winnipeg, which I totally get, and the Journal allows me freedom to, well, ramble a bit.

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Music to their ears

Staff reporter

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Glenlawn Collegiate held its 100th anniversary reunion celebrations recently with a number of events. It all kicked off with a celebration of the arts through the years, featuring performances by school alumni who have gone on to excel in the music and drama fields, as well as performances by current students. The event’s main organizer was Marilyn Redekop, a former teacher at the St. Vital-based school.

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Lena loves to play fetch and with her toys

Manitoba Mutts

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Hi. I’m Lena. I’m a fun girl who loves toys, people and playing fetch.

I am fully house-trained but do piddle if I’m really excited to see you. I am fully crate-trained, too, but I don’t need to be crated.

I am good with kids but I like to steal their toys and chew the toys up.

I don’t like cats or other dogs if there is food or toys around because I’m very protective of them.

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How do annuities work?

Christine Ibbotson

4 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Dear Money Lady,

My adviser suggested investing in annuities and the way he made it sound, I was really thinking of doing it. Could you tell me what you think?

Vickie

Annuities are a great way to save for the future and usually chosen by someone who does not want to be concerned with the ups and downs of the stock market, but instead prefers a “set-it and leave-it” strategy with a guaranteed monthly income for life.

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Doing good for our community

James Teitsma

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

I recently had the privilege of announcing which communities and organizations will receive each of more than 100 visitation shelters that were set up at personal care homes during the pandemic. These shelters were originally shipping containers modified to provide visiting spaces.

Over 27 different groups across Manitoba will receive at least one shelter. The responses to the expression of interest were both numerous and incredibly innovative. The creativity of Manitobans was certainly highlighted throughout this process. The shelters will be used for housing, recreation, animal care, vegetation, farming, and more.

Some of the most creative uses were showcased during the announcement at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Assiniboine Park will receive the largest number of shelters – 17 – and plans to use them to raise endangered Manitoban butterflies, create a drop-off site for rescued wildlife, and provide more space to care for animals.

Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre – Manitoba’s only wildlife veterinary hospital – will receive four shelters. They noted that the easy-to-decontaminate finishes, high-end air filtration, and built-in UVC sanitization will help provide enhanced biosecurity and increased capacity to care for injured and sick wildlife.

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Looking forward to summer in St. Vital

Jamie Moses

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

As we all get outside to enjoy the nice weather, I have had the pleasure of connecting with community members in St. Vital during a number of wonderful events.

Recently, I attended the Windsor Community Centre’s family barbecue, which featured arts and crafts, face paint and, of course, a lot of good food. The barbecue also coincided with a soccer tournament so I got to watch my two kids play. Another fun family event was the Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre annual celebration on June 2. The event brought hundreds of families out for an evening of fun, with food trucks, fireworks, a hot air balloon, and many other family-friendly activities. A highlight of the evening was congratulating Anna as volunteer of the year and Mike, who won the lifetime fuilder Award. It is the hard work of dedicated volunteers that allows events such as these to be successful, and I want to thank everyone who helped put these evenings together.

Our local school communities have also held fantastic cultural events recently. I attended the community Fun Fest hosted by Lavallee School, the René Deleurme Centre and several community partners. St. George School also hosted a community celebration and Victor Mager School hosted a Culture Day event. Each of these events brought together the respective school communities to enjoy some time together and celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich our St. Vital community. From participating in an Indigenous round dance to an Indian cultural dance, these experiences help build community and foster a greater sense of belonging for students and their families. Thank you to our school leadership for creating space for all community members to feel welcome.

Grad season is upon us, so I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the 2023 graduates. Our community is proud of everything that you have achieved and we look forward to your bright futures. I am looking forward to attending the graduation ceremonies at Glenlawn Collegiate, Dakota Collegiate, Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, Centre scolaire Léo-Rémillard and the St. Vital Adult Leaning Centre. Where. once again, I will be presenting students with scholarships to support them as they continue their education. Congratulations to all!

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Đã đến mùa hè và thời điểm thích hợp cho… các môn thể thao trên bãi cỏ

T. Kent Morgan

4 phút đọc

Thứ Tư, ngày 28 tháng 6 năm 2023

“Các môn thể thao trên sân cỏ rất đẹp. Chúng thúc đẩy sự kết nối giữa những người xa lạ và bạn bè, chúng đánh giá cao sự nhạy bén về thể chất và tinh thần… và chúng kết nối bạn với những truyền thống lâu đời, trải dài trên toàn cầu. Vì vậy, hãy tìm trò chơi trên bãi cỏ phù hợp với bạn, rủ thêm vài người bạn, đi ra ngoài dưới ánh nắng mặt trời và cho cả thế giới thấy cách giải trí đúng đắn.”

Those definitely aren’t the words of this columnist, but instead those of Brooks Butler Hays, who wrote a small gem titled Balls on the Lawn: Games to Live By. The author concludes his introduction, titled “In Defense of Lawn Sports”, by suggesting that readers “stop toggling your joystick and get out and find some lawn-sporting equipment, some companions, some beverages, and a lush swath of green space, and let the subtle glories of bocce or croquet or horseshoes wash over you.”

Followers of sport may not be aware that a horseshoe pitcher was one of the early inductees into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Glenboro native Bert Snart was honoured in 1983 for his career, in which he won nine Manitoba singles and six doubles titles and spent 30 years as president of the provincial association while living in Dauphin. His long list of awards includes a 1976 induction into the Horseshoe HOF in Levittown, Penn.

Of the sports Hays mentions, lawn bowling is the most popular in Manitoba, with clubs located in the city’s North and West Ends, St. James, River Heights, Tuxedo, and St. Vital, where Lawn Bowls Manitoba has its headquarters on Dakota Street. Brandon and Gimli also have clubs. During July, several men’s, ladies (the term used by female lawn bowlers), and mixed provincial championships will be held at the Norwood Lawn Bowling Club, located at 1202 Dakota St.

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Provincial politics is the place to get things done

Dougald Lamont

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

With inflation and so many other challenges hitting folks in our community so hard, we need to be clear-eyed about the challenges facing us and how to pull together to solve them.

Many of the biggest problems facing our country aren’t dealt with nationally – if the change doesn’t happen at the provincial level, it will never happen at all.

That’s one of the big reasons I ran to be MLA for St. Boniface. Provincial politics has a huge impact on your life and that of your family.

So, if you have a problem that needs fixing with health care, education, colleges, universities, mental health, seniors, addictions, education, roads, bridges or other infrastructure, Hydro, MPI and car insurance, Liquor Marts, cannabis, gambling, provincial parks, agriculture, rural and urban municipalities, immigration settlement, the arts, the environment, police, jails, the courts system, social assistance, and child and family services – those are all provincial issues.

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Volleyball Manitoba honours its best

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

The Volleyball Manitoba Awards & Hall of Fame banquet was held June 11, an event which honoured athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials.

The evening was capped off with the Volleyball Manitoba Hall of Fame inductions, which included Mitch Davidson (builder) and Toon van Lankvelt (athlete). Details of and information on the 2023 inductees can be found here.

Congratulations to the following major award winners:

2023 Volleyball Manitoba players of the year:

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Effective stewardship helps Save Our Seine

Ryan Palmquist

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Save Our Seine staff and volunteers are undertaking another year of invasive plant removal in the Seine River ecosystem, and they could use your help.

Beginning June 28, veteran SOS volunteer Robyn Palmer will be hosting a buckthorn removal evening every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in Kavanagh Park, on the east side of the river in St. Boniface, all the way through to Oct. 11.

Buckthorn is an invasive species, one of several varieties which choke out native plant life which is vital to the health of the ecosystem. Plants indigenous to our part of the world provide habitat, food, and stabilization up and down the life cycle of the Seine River environment.

Invasive species management is part of our duty to the natural spaces we are stewards of. Undisturbed, species and systems would survive and thrive without human involvement. However, negative impacts from human beings on our urban natural spaces, whether from apathy or accident, are significant.

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Plans for École Sage Creek School approved

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

The most recent Riel community committee meeting was held on June 19.

The committee endorsed Third+Bird’s two summer market events in the St. Norbert Seine-River ward as community events and recommended an occasional liquor permit be issued. According to winnipeg.ca, the events are scheduled to be held on July 20 — Slice of Summer — and Aug. 24 — Tailgate Thursday — from 3 to 9 p.m. at St. Norbert Farmers’ Market (3514 Pembina Hwy.) and will showcase more than 130 local vendors.

The committee recommended to the standing policy committee on public works that the public service study Victoria Crescent and St. Vital Road in the St. Vital ward — at approximately 100 metres east of the St. Vital Road and River Road intersection — and determine if a lighted pedestrian corridor crosswalk with low-mounted flashing lights is needed, or if other measures are more suitable, and report back to the standing committee.

A per capita grant for $720 from the St. Vital ward allocation to Bonivital Soccer Club was approved, to help with the cost of maintaining all green space at Lavallee School (505 St. Anne’s Rd.) over and above the soccer field at the site, which the club currently maintains.

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Planting with passion

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Kendra Floyde and her family love being outdoors, and it’s this passion that’s taken root in the hearts and minds of one local school community.

Floyde — a member of École Julie-Riel’s parent council and dedidated volunteer — has been working hard to beautify the front of the St. Vital-based school, as well as provide a natural habitat for local species of butterflies.

“As one of our parents, Kendra has single-handedly taken the initiative,” said the school’s principal Lyette Carriere. “She’s done a lot behind the scenes and run some of our big events such as our Lego night. I can’t imagine how many hours Kendra has put in.”

With the help of a Roots & Shoots grant from the Jane Goodall Institute Canada, Floyde has turned her talented green thumbs to creating a number of planters, some of which contain dill to enable the pollination process of butterfly chrysalis. This has, in turn, provided learning opportunities to the school’s students, who are always happy to lend a helping when it comes to watering duties and other related tasks.

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Teen leads charge to supply unhoused with goods

Staff reporter

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

On June 20, student and adult volunteers from across the city filled 1,200 dry bags with essential items for unhoused folks in Winnipeg. The initiative was part of the ZacPac Project, which was founded in Vancouver in 2020 by youngster Zac Weinberg, who was 11 at the time and originally from Winnipeg. This year, Zac and the Weinberg Foundation is bringing the ZacPac Project home to Winnipeg.

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City news in brief for June 28, 2023

Staff reporter

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023

Lavallée-Heckert named new Festival du Voyageur ED

Breanne Lavallée-Heckert has been announced as the new executive director of Festival du Voyageur.

According to a news release, Lavallée-Heckert will start in the role on July 4. She replaces Darrel Nadeau, who left the post earlier this year.

Hailing from Ste. Ambroise near Lake Manitoba, Lavallée-Heckert said Festival du Voyageur helped her “understood that a community is formed when it gathers to share cultural moments, smiles, and laughter.”

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Where to go, what to do on Canada Day

FP Community Review staff

4 minute read

Monday, Jun. 26, 2023

Canada Day 2023 – Finding Our North Star • July 1, The Forks

• The Forks Market stage: Noon – Darryl Buck; 1 p.m. – Onna Lou; 2 p.m. – Tommyphyll; 3 p.m. ¬– HERA; 4 p.m. – Lev Snowe; 6 p.m. – Jérèmie & The Delicious Hounds; 7 p.m. – Jade Turner; 8 p.m. – The 12/21; 9:30 p.m. – Indian City

• Forks Festival grounds – 10:30 p.m. – Acakos drone show. Acakos (ah-cha-kos) means ‘star’ in Cree and this show has been curated around the teachings of Elder Wilfred Buck, a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and internationally renowned star knowledge keeper

• Plus family activities at the CN Stage, workshops, tours, picnic tables, food trucks, and a huge soccer tournament

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Bridging a gap

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Monday, Jun. 26, 2023

The atrium was buzzing with chatter at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home on June 13.

That afternoon, 15 Grade 11 biology students from Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute paid residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease a visit, equipped with visitation boxes the students designed to aid volunteers and family interact with residents whose memories might be fading. It was the first visit from local students that the care home has hosted since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in 2020.

“At school we call this the Memory Project, but at Bethania we call them visitation kids, which the recreation team and volunteers at Bethania can use,” explained biology teacher Laura O‘Brien, who has run variations on the project with her classes since 2018. “The idea is the things in kit will help residents recall dynamic, episodic memory.“

“It’s not only for the residents,” added Dianne Nixdorf, recreation director at Bethania. “It’s for family and volunteers. Sometimes, it can be very difficult to carry on a conversation with residents. Sometimes, family might not know how to visit with their person. But to be able to go to this area, take a kit off the shelf, it definitely provides some stimulation and engagement.”

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Race for MJBL title heating up

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Friday, Jun. 23, 2023

As spring turned to summer, the race for the Manitoba Junior Baseball League crown was only heating up headed into the regular season homestretch.

At press time, three teams were jockeying for the top-spot in the eight team loop: the St. Boniface Legionaires (12-7-0), the Carillon Sultans (11-7-0), and the St. James A’s (11-8-0). The defending champions the Elmwood Giants — who have won seven championships since 2014 and were last defeated for the league championship by St. James in 2017 — had a 9-8-0 record through 17 games.

“Right now, we’ve got a good group of guys who want to show up and love to play ball,” Legionaires head coach Jason Evanochko said.

St. Boniface, who challenged Elmwood in the final in 2014 and 2019, boast an impressive +38 run differential through the first 18 games of the season.

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New operating room at Concordia Hospital open

Staff reporter

2 minute read

Friday, Jun. 23, 2023

A new operating room at Concordia Hospital was officially opened on June 19, six months after it was expected to be operational.

According to a statement from provincial health minister Audrey Gordon, the new space is expected to increase capacity by up to 1,000 inpatient and same-day hip and knee replacement procedures per year. The expansion also includes an additional orthopedic surgeon, investment in anesthesia staff, four new inpatient beds, and additional nursing and allied health staff, for a total of 27 full-time positions.

“This expansion not only increases our capacity but also allows us to reduce wait times and provide our patients with timely access to the care they need,” Carrie Fruehm, president and chief operating officer at Concordia Hospital, said in the statement. The Concordia Hospital Foundation speerheaded fundraising for the project, raising over $350,000.

However, opposition critic Uzoma Asagwara noted the delay in opening the operating room, which was initially announced to open in December 2022, resulted in at least 171 cancelled surgeries at Concordia between November 2022 and January 2023.

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An eclectic hybrid

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

4 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

A husband-and-wife team is preparing to hold its first art exhibit together.

Carla Toews and Bill Rademaker will hold their exhibit called Spaces in Togetherness at cre8ery gallery, which is located at 125 Adelaide St. in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, from June 22 to July 4.

The couple’s artistic styles and backgrounds are markedly different, which means the upcoming exhibit will be an eclectic hybrid showcasing Toews’ mixed media/steampunk works and Rademaker’s wooden animal carvings/natural landscapes.

Toews started creating art for the first time only a few years ago, while Rademaker resumed creating art a few years ago after taking a decades-long break since his high school years. Spaces is Toews’ first show at cre8ery gallery, and Rademaker’s second.

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A groovy kind of fundraiser

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

There will be some groovy goings-on at the United Church in Meadowood soon.

The St. Vital church, located at 1111 Dakota St., will host a concert by the Very Groovy Things band on Thursday, June 29.

River Heights resident Bill Quinn is director of music at the church and also a member of the band, which specializes in music from the swingin’ ‘60s, notably folk-rock legends the Mamas & the Papas.

The 10-member group, which generally performs once a month, was formed in 2018 after Quinn — a longtime educator in Louis Riel School Division — retired from teaching and wanted to embark on “a side project for fun.” On stage, Quinn takes on the role of the Mamas & the Papas frontman John Phillips.

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Transit Plus seeking input on policy changes

Staff reporter

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

Winnipeg Transit Plus is changing how it responds to no-shows and late cancellations and is looking for feedback on a new proposed policy for no-shows and late cancellations.

Two virtual events on the proposed changes will be held on Wednesday, June 28, from 10 to 11 a.m., and again from 7 to 8 p.m. A question-and-answer period will be held after each session.

An online survey is also open for residents to weigh in on until Saturday, July 14.

For more information, visit engage.winnipeg.ca/noshowpolicy

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Meet a multi-sport dynamo

Troy Westwood

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

Ryan McKinlay is a 14-year-old Grade 8 student at La Salle School.

Ryan loves sports and she plays quite a few, so many it’s hard to imagine when she gets a rest.

“I play volleyball, basketball, badminton, hockey, soccer, and track and field. My favourite sport changes a lot, but basketball is currently my favourite,” she says. “I like basketball because it has a lot of options to make plays. It is a complicated game and I love how it challenges me. I like to play point guard because I am good at handling the basketball and making plays.

“All of my teammates in the sports I play have a good attitude and that helps us to keep the team spirit alive and well. My hockey team (the U15 AAA Pembina Valley Hawks) has been very successful and strong because everyone has something different that they are good at.”

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Remarkable advances in medical support for pets

Jeff McFarlane

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

The quality and quantity of medical services available for our pets becomes more advanced every day. We have services for pets now that people did not have just a few decades ago.

To go along with those amazing services, we have medical devices and support products to match.

Gone are the days when the only post-operative option was a big plastic funnel cone. The options now include soft cones that allow a pet to rest comfortably, inflatable collars that prevent turning the head to lick, and garments designed to securely cover a wound while allowing it to breath and heal. This last option can be a game changer in instances where you have multiple pets in the household, and a cone won’t stop other pets from irritating the wound site.

These garments can look like simple hospital gowns for body wounds, to elaborate wraps with support pieces for limb coverage, to prevent them moving, slipping, or being taken off by the pet. The cone is still the first option offered in most cases, but if it does not work, you and your pet have options.

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A cool treat in exchange for a random act

John Kendle

4 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

In the years we’ve been compiling this column, I’ve learned that our readers most often encounter the kindness of others in the winter, when movement and accessibility is often restricted or hampered by the elements.

However, I have recently noticed a subtle shift in the submissions we receive. This spring, as our world has re-opened and the warmer weather means we are moving around much more freely since the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, I’m starting to hear more and more about other random acts of kindness.

Read on…

☐ ☐ ☐

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CJS, Glenlawn win provincial beach volleyball titles

Staff reporter

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

Volleyball Manitoba hosted the 2023 high school beach championships late last month at Maple Grove Rugby Park, and there was some success for eastside Winnipeg teams.

According to the organization’s website, this included St. Vital-based Collège Jeanne-Sauvé, which won in the junior varsity girls 2s category and featured duo Anna Filippin-Buller and Taylor Labossiere.

As well, St. Vital-based Glenlawn Collegiate won in the junior varsity boys 2s category, featuring the pairing of Ben Doan and Nico Nadeau.

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Eastside news in brief June 21, 2023

Staff reporter

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

Funding announced for splash pad in East St. Paul

On June 9, Red River North MLA Jeff Wharton was joined by East St. Paul mayor Carla Devlin and East St. Paul municipal councillors to announce $300,000 in funding through the provincial Building Sustainable Communities program for a splash pad in the municipality.

“Community projects such as this would not be possible without the strong leadership of the municipalities and non-profit organizations, leveraged funding from other public, private and philanthropic sources and the dedication of local volunteers,” Wharton said.

“Our municipality is growing and it’s important that we have spaces for people to get together, meet their neighbours and enjoy the summer months,” Devlin added. “We are thrilled to be able to offer a splash pad to have fun and cool down.”

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LRSD hosts graduation powwow

Staff reporter

1 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

Louis Riel School Division held the 2023 Jules Lavallee Memorial Graduation Pow Wow on June 7 at Dakota Collegiate’s Murray Field.

According to the division’s website, the event was billed as “an opportunity for LRSD students, staff, families, and community members to celebrate (its) graduating students’ achievements and honour Indigenous culture.”

The powwow once again paid tribute to Jules Lavallee, who is described as “an important and beloved member of the LRSD community.” Ray (Coco) Stevenson was once again master of ceremonies.

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Birds of a feather

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

A local wildlife and nature filming company continues to help provide scientists with data on the lives of American kestrel falcons.

Nu-Sun Cinema, a local non-profit production company, has been documenting wildlife for nearly 20 years. Since then, the passion project, which was founded by partners Rick and Kim, has provided data to the American Kestrel Partnership and Boise State University in Idaho. During spring, Nu-Sun has taken part in the North American Bird Banding Program, a joint program between Canada and the United States.

The American kestrel is the smallest falcon breed in North America. On June 11, Dr. James Duncan, a licensed bander with Discover Owls, and apprentice Meredith Stoesz, visited Nu-Sun Cinema’s kestrel boxes, on property just north of Kilcona Park, to band five young kestrel nestlings. Banding nestlings between 15 and 20 days old is key, as disturbances beyond this age may cause premature fledgling.

“It turned out to be a great day, the weather co-operated,” Kim said. “It wasn’t super hot in the morning. Nestlings are under some stress, of course, from being removed from their environment. It turned out to be a great experience.”

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Learning more about Indigenous history

Shirley Kowalchuk

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

June is National Indigenous History month, and this Wednesday, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

It is no secret that for decades Indigenous history and perspectives were absent from schools or elsewhere, except within the memories of Indigenous people, despite the profound Indigenous history in the Winnipeg area.

I recall taking the optional Canadian history class in high school. We learned about the Rupertsland Charter and transfer, Louis Riel and Metis concerns and heard about the Battle of Seven Oaks. I recall sitting in class envisioning vast, immutable western lands and hearing about its rather sudden, changing sovereignties. It felt odd, and I think my feelings had something to do with ideas about the legitimacy of power (which my family often spoke of, in various ways) but I couldn’t recognize this at the time, and I didn’t ask.

What do I remember from high school? Authorities prompted a whole bunch of stuff that ended up creating an institutional parameter around the area called Canada. Selkirk’s name came up, I think.

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Grants give a boost to Seine River organizations

Janice Morley-Lecomte

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

The spring session of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly has drawn to a close, which saw many private members bills, government bills and the provincial budget pass.

During this session, I had the privilege of honouring constituents through private member’s statements, including Matthew and Shawn Thompson, siblings attending St. Norbert Collegiate who have been actively involved in sports for the last nine years. Their love of sports and dedication to being the best in their respective fields has earned them both the opportunity to represent Manitoba at the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax this July.

Matthew started playing community club baseball at the age of eight, and he has since gone on to participate in the Canada Summer Games for Team Manitoba. Shawn also enjoys baseball, but this year decided to devote his time to basketball. He plays at an elite level with the Attack Basketball Club, even though he is only 15 years old. I wish them all the best as they represent our province in Halifax this summer.

Our government recently made some exciting grant funding announcements, and I am pleased to highlight the funding that has been allocated for community projects throughout Seine River, which will provide a much-needed boost to our communities.

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Bảo vệ thông tin cá nhân của bạn

Thợ săn Suzanne

3 phút đọc

Thứ Tư, ngày 21 tháng 6 năm 2023

Before we had city-issued garbage bins, somebody came along during the night and moved my neighbours’ garbage bags and mine to an area away from the streetlights. All the bags were sliced open. The person, or people, had not gone through bags that were mostly kitchen waste, but did remove the contents of the bags that had papers. They were looking for personal information.

Just last week, I witnessed a person on a bicycle hauling what looked to be a homemade cart in the Kildonan Meadows area, lifting garbage bin lids and rifling through the contents. I can’t be certain what he was looking for – probably fixable items, as he had a cart – but it was an invasion of privacy nonetheless.

In the corporate world, businesses have an obligation to protect their customers’ private information. In Manitoba, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) provides specific rules on how that is to be carried out.

As individuals, how can we protect our private information? Read up all you can to learn what information you can share and what information you should keep under lock and key.

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There’s plenty going on in Riel

Rochelle Squires

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

As we enter the lovely summer season, our constituency is buzzing with excitement as numerous projects begin to take shape. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who applied for the Building Sustainable Communities grant. The response was truly inspiring, with so many remarkable individuals stepping up to enhance our community. I am immensely proud of the Riel constituency. The recipients of this year’s BSC grants this year were: Dakota Community Centre, the Manitoba Islamic Association, and Greendell Park Community Centre.

For more than 30 years, Dakota Community Centre has been an important gathering place for sports and recreation. The $240,960 grant it has received will go toward many touch-ups to repair the wear and love DCC receives from our growing community. Upgrades to the facility include renovations to the second floor, including demolition of the great hall and reconfiguration of the existing floor plan, flooring, lighting, HVAC, and upgrades to the kitchen/bar space. Additionally, $31,190 will be allocated towards a new security system. These upgrades will provide noticeable improvements to the quality of the community centre.

DCC has also been awarded $34,500 to support the field maintenance and grounds crews (Green Team) in the South St. Vital community. This program creates employment opportunities for youth in our community, providing beneficial work experience all summer long. The team will be in charge of eight schools and locations, maintaining baseball/softball diamonds and 36 soccer fields. They will put in all the effort it takes to make sure that everyone can access and enjoy the greenspace in our neighborhood.

The Manitoba Islamic Association received a BSC grant of $133,500 The Pioneer Mosque joined the St. Vital community in the late 1950s and was the first mosque in Manitoba. It has since grown to become Manitoba’s largest membership-based Islamic organization. I was thrilled to meet with members earlier this month and hear about their plans to expand their place of worship,

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Goal-setting is the key to opportunity

Christine Ibbotson

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2023

Dear Money Lady Readers,

Do you know where you are going in life? If you don’t know where you are going – any path will take you there.

We all know that goal setting is the key to success. It provides us with the strength to keep going when times are tough, and it gives us direction when we feel lost. But what if you don’t have any goals? Well, you need to pick a goal — any goal. Your best guess for today will do.

I don’t want you to procrastinate and wait for the perfect goal. Pick an interim goal that will get you into action and give you the practise of achieving it. Once you begin doing this on a regular basis, your perfect goal will come into view and you will know what to work towards, what is most meaningful, and you can begin to devise a plan to get it.

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Branching out in the Interlake

Ryan Desjarlais

3 minute read

Tuesday, Jun. 20, 2023

There are quite a few golf offerings in the Interlake — Teulon and Inwood have challenging 18-hole courses, Marvellous Meadows and Lundar have easier nine-hole tracks, and there’s a new course opening up in the area this July. Many other golf courses are located in the region, of course, and one of those is nestled right in the middle of Manitoba’s ‘Great Lakes.’ Take a drive north of Winnipeg, up Highway 17, and you’ll find Fisher Branch Golf and Country Club.

My first impression of the course was that it is friendly to those who like to walk their rounds, as there is very little elevation change. My second impression was that the course is very junior/beginner friendly. My final impression was that this is a great place to grab a bite, as the restaurant in the clubhouse serves Chinese food. The aforementioned clubhouse has a decent seating capacity for a function and there is a wedding garden just off the first tee.

The green fees are reasonable, and the cart fleet is all-electric. The course is in great shape, and the greens are large and healthy. The first half of the golf course features planted spruce trees separated by second-cut grass. The last half of the course is cut through parkland-style mixed woods. This layout lends itself to finding your ball easily to start, but increasingly difficult later.

Hole one is a slight dogleg to the right, and the turn is placed just about where an average hitter would drive. It does have a sort-of sand trap just before the green. Hole 2 is nice and open with no real obstacles. Hole 3 is a long par 5, and the green is guarded by three rather frustratingly placed spruce trees. The ladies’ tee on this hole is in an odd place. It lies right against the treed right edge of the fairway, and has a large spruce right in front of it. Sorry, red-marker hitters.

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Hamming it up

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER

3 minute read

Monday, Jun. 19, 2023

Ham radio operators and enthusiasts are about to have a field day.

On Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25, the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club (WARC) and the Winnipeg Seniors Amateur Radio Club (WSC) will host a free community open house, also known as a field day, in and around the WSC facilities, which is located on the top floor of the old firehall at 598 St. Mary’s Rd.

“We want people to come and see what we do,” Geoffrey Bawden, vice-president of the WSC and a board member of WARC, explained. “We want to promote ham radio as an activity.”

Over the course of the weekend, radio operators will run their equipment off generators, to simulate an emergency situation where the power may be unreliable. Members of the public can learn the basics of ham radio, while members of the clubs connect will test their skills and try to connect with other ham radio operators across North America.

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News in brief for June 14, 2023

Staff reporter

3 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 14, 2023

Alzheimer Society of Manitoba to hold AGM on June 16

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is preparing to hold its upcoming annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 21 between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at its provincial office, 10-120 Donald St. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

Prospective attendees are asked to RSVP by Friday, June 16. Go online at alzheimer.mb.ca/event/2023-annual-general-meeting for more information.

St. Norbert Arts Centre kicks off summer concert series

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Eastside news in brief for June 14, 2023

Staff reporter

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 14, 2023

Temporary closures on Warde Avenue, Pandora Avenue East scheduled

Motorists are being advised about two temporary road closures in the eastside of the city.

According to a City of Winnipeg news release, Warde Avenue between Dakota Street and St. Mary’s Road will be closed until 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27 for road construction.

As well, westbound Pandora Avenue East between Wayoata Street and Ravenhurst Street will be closed until 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29 for road construction. This closure will include the north sidewalk, officials say.

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New chapter for local greenway

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER

5 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 14, 2023

Usually in south Winnipeg at this time of year, as spring pivots between the latest unforgiving winter and beckons what many hope will be a glorious summer, Bishop Grandin Greenway is alive with the sights and sounds of Mother Nature.

During a trip to the greenway on May 31, for example, a mother duck could be seen guiding and supervising her very young offspring in a retention pond near the bank.

And while the spring cycle remains consistent year upon year, other elements of the local landscape are now undergoing change in light of the ongoing process of Reconciliation.

In March, Winnipeg city council concurred with the recommendation of the executive policy committee and ratified the renaming of Bishop Grandin Trail to Awasisak Meskanow (pronounced Aa-wa-sis-uk Me-ska-noh); and also recommended that the renamings of Bishop Grandin Boulevard to Abinojii Mikanah (A-bin-oh-gee Mee-kin-ah); and Grandin Street to Taapweewin Way (Tap-way-win) be endorsed, and that the public service be directed to report back regarding the requirements of the Street Names By-law No. 115/2011.

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Biking to work highlights infrastructure failures

Matt Wiebe

2 minute read

Wednesday, Jun. 14, 2023

As we head into summer, more and more Winnipeggers are choosing to cycle to get to work or just enjoy the outdoors. On June 5, we celebrated Bike to Work Day, which kicked off the annual Bike Week Winnipeg celebration.

Whether you bike for transportation or recreation, Bike Week is a great opportunity for Manitobans of all ages to get together on their bicycless and experience all the city has to offer in the summer. I was happy to be able to join Concordia commuters who were biking to work at a pit stop at Kimberley Avenue on the Northeast Pioneers Greenway.

While Bike to Work Day is just one day a year, encouraging more people to regularly cycle to work has many benefits. Biking to work instead of driving reduces greenhouse gases and vehicle congestion on our streets. It is also a great way to be active on your commute and get in some exercise before and after work. However, we know that we need safer, more reliable roads and better infrastructure to support cyclists.

Unfortunately, the Progressive Conservative government has repeatedly failed to support infrastructure in this province. It froze municipal funding over the past seven years, meaning that Winnipeg roads keep getting worse because the money to fix them just wasn’t there. PeopleForBikes, a cycling advocacy organization based in Colorado, gave Winnipeg a failing grade in its Best Places to Bike report last year, due in part to the lack of supported infrastructure.

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