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rom over-grown fish to biting parrots, a surplus tiger to a black bear cub, unwanted pets and orphaned animals were something I had to deal with through all my three career positions. I was able to accept certain of these animals at my institutions, but often they were sent to other facilities in Canada or the United States. These kind of telephone calls were an unwelcome distraction from my regular duties because they often came with the proviso that the animal would be put down if I proved unsuccessful in placing them. Suddenly being responsible for an animal’s survival placed a heavy responsibility on me, and I had to drop whatever I was doing and start a barrage of phone calls to colleagues. A big green iguana I will always remember, because it taught me an important lesson. Its history was the usual story of a person making
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Kae Nordman’s centennial celebration
Photo credit: Rob Gillespie a snap decision to purchase a small cute pet, only to find out later, as it grew, that they no longer wished to continue providing for its care. And so it was, I accepted an adult iguana – a native of the American tropics. This 1.2-mch-long reptile
I thought would make an excellent interpretive animal, since I was able to handle it and to show it to school classes. Not having a suitable enclosure at the Museum at the time, I took the iguana home u 17 ‘The iguana’s lesson’
Keeping your bedroom allergy proof bedroom should be a place of sanctuary and relief. It is the last place you want to be allergic to, yet it’s typically the dirtiest room in the house which makes it the most allergenic space in your home If your bedroom is causing you to sneeze or wheeze, it’s time to make some changes to eliminate allergens and manage asthma triggers. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, yet sheets and bedding are not washed often enough, allowing a tremendous buildup of dust mites, pet hair, mold, and other allergens. Ask the average consumer when they last washed
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Robert E. Wrigley
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Winnipeg’s Steiner brothers became big stars on stage
Need government help? Manitoba 211
The iguana’s lesson
208 Power Bldg
or replaced their pillows, and the typical honest answer is six years ago. Décor is another big contributor to the issue since people often decorate bedrooms in a way that makes them difficult to clean. Carpets harbour all sorts of allergens so dispense with carpets if you can and if not, be sure to vacuum thoroughly and often. It is no surprise, then, that more than one-third of the people polled in a recent study said that they suffer more allergy symptoms in their bedrooms than in any other room in their homes.
I am a senior. I am feeling isolated, my health is declining but I want to stay at home.
Give the gift of companionship to your loved one this holiday season.
For people with allergies and asthma, hypoallergenic pillows are a must. Many experience respiratory issues during the night due to lower cortisol levels and a reaction to dust mites living on the dander in a down feather pillow. Pillows are a breeding ground for dust mites, the microscopic bugs that live in all homes and feed on the flakes of skin that slough off the bodies of humans and other living things. You cannot be fully rid of dust mites, but you can take steps to greatly reduce their numbers in your home. u 10 ‘Allergy proofing'
Kae Nordman.
Grant Nordman
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ne Hundred years ago in late December 1920, in the small south-west Manitoba town of Minto, Kathleen Lylie McPhee was born. It was December 19, close to the longest night of the year. New parents William and Stella McPhee were thrilled to start a family. The following year they moved to Wellwood, Manitoba to be closer to Stella’s family (Freeborn) where William worked on the family farm. Growing up in Wellwood, on HWY 5 between Carberry and Neepawa, in the 20’s and 30’s was a challenge, as the depression deepened in rural Manitoba. They made the best of it making do with the simple pleasures along with sports like hockey, speed skating and curling in the winter and track and field and baseball in the summer. When Kathleen (Kae) was 14, she met the u 4 ‘Kae Nordman'
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December 2020
ISSUES IN THE NEWS
Stop the noise – nobody’s listening
Follow us online at: whatsupwinnipeg.ca Facebook: Lifestyles55 Twitter: @Lifestyles55 PUBLISHER Pegasus Publications Inc. DESIGN Cottonwood Publishing Services EDITOR Dorothy Dobbie dorothy@pegasuspublications.net
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omething unfortunate is happening among our political, media and public service. They have forgotten to be civil, respectful and to follow the rule of law that says everyone is innocent until proven guilty – although these same folks often declare that they are Upholders of The Rule of Law! They ignore the political courtesy that criticism belongs to the deed, not to the doer. This started prior to COVID-19 but has accelerated over the past few months to a feverish babble that nobody listens to anymore. Civility has not only been lost but banished. It is no longer enough to say, “I disagree with the policies you are promoting and your conclusions!” now the speaker seems compelled to say, “I disagree with you. You are an idiot and a jerk, and not Dorothy only that, but you have evil motives!” The media goes one step further, employing derogatory (or laudatory) adjectives, “The lying politician is an idiot and a jerk, who makes unfounded comments ... and has evil motives!” Or they might fawn over the politician if they like him or her, attributing virtues that have no basis in anything but opinion. The day of writing this, one Ontario civil servant called out another one, saying he hadn’t done his job and was ineffective, rather than simply pointing to factual deficiencies in the result. This behaviour is appalling. It sets up anxieties in its listeners and compels them to come to the side of the accuser or jump to the defence of the accused, whether there is any evidence, either way, or not. Worse, people become disillusioned about those in leadership positions. Moreover, all you need do these days is accuse someone of something and the guilty verdict is immediate and unrelenting. Not only is the individual under the microscope “fat, ugly, lying and has evil motives”, but he is are definitely guilty of whatever someone may have accused him of, and should be fired, banned or maybe burned at the stake! Of course, I am exaggerating, but not much. Just listen to cable news to hear over-the-top statements made as part of the normal discourse. Commentators have no compunction about saying the most defamatory things about others. Experts call their colleagues “mistaken” if they disagree with the anointed opinion of the day. And those “deniers” are never allowed to comment again. Nor is it just the media. Politicians, who should have been trained in the art of diplomacy and parliamentary language, have forgotten or choose to ignore all they were taught. While some still use the “my honourable colleague” address in the House, they don’t hold back when it comes to other forms of communication. Nor does this take place only on social media. What would once have been considered libellous comments are uttered on television talk shows and repeated as “news” in the dailies.
EDITOR Emeritus Joan Cohen ART DIRECTOR Karl karl@pegasuspublications.net GENERAL MANAGER Ian Leatt ian.leatt@pegasuspublications.net CONTRIBUTORS Gerrie Beachall, Dorothy Dobbie, Myrna Driedger, John Einarson, Nathan Giede, Adam Glynn, Jim Ingebrigtsen, Kevin Klein, Ian Leatt, Allyn Lyons, Nicole Matiation, Fred Morris, Grant Nordman, Manitoba Seniors Coalition, Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, Jim Pappas, Peggy Pendergast, Brent Poole, Dustin Rodgers, Senaka Samarasinghe, Trudy Schroeder, Elly Spencer, Jim Snell, Wayne Weedon, Robert Wrigley, Nathan Zassman, Daria Zmiyiwsky. Canadian Publications mail product Sales agreement #40027604 ADVERTISING 1-888-680-2008 info@pegasuspublications.net SUBSCRIPTIONS If you would like to receive Lifestyles 55, we offer both monthly newspaper and online formats. To place your order, call 204-940-2700. Subscriptions are $48.00 per year, plus tax. American Express, MasterCard, Visa & cheque accepted. To view a back issue online visit lifestyles55.net
Published monthly by: Pegasus Publications Inc. 138 Swan Lake Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4T8 204-940-2700 whatsupwinnipeg.ca DISTRIBUTION Available at over 100 locations from Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Morden, Selkirk, Flin Flon and The Pas. If you would like bulk copies of this publication, contact Ian Leatt at (204) 940-2707 or ian.leatt@ pegasuspublications.net. Also available digitally at whatsupwinnpeg/lifestyles and on Facebook: Lifestyles55 EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Call Dorothy Dobbie at (204) 940-2716 or email dorothy@pegasuspublications.net for more information and guidelines. Any opinions expressed in columns by our contributors are their own opinions entirely and are not necessarily shared by Pegasus Publications Inc. All information presented by the contributors is the responsibility of the writers. Lifestyles 55 is published monthly. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without seeking permission in writing from the publisher. Copyright Pegasus Publications Inc.
Elected members think it is okay to accuse opposing parties of being liars, of having ulterior and base motives, of not caring about Canadians (or whatever province they represent), of not doing their jobs and it goes on and on. Many of these jibes are very personal and many are hurtful – and are unsubstantiated opinion and probably not true. Party-to-member communications are filled with the same kind of inflammatory rhetoric. I just won’t read it. I don’t need to hate or disparage the opposition to oppose their policies. There are as many good as bad people in every social order and no political party harbours more of the “bad” ones than any other – or the “good” ones, either. Not long ago, I used a party website to comment on the futility of using of inDobbie flammatory language, hoping to get the attention of some elected members, saying much the same as above, but couching it more delicately. I was thoroughly beaten up, verbally, by many of the other members of the group and barred from posting anything more by the administrators! That points to the other trend: if someone doesn’t accept your point of view, you abuse them and shun them and kick them out of the group. There is meant to be one point of view and one point of view only and if that view is supported by a friendly scientist or two, then it is gospel. Because Science (or the “expert”) is the new god, even though, just as in religion, the “gods” have many shades of opinion and seldom agree unless they have a sheep-like nature and just want to get along. What a dreadful mistake communicators are making. Kids, when told things they don’t want to hear, might stick their fingers in their ears and babble, lalalalala, to shut out the words. For many, that is figuratively what is happening now. The language is so horrifying that we just stop listening. Many have abandoned Facebook and Twitter for the same reason. Politicians who use a delicate touch over the sledgehammer will be far more effective. If an opposing member doesn’t agree with the Prime Minister, they should say, “I don’t agree with the Prime Minister (or the Premier or the minister),” and state why, without casting aspersions on his character, his antecedents and his motives. As for the media, they should be banned from using adjectives all together. We do not need the opinion of a reporter or journalist to tell us what to think. Citizens will draw their own conclusions from the facts. As for public servants, it is their job to keep their opinions to themselves. My best advice from the lofty height of my great age and experience? Cool it, folks. As our grandmothers told us, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
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3
Grants awarded in our community
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ne of the high honours bestowed Manitoba Marathon. Westwood is home to the St. James on a City Councillor is the opportunity to support commu- Historical Museum. We've all enjoyed nity programs and initiatives through programming offered at the museum three different grant processes. During over the years. It is an honour for me to spend time with the September and October, staff and volunteers when on behalf of the residents time and conditions perof Charleswood-Tuxedomit. This year, due to Westwood, we awarded pandemic restrictions, the five grants within our commany summer programs munity. went virtual thanks to the The Charleswood Unitmuseum's creativity. Once ed Church provides over again, we provided a grant 1,000 Christmas hampers of $762.50 to support proto families in our comgramming. munity. The Hamper proBullying is a growing isgram is possible because of sue in our community and volunteers' and donations Councillor others across Canada. The from community memKevin Klein Winnipeg Police Associabers. Our Ward is providing $1,200 towards the Inside City Hall tion (WPA) created Cool 2Be Kind, a campaign depurchase of Turkey's for the signed to encourage chil2020 hampers. The Tuxedo Resource Centre supports dren to be kind to each other. Winnipeg many families in our community when Police Officers visit schools to talk about they need it most. This year, our Ward bullying, and the Association offers provided $500 in funding to purchase grants of $500 to schools that prepare school supplies and emergency healthy an anti-bullying program. Many of our food packages for our community stu- community schools won a $500 grant from the WPA last year. We provided dents. The pandemic has impacted so many $500 in funding to the Cool 2Be Kind of our not for profit organizations. In a Campaign as we have in previous years. Winnipeg will soon be home to Canpublic effort to encourage others to donate this year, we matched Councillor ada's Inuit Art Gallery. Sure to be an Brian Mayes with a $421.95 grant to the attraction for many from around the
Unsung heroes Gerrie Beachall
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he fight against Covid-19 has many heroes. Some have professional responsibilities and associations that give them an obvious role and the support of many who are thankful for their dedication to their chosen profession. We have heard a lot from nurses, doctors and teachers to name a few. Their prominent position in the fight against COVID-19 and their vocal associations keeps them in the forefront of our thoughts. Others are conspicuous in our society; these are the business owners who are doing their best to adapt rapidly to a new marketplace and are letting the public know as loudly as possible that they are still open for business. They too deserve the support and recognition they are receiving. They often have lobby groups that support them and help them to get their message out. We should all do our best to #shoplocal and #supportlocal whenever we can. There are also a huge number of unsung heroes. These individuals are working diligently outside the spotlight. They may or may not have a formal association that speaks on their behalf. Their jobs often occur after hours when the usual daily business of life has gone quiet. They do not have the option of working from home to keep themselves and their families safe. These include our dedicated workers who are quietly and thoroughly cleaning all of the environ-
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world. Former Mayor Susan Thompson has given her time to help raise funds for the cost of the museum. We, like many other City Councillors, provided a grant of $500. The Tuxedo Lawn Bowling Club has been a staple for many years. Did you know that the residents volunteer their time and often money to maintain the facility? They have completed several small projects this summer and have asked for a little help for one remaining item, their flagpole. We granted the $450 needed for that project. There are Rotary Clubs across our City that give back to our community in many ways. The Charleswood Rotary
ments that are remaining open to serve the public. They include custodial workers that service private businesses and public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and administrative buildings to name a few. They have been at work throughout the pandemic maintaining our environments, so they are safe for others to use. They have had to adapt many of their protocols rapidly to ensure they are keeping us safe. They have experienced a rapid increase in the heavy labour involved in moving furniture and reorganizing spaces to accommodate the changing public health orders. All of this important work is occurring silently and quickly so that when we show up to these facilities, they appear to have transformed to our needs magically. There are also the support staff in various organizations from cooks and servers, ward clerks to orderlies, health care aides, teacher’s aides grocery clerks, truck drivers and the administrative team who keep all of the systems running smoothly to name a few. They have had to adapt their environments and their procedures to accommodate the new Covid-19 requirements. They are often the first line of defense for the rest of the team. In addition to the daily tasks they already have, they are adding the necessary cleaning of all surfaces in between customers. They have had to implement and learn new protocols and technology in a very short time frame in order to serve the public. Unfortunately, they are sometimes receiving the brunt of people’s frustration. I have been told stories of people berating them for some perceived injustice they have experienced or some
Club has been buying running shoes and food for children without access to these necessities attending Westgrove School. As you can imagine, this year has been more difficult for some families than others. We provided a $500 grant to Rotary specifically for that program. Thank you! These grants are only possible because of you. We need to help each other, and this is one way we can. If your community group has a particular project or program that could use our support, please call me directly at 204 986 5232, and we can discuss the options. Kevin Klein is the city councillor for Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood.
new rule or screening requirement that they are not in agreement with. I know of administrative staff who have left their shift crying because they are being treated poorly by the public or by the people they are trying to support at work. None of us are any more important than anyone else in the fight against Covid-19. I would like to let them know that even though we rarely acknowledge them publicly, we appreciate what they are doing to keep our world running. There are also the vast majority of Manitobans who are diligently following the public health orders. The people you see every day using the hand sanitizers that are available, wearing masks and maintaining the appropriate distance in the grocery stores or facilities used by the public and staying home when they are not required to be out and about. These rules may seem inconvenient to some of us, but they are our main line of defense to stem the tide of the pandemic. We all too often hear how people are misdirecting their anger and frustration at each other. We are truly all in this together and helping each other will ultimately help us get to the other side of the pandemic while preserving our selfrespect and our respect for each other. I tip my hat to them all and encourage you whenever you are in the presence of these hard-working dedicated people, say Thank You to them for keeping us all safe. I can guarantee you that they will appreciate your kind words as they press on with the rest of us, it might even give them hope in an ever-changing world.
Kae Nordman’s centennial celebration Continued from page 1
love of her life on an indoor skating rink in Wellwood, when a young man visiting from Winnipeg chased her, in fun, around the rink. Ten years later, in May 1944, she married that young man, LT. Rurik (Ric) Nordman. So began the team of Ric and Kae which continued for over 50 years. From Winnipeg to California and back, the pair owned, operated and managed restaurants, night clubs, hotels, banquet halls, golf and country clubs, and travel agencies. Along the way, two sons, Grant and Greg, joined the team. Kae realized quickly that she was, as she described it, “One of the boys!” At 4
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this point, the boys’ games began and she was the ultimate volunteer, fund raiser, supporter and fan of every sport and activity that Grant and Greg competed in. She was also the perfect politician’s spouse when Ric served as both an elected city councillor in the ‘70s and a member of the Legislature in the ‘80s. Ric knocked on the doors while Kae ran the election machine in the campaign office. They were partners in every sense of the word. Since Ric sadly passed in 1996, Kae has carried on for another quarter century. Today, she continues to live in the
family home in Westwood. She’s still an avid sports fan but is missing the Jets, the Bombers and the Blue Jays. Family and friends also know that politics are a huge part of Kae’s daily pastime. Kae and Ric were honoured with a Lifetime Membership of the PC Party of Manitoba by Premier Gary Filmon in 1993. She is the proud grandmother to five grandsons that are never far from her thoughts and prayers. Kae Nordman is like the “Energizer Bunny” and just keeps going and beating that drum. Long may she run! Happy 100th, Kae! – Ed. December 2020
Going digital
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OVID-19 has been a part of our lives for some time. We’ve had to rethink and rejig how we conduct our daily business. We’ve had to physically distance from one another for many months now. Remember that physically distancing does not mean socially distancing. Reach out to friends and family. Connect with loved ones and check in with others. While we cannot gather in groups or meet up with friends in the same way we usually would, let’s take some time to highlight the alternatives. Gathering with friends Video calling with friends has never been easier. Most cell phones have cameras and apps that easily let callers connect through video. It’s hard Myrna Driedger sometimes not being able Broadway meet in person, but for a Journal quick connection, a video call might be just the fix. As Manitoba entered Code Red and we were unable to gather with others outside our households, I relied on video calling to connect with my granddaughter. She loved it too! It can be the next best thing when in person gathering needs to be put on hold for our safety. Work Zoom. Zoom. Zoom! Many office spaces have asked workers to transition to their home office, and why not? Today, with all the technology at our fingertips, we have the ability to connect with one another remotely. Through email and video conferencing programs like Zoom we are able to connect with our colleagues and keep up with our work. Zoom is something new to me but I’ve quickly become somewhat of an expert with it. As Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, I preside over house sittings. Usually, this means that all 57 MLAs, myself included, as well as a full table of clerks, security staff and pages are all in the chamber for extended periods of time. That’s not even including the over 200 seats available for the public to sit in the
December 2020
To find out more: canadianwomen.org/signal-for-help/ galleries and watch the proceedings. Due to the pandemic, we made the call to reduce the number of people in the Chamber. The challenge became how to properly ensure that representatives are able to fully execute their responsibilities to Manitobans as they would be able to if present in the house. Setting up video conferencing for the Manitoba Legislative Assembly was a monumental task. I want to say a sincere thank you to the Clerks of the Assembly as well as the technical support team for their tireless and diligent work on this important matter. Currently, the House session is operating with one third of the usual members. This means that two thirds of the members are working remotely. In using video conferencing, MLAs working remotely are able to represent their constituents just as well as if they were located in the Chamber. The House is currently in session and a livestream is available on the Manitoba Legislative Assembly website. I encourage you to check out this interesting new process at https://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/business/ house_broadcasts.html. In addition to incorporating video conferencing for my House duties, I’ve also used this technology for meetings and connecting with my colleagues across the country.
Look for people in need With the rise in the use of video conferencing, there has been a push for frequent video callers to learn about signals of distress. Intimate partner violence exists in our communities. With more people at home and COVID-19 restrictions in place to stop the spread, some people may be at higher risk of harm than ever before. To combat this and help those in need, please take a minute to recognize a hand signal. According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, a fist facing the video conferencing camera is a signal for help. It’s a discrete and safe way for a victim to reach out without having to verbally express distress. Share this information with friends, family, and colleagues. Dealing with COVID-19 in our communities has been incredibly challenging. This virus will continue to be with us for the foreseeable future. But there will come a time when we can gather again, we can visit with loved ones, and we can live our lives as we once had. Until then, we need to follow the restrictions set by the public health offices, wear a mask, and use proper hand hygiene. It’s important that we stay connected to one another. Go digital! Hon. Myrna Driedger is MLA for Roblin and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
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Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre building celebrates 50 years
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Artistic Director Eddie Gilbert and model of MTC.
uring this “extended intermission”, it seems strangely fitting that a building designed to accommodate throngs of theatre fans celebrates its 50th anniversary empty and dark. This rare moment of inactivity gives us the chance to appreciate the stark beauty of the building’s brutalist architecture. Led by architects Robert Kirby and Allan H. Waisman and completed for $2.5 million, Royal MTC’s building at 174 Market Avenue houses the John Hirsch Mainstage, a spacious lobby, a second-floor rehearsal hall and a maze of office space. Production shops (carpentry, paint, props, wardrobe) allow for large-scale shows to be built onsite with elaborate sets rolled directly onto the stage. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2009, the building was awarded the Prix du XXe siècle from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 2019. The building officially opened in November 1970 with Bertolt Brecht’s A Man’s a Man, directed by founding Artistic Director John Hirsch, and continues to be a gathering place for theatre lovers from all neighbourhoods of the city. Unless otherwise noted, photos are courtesy of the University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections, Winnipeg Tribune Photograph Collection, PC 18, 4510-022.
Setting up the foundation.
Working on the building interior.
Shots from the building construction from 1969-1970: rooftop (above right), lobby windows (above centre), and crane (above).
Checking out MTC van at building opening.
Lobby windows. Photo by Jerry Grajewski.
Lobby interior from above. Photo by Jerry Grajewski.
Auditorium with curtain. Photo by Jerry Grajewski.
Shops, stage and seating. Photo by Jerry Grajewski.
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December 2020
The virtual version of comfort and joy
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ur hearts and spirits find comfort and joy in I can highly recommend a reading of the poem, and the traditions that are a regular part of our its somewhat ambiguous assertion that, in the end, December calendars. I was not fully aware the result of the journey was “satisfactory.” The rest of the poem is well worth reading too. of how much I appreciate that gradual Now that I have shared my molayering of social gatherings, concerts, ment of December mourning, I want dinners with friends, work related soto contemplate all the ways that I can cial events, shopping, cooking, and add comfort and joy to what could entertaining friends and family membe a very bleak mid-winter. First of bers in our home. This year is differall, this might be the year to reinstate ent in so very many ways, and while some traditions you may have lost we know that the reasons to change over the years. Will you have the time the way we celebrate the season are to write some personalized real holiunavoidable, we each will have to day greeting cards? This tradition has work on somehow making this a most seemed to be on the wane over the memorable and special holiday season. last number of years, but I can conThey say that before you can move Trudy Schroeder firm that writing a personalized greeton to embrace a new reality, you have ing card for friends and family memto effectively mourn what is lost. For Random bers is a very good way to think about me, that mourning process has been Notes each of the wonderful people in your linked to a powerful poem by T.S. Ellife and be thankful. Besides, Canada iot that resonates with what could be a difficult season for many of us. I was introduced to Post has some beautiful holiday stamps this year. Of course, I would have to suggest adding music this poem in a 20th Century Literature class many years ago. It has been such a strange and difficult to your life in a deliberate, thoughtful and enjoyfall, and I have found the opening lines of the poem able way. For many of us, this will be the first year rattling around in my brain like a bit of an existential in our lives in which singing in choirs or attending beautiful concerts will not be a part of our Decemtheme: ber. There are still ways to have this experience, but “A cold coming we had of it, you may have to do a bit more research. The WSO Just the worst time of the year will be presenting a holiday concert on December For a journey, and such a long journey: 11th. We expect that streaming will be the means The ways deep and the weather sharp, of delivery of the concert, but it remains a wonderThe very dead of winter.” T.S. Eliot’s poem the Journey of the Magi cap- ful way to support the orchestra and bring yourself tures the challenges and uncertainty of a journey in some holiday cheer. This may also be the year to try baking some of which the outcome is not guaranteed and the way is strewn with cantankerous and refractory characters. the holiday treats you usually hope that your moth-
er will bake for you. Pull out some cookie cutters and make yourself some impressive holiday cheer in cookie form. For most of us Martha Stewart perfection will not be possible, but the scents and flavours of holidays past will surely inspire some great moments. Remember to make some charitable gifts to local charitable organizations that you want to support in a special way this year. We want these organizations to be here once the crisis has past, and our help is needed to ensure that can happen. Cultivating the art of generosity may be the best way to remember that despite the challenges we face this year there are so many reasons to be thankful. Wishing you comfort and joy. Trudy Schroeder is the Executive Director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Journey of the Magi “A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of the year For a journey, and such a long journey: The ways deep and the weather sharp, The very dead of winter.” And the camels galled, sore-footed, refractory, Lying down in the melting snow. There were times we regretted The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces, And the silken girls bringing sherbet. Then the camel men cursing and grumbling And running away, and wanting their liquor and women, And the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters, And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly And the villages dirty and charging high prices:
A hard time we had of it. At the end we preferred to travel all night, Sleeping in snatches, With the voices singing in our ears, saying That this was all folly. Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley, Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation; With a running stream and a water-mill beating the darkness, And three trees on the low sky, And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow. Then we came to a tavern with vine-leaves over the lintel, Six hands at an open door dicing for pieces of silver, And feet kicking the empty wine-skins. But there was no information, and so we continued
And arrived at evening, not a moment too soon Finding the place; it was (you may say) satisfactory. All this was a long time ago, I remember, And I would do it again, but set down This set down This: were we led all that way for Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly, We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death, But had thought they were different; this Birth was Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death. We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, With an alien people clutching their gods. I should be glad of another death. – T. S. Eliot
Create patiently, rehearse relentlessly, perform brilliantly. The Arts aren’t just entertainment, they’re nourishment.
Learn more at getonsetmanitoba.com December 2020
Behind the scenes of Season 4 of Burden of Truth (CBC, Eagle Vision) (R to L) Kristin Kreuk and Megan Sodomsky Photo by Shauna Townley
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Over the holidays, watch filmedin-Manitoba movies
Manitoba’s film industry generates over 2,000 jobs annually including set construction, lighting installation and design, make up and special effects, payroll and accounting, locations management and more.
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ver the past few weeks, we have enjoyed Holiday plans will also have to adapt this year: no some safe, online and physically distanced live performances, no large gatherings of friends and Culture Days Manitoba and Nuit Blanche family. You may already have favorite films or televiWinnipeg activities, WSO concerts sion shows that you watch during the and the promise of live streamed dance holidays and you will have no doubt and theatre performances. Manitoba noticed that we shoot a fair number production companies, equipment of holiday movies in Manitoba. These and service suppliers have been workshows are a great opportunity for loing with local performing arts organical actors, directors and crew to work, zations to support the production of build their profile and hone their skills. online performances. Throughout the year, Hallmark and Filming a concert or show for an atLifetime are often filming something home audience is an artform in and of in Winnipeg or elsewhere in Manitoba itself – think of the many technicians, – one of these MOWs (Movies of the set decoration and lighting designers Week), Project Christmas Wish just required to produce the variety and shot in Carmen, Manitoba. It’s why awards shows we are used to watchyou see holiday decorations in the ExNicole Matiation ing on television. Today, performing change District in mid-July and parkaMovie arts groups and the directors and prowearing actors holding hot drinks (or Making ducers of television variety shows are more likely ice water!) on hot, humid working together to develop theatre, summer days. dance and music performances that offer the “feel” How many holiday films have shot in Manitoba of a live performance through a well-crafted broad- employing local actors, directors and skilled artisans? cast. A challenge that Manitoba’s creative and in- The On Screen Manitoba Team did a little research novative arts and culture community is more than so I can share a few titles with you here. The 2020 prepared to address. Countdown to Christmas on W Network, which With strict COVID-19 Safety and Health proto- started November 1, features four new films shot in cols implemented on all sizes and types of produc- Manitoba just this year: Christmas by Starlight, The tion, from the smallest commercial or documentary 12th Date of Christmas, Christmas Comes Twice shoot to the largest drama production, the Mani- and Project Christmas Wish. That’s over 10% of the toba media production industry has been able to total films being shown this year! work safely since June. Yet, despite these protocols Last year, Tourism Winnipeg published a great and those put in place by the dancers, musicians and article titled “Winnipeg: A hallmark setting for actors in the performing arts, all of these activities Hallmark (& Lifetime) Christmas Films.” It gives a will have to slow down or stop entirely in the com- brief overview of some of the 2019 Christmas films ing weeks as we all focus on reducing the spread of shot in Winnipeg, including Two Turtle Doves, The COVID-19. Christmas Club, Merry & Bright and Radio Christ-
mas. Over the last ten years, several big-name holiday films have been partially or completely shot in Manitoba including Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (2011) and Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012). The “Save Money In Winnipeg” blog offers this list: “Hallmark Holiday Movies filmed in Winnipeg”. Last year, the Official Blog of Heritage Winnipeg released a great article titled “Hall-Marks The Spot: Winnipeg’s Heritage in Christmas Movies,” pointing out some favourite locations for Christmas film shoots, such as Pantages Theatre and The Legislative Building. It’s clear that Manitoba is a hotspot for Christmas movie productions, and here is why. We offer some of the most competitive production incentives in Canada; picturesque locations and world-class talent behind, and in front of the camera. The Manitoba Film and Video Tax Credit Program is designed to grow local independent production and to attract international projects. Our industry generates over 2,000 jobs annually including set construction, lighting installation and design, make up and special effects, payroll and accounting, locations management and more. These talented people who own production companies, develop content and work on set drive our industry and guarantee its success. With Manitoba and many other regions in Canada facing stricter, necessary restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19, creativity and innovation will be key to staying safe, and connected with others. While we are all hoping that we will be able to enjoy the company of family and friends this holiday season, the uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic will require that we all take a creative approach to holiday celebrations. Nicole Mariation is the Executive Director of On Screen Manitoba.
Rewinding Fast Forward pushes RWB to record rehearsals Dustin Rodgers
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n October, company dancers returned to the RWB studios for the first time since the province-wide shut down in March. With them came the typical zest to perform and create that artists are known for, but as the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic raged on, there was an understanding that things would be a little different this year. The company announced the cancellation of two mainstage shows over the summer as the prospects of performing at the Centennial Concert Hall before an audience of thousands dwindled with the inverse rise of cases in the community. The RWB, however, nimble in its planning, began identifying new ways to bring ballet back to the stage. This process wasn’t without its challenges. Company dancers were now grouped in cohorts, which reduces exposure and risk, but also kept them from performing together as a company. This, combined with physical distancing guidelines from public health officials, meant that smaller performances could be achieved, but they would require all-new, bespoke choreography. Not to be discouraged, the RWB 8
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company dancers set about creating pieces which not only observed and respected the physical distancing and mask-wearing requirements, but also explored themes such as loss, uncertainty, and disruption that many of the dancers had dealt with earlier in the year. Altogether, the company dancers and one alumni collaborator created nine entirely original performances, which they rehearsed vehemently for weeks leading up to what would have been their debut. From the outset, the plan was for the RWB to open its doors to the audience once again, albeit in a physically-distanced way. Under the then-current reduced capacity mandate, the Founders’ Studio inside the RWB building would allow for up to fifty people to enjoy the special show, which became known as Fast Forward: Innovative Dance Inspired by Dancers. The RWB planned to make tickets available exclusively to donors and subscribers as a way to show appreciation for their unwavering supporting during this time of crisis and launched fully into preparing for the return of an audience. However, rising number of COVID-19 cases in Winnipeg led to its designation of critical, or red, under the province’s pandemic response system. The RWB was able to adjust its vision once more, incorporating online components for those who preferring to
see the show from the safety of their home, and taking extra precautions around arrival times and seating arrangements. Then disaster struck. Just a week into the red designation, with COVID-19 case numbers surpassing those of Ontario and Quebec per capita, the province redoubled its commitment to the safety of Manitobans. This led to the limiting of group sizes to five or less for the city of Winnipeg and recommending that everyone who able to stay home do so. The dancers, who only a month before had beamed positivity to be back in the rehearsal studios, were once again asked to rehearse from home, effectively putting an end to the hope of performing their new works before a live audience. This isn’t where the story ends, however. Just days before the latest lockdown sent them home, the company dancers began recording special snippets of behind-the-scenes peeks their work. Among these recordings are interviews with the choreographers (which have begun appearing on the RWB social media platforms) as well as entire performances filmed from inside the rehearsal studios. Initially, it wasn’t clear how these videos would be used, but in a world where dancers cannot come together to perform, these recordings feel like cherished relics from a bygone era.
Not wanting to leave their biggest supporters without a sign of gratitude, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet has collected these performances into a special feature video, which will be offered for free to those subscribers and donors who would have had the chance to see these performances live. They will be available for viewing by members of this group for a limited time, on November 27th, 28th, and 29th, with a special launch livestream introducing the gift on the evening on the 27th. With this offering, the dancers’ hard work, passion, and creativity won’t be for naught. Throughout the pandemic, the RWB has adhered to its mission: to bring world-class dance to their audience. This latest special gift is an innovative next step for the company, perhaps opening the door to future digital delivery of performances once the restrictions can be eased. Although this is not what was originally envisioned when the project began, in many ways it recalls the essence of dance when you take away the lights, the costumes, and the sets. What’s left is expression, emotion, and heartfelt commitment to the craft which has been so precious during the pandemic. Dustin Rodgers is the Communications & Public Relations Coordinator of the RWB. December 2020
5 risk factors that contribute to senior loneliness and isolation
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hile we know that the holi- to even greater isolation. 2) Life changes. Many of the life day season can be a lonely time for many individuals, it changes that your or your senior family member is going may be an especially chalthrough can lead to less lenging time for seniors. social interaction. RetireThis year, with the curment, often a cause to be rent pandemic concerns, celebrated, means that even more seniors may the number of people be affected than usual. you are used to seeing However, when we know everyday is now substanwhat the risk factors are, tially reduced. We often we can develop plans to “downsize” and move mitigate the risk and defrom our homes, somecrease the sense of lonetimes to different comliness and isolation. Five munities where we do risk factors contributing not know as many people to seniors’ loneliness and Brenda Martinussen as we used to. We may isolation are increasing Nurse Next Door also start losing loved health issues, life changes, physically distant family, Home Care Services ones as we age. Whether the life changes are big or transportation challenges, and now COVID-19. You or your small, they have the potential to have a loved one may not experience all of significant impact. 3) Physically distant family. It these factors, but determining which ones are having an effect can give you used to be that as children grew up the best chance at developing a plan to they stayed geographically close to their parents. This is no longer the case address the issue. 1) Increasing health issues. Health and often adult children, who were a issues are always a challenge. When main source of support, move away to health deteriorates you or your senior other parts of the province, country or loved one may to want to stay home even internationally. With technology, more. Increased self-consciousness virtual visits are wonderful, though often accompanies decreased inde- may not fully meet the social needs of pendence, caused by everything from seniors. 4) Lack of transportation. Lack of hearing loss to memory issues. Fear about falls relating to mobility issues transportation can be one of the bigoften leads to seniors staying home gest barriers to accessing social interacmore. Being around people, especially tion and activities. In fact, it is one of those who are unknown, may result in the most common supports provided feeling distressed. All of these can lead by caregivers with over 78% either
Being alone can be very debilitating in this time of COVID-19. providing or arranging transportation for a senior loved one. 5) COVID-19. With the current pandemic and public health restrictions, many seniors are feeling very isolated and lonely. Outings are extremely limited, as are visits to their homes. All of this is to help keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy, but it can definitely take its toll on our mental health. How to help It is very important to talk about how much socialization is the right amount for your or your aging family member. Conversations about isolation and loneliness are critical to preventing them. There are ways to support each of these issues, as we
will discuss in future articles. Initial steps may include: ensuring health issues are addressed adequately; having meaningful conversations about life changes; setting up a daily call to connect with someone; or giving the gift of companionship by hiring a caregiver for mental stimulation, one on one companionship, or transportation to appointments. Now is the time to pay attention. If you are alone, have a family member that is alone, or know of a neighbor in need, please reach out. There are resources available to help it starts with a phone call. To contact Nurse Next Door home care services call 204-800-0251 or visit the website at www.nursenextdoor.com.
Feeling down? Beat the winter blues naturally Part 2 of 2
improve sleep, is rich in the amino acid L-tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted ymptoms of seasonal affective dis- into melatonin under darkness, but if order (SAD) can include feeling taken during the day it can help allevisad, depressed, and not finding ate depression by increasing levels of sethe same pleasure in activities you used rotonin. I’ve found that Zenbev, when to enjoy. Sufferers may experience low used in concert with vibroacoustic and/ energy, difficulty sleeping, less inter- or bright light therapy, can produce even est in socializing, loss of sex drive, dif- better results than with either therapy ficulty concentrating, cravings for sweet alone. B-Vitamins: Deficiencies in B-vitaand starchy foods, and gaining or losing mins, especially B1, B2, weight. A milder form of B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (foseasonal depression, the late), and B12, are asso“winter blues” can simiciated with depression. I larly lead to low energy, recommend taking a highfeeling “down,” putting potency comprehensive vion weight, and having diftamin/mineral supplement ficulty getting out of bed in with every meal. the morning. Vitamin D: Various Last month I outlined studies have shown that the benefits of vibroacouslow levels of vitamin D tic and bright light therapy. are associated with SAD. I These treatments are easy recommend 5,000 IU daily to incorporate into your during the summer months daily routine and are shown and 10,000 IU per day to help manage mood, reNathan Zassman during the fall and winter duce stress, and ease the Natural Health (particularly important for symptoms associated with those living in higher latiseasonal affective disorder and the winter blues. This month, I’m tude areas). St. John’s Wort: An herbal supplehighlighting just a few of the nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes you ment used in Europe for many years, 300 mg of a .3 percent extract three times a can make to help fight the winter blues. day for eight weeks can be effective. Dietary Supplements and S-adenosyl-L-methionine: SAMe Lifestyle Factors In a study published in Neuropsycho- usually works more rapidly than St. biology, supplementation with nine vita- John’s Wort. 400-1600 mg per day, taken mins at levels 10 times higher than the on an empty stomach is recommended. Saffron: In a six-week double-blind recommended dietary allowance over one year resulted in improved mood for trial, results showed that saffron was as effective as conventional drugs like Proboth men and women. Amino Acids: Controlled trials have zac and Tofranil for mild depression with found that the amino acids L-trypto- few or no side effects. A meta-analysis of phan, L-tyrosine, phenylalanine, and me- five randomized trials found saffron to thionine can be helpful for treating de- be effective for treating major depressive pression. Zenbev, a formula made from disorders. A versatile spice derived from the flowpumpkin seed flour designed to help
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December 2020
Maintaining a good sleep schedule is very beneficial for your mental health. er of Crocus sativus, other studies have shown that saffron supplementation can provide benefits for stress and mood balance, and support a variety of other health conditions including erectile dysfunction, age-related metabolic syndrome, macular degeneration, and weight control. An eight week study found that those taking saffron had a significantly greater body weight reduction than the placebo group. Those taking saffron showed a reduced tendency for snacking, while improving satiety (feeling fuller after eating). Another interesting study from Australia's Murdoch University found that saffron can help improve sleep quality after only seven days of use. Fish Oil: Many studies have shown that 1000-3000 mg per day of the omega-3 essential fatty acid EPA (not DHA) can be helpful for mild depression and for promoting a healthy mood. Cholesterol: Recent studies indicate that lowering cholesterol through diet and medications can increase depression. If you are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) and experiencing depression, speak with your doctor. Minerals: Magnesium, chromium, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc all play an important role in mental health, and deficiencies may contribute to SAD. Sleep: Improving sleep hygiene is crit-
ical to reducing depression. I recommend maintaining a regular sleep routine, not watching TV or using electronic devices within three hours of bedtime, and avoiding caffeinated beverages (especially after breakfast). It’s important to shield the eyes from blue light for 6090 minutes before bed (wearing blueblocking glasses are recommended) and to create a totally silent and completely dark bedroom setting, free of all ambient light (including street lights, night lights, and LED clocks). A sleep mask, earplugs, and a white noise sound machine can be helpful if you can’t block out light, or if there are environmental factors keeping you awake. Exercise: Dr. Andrew Weil believes regular aerobic exercise is the most effective treatment of all for mild to moderate depression, and one published study confirmed that daily 1-hour outdoor walks resulted in a 50% improvement. As most Canadian cities only get 8-9 hours of daylight in December, many people experience some of the effects of seasonal affective disorder. Bright light and vibroacoustic therapy can often provide effective relief, especially when combined with exercise, L-tryptophan, vitamin D, and a quality multivitamin. Nathan Zassman is the owner and president of Aviva Natural Health Solutions. whatsupwinnipeg.ca
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Send a smile to a senior
Allyn Lyons
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o matter what you’re celebrating, the winter holidays usually signify a time of togetherness, a time to see friends and family and to catch up with one another. This holiday season, many of us are disappointed that our usual get-togethers may have to be put on hold. But for many seniors the holidays have often been a time of isolation, even before COVID-19. Statistics Canada found that one fifth of seniors crave more social interaction. Over the years, social circles may begin to shrink as seniors’ partners or family members pass away, move into care homes away from their friends, or lose their licenses. During the holidays, eating meals alone, being away from friends and family, or not having anyone nearby to celebrate with is particularly difficult when there is such a focus on togetherness, family, and cheer. Loneliness poses a real threat to our mental and physical health. People experiencing loneliness may feel alone or unwanted even when they are around others. It may lead to unhealthy habits like exercising less, eating foods that are bad for us, and sleeping poorly. According to the Government of Canada, seniors without a supportive social circle are 60% more likely
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It’s going to be a strange Christmas this year - but you can still see people virtually! to develop dementia. The same study suggests a link between loneliness and depression. Seniors who live outside of a care home live with depression 10 to 15 per cent of the time, while 1 in 4 seniors in care homes are likely to be diagnosed with depression. Unfortunately, because we love the seniors in our lives and want to keep them safe, we will have to keep our distance for the moment. But that doesn’t mean we are forgetting them. There are lots of ways we can let them know we care during the holiday season. This year, many of us are celebrating
the holidays differently. Instead of large gatherings at loved ones’ homes, you can try Zoom, FaceTime, and phone calls instead. Don’t assume the senior in your life won’t know how to use technology. Make time to help them out with it and meet them where they are most comfortable, a few moments of your time can make a huge difference. While virtual get-togethers aren’t a perfect substitute for in-person gatherings, they allow us to spend the holidays safely with loved ones. You can also help spread the holiday spirit with The Vic Foundation and
Victoria Lifeline’s new initiative, Send a Smile to a Senior. Not only will you be helping to relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness, you will also be supporting local businesses through this difficult time. The initiative will deliver care packages to hundreds of seniors who may otherwise be left out this holiday season at several social housing complexes. You can let them know they are not alone by making a donation that will be used toward goods like reusable masks and food items from businesses right here in Winnipeg. “Victoria Lifeline staff and volunteers are in the homes of seniors every day. We often see the devastating effects of social isolation and loneliness, which can be quite profound during the holiday season,” said Krystal Stokes, Communications & Public Relations Manager at Victoria Lifeline. “That’s why we are so happy to be a part of the Send a Smile to a Senior program. Anything that can brighten the day of a senior warms our hearts as well.” To send a smile to a senior this holiday season, visit TheVicFoundation.ca or phone 204-477-3513. Allyn Lyons is the Communications and Public Relations Coordinator at Victoria General Hospital Foundation. This article is meant to be informational in nature and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional.
Keeping your bedroom allergy proof Continued from page 1
A good hypoallergenic pillow setup will have three layers: the pillow, a zippered pillow cover, and the pillowcase. Avoid down pillows and blankets, because they can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms and are typically dry-clean-only, which can add to the toxins in your sleep space. Make sure you follow the pillow rule of threes:
1. Wash zippered pillow cover every three weeks 2. Wash your pillow every three months 3. Replace each pillow every three years. Sheets: 1. Wash your sheets weekly, including the pillowcase, in warm water. 2. Try to rotate your sheets, so always have a back-
up set. 3. If you have a cold or sickness, try to change the sheets daily until your symptoms abate. Dust mites can also build up in mattresses, so consider a hypoallergenic mattress cover that completely encompasses the mattress and has zippered closings.
Trees Winnipeg welcomes new tree project manager
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Kamila Konieczny.
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year ago, CN Rail through Tree Canada, awarded Winnipeg one million dollars to plant trees in our city. This is separate from the Mayor’s One Million Tree Challenge. In mid-November, Trees Winnipeg hired a project manager to see the plan rolled out. Kamila Konieczny is an experienced communications and marketing professional, who has created and implemented successful communication strategies and campaigns for clients in
the energy, agriculture, and telecommunication industries. Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, she has helped clients and organizations build authentic brands and develop meaningful campaigns that bring their visions to life through verbal, visual, and digital communications. While working in the energy utility sector for over a decade, Ms. Konieczny travelled to Saudi Arabia and Nigeria to train utility staff and project consultants on
communication best practices. Kamila holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Communications from the University of Winnipeg and Red River College, where she majored in public relations. Outside of work, Kamila enjoys writing and blogging about women’s health and wellness, reading, yoga, and hiking with her rescue dog, Sophie. We all look forward to working with her and seeing the strategy unfold.
December 2020
Staying connected while Manitoba is in Code Red
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id you know….. Social connection is a determinant of one’s own health. By the time you read this we will be heading to the Christmas season and our world has changed. The ‘new’ normal – who actually knows what that will look like. Each of us will need to determine that for ourself. Staying connected may be by computer, iPad, Notebook through video chats, zoom – an endless list of possibilities. Concerts, workshops – you name it, the computer will bring it to you in the safety of your own home. Get connected. Staying connected may be by phone. Someone may call you, you may call someone. For some of us, it may be a short conversation, for others it can be a very lengthy one. Pick up the phone, call someone. Taking care of one’s own health was very important in the past and even more so in our new normal. - You have been told and I am telling you again: eat properly. Several small meals are much better than no meals. - Exercise – a word many of us do not want to hear. I often think about MOVE, MOVE, MOVE. We need to walk around the house, walk around the block, find a place to walk where the pathways are cleaned regularly of snow. Fresh air is good for us. - Keep your brain active: read, do crosswords or games (paper or online) - Listen to your favorite music One day, you may need to connect because you need assistance. In Winnipeg, if you are over the age of 55 years, you can call 311. The call centre will refer you to someone who can assist you in looking after your needs. Beyond Winnipeg, we now have a service at 211. This call centre in open to everyone in Manitoba. This call centre will refer you to someone in your area, that may be able to assist you in your needs. You are not alone – reach out call someone. Both of these services also have website links.
2146 Main Street, Winnipeg “Why talk to strangers, when you can call on Friends?” 204-339-5555 | friendsfs.ca
December 2020
Searching for government help? Here's a new resource to make it easier. Did you know…. You can attend a workshop, a book club, an exercise group via your phone from anywhere in Manitoba. Get connected – Senior Centre Without Walls is a call in program provides educational and recreational programming in a fun and interactive atmosphere where all programming is provided over the phone. Programming topics include; educational presentations, health and wellness, language classes, book clubs, travelogues and support groups. For more information or to register: 204-956-6440 (WINNIPEG) 1-888-333-3121 (TOLL-FREE) Knowledge is your power, you must connect to thrive. Connie Newman is the Executive Director for the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres. Manitoba Association of Senior Centres (MASC) is located at 3rd floor 203 Duffield Street, Winnipeg. Email info@manitobaseniorcentres.com or go online to www.manitobaseniorcentres.com.
To find out more about Manitoba 211 and what it has to offer, visit mb.211.ca
Helping families face death and grief in a particularly difficult time. At Friends Funeral Service we continue to adapt and personalize services to meet everyone’s needs.
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Income security
provide the basics. Simple, nutritious, well-prepared meals from fresh food, following Canada’s Food Guide, is a suggestion for a start. Use TV as a resource. There are programs that give suggestions on how to prepare he Retired Teachers of Manitoba (RTAM) have meals in 15 or 30 minutes that can be used in part or as total menus. an important role to play in this Ethnic ideas that provide variety, the pandemic we are living through necessary health benefits, and that use as do retired nurses and health workers less costly ingredients are available. Welland other retired adults in our communimade, easy to launder, basic clothing ties. Support and encouragement is what often can be shared in large families and all of us need in this stressful and often even thorough community programs. fearful and changing time. There is a Social media can connect people and to great deal of stress upon the shoulders of help find ingenious helpful ideas that are our essential workers and their families. options being used by young adults that Volunteering retirees can be a steadying, Retired Teachers are also an option for older adults. Thrift positive influence in the world. Association of shops and nearly new outlets as well as Support for volunteers returnees Manitoba Kijiji have become popular and provide Retired teachers range in age from 55 help and often some monies through to 110-plus, and RTAM has over 10,000 members spread throughout the province. Many are these stressful times. I am including a message that I received last week not physically able to answer the government’s request for help at being employed in the public school system from Federal Minister Deb Schulte: “GIS recipients who but are able to connect with, and support, their young have not already filed their 2019 income tax information relatives: children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews as should contact Service Canada by calling 1-800-277they attempt to learn virtually and without the same edu- 9914 and provide their income information over the phone. Service Canada will need to have received and cational supports that are normally in place. Those that are more newly retired and more acquaint- processed seniors’ income information by November 29, ed with the latest in curriculum and methodology need 2020, to prevent an interruption in benefits in January the assurance there is income security and benefits in 2021.” “Information is Power” is a real and important motto! place that compare to that received by active teachers if It is on the following websites: www.canada.ca/personthey decide to return to work. They need to know that Covid-19 protection is in alfinance, and www.manitobagov.ca/peresonalfinance place as the risks for older adults make them more vul- for federal and provincial sources, and www.getyourbenefits.ca for many government benefits both federal and nerable to the virus than younger adults. provincial. You must have filed your 2019 income tax to Helping our families Many retirees can reach out to family members that are be eligible for the benefits listed in the Get Your Benefits struggling to help their children learning virtually. The booklet. Call 211 for further assistance. Help is available support we give provides a way for us to connect, often to help you stay safe and healthy. Peggy Prendergast is president of Retired Teachers’ Assovirtually, to ease the stress of both child and struggling ciation of Manitoba (RTAM). parents. Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) is Ultimately income security for all, and particularly for older adults, starts with what many of us already know located at 206 – 1555 St. James St., Winnipeg. Call 1-204from managing family households over the years in good 889-3660, email info@rtam.mb.ca or go online to www. times and bad, using whatever resources are available to rtam.mb.ca.
Peggy Prendergast
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Personal safety for seniors
Senaka Samarasinghe
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ri Lankan Seniors decided to conduct a session on personal safety for seniors with an appropriate authority. We invited Constable Misan Odidison of the Winnipeg Police Service, Community Relations
Unit, to speak to our group. As it is necessary to adhere Provincial COVID-19 health protocols the event conducted via Zoom on Oct. 29th (THU) 2020. Constable Odidison covered very important areas such as pedestrian safety, vehicle safety, home safety and transit safety. Further, he took more than one hour for the PowerPoint demonstration and allocated time for questions from our members.
Connect with us online
Best Wishes for the New Year
JOHN
ORLIKOW CITY COUNCILLOR
RIVER HEIGHTS/FORT GARRY WARD
orlikow.ca | 204.986.5236 12
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December 2020
Make a senior happy this Christmas
B The Boulton
River Heights Retirement Community
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lder adults play an important role within our community. Ensuring older adults are socially connected has always been important and now it is more important than ever before! Due to the pandemic and entering into another Winnipeg winter, we need to let older adults know that they are not alone this holiday season. A & O: Support Services for Older Adults (A & O) is excited to partner with Home Instead Senior Care again this year to deliver the Be A Santa to A Senior A & O: Program. In an effort Support Services for to ensure the health Older Adults and safety of everyone involved, older adult recipients and donors, the program has been modified to look and operate differently this year. Through an exciting partnership between Home Instead Senior Care and the online retailer Amazon, donors will continue to be able to provide personalized gifts for older adults that will be delivered directly (curbside pick-up) to their homes this holiday season. Last year the program delivered over 6,000 gifts to older adults in the community. Of the 6,000 gifts, A & O delivered over 1,600 to older adults living independently in their own homes. This year, due to the pandemic and increased feelings of social isolation and need, we have surpassed 2,700 gift requests. The Be A Santa To A Senior (BASTAS) program is more important than ever before for many isolated and/or in need older adults living in Winnipeg. We need your help to let older Winnipeggers know that they are not alone! There is still time for you to help, here is how: • Donate as a group: your group’s monetary do-
Where the next great part of your life begins
45 Boulton Bay
nation will enable A & O to purchase small gifts for other older adults in the community. • Commonly requested items to fulfill current gift requests: • Pens • Toiletries (Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion) • Towels • Picture Frames • Gloves/Mitts • Puzzles • Lap Blankets • Non-slip Socks (Men’s and Women’s) • A & O is able to provide a group of gift requests that your workplace, community, or family can purchase directly for older adults living in the community (purchases can be made online). For more information, please contact (204-9566440, or visit www.aosupportservices.ca. A & O: Support Services for Older Adults, providing innovative programs and services for older Manitobans since 1957. We are here to provide support when you need it; Social Engagement / Safety & Security / Counselling.
Gillian Aldous Podiatry
Podiatry treatments available Monday to Friday in the office, home visits arranged: • Difficult to cut, thickened, ingrown, fungal nails • Callus, hard skin, corns • Warts • Diabetic advice and assessment • Biomechanical assessments and orthotics dispensing if needed • Advice on footwear Blue Cross coverage accepted
Conveniently located at the end of Boulton Bay off Kenaston Blvd. South of Grant Ave. in River Heights
• One & two bedroom suites • Weekly housekeeping • Continental Breakfast, Dinner • Planned activities • In-suite washer & dryer • Guest Suite • Private Dining Room • Shuttle bus
204.475.4500 www.theboulton.ca
Suite 320, 1600 Ness Avenue, Winnipeg | Phone: 204-504-8986 | Email: Gillyp10@Hotmail.com December 2020
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13
Directory Northern AREA Jubilee Recreation of Cranberry Portage Legion Hall, 217 2nd Ave. SE, Cranberry Portage 472-3031 Snow Lake Seniors 71 Balsam St., Snow Lake 358-2151 The Pas Golden Agers 324 Ross Ave., The Pas 623-3663 Interlake AREA Gimli New Horizons 55+ Activity Centre 17 North Colonization Rd., Gimli 642-7909 www.gimlinewhorizons.com Gordon Howard Centre 384 Eveline St., Selkirk 785-2092 www.gordonhoward.ca Grand Marais & District Seniors 90 Matilda Ave., Grand Marais 998-1509 Riverton & District Friendship Centre 24 Main St., Riverton 378-2800 South Interlake 55 Plus 374 1st St. W., Stonewall 467-2582 www.si55plus.org Eastman AREA Beau-head Senior Centre 645 Park Ave., Beausejour 268-2444 East Beaches Social Scene 3 Ateah Rd., Victoria Beach 756-6468 www.ebseniorscene.ca East Beaches Resource Centre 3 Ateah Road, Victoria Beach 756-6471 www.ebseniorscene.ca Pat Porter Active Living Centre 10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach 320-4600 www.patporteralc.com Central AREA Carmen Active Living Centre 47 Ed Belfour Drive, Carmen 745-2356 www.carmanalc.com Comfort Drop In Centre 31 Main St., Erickson 636-7895 Crystal City Friendship Club 117 Broadway St., Crystal City 873-2091
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Dauphin Multi-Purpose Senior Centre 55 1st Ave. SE, Dauphin 638-6485 www.dauphinseniors.com Grandview Drop In 432 Main St., Grandview 546-2772 Herman Prior Senior Services Centre 40 Royal Rd. N., Portage la Prairie 857-6951 www.hermanpriorcentre.com Neepawa Drop In Centre 310 Davidson St., Neepawa 476-5103 www.neepawa.ca/district-drop-in-center Morden Activity Centre 306 N. Railway St., Morden 822-3555 www.mordenseniors.ca Minnedosa 50+ Centre 31 Main St. S., Minnedosa 867-1956
Winnipeg AREA 20 Fort Street Seniors Club 2200 - 20 Fort St., Winnipeg (204) 227-7104 Aboriginal Senior Resource Centre Winnipeg 527 Selkirk Ave., Winnipeg (204) 586-4595 www.asrcwpg.org A&O: Senior Centre Without Walls 200 - 280 Smith St., Winnipeg (204) 956-6440 www.aosupportservices.ca Archwood 55 Plus 565 Guilbault St., Winnipeg (204) 416-1067 archwood55plusinc.weebly.com Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre 51 Morrow Ave., Winnipeg (204) 946-9152 www.barbaramitchellfrc.ca
Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre 1588 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 339-1701 www.gwensecter.com Headingley Senior Services 5353 Portage Ave., Winnipeg (204) 889-3132 Ext. 3 www.headingleyseniorservices.ca Winakwa Active Seniors Club 980 Winakwa Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-4418 www.winakwacc.ca Manitoba Korean Seniors c/o 388 Waverley St., Winnipeg (204) 837-3470 www.ksam.ca Pembina Active Living 50 Barnes Ave., Winnipeg (204) 946-0839 www.pal55plus.com Rady Jewish Community Centre 123 Doncaster St., Winnipeg (204) 480-7550 www.radyjcc.com
Pilot Mound Fellowship Club 203 Broadway, Pilot Mound
Bleak House Centre 1637 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 338-4723 www.bleakhousecentre.com
Plumas Seniors Club 102 White St., Plumas 386-2029
Brooklands Active Living Centre 1960 William Ave. W., Winnipeg (204) 632-8367
Rainbow Resource Centre 170 Scott St., Winnipeg (204) 474-0212, Ext. 211 www.rainbowresourcecentre.org
Portage Services for Seniors 40A Royal Road N., Portage la Prairie 239-6312
Broadway Seniors Resource Centre 823 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg (204) 772-3533 www.bsrc.ca
South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council 204-478-6169 www.swsrc.ca resources@swsrc.ca
Centro Caboto 1055 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg (204) 896-1962
Southdale Seniors 254 Lakewood Blvd., Winnipeg (204) 253-4599
Charleswood Senior Centre 5006 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg (204) 897-5263 www.charleswoodseniorcentre.org
St. James-Assiniboia 55+ Centre 3 - 203 Duffield St., Winnipeg (204) 987-8850 www.stjamescentre.com
Creative Retirement MB 448 Burnell St., Winnipeg (204) 949-2569 www.creativeretirementmanitoba.ca
St. Mary’s Rd. Seniors 613 St. Mary’s Rd., Winnipeg (204) 257-0678 www.stmarysroad.ca
Sandy Lake Drop In Centre 100 Main St., Sandy Lake (204) 585-2411 Treherne Friendship Centre 190 Broadway St., Treherne 723-2559 Winkler Senior Centre 102 - 650 South Railway Ave., Winkler 325-8964 winkler55plus.com Brandon AREA Brandon Seniors for Seniors Coop 311 Park Ave., East, Brandon 571-2050 www.brandonsfors.ca Prairie Oasis Centre 241 8th St., Brandon 727-6641 Age Friendly Committee of Council - Brandon 638 Princess Ave., Brandon 729-2259 Killarney Service for Seniors 203 South Railway (204) 523-7115
Crescent Fort Rouge United Church 525 Wardlaw Ave., Winnipeg (204) 475-6011 Dakota Comm. Centre - Dakota 55+ Lazers 1188 Dakota St., Winnipeg (204) 254-1010 E206 www.dakotacc.com Elmwood East Kildonan Active Living Centre 180 Poplar Ave., Winnipeg (204) 669-0750 www.facebook.com/eekalc Good Neighbours Active Living Centre 720 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg (204) 669-1710 www.gnalc.ca
Transcona Council for Seniors 845 Regent Ave., Winnipeg (204) 222-9879 Transcona Retired Citizens Centre 328 Whittier Ave. West, Winnipeg (204) 222-8473 Vital Seniors 3 St. Vital Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-0555 www.stmarymagdelenewpg.org Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association (204) 291-9028 www.winnipegchineseseniors.ca
December 2020
Roast beef done ‘Just the way Granny made it’
ADVANCING HEALTHCARE
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his time of year, memories of my grandmother always come flooding back. You know we all have them. What is it about grandmothers that make memories all the better? Mine, like yours and everybody’s, are always of her cooking. She was such an inspiration to me. Gran had a knack of making things taste that much better. Her fourrib roast beef was nothing short of miraculous. That, coupled with the best Yorkshire puddings ever, made for a feast any time. Meals like this keep Ian Leatt her forever warm in my Foodies heart. Not only that, but when cooking a dish like this, the aromas seem to trigger even more fond memories: friends and family, near and far. Ingredients: 4 rib roast joint* (Ask the butcher to leave the fat on if you can) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt 6 Medium carrots 12 large shallots 6 Garlic gloves 4 bay leaves 4 sprigs fresh rosemary 2 tablespoons regular flour 1 ½ cups red wine (the good stuff) 2 cups beef stock 2 tablespoons blackcurrant jelly Directions: Like any meat you are going to roast, it is to always bring it to room temperature first – an hour is the typical amount of time. Using some kitchen towels, pat dry the meat. Then pour the oil over the meat and gently massage throughout, ensuring all the meat has some oil. In a small bowl, place the salt, pepper and mustard powder. Mix together and rub all over the meat. Peel the carrots. Place them inside the roasting pan, making a trivet. Add to this the peeled and whole garlic cloves. Finally place the beef on top adding the sprigs of rosemary to the top of the beef. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the meat in the oven and cook for 15 minutes. Turn the heat down to 350 degrees F and roast for a further 1 ½ hours. This should give you a medium beef. If you are
unsure insert a thermometer into the meat it should read 150 degrees F. With about 30 minutes cooking time remaining, remove the beef from the oven, baste with the fat in the bottom of the pan, adding the shallots and bay leaf, coating these with the fat. Return back to the oven for final cooking period. Place a medium sized saucepan on the stove, pour in the wine, bringing to a boil, turn the stove down and leave to simmer until the wine has reduced by two-thirds, set to one side. Remove the meat from the oven once at the desired temperature, placing it on a drip tray, wrapping it loosely with foil and leaving it to remain warm while resting. Ensure a tray is placed underneath to capture drippings. Place the roasting pan back in the oven with the carrots and shallots for a further 15 minutes, ensuring they are soft and cooked through. Remove the shallots and carrots setting aside to keep warm. Using a large spoon remove the excess fat from the tray, leaving just a little fat, but most importantly keep all the dark juices behind. Add the flour and cook on top of the stove over a medium heat for ten minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually blend the reduced wine, along with the stock and blackcurrant jelly, scraping up all the tasty bits from the bottom of the tray. Simmer until thickened and rich, add the juices from the resting meat stirring through, then season to taste. When serving, don’t forget the Yorkshire puddings! So good. We had this with traditional roast potatoes and all the trimmings. Seasons greetings to one and all. *In Canadian, a roast joint is the centre cut of the fillet. -Ed Ian Leatt is general manager of Pegasus Publications and a trained chef.
A room with a view
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s the seasons change, we start to spend more As a renovator I am asked many questions regarding time in our homes. windows. One such question is, if I do this, how much I get asked many questions relating to dif- money on energy usage can I expect to save? On averferent renovation projects inside the age, a homeowner will save around 8% home, from basements to bathrooms, on their energy bills when using enerand each task is as important as the gy-efficient windows, which tend to be next. However, a big saving and imme40% more effective than a conventional diate payback can come from replacing window. These windows are triple pane, windows. low-argon gas sealed and honestly look The average house age in Winnipeg and work fantastic. They ensure that the is 40 years, and window technology elements are kept outside and that enerhas changed so much over those years. gy bills stay low. Windows have evolved There is now understanding of optiinto something remarkable! The latest mal thermal efficiencies which produce windows are also built to last. cost savings for the homeowner. An If you have been putting off the deadded benefit in the latest technology cision to replace your aging windows Brent Poole is a greater sound barrier, reducing inconcerned about the cost, Manitoba Home house noise from outside sources. Hydro has a program that, for small inShould I replace my windows? What cremental monthly payments, can help Improvements benefit will accrue if I do? What sort of fit this important renovation into your investment am I looking at? All these budget. Again, speak with your renovaquestions will run through your mind. Manitoba tor who can offer all the details you may require and Hydro offers help in this area. This Hydro site will help you access the program. give you some sort of budgetary idea: https://www. Remember, when choosing a renovator, make sure hydro.mb.ca/your_home/residential_loan/ they are well-qualified, insured and come with many Your renovator will also be able to offer assistance. references. You will want advice to help choose the right windows Brent Poole is the owner operator of Handy Hands Conthat best suit the fenestration of your home, giving struction, which he has run with his father Jim since 1997. the best look, feel and balance that adds good value to A carpenter by trade, Brent enjoys all types of projects. your biggest asset. “We’re not happy until you are happy!” December 2020
SEND A SMILE TO A SENIOR Help Victoria Lifeline and The Vic Foundation make the holidays brighter for seniors in our community.
Donate Now! TheVicFoundation.ca
Victoria General Hospital
FOUNDATION HEALTHIER FUTURES
GIVE. INVEST. SAVE LIVES. TheVicFoundation.ca
@SupportTheVic
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15
The land that COVID-19 forgot
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ear season has come to an end. The enormous vehicles are parked, awaiting spring maintenance. Staff houses and seasonal lodges are given their winter treatment, as plumbing lines are emptied of water to prevent pipes from bursting. The greatest sign of change comes from on high, as sunlight wanes. Total darkness does not quite occur. Churchill is just south of 60 degrees latitude but night and dusk appear interminable until well after New Year’s Eve. My time in the gateway to the North lasted six months to the day. I’ll return the way I came, by rail to Thompson, then the Nathan Giede long road back to British Columbia. Winter driving Looking is fraught with risks but North proper tires and a lifetime of experience should see me safely home. Of course, the other bookend to this episode has been the pandemic, though more notably for its absence than effect: there was never a single case in this small town down by ye olde Hudson Bay. It was pleasant to live in the land that COVID-19 forgot. Like a distant war, reports of casualties and grand strategies were telegraphed in by media, traditional and new. The best way we could help in the effort was to “Stay Calm and Carry On” with our duties, offering those who took up the staycation, a respite from endless curves and lockdowns. I hope that my hometown has not accepted the “new normal” too completely, as that malaise appears to be truly incurable. I was blessed to observe Churchill and the surrounding area from land, sea, and air. The geographical, cultural, and historical reality of this “meeting place” was impossible to ignore, a vast confluence of biomes and peoples. I’m thankful for the Canadians who took the time to visit us this year, but more should come, if only to gain some perspective; our country extends far beyond the roads, lights, and buildings of middle Canada. It goes on to the top of the world. That expanse holds infinite potential, of which only miniscule amounts have been tapped. Yes, tours through the Northwest Passage and resource extraction already exist. But if we hope to maintain our sov-
Due to it’s isolation, Churchill has been able to stay clear of the COVID-19 pandemic. ereignty, let alone take proper advantage of our natural wealth, traffic in the far North must increase no less than a thousand-fold. That will require investment in both ships and aircraft that can endure the harsh climate while simultaneously leaving little pollution behind. To those who object, I can only point out that Our Dominion has one narrative no side can dismiss; we have a talent for logistical ingenuity. Unlike our southern cousins, our rivers and lakes required locks, the CPR had to traverse far more difficult terrain, and our few highways began on canyon edges and escarpments. These are still constantly shaped by frost heaves. In short, nothing is more Canadian than overcoming physical obstacles. The far North is our final frontier. ••• The journey home began with the train rocking me to sleep, the weight of the season all but evaporating off my shoulders. After paying monies owed in
Thompson for shipping as well as outfitting the truck, I threw myself onto the unplowed road, alternating between profanities and prayers as I attempted to stay in the narrow tracks cut by an earlier vehicle. What took only 8 hours in summer became a 16 hour slog to reach Saskatoon long after the winter sunset. Of course the highway improved from there; crossing Alberta and British Columbia was uneventful. Upon arriving home and settling into my favorite chair, I had to do a double take. Had I really just spent 190 days on the other side of the country? Were any of those experiences real: the water, whales, and weather; the changing seasons, the ice, and bears marching to sea? It all seemed surreal, especially that such wild adventures ever took place within our own borders. That’s the perennial secret of the North: it’s the edge of the world, and the unfiltered, raw energy of it will enrapture your soul. I invite all to make the trip and encounter it for themselves.
Flin Flon’s heartbeat slows with COVID-19 restrictions
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t has been a sad November in beau- level but also for the health of our comtiful Flin Flon, even with the crisp munities. So we are not going to see beautiful clear air we always enjoy at the art coupled with amazing start of winter. We had a dance woven together by terrible snow storm with astonishing original piano 30 cm of snowfall that compositions that have caused school closures. never been heard before, The swimming pool roof at least not at this time. collapsed under the snow The wonderful and beauload and we also lost the tiful young musicians of pool’s biggest supporter Flin Flon will have to wait and City Council stalwart, a little longer to blow us Colleen McKee, to her away with their skill and battle with cancer. The talent. Even the NorVA whole province has gone Centre and Gallery has into code red lock-down closed to the public. The because we, as ManitoElly Spencer incredible Catherine bans, can’t seem to underThe arts from Blackburn show, New Age stand that COVID-19 is a up here Warriors, is now taken THING that we need to down and repacked in take care of. It is challengcrates ready for shipping. It had to be ing to find the positives! Just this weekend, we lost out on done on Remembrance Day as that was Open Mic 10 featuring several gifted the last time five people could gather in local musicians and produced by Trevor the Gallery space. We read academic papers on the arts Sytnyk, plus Pictures at an Exhibition with Mark Kolt on piano and this year and culture every week (yes, it may be a featuring contemporary dancer Marcus character flaw to some but it’s our idea Merasty! The teams of volunteers who of fun sometimes!) and we just read present these kinds of events for us have one that offers significant insights for worked really hard to master the new us northerners. The paper was entitled, skills needed to produce shows that can From Crap Towns to Creative Placbe recorded and broadcast to our homes es: Local Cultural Politics and Policy or live-streamed. But they still need to Transfer. It was about the journeys of be able to get together to rehearse and three suburban communities in the inthey need to have more than five people dustrial belt, the Midlands, in England. The crap towns of the title referred to a in a room to put the show out there. Crystal Kolt continues to lead the kind of coffee table book project about arts and culture community forward on the 50 worst places to live in Great Britmany levels so it seems like a good time ain. These were places with big probto refocus on what arts and culture does lems like bad crime statistics and many, and can do in our lives, on a personal many people with addictions issues due 16
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to economic downturn and loss of their sustaining industries. They kind of reminded us of what might be in the near future for Flin Flon with the loss of the economic drivers we must anticipate when HudBay changes. Each of the towns took a different tack to address their problems; one chose to build large-scale public art installations called Big Art to attract visitors and media attention (St. Helen’s, near Liverpool); another chose to gather its artists and arts practitioners together several times in the year at festivals and events that celebrate arts and culture and also attract public attention (Huddersfield, between Manchester and Leeds); the third chose to rely on the historic significance of the town, it’s beautiful, old buildings and a growing highly educated population attracted by increasing real-estate prices. It was the only one of the three that did not experience an influx of new spending and it has not had a new cultural plan since 2003. Its local government seems content with the status quo even though the locals now refer to the town as, Smacklesfield (it is Macclesfield, near Manchester) to indicate the extent of the drug problems there. England has a different approach to arts and culture funding for the country than Canada, they have Arts Council England while we have the Canada Council for the Arts. Arts Council England tends to fund community initiatives while the Canada Council tends to fund individual artists and arts companies. We also have a national governmental Ministry, Heritage Canada, which is responsible for community
cultural spending. England has far more people than Canada so the amount of funding available for the arts and culture is far greater than in Canada. BUT...that doesn’t let anyone off the hook. We still have provincial and local governments with spending power that can and should be looking for ways and means to boost our communities. There are folks in our community with the kinds of creative thinking and abilities to make real and lasting change. Notably, Cultural Coordinator of the Flin Flon Arts Council Crystal Kolt has been shopping around the idea of a North Central Canada Centre for Arts and Environment (ungainly title, we know; perhaps a contest for a new name is in order) for some nine years now. It is a good idea with potential to inject growth and prosperity into our town and the region. It could even have lasting impact for the province. It needs money to give it legs. We understand that the City of Flin Flon doesn’t have much to spare. We understand that the Province of Manitoba is in tough financial shape as is the Government of Canada, especially as COVID-19 ravages the country, requiring all levels of government to find ways to support our neediest citizens. But, Flin Flon may soon be circling the drain so can we find ways to reach out to those exceptional people among us who actually may have a way to keep us all afloat? Can we support that idea without introducing the myriad other worthy projects that need funding but can only keep us in the same place? If so, can we please get on it? Now is a good time. December 2020
Milton Berle was really rude, but if Bob Hope liked you, you had it made! Winnipeg’s Ron Steiner looks back at his time with the Steiner Brothers
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t’s a pretty safe bet that few people in Winnipeg, or in Western Canada for that matter, knew the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, George Burns, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore or Ed Sullivan on a first name basis. Winnipeg’s Steiner Brothers did. Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, the Steiners – Roy, Ron, and Rob – performed alongside these and other entertainment luminaries at some of the most famous nightclubs and theatres in North America. Constantly in demand, they were ranked among the best tap dancers in the world. “We worked with every John Einarson major star in the business Local Music at one time or another,” Spotlight notes Ron Steiner. “Most of them are gone now. We were very well-known and respected in the business because we took it seriously and we loved to perform.” Born to Vaudeville performing parents, the brothers grew up on Eugenie Street in St. Boniface. Roy was born in 1941, Ron in 1942, and Rob in 1944. “When we started dancing there was never any thought of being in show business,” says Ron. “Roy had a slightly crippled foot so Mom and Dad started us dancing to straighten out his foot. It was a therapeutic thing, recreational, not for any show business aspirations. Rob and I were enlisted to dance, too, to keep our brother company.” Adds Roy, “Dad would roll back the carpet and we would learn to tap dance.” Following their Mom’s sister who landed a gig dancing for Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in Hollywood, the brothers’ big break came when they were invited to show their stuff for the two stars at a Christmas party. The boys were 11, 10 and 9 respectively. Soon after, they found themselves being booked for engagements. Thus, began a whirlwind 30 year career. They quickly became known as the fastest tap dancers in the business. “You couldn’t even count as fast as we were dancing,” recalls Rob. Over the years the brothers added singing and comedy to their act. While all three danced, Roy was the singer, Ron the dancer, and Rob the comedian. Jerry Lewis became a close friend to the brothers. “Jerry was a real jokester,” remembers Ron. “He was the kind of guy who would play a joke on you and you could do the same to him and he’d laugh and enjoy it.” The boys also enjoyed a relationship with Dean Martin and his family and often played with Martin’s children. They worked the biggest nightclubs with Martin in-
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The Steiner Brothers: Rob Steiner (from left), Ron Steiner and Roy Steiner. cluding the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. They also played shows with Rat Packers Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra. “We were in a television skit with Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford and we were all playing poker and we were winning all the chocolate bars,” laughs Rob. They recall other favourites. “George Burns was really a nice guy and his wife Gracie Allen was so funny, too,” states Ron. “Bob Hope was very personable, very down to earth. If he liked you, you had it made.” Rob recalls, “We got along well with everyone except Milton Berle. He was really rude to people.” Adds Ron, “Red Skelton was one of the most cordial guys you could ever meet.” Notes Roy, “We worked with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, often. We had a great time with them.” They also recall singer Rosemary Clooney had a potty mouth and was prone to swearing. The brothers performed with Marilyn Monroe on a couple of occasions and when she died, they attended her funeral. They once worked with singer Judy Garland at the Theatrein-the-Round in San Francisco. “She came out and she was bombed, recalls Roy.” She was mixing booze with
pills backstage and couldn’t even stand up.” In July 1955, Ron was chosen to be one of Walt Disney’s original Mousketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club television show. “It was a great experience,” he recalls. “Walt Disney was a total gentleman and like a father figure to us.” Ron remained friends with Annette Funicello until her death. By 1956, the Steiner Brothers were earning $750 a week in Las Vegas nightclubs (soon to rise to $3,500). Enrolled in the Hollywood Professional School for school-age performers, their classmates included Natalie Wood and Yvette Mimieux. After more than a decade on the road playing every state in the USA, the brothers made the decision to return to Winnipeg. They continued to travel the continent so Winnipeg gave them a central location. By the 1970s, the pace had slowed down and, with the exception of a couple of local charity gigs, the brothers folded the act. “Entertaining was our life,” states Ron. “We didn’t do it for fame or fortune. It was what we loved to do. We had a very good reputation in the business and that meant a lot to us.”
The iguana’s lesson Continued from page 1
temporarily, housing it in a large terrarium in a sunny front-room window, where it became quite a conversational piece for visitors. Everyone wanted to know its name, so we came up with ‘Johanna the Iguana!’ Johanna displayed a remarkable range of behaviours far beyond what I thought capable for lizards. She kept a watchful eye on our two Persian Cats, which often approached to inspect this strange-looking green intruder, basking just beyond the glass wall. The cats soon became bolder and took to jumping on top of the terrarium for a closer look, while Johanna cocked her head and stared upward at them with one eye. On one occasion, I removed the two large panes of glass off the top of the terrarium to enable me access to clean up the soiled newspapers on the cage floor; I had to bend my entire upper body inside the structure to complete the task. Johanna watched my every move from the other end of her home. Suddenly all hell broke out. One of the cats, deciding to inDecember 2020
vestigate what I was doing, jumped on top of the terrarium, but instead of landing on the glass lid, it descended right on top of Johanna. Both animals panicked, thrashed about violently, and hissed in the tight space. I had no idea what was happening and then received a sharp whip of the iguana’s tail across my hand. Instinctively I reached around and grabbed the cat by the scruff of the neck, and flipped it onto the nearby couch, while Johanna dashed back and forth. The explosive misadventure ended without any of us being injured, but there were three hearts beating thrice the normal speed for some time. Although I offered a variety of vegetables and fruits to Johanna, her favourite meal was definitely green peas. She also liked spaghetti, and it took her some time to master the technique of gulping down the noodles, after which she sported orangesauce lipstick on her mouth for the rest of the day. My wife Arlene Dahl (cellist in the Winnipeg Symphony
Orchestra) taught students cello in the same room as Johanna’s home, and they would always greet our pet on arrival. Seeing action in the room, and impatient for her dinner, Johanna astonished my wife one day when she picked up her plastic bowl in her mouth and began knocking it repeatedly against the glass wall. The iguana was so persistent and noisy that the lesson came to a halt, and I was called downstairs to witness this amazing feat of problem-solving. Johanna had figured out how to manipulate a tool to ensure fast-food, home-delivery service. The three of us howled with laughter as Johanna continued to whack the bowl and then to pause to see if her actions were having the desired effect. I had to prepare her dinner of peas before the cello lesson could resume. I had no idea a reptile’s brain could master such a feat. However, the lesson I referred to in this story’s title was Johanna’s stressreducing technique, which I sometimes practice to this day. Whenever
something upset her, she tipped her head upwards and simply closed her eyes. If she couldn’t see the cause of her distress, it simply didn’t exist! I thought this was such a fascinating way of avoiding certain stressful situations – if one cannot avoid or solve a stressful situation, pretend it doesn’t exist and get on with life. This technique does not work with every anxiety, but it sure beats prescription medication for some problems that may dissipate on their own in time. ••• This is an excerpt from Dr. Robert Wrigley’s new book entitled; “Chasing Nature: An Ecologist’s Lifetime of Adventures and Observations.” The 367page book contains 230 short stories featuring 750 species of animals and plants, and is richly illustrated with 130 photos and illustrations. The anecdotes are refreshingly quirky and fun while teaching us something new about the animal kingdom. A copy signed by the author ($55) will make a great Christmas present. Enquiries: robertwrigley@mts.net whatsupwinnipeg.ca
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Pegasus Publications Inc. and Lifestyles 55 is pleased to donate these 2 pages to support CJNU and community radio.
Transmissions Dispatches from community powered radio 93.7 FM CJNU
With a song in my heart Adam Glynn
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’ve heard it said that there are no new ideas… so for this festive missive, I thought I’d take inspiration from those far more talented than I – great singers and songwriters of yesteryear. So, as you parse the following prose, see if you can figure out how many song titles I’ve managed to shoehorn in. The first person to send an email to info@cjnu.ca with the correct answer, along with their name and mailing address, might just have a little Christmas cheer coming their way, courtesy of CJNU… I find that as time goes by it’s a joy to watch the seasons turn, turn, turn. This year, like every year, began with us singing a song for a winter’s night and saying to ourselves it might as well be spring. Then as the snow melted, a little sprinkling of early morning rain created some moody Manitoba mornings. Soon enough we found ourselves enjoying those lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer. But one of us must have blinked, because we suddenly found ourselves wondering where have all the flowers gone? The trees turned brown and started to drop their autumn leaves… and it’s a hazy shade of winter once again. In spite of everything, I firmly believe it was a very good year in 2020. Here at CJNU, our incredible team of volunteers – every one of them with a heart of gold – have kept the station on the air through unprecedented times. We have continued to support incredible organizations across our community, accentuate the positive and bring you music, music, music! We
How many song titles in Adam's article can you identify? get to play the tunes that make us feel like it’s yesterday once more. The tunes that give us a happy heart. Radio can be a great escape from the world – and in these particularly strange days, it’s especially good for us to dream.
We were truly overwhelmed by the incredible response to our Seventh Annual Pledge Drive. It almost seemed like it was raining pennies from heaven! This year more than ever, I can say without a doubt that the only reason we’re still here is because of you, and your amazing support. THANK YOU! And now, as we turn the pages of our diaries to December, baby, it’s cold outside. But this is Winnipeg – we can’t say we didn’t know it was coming! I got my winter tires put on last week, so heck, let it snow! But wait… what’s that sound… Do you hear what I hear? Could that be the sound of silver bells? Perhaps Santa Claus is coming to town? Christmas might feel a bit different this year, particularly if we aren’t able to come together physically with the ones we love. But yet here we all are – together, apart. Side by side, come rain or come shine, we stand tall. Much like the rest of our experiences in 2020, the holidays will be what we make of them – and I reckon it’s still the most wonderful time of the year. As Christmas comes and goes, the New Year follows shortly thereafter - so as we wave so long farewell to a strange year, it looks like we made it. I think I’m still standing! Navigating the realities of living through a pandemic has truly been a long and winding road – and it’s one that we’re travelling on – but I think I see the light. Always look on the bright side of life and try to remember – the best is yet to come. From my family to yours, I wish you a peaceful and restful Christmas, and a hopeful New Year. Adam Glynn is Station Manager at CJNU.
CJNU Personality of the month
Jim Snell
Jim Snell
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am a born and bred Winnipegger and have lived here for all but about seven months. During 1976 I had a four-month summer job in Montreal after having graduated from the U of M Actuarial Science program. I then took a fall trek to Europe for three months before I started my Actuarial career at Great-West Life in early 1977. I have always loved music and grew up with my mom’s big band favourites. I sang in several choirs in school and was ac-
cepted by the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir in my late 20s. After a few years, children came along and music lessened in importance until I decided to prepare for retirement by learning how to play the clarinet when I was almost 50. I joined the Westwood Community Band and Owen Clark, a long time supporter of CJNU, was one of our conductors. He introduced me to CJNU in 2014. I spent my first year at CJNU as a phone volunteer and then Grant Paterson trained me to be an operator and announcer. I was paired up with Jim Pappas in January, 2015 and we have
been together ever since. I currently am also the operator for Herb Henson on Tuesday mornings. In mid-2015, Grant Paterson assigned me the CJNU Music Librarian role and I have enjoyed it. We have been able to grow the main library from about 16,000 tunes when I took over to over 20,000 tunes now plus a large Asper Jazz library that Grant monitors. CJNU is the radio station Irene and I listen to when we are in the car or at home. CJNU, concert bands and Duplicate Bridge are my 3 main hobbies and Irene and I have been happily retired for 8 years now.
CJNU Community Partner
CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
C
JNU welcomes our Community Partner, the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, during our annual Season of Giving… Back Donors have made two decades of progress possible at CancerCare Manitoba. Their investment is critical as cancer is bigger than all of us. This is the daunting reality of this disease which knows no
bounds and plays no favourites. Our collective efforts are so important to advance research and treatment. Donor generosity and loyal support are truly
You could be one of us . . . Join us and help us keep nostalgia radio on the air.
helping find an answer to cancer. Together, with all of Manitoba, we celebrate the Foundation’s twentieth anniversary. All funds raised by CancerCare Manitoba Foundation stay in our province. We’ll be highlighting some of the great work of the Foundation throughout this month on-air at CJNU.
Application for membership Nostalgia Broadcasting Co-operative Inc. Name:________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________
CJNU is a registered co-operative and you can become a member. To join all you have to do is fill out the form below and send it in along with your membership fee. In return, you will: • Get to meet our announcers in person • Receive invitations to our social events • Gain access to all the very best contests for tickets and other prizes on the station But most of all, being a member gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to make our community better every day.
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City:___________________ Postal Code:__________________________ Phone: _______________ Email Address:__________________________ Just $25 for membership Charge my: MC Visa Card #_________________________________ Exp. Date ____________ Mail to: CJNU RADIO, Richardson Building, L7 – 1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg MB R3B 0X3 December 2020
Big changes at Winnipeg Harvest
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n its 35th year of operation, Winnipeg Harvest merged with the Manitoba Association of Food Banks and changed its name to Harvest Manitoba. Now Harvest Manitoba’s Food Network has grown to include 350 food banks and agencies that put Harvest Hampers in the hands of hungry Manitobans in every corner of the province. Harvest’s main office in Winnipeg still houses its provincial Food Support Assistance Line, Warehouse Distribution and Training Centre. Necessity Nurtures Change • Harvest now feeds 85,000 hungry
Manitobans every month. • 43% of those receiving food are children. • Volunteers provide almost 200,000 hours annually to sort and pack the same number of Harvest Hampers. • Community food drives and partners donate 11,000,000 pounds annually.
Harvest Stars Even before the pandemic, the 35th Anniversary was the impetus for ushering in a lot of new initiatives. Some were mechanical such as improved cold storage in the warehouse, but one of the evolutionary changes was to nurture Manitoba’s identity as a Harvest Community. CEO Keren Taylor-Hughes talks about how Harvest is part of who we are. “Over the past 35 years, Harvest has become central to how Manitobans see ourselves, express our values. We’re ‘Friendly Manitoba’, but we’re more than a smile. We’re everyone pitching in to collect 11
million pounds of food every year. We’re donors of food, fund and time to ensure no one goes hungry – not hardworking families, kids, adults or seniors. We’re ‘Caring Manitoba’. We’re ‘Community Manitoba’. Harvest is an expression of what we have in our hearts. Feeding hungry neighbours is the right thing to do. And WE do it. That has made us a community of Harvest Stars. Thank you. You shine brightly. We are grateful and lucky to live in such a community.” You can learn more (and give a little) by going to the new website at HarvestManitobe.ca.
CJNU Community Partner
Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba
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JNU welcomes our Community Partner, the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, during this Season of Giving… Back You can leave a legacy to support child health into the future. Through a planned or legacy gift to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, you can support children’s health and
health research well past your lifetime. A gift in a Will or an endowment fund can do so much to support sick and injured children while also reducing taxes within your estate or on capital gains, or you can receive an immediate tax benefit. There’s an option that’s just right for you and for the health of future generations. Please contact cno-
drick@hsc.mb.ca or by phone at 204894-9043 for information on Legacy Giving. Stay tuned to CJNU throughout December as we share stories from the Children’s Hospital - to highlight the impact the Foundation has on the lives of sick kids, especially through these challenging times.
Make this a Christmas like no other
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grew up in the West End of Win- a dinner party on remote: make somenipeg in an apartment on Westmin- thing for a dinner to send to friends as a reminder that better times will be ahead ster Avenue. During that time, I attended Laura of us. The thorny question arises of how Secord School and had many wonderful to give a gift to someone times there and loved all that would be beneficial my teachers. In grade six, to them and the commuI had a teacher named nity. Think of making a Blanche Coxworth, who donation to a local charin her tiny stature was a ity that you both support dynamo. She introduced in their name and how me to so many things gratifying that would be that I love and one of to both of you. So many these was the collected not-for-profit groups short stories of O. Henry. need support at this time I fell in love with one and would so appreciate of those stories called your thought and donaThe Gift of the Magi in which a young couple are tion. Think very specifically struggling financially and Jim Pappas about local businesses want to give one another and how they are strugthe perfect gift. I will not give away the storyline but urge you all gling. Then purchase a gift card from to read it. Inside this story is a gem of one of them to send to friends. So many an idea that relates to the Christmas we fine establishments like local restaurants, bakeries and candy and chocolate shops are all heading toward. We need to innovate and turn Christ- would benefit from this. You could mail mas into something special for our or drop off gift cards from these local friends and families. I have several good people and give a lift to the business ideas that may work for all of us. Since sector as well as to your friends. If the we are all at home, why not assemble gift card will help the locals to maintain photos of people from our collective their business and survive, you would pasts and make an album or a scrap- be doing a great service to the commubook of all the precious moments we nity as well as delighting your family have shared and write some kind of and friends. Another thought would salute to that person to accompany it. be to call local hotels or restaurants and Our memories have a treasure trove of have a complete Christmas dinner sent thoughts that could use expression and to friends to alleviate the stress of cookreinforce the connections we feel. How ing for the holidays. As a society we live in a very privigreat to tell those that we love how dear leged world and to share the bounty they are to us nor just now but always. Second idea is to revive the art of with others is a rare delight we can all Christmas cards. We all used to do this enjoy. By using care, consideration and and maybe we can return to it as mail kindness we can share the bounty that at this time is a real treat. Finding cards we have and bring joy to others who that suit the person and writing real may not have the emotional support notes inside not merely signing them and determination. We have many of will give them a boost when they open our friends who are singles living alone them. For those of our circle that do not and they need the interaction and the celebrate the holidays there are many support through the holiday season blank cards that can be obtained too. which is most difficult at the best of Imagine the joy of getting the mail and times for them. Thinking about your own situation you can bring that same opening it to find that someone cares. Since we are all mostly inside our joy to others that really need it at holihomes, cooking and baking, why not day time. In the O. Henry story, each of the proconsider a shopping bag of goodies done from our own recipes. It could tagonists makes a sacrifice to provide be candies, cookies, preserves, pickles something special for the other person. or even a savory of some kind. Fresh or We can make a very small sacrifice to frozen, it may be such a treat to oth- bring joy to those that we care about. It ers who want to taste something that is may be a Christmas like no other but we not from their own hands. Think of it as can innovate and use empathy to make December 2020
it as joyous and full of good cheer. As human beings, to understand our own needs and translate that with empathy to those that we care about is the greatest gift we can give to them. We can make the holidays as joyous as we can and be thankful for the many blessings we have as Canadians. The gift of the Magi is the gift of caring and it keeps on giving every day to all of us. A Class Act with Jim Pappas can be heard on CJNU.CA Mondays at 1 p.m.
Christmas will be a strange one this year, but there is still much to be thankful for
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A cure worse than the disease
Is COVID-19 really worth the human consequences of the lock-downs? Peter Holle presents another view.
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espite the relentless media drum-banging How the lockdowns affect us around the alarmist COVID-19 narraThe Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, tive, this particular virus is not the Black a public interest group, is pushing back on the lockDeath. Official numbers have the downs as unprecedented and unconCanadian death count so far just stitutional destructions of Canadians’ below 11,000, bad for sure, but basic liberties, freedoms and charter not hugely off the yearly flu toll in rights. The group observed in a NoCanada which kills 6,500 to 8,000 vember 13th media release that “Half people. of the latest deaths (COVID-19) are The average age of COVID-19 from outbreaks at care homes or hospideaths is in the mid-80s – which tals, where elderly residents are already is higher than the average life exin lockdowns. A total of 123 deaths in pectancy in Canada (82 in 2017). Manitoba could be attributed to COVThis particular bug is dangerous to ID-19 since March. More than 11,000 seniors with immune systems comManitobans die each year, more than promised by chronic health condi900 Manitobans die every month, and tions (so-called co-morbidities like more than 200 die every week. The Peter Holle dementia, heart disease, high blood total deaths from COVID-19 in eight Public pressure, diabetes, or obesity). months has been less than the number Policy In Alberta, 76% of COVID-19 of people who die in the province in a deaths have been of very sick people week from other causes. Why are these (typically with three co-morbidities). Only 2.3% deaths considered less important, or less sad, than of deaths have affected known healthy people. So deaths caused by one virus?” far, only ten healthy people in an Alberta popuInstead of focusing on a problem concentrated in lation of 4.5 million have died of COVID-19. our long-term care facilities, politicians have closed These are the unremarkable numbers, sad as they vast swathes of our economy, throwing hundreds of are, underlying the panic narrative. thousands out of work and bankrupting countless Here in Manitoba, it’s the same story. As of businesses. Beyond this self-harm, our quality of November 26, about 307 people diagnosed with life has been severely degraded by the costly microCOVID-19 were in the hospital, with 46 of them management of Canada’s economic and social life. Consider the civil discord and social divisiveness in intensive care. With 67 hospitals in Manitoba, these COVID-19 numbers work out to be less these policies are creating: pitting “essential” and than 5 COVID-19 sick people per hospital. Mani- “non-essential” businesses against each other, symtoba overall has more than ample hospital capacity bolic but ineffective masking rules (a gold-standard of 2,400 beds with an overflow capacity of an ad- Danish study released last week confirmed that masks don’t stop the virus), and the creation of ditional 1,000 beds. And, like the rest of the country, most of Mani- snitch lines for busybodies reporting on neighbors’ toba’s COVID-19 deaths are of immuno-compro- illegal social gatherings. Finally, the lockdowns have mised seniors with co-morbidities – the same pop- closed church services, funerals, weddings, many schools and other basic aspects of normal life. ulation that succumbs naturally to flu every year.
Light at the end of the tunnel Yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The damage and civil discord is becoming so obvious that elected officials (kudos to Jason Kenney) may finally recognize that lockdowns truly are a cure worse than the disease. The virus will follow its natural course and eventually burn itself out – with or without the billions to be spent on vaccines. (For the majority interested in vaccines, they should find them readily available by the second quarter of 2021.) Driven by massive government deficits, impossible to cover through tax increases alone, we will soon be headed into the so-called “great reset”. Not the fantastical and unaffordable “build back better” dreams of green utopians but a necessary widespread restructuring of our economy, communities and public policy – driven by the need to substantially cut spending through reconfiguring services. If the political leadership is smart, we will see the end of the dismally performing monopoly models of healthcare and education and a much needed rethink of universities. A flight from urban density and its higher perceived risk of contagion will see the rise of the suburbs, rural areas and cottage country – as well as a sharp decline and rethink of mass transit in favour of personal mobility (electric cars, driverless cars, Uber). Further expansion of high-speed internet, the driver of the burgeoning online economy in the private sector, will further enable and disrupt our legacy public sector. Think telemedicine, remote learning, compact/high performing governments, joining the world of online shopping, food delivery, and remote working that has been so turbocharged by the stumbling lockdown panic. Over a nasty strain of the flu. Exciting times, best if we choose right. Peter Holle is president of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy
R.B. Bennett, the most progressive prime minster of all Fred Morris
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s we near the end of this unusual year, it is time to remember a Canadian prime minister from another difficult time. Richard Bedford Bennett was born 150 years ago and became prime minister 90 years ago at the start of the Great Depression. Bennett was born on July 3, 1870, in Hopewell Hill, New Brunswick. Education was his first career. He became a teacher at the age of 15 and a school principal at the age of 18. Bennett switched to law, which he studied at Dalhousie University in Halifax. After his 1893 graduation, RB, as he became known, practiced law in Chatham, New Brunswick. In 1897, he moved west to Calgary, where he became a law partner with James Lougheed. His legal clients included the E. B. Eddy Company, and Calgary Cement. He was a member of Calgary's first library board. Politics was always part of RB's life. He was the last prime minister to hold political office in both the 19th and 20th centuries. He held political
office in Chatham, New Brunswick, the Legislative Assembly of the North West Territories, and the Province of Alberta. He was the first leader of the Alberta Conservatives. Between 1911 and 1938, he had served 20 out of 28 years as an MP. Bennett served as Justice Minister (1921) and Finance Minister (1926) in short term Arthur Meighan governments. In 1927, he was elected federal Conservative leader at the Winnipeg Amphitheatre. During a 1930 parliamentary debate on providing funds to provinces for unemployment relief, Liberal Prime Minister Mackenzie King said, "I would not give a cent to any Tory Government." (1) In the ensuing 1930 federal election, the outrage over these remarks in the five Conservative provinces were the deciding factor in Bennett's Conservatives defeating King's Liberals, 135 seats to 89. During his long political career, RB was consistently a Red Tory both in Opposition and Government. A Red Tory favours communitarian social policy while maintaining fiscal discipline and social and political order. (2) During his first term as an MP,
RB advocated for greater government regulation of banks. In 1935, his government created the Bank of Canada. In 1925, as an opposition backbencher, he pressured the Liberal government to implement employment insurance. He made EI part of the 1935 New Deal. He lived to see it implemented in 1940 after the provincial premiers finally unanimously agreed to let the federal government handle this responsibility. In 1931, his government increased the federal percentage of means-tested OAS from 50 per cent to 75 per cent. Due to the vastness of the country, the relatively new radio technology was not reaching all parts of Canada. Public intervention was needed. In 1932, the CRBC (forerunner of the CBC) was created. In 1935, the Canadian Wheat Board was founded to provide farmers with a stable price for wheat. In January 1935, Bennett delivered five New Deal speeches. He paid $11,000 for the radio time out of his own pocket (3). The speeches outlined what had already been accomplished. RB mentioned that there was a pressing need for sickness and health insurance. Canadian Medicare was not introduced until 1968. (4)
What is happening to the mining file?
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he last time I wrote about mining, I was pretty discouraged about its future. I am even more discouraged now. Despite feeling somewhat reassured after attending the mining conference in January and hearing that three-year permits are now being issued, I am again feeling very disheartened. I am hearing that a couple of mining investment prospects that looked promising are quietly pulling their development plans out of Manitoba. 20
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Why? They get nothing but negative signals from the bureaucrats, and no support from the politicians. They need infrastructure such as roads and other supports to make their decision, but they can’t get a hearing. They need to know that a logical and realistic approach is being taken with regard to the interpretation of the Treat Land Entitlement agreements (Saskatchewan seems to have figured this out), and they need to know that we actually want them
doing business in our province! When Premier Pallister came to power in 2016, the mining industry celebrated. Optimism abounded and the Fraser Institute’s Annual Mining Sector report ranked Manitoba Number Two in the world as the best place to invest! In the latest report, our ranking has dropped to 34th! I know that our MLAs and ministers have the best intentions and that they and the premier support devel-
Bennett's government was defeated in 1935. He died in 1947. Bennett's government has been remembered as being too laissez faire during the Great Depression. The 1935 New Deal is often referred to as a complete change in Bennett's philosophy in order to get re-elected. Nothing is further from the truth. During his entire career, RB realized the importance of balancing entrepreneurship, government regulation, pragmatism and the need for a safety net. (5) ••• Footnotes: 1. Mackenzie King by Reginald Hardy page 141 2. Wikipedia 3. Bennett The Rebel who challenged a Nation by John Boyko page 368 4. Although Medicare was introduced in 1962 in Saskatchewan, a national program did not come into effect until 1968. 5. Bennett is referred to in this article and by many historians and contemporaries as RB Fred Morris describes himself as a political activist and sometime political candidate.
opment, but they must be getting quite a snow job from some one or ones behind the scenes because from all reports they think everything is just fine and that there are “exciting things” in the offing. Plummeting like a stone in the eyes of the investment community does nothing to support those hints of great things to done. It seems that someone is out of sync here, and I don’t think it is the industry. December 2020
PUZZLES
Crossword Across 1. Nikon rival 8. Approached stealthily 13. Follow doctors’ orders? 14. “Dance in the Country” painter 16. Not permanent 17. Kia model 18. Water measurement 19. Rubbed down 21. Chopin creation 22. Some signed notes 23. Visiting Hollywood, say 24. Blood classification system 25. Theatrical award 26. “The Exorcist” star 27. Be situated beneath 30. Abbr. on a floor model, maybe 31. Enclosed, as an estate 33. Govt. debt 35. Alice’s sitcom boss 36. Agreed 40. William ___, the Father of Modern Medicine 42. “Time Is ____ Side” (Rolling Stones hit) 43. 605, once 46. Ancient Greek meeting spot 47. Erykah of “The Cider House Rules” 48. More drastic 50. Silver adhesive binding material 52. “____ abhors a vacuum”
53. Wiped out 54. Drink before dinner 56. Celebrating 57. Returns the incumbent 58. Al ___ (not too soft) 59. Ostentatious Down 1. Pat of “Happy Days” 2. Where “three men” are, in a rhyme 3. Won the race, but barely 4. Windy City airport 5. Testing sites 6. Carson Daly’s one-time MTV show 7. Autobiography subtitle 8. Ticked off 9. Agents, for short 10. Call for 11. Tear-jerking 12. Publisher of many book series 13. Proofreader’s mark 15. Detection devices 20. “Clan of the Cave Bear” author Jean 22. “May ___ honest?” 25. Bookie’s quote 26. “Nota ___” (note well, classically) 28. At hand 29. ___ bitty 31. Beckoned 32. Distribute
Word search
34. Remarkable items 35. Rapper in “The Italian Job” 37. Bar from the bath 38. Makes beloved 39. Upper Peninsula sch. 41. Brings home takeout 44. Support, of a sort
45. Truth 47. Sheriff’s star 48. Alfalfa’s “Our Gang” sweetheart 49. Arbitrators, for short 51. Big top 52. Alice ____ (American portraitist) 55. Enthusiasm
Sudoku
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Why do we look to the mystical when mundane explanations are so much more plausible?
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hy is it that many people pre- one-million dollars to anyone who could fer to believe the fantastic prove they have supernatural or paranorrather than the obvious? It mal abilities. This prize has never been seems that the more farfetched an idea is, claimed. Many people refused to believe Randi when he proclaimed the more believable some that his magic, along with people find it. Numerous anybody else’s magic, is no books have been written more than illusion. Even about aliens from Outer after Randi debunked sevSpace landing on Earth eral “paranormal” acts, and imparting their knowlmost people surveyed conedge to various humans, tinued to believe they were mainly in Asia, Africa and done by magic. the Americas, despite there Ancient Chinese built being more realistic explahuge ocean going ships nations for seemingly miwhich were over threeraculous events. hundred feet long and sixty In Peru, clearly seen Wayne Weedon or seventy times the size of from the sky, but not from any European boats. The the ground, are ancient Food for Chinese had gunpowder, pictures, some of which Thought cannons and guns when are over four-hundred feet Europeans were still using long. The myth accepted by most people is that these geoglyphs bows and arrows. Why shouldn’t an adwere made by Space aliens. The more vanced civilization like the Chinese have realistic but mundane explanation is that the ability to fly? We know they made ordinary humans, who had the ability to models of balloons as well as toy balfly, made them. There is evidence that loons, which children in China, still to Ancient Chinese, Egyptians and Ameri- this day, fly. It is incredible how people are eager can inhabitants were familiar with hot air balloons, and their writings describe to believe that aliens from Outer Space visited the Americas and Egypt where how men flew into the air. How did Egyptians and other people they built the pyramids and taught the manipulate stone blocks weighing ten local inhabitants about the Universe. tons or more? Hot air balloons, made The simple fact is that people in China, in the shape of birds with outstretched Egypt and America had studied the wings, could easily have lifted and ma- skies for centuries by travelling above neuvered these stones. Some scientists the clouds to get a better view of Outer refuse to believe that older civilizations Space. The truth is always much more munwere capable of building such airships and they eagerly look for proof that dane than fantasy, but, to a rational aliens from Outer Space were respon- scientist, much more believable. The hieroglyphics which people believe desible for building the pyramids. The world famous Canadian magician, pict Space alien airships are actually the Amazing Randi, offered a prize of indicating hot air balloons. These bal-
When looking to the “mysteries” of the past, it’s often best to look to obvious explanations rather than many of the more far-fetched ideas that often come up. loons, made in the shape of birds with outstretched wings, because of their large surface area, had the capability of lifting stone blocks weighing many tons. Incredible as it may seem to some, these balloons could be precisely maneuvered to accurately place huge blocks of stone one on top of another to build the pyramids, which are, in some cases, fifty stories high. These balloons could also have travelled above the clouds to give ancient people a better view of the skies. This is how these people knew more about the planets and the stars than other inhabitants on earth. When Europeans were still believing the Sun travelled around the Earth, the Chinese, Mayans and Incas had accurately drawn out the skies, showing all of the planets travelling around the Sun, as well as all of the
visible stars, which they gave individual names to. In the thirteenth century the Chinese already knew that the Earth sped up and slowed down because it has an elliptical orbit. With advanced mathematics, the Chinese calculated the precise number of days in a year (365.2425). Also, by understanding how the Earth naturally wobbles as it rotates, they predicted when polar ice would shrink in size and when it would begin to grow. This wobble changes the angle which the Sun’s rays strike the Earth, resulting in varying degrees of heat at the Earth’s poles, resulting in varying amounts of polar ice, resulting in climate change. Wayne Weedon is an Indigenous Manitoba writer of novels and short stories. To sample his wonderful work go to Wattpad. com.
er than a John Deere tractor. • Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled. • Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight. • Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads. • Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you. • It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge. • You cannot unsay a cruel word. • Every path has a few puddles. • When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. • The best sermons are lived, not preached. • Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen, anyway. • Don’t judge folks by their relatives. • Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. • Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time. • Don't interfere with somethin’ that
ain't botherin’ you none. • Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance. • If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’. • Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got. • The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin’. • Always drink upstream from the herd. • Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment. • Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in. • If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else’s dog around. • Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. • Leave the rest to God. ••• I hope this year ends up with your smiling selfie on a Facebook post. I wish you a bright and joyful New Year!
Sound advice
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know a guy who was quite proud points of view they post but pressing “Like” is about as far as of himself telling I go. I prefer to keep my me he had 5,000 political opinions to myfriends on Facebook. self, usually. When I on That, I was told, is the FB, I am looking for a maximum number of bit of useful information “friends” anyone can or to be entertained to have on FB. I just countsome extent. ed mine, I have around Every once in a while, 110 friends, including I come across a post that relatives. There is a difmakes me laugh out loud ference between the two or something that is isn’t there? Relatively both humorous and poispeaking. I might make gnant at the same time. I the occasional comment Jim Ingebrigtsen think it’s called “truth in on something someone humour”. Some lighter has posted but rarely Is It Just Me... fare in these “interesting communicate directly with them. When I times”. need to, I’ll text them, email them or An Old Farmer's Advice: call them on the phone. I read people’s • Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong. • Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance. • Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. • A bumble bee is considerably fast-
Puzzles’ solutions
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December 2020
Freedom is not free The following is excerpted from speech that Bob Williams, Honorary Colonel for The Fort Garry Horse, gave at the 2019 Remembrance Day ceremony. It contains thoughts that apply to everything we are going through right now. Remember as we go through this pandemic, that every freedom we relinquish in the short term will have to be redeemed when this emergency is over. To ignore this would be to dishonor those who gave their lives to preserve our freedoms.
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ast month Canada participated in an event from coast to coast to coast. We had a free election. Canadians were able to freely voice their opinions and freely vote ... or not vote, for a citizen they wanted to support. One of the facts came out of the election didn’t surprise me. The percentage average of our military members that vote was twice that of Canadians. Our military knows the cost of the privilege to vote. We are people of peace, of respect and tolerance, kindness and honour. These qualities are alive in our nation’s conscience precisely because we hold them precious. We have the luxury to do so because those we remember today also believed in those qualities enough to die for them. Personally, I was born after the end of the war. I have not sacrificed anything for my freedom. It was given to me by those who came before me who sacrificed so much. It is our responsibility to honour that debt and never forget. I am a free Canadian; free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand up for what I think is right and free to oppose what I believe to be wrong Freedom is not free The names on that wall paid the price By your being here today you are helping to repay the debt. That debt is being paid every day by today’s soldiers. In talking to a veteran, he said the difference of being on that wall and being a veteran was luck. Both were prepared to do their duty. On July 25, 1944, a battle was fought at Tillyla-Champagne in France. You will not find this battle on anybody’s battle honours. It was in part of Operation Spring. First mistake: July is not spring. The FGH B squadron was in support of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. The object was to take the German control of the high ground and the town. With the Highlanders, we advanced up an exposed hill …no cover... NOTHING! Plus we were advancing into the sun. At the top for the hill was the elite, battle-hardened 1st SS Panzer Battalion. One of the German officers described hitting a tank that just disappeared. Operation Spring produced the highest number of causalities in a single day in the war. It was the very worst day for the Garries of the war. B Squardorn lost 11 out of its 16 tanks 13 killed and seven wounded. Col. Bill McGowan was one of the wounded. Bill survived the war and, in 1962, he became the commanding office of The Fort Garry Horse. It is because of his efforts that this armory is the home of the Fort Garry Horse. Bill’s son is in attendance here today. On same day in the same, battle Lt. Flemming lost his life in his tank. He paid the ultimate sacrifice and is on that wall. He never got to enjoy the long life the Col. McGowan did. Two years ago, I had the privilege to visit gravesites our fallen in Holland. The Dutch are the very best nation at honoring those who died in gaining their freedom. I noticed a young Dutch couple walking among
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December 2020
the tombstones. I was surprised as I expected to see only gray-haired people, not young adults. I asked the young man why he was here.
He said, “You just don’t get it! You never lost your freedom.” I was quite taken aback by his response, especially after I just been putting poppies on the graves of our fallen that died in Holland giving them freedom. Later in the day I realized he was right. I don’t get it. I can’t imagine losing my freedom. It was an unusual way of saying we will never forget. But think about it. Could you think about life without freedom? Our fallen soldiers gave us that freedom. Our present soldiers continue to protect our freedom and it is our responsibility to make sure they are well trained and well equipped. Freedom is not free!
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