Lifestyles 55 2021 12 December by PegasusPublicationsInc

December 2021

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Centreport continues to grow

The Nutcracker takes centre stage

Be a Santa to a senior!

Remembrance is for every day Bill Blaikie joins us with a monthly column starting with this issue.

A look at Winnipeg’s music history by John Einarson just in time for Christmas

Bill Blaikie

he season of Remembrance has given way to the anticipation of Christmas, and all the joys of the season. But it is precisely these joys that so many sacrificed forever when they didn’t return from wars. My first visit to a Canadian War Cemetery was by chance, coming across the one in Bergen on Zoom in the Netherlands when cycling through that country in 1971. My friend and I were struck by the fact that so many of the Canadians buried there were around our age at the time, 19 going on 20. It made such an impact on us that we felt we shouldn’t leave until we had walked all the rows and paid our respects to all. The second time was in 1982

Duff Roblin and Bill Blaikie at Juno Beach. when I visited the Canadian cemetery in Adagem, Belgium. I was in Belgium with other MPs visiting Strategic Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, or SHAPE as the acronym went. This time It struck me that I was already older than most buried there. The third time was in 1992. I was

part of the Canadian delegation to the 75th Anniversary of The Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917, and the 50th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid in 1942. In the area around Vimy Ridge, we visited numerous cemeteries. My Grandfather Blaikie fought at Vimy Ridge with u 6 ‘Remembrance is for every day’

A Cinderella story

Fairytale fun featured in Manitoba Opera’s upcoming production of La Cenerentola

Darlene Ronald

ickets are now on sale (December 1) for La Cenerentola (pronounced “Chen-er-renttoe-la), Manitoba Opera’s second production of the 2021/22 season which will held at the Centennial Concert Hall April 2, 5, and 8. In this enchanting and hilarious version of the classic fairytale, Angelina (Cenerentola) serves as the maid for her greedy, social-climbing stepfather and two ungrateful stepsisters. Disguises, lively music, and sheer fun abound in this 1950’s-inspired u 13 ‘Cinderella story ’

A preview of the costumes that will be featured in Manitoba Opera’s production of Cinderella. Performers shown are Sylvia Szadovszki (Tisbe), Caitlin Wood (Clorinda), and Michael Nyby (Dandini). Photo courtesy of Edmonton Opera, photo by Nanc Price.

John Einarson’s new book makes the perfect Christmas gift for the music lovers on your list!

“W

hy Winnipeg?” What is it that makes Winnipeg such fertile ground for the extraordinary level of talent that has and continues to emerge from our fair city? Is it something in the water or is it our hardy climate that encourages creativity and excellence? Heart of Gold: A History of Winnipeg Music is an exhaustive exploration of multiple music genres including Indigenous, francophone, country music, folk, and roots music, classical and opera, dance bands and jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll by music historian and author John Einarson, a longtime member and chronicler of the Winnipeg music community. He presents a compelling case for Winnipeg being the center of Canadian music for more than a century. Singers and musicians of all musical stripes have gone on to shape and influence music across the country and around the globe. But more than the extensive roster of music luminaries who either hail from Winnipeg or got their career start in the city’s nurturing music and cultural enviu 18 ‘Winnipeg music’

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December 2021

ISSUES IN THE NEWS

The first 30 days Follow us online at: whatsupwinnipeg.ca Facebook: Lifestyles55 Twitter: @Lifestyles55 PUBLISHER Pegasus Publications Inc. EDITOR Dorothy Dobbie dorothy@pegasuspublications.net EDITOR Emeritus Joan Cohen ART DIRECTOR Karl Thomsen karl@pegasuspublications.net GENERAL MANAGER Ian Leatt ian.leatt@pegasuspublications.net CONTRIBUTORS Bill Blaikie, Dawn Bourbonnais, Nancy Cooke, Dorothy Dobbie, Myrna Driedger, John Einarson, Stefano Grande, Diane Gray, Jim Ingebrigtsen, Kevin Klein, Ian Leatt, Fred Morris, Manitoba Seniors Coalition, Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, Connie Newman, Peggy Pendergast, Brent Poole, Darlene Ronald, Sanja Rossi, Senaka Samarasinghe, Trudy Schroeder, Elly Spencer, Wayne Weedon, Al Wiebe, Nathan Zassman. 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 and 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.

eather Stefanson has been premier for one month as of this writing and already we are seeing a difference. She is making us so proud. What we notice is a huge change of tone: She is open and collaborative. She moves quickly. She allows her people to do what needs to be done. She rewards good work and keeps smart people nearby – kudos for reappointing Don Leitch to the head of the Executive Council and for returning Acting Premier Kelvin Goertzen to the role of deputy premier. More kudos for bringing Sean Kavanaugh onto the team as communications director. Let’s start with her first appointment – that of Don Leitch, former CEO of the Manitoba Business Council but also formerly in charge of the Executive Council under Garry Filmon. Why does this matter? The role is Dorothy absolutely critical to the smooth functioning of government. He is, so to speak, the chief bureaucrat, in charge of the public services. He is also the Premier’s Deputy Minister. This individual has his finger on the pulse of the administration. He is responsible for making sure that departments with cross-over responsibilities understand the issues and co-ordinate the priorities. He facilitates the agenda of the premier. Don comes with tons of experience not only here in Manitoba back in the Filmon days, but he has also served in similar positions – as an economic development minister in British Columbia and as the first CEO of Travel Alberta. He is also the chair of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. From a personal perspective, Don is a wise and dedicated man who understands how things work in our province and, even better, how to make them run smoothly. We will experience a difference, not just in tone but in action, under his eye. For those in the public service who may have been coasting or blocking the government’s agenda, watch out!

Kelvin Goertzen needs little introduction to our citizens, who got to know and respect him over his brief two-month stint as our acting premier. He is one of the smartest guys in the Premier’s cabinet and he backs this up with a sense of humour and good will. He saw himself as not just a place holder in his recent role, but as someone who could smooth the path for the next leader, and he did a wonderful job of this. He will be there to support Heather in every way because that is who he is -- no need for him to prove that he is the smartest guy in the room, and he has no hidden agenda to take her job. Finally, Sean Kavanaugh, lately a reporter for CBC. Now I know I have previously bemoaned the appointment of reporters to the role of chief of communications, but only because the vast majority, although of Dobbie good intention, could not see the big strategic picture that this job requires. Sean, however, is very intelligent and has a lot of experience. He also understands business. I believe he has the capacity to manage communications in a way that is accessible by the public without being filtered by a negative media. He knows the players. He cares about the issues. He is devoted to our province. In Heather’s team is also Bonnie Staples-Lyon, a long time and experienced political advisor who will certainly bring good advice and counsel to the Premier’s deliberations. Chief of Staff Jordan Sisson was with her throughout the campaign and is her director of policy. I understand he is bright and capable. So, a new team with lots of steam. It seems to me that the splinter group that has been out there threatening to disrupt the party for many years, (I think they call themselves the Keystone group), is a little late to the table because, judging by her first thirty days, our very first female premier has things very well in hand.

Letters

More Buyer Beware at Leon’s

y sister and I read your article on your purchase of a bed frame from Leon's. If you don't mind I thought I'd share with you our experience with Leon's. I recently accompanied my sister to Leon's at 1755 Ellice Ave. so that she could purchase an in stock BOSCH compact washing machine (Bosch 300 Series 24-Inch 2.2 cu. ft. washer, $1398.00). After delivery, we discovered that the washer has a special plug that cannot be plugged into any outlet that neither she nor I nor anyone we know has in their laundry room. You can only use the washer if: A) you buy the matching BOSCH dryer which comes with an adapter

that you plug the washer into. The dryer then plugs into a 240v outlet. B) you buy a very difficult to find adapter for the washing machine to plug it directly into a 240v outlet. C) at substantial expense, you call an electrician to install another 240v outlet for the washing machine if you are already using the existing 240v outlet for your dryer and only if you succeeded to get the adapter. After several attempts to talk to someone at Leon's we finally got to speak to the manager who told us the washing machine could not be returned. My brother then called back to arrange to exchange the washing machine for a different one. They hung up on him. My sister cannot afford to buy a new matching dryer so after contacting several stores we found and ordered an adapter ($105) from The

Brick. It will hopefully arrive in about a month. She will then be able to plug the washing machine into her 240v outlet using that adapter, but she will not be able to use her dryer because it is currently plugged into that same outlet. In hindsight I guess we should have done a bit more research and checked the plug in the back of the machine. That being said, Leon's should not have sold her a washer that cannot be plugged in anywhere except into the matching dryer which she does not have and did not purchase. At the very least I feel that my sister should be able to exchange the washer for one that she can actually use. Jo Lloyd, Winnipeg Thank you, Jo. We have had other phone calls with much the same story. – Ed.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Heather STEFANSON MLA for Tuxedo

tuxconst@mymts.net

December 2021

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Happy

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The Honourable Heather Stefanson Premier of Manitoba

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Contact T. 204.945.3709 E. pccaucus@leg.gov.mb.ca F. 204.945.1284

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December 2021

Exciting industrial development at CentrePort Canada promises new prosperity for Winnipeg 12 months and $40 million in development

hile companies have spent the last year adjusting to the reality of operating in a Covid-19 world, CentrePort Canada has continued its growth and is a busy hub for industrial activity and investment. At 20,000 acres, CentrePort Canada is North America’s largest trimodal inland port, providing companies with excellent access to a variety of transportation options, fully-serviced industrial land and existing infrastructure that supports future growth. Despite the pandemic, CentrePort Canada land located within the R.M. of Rosser has seen significant sales and construction activity throughout the last twelve months; over Diane Grey $40 million of development permits have been The Spirit of issued (as at October 31), Winnipeg 300,000 square feet of new construction is underway and land sales continue to outperform expectations. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from 2021: 4Tracks Ltd., a local transportation company, broke ground on a $12.5 million dollar expansion in the heart of CentrePort Canada. Having experienced significant growth over the last five years, the company outgrew their space on Eagle Drive and is building a 27,000 square foot corporate headquarters and terminal. AVAAL Business Park was brought to market in May 2021. The park comprises three multi-tenant industrial buildings with space for lease totaling 165,000 square feet. BrookPort Business Park phases 1 and 2 have become home to at least a dozen new companies over the last year, including: Akal Truck & Trailer Centre, Benipal Brothers, Highway King Class 1 Training Centre, Longview Logistics, Natt Enterprises, Pluto Transport, RIG Logistics, Sailors Group, Sandhu Farms, SR Truck & Trailer Repair, TJ Truck & Trailer Wash and Ayr Motor Express. CentrePort Canada Rail Park, a 665-acre rail served industrial development, continues to gain momentum and generate significant market interest. It is anticipated this project will break ground in Spring 2022. Merit Functional Foods opened a 94,000 square foot pea and canola protein processing plant in Janu-

National Research Council’s $62 million research facility.

4Tracks Ltd. rendering of expanded facility.

ary of 2021. Merit is redefining plant protein and is the only commercial-scale facility capable of producing food-grade canola protein in the world. MMI Asset Management unveiled the first of three multi-tenant industrial buildings in Steele Business Park, a 17-acre industrial park with multi-tenant space for lease. The first tenant announced is Mercury Specialty Products, which is expanding its presence in Manitoba, occupying 18,000 square feet of space in Phase 1. Built by Concord Projects, these three buildings will bring 220,000 square feet of industrial space to the market in Rosser. National Research Council of Canada’s $62 million advanced manufacturing research facility is nearing completion and close to opening its doors. The facility will focus on research in additive manufacturing and sustainable packaging. Nutrien broke ground on a 100,000 square foot distribution centre in BrookPort Business Park. This facility is nearing completion and will be operational in by year end 2021. O Foods Ltd: Construction is underway on Paterson GlobalFoods’ $94 million oat processing facility, O Foods Ltd. The mill will process 125,000 metric tonnes of oats from Western Canadian farmers, with expansion plans to reach 250,000 metric tonnes. Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada has completed construction. Built by PCL, the 85,000 square foot museum came in $5 million under budget and was finished ahead of schedule. The museum is set to open in March of 2022. TFI International is expanding in CentrePort. Construction is underway on a 70,000 square foot warehouse and distribution facility adjacent to their current location on Oak Point Highway. Looking ahead to 2022, the inland port continues to draw interest from external markets, particularly as

a preferred location for value-added agribusiness production facilities, advanced manufacturing companies, and e-commerce, warehousing and distribution services. Awareness of Manitoba as a location for investment has increased as companies look to stabilize their supply chains, minimize disruptions to their business and source both customers and suppliers from within their local market. Other near-term opportunities exist with the further development of the T-MEC Corridor and through the recently announced acquisition of Kansas City Southern / Kansas City Southern Mexico by CP Rail with the combined entity named Canadian Pacific Kansas City (“CPKC”). The proposed T-MEC corridor would begin in Mexico at the new seaport at Mazatlán, on the Pacific coast, and connect to Monterrey, before crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, passing through Dallas, Tulsa, Chicago and ending in Winnipeg. The CPKC rail network, connecting Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, creates a 20,000 mile integrated rail corridor terminating in Winnipeg. This will allow companies to reduce their transportation costs, eliminate offloading and reloading of goods in transit, and better manage their supply chains. The CentrePort Canada Rail Park, set to begin construction in spring 2022, is perfectly located for companies that manage part of their supply chain by rail. Strategically located at the hub of multiple trading corridors, CentrePort Canada is ideally situated to support companies as they re-evaluate their supply chain and manufacturing activities. With existing transportation infrastructure in place, industrial land available and a special planning area in place to expedite approvals, CentrePort Canada is an ideal location for companies looking for North American locations. Diane Gray is the President & CEO of CentrePort Canada Inc.

Women in politics

ne of my favourite monu- gained the right to vote and hold office ments on the grounds of the in 1916, it wasn’t until 1920 that ManManitoba Legislature is the itoba elected its first ever female representative. Edith Rogers monument of the Famous served Manitoba as MLA Five. This special piece in a Winnipeg constituof art depicts Nellie Mcency. She held this role Clung, Louise McKinfor 12 years until 1932. ney, Irene Parlby, Emily This is an incredibly imMurphy, and Henrietta pressive career. What I Muir Edwards sitting and wouldn’t give to be a fly standing around a table on the wall in the Legisworking on a document. lature all those years ago! I love that depiction beToday, all debate and discause it’s a testament to cussions in the house and the collaborative efforts committee are recorded that led to most Manitoba women gaining the right Hon. Myrna Driedger in Hansard. This means that years from now, what to vote and hold office. Broadway we discussed and debated This monument speaks to Journal on behalf of Manitobans the efforts by many peowill be available to future ple, working tirelessly and persisting over many years to enfran- generations to learn from. Unfortuchise most Manitoba women. It must nately, this was not a practice during be noted that while most Manitoba Edith Rogers’ tenure at the legislature women became the first in Canada to so there’s no way for us to know exactgain the right to vote, that right did ly her words and the full extent of her political focus. Although we do know not extend to all Manitoba women. Most Manitoba women gained the that she was an advocate for returned right to vote in January of 1916 with solders, employment, and children. Thelma Forbes other provinces following suit. I’d like Thelma Forbes is Manitoba’s first feto point out some notable female firsts male Speaker. She served as an MLA in Manitoba and Canada. for the constituency of Cypress from Edith Rogers Although most Manitoba women 1959 to 1969. Over this time span, December 2021

she served as a Minister on a variety of portfolios at the cabinet table for two Premiers and was elected Speaker of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly by her peers. She is the third women to be elected to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and the first female Speaker. Kim Campbell Kim Campbell is the first female Prime Minister of Canada, and unfortunately, the only female Prime Minister we’ve had. She had a career in both provincial and federal politics serving first the British Columbia Legislature before the House of Commons. Heather Stefanson Recently, on November 2, 2021, Heather Stefanson became Manitoba’s first female premier! She has had a long and impressive career in politics having been first elected in 2000. She has held many roles around the cabinet table before becoming Premier. Each of the women mentioned above are trailblazers. They are strong, brilliant, capable politicians who are marking the path for those who will come after. And we know that many will come after. Girls and women need strong mentors and role models to look up to. You can’t be what you can’t see. When girls and women can see themselves represented in some of the highest political offices like the role

of Prime Minister or Premier, they can truly understand that this is a path just as much for them as it is for the boys and men around them. I often wonder what Nellie McClung would have thought about where women’s representation in political life stands today. There was a thought once most Manitoba women gained the right to vote and hold office that women would run for office in large numbers…. But as we know now, that hasn’t been the case. Many factors have impeded the effort toward gender parity in politics, one of which is the concept of the glass ceiling. We must remember that progress is being made and although not as quickly as I’m sure the famous five would have wanted, progress is being made all the same. With every female first (first female Speaker, first female Premier, first female Prime Minister), we are breaking the glass ceiling. I know that as my granddaughters grow up, they will see women reflected in so many dynamic, unique, and diverse leadership roles. Many more than even just the generation before them, and especially more than the generation before that. Hon. Myrna Driedger is MLA for Roblin and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Remembrance is for every day Continued from page 1

Bill Blaikie

Reminiscences of a political life

the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. He was a piper, and over forty years later he gave me the practice chanter he had with him in the trenches. The rest is history as they say. At the Dieppe cemetery I had the honour of playing the lament on the pipes. It was a special occasion for me in more than one sense. I had spent several years at Minto Armouries playing with the pipes and drums of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Winnipeg, a regiment that suffered many killed and captured at Dieppe. I personally knew some of the survivors. The Pipe Major of the band when I first played in it, Alex Graham, had been captured at Dieppe, after

playing his pipes on the bow of a landing craft as they went ashore. The last time was 2004, at the Beny-surMer Canadian War Cemetery near Juno Beach where the Canadians landed on DDay. It was the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. I was there with Prime Minister Paul Martin. It was a quick trip as there was a federal election going on. A highlight for me was meeting former Manitoba Premier Duff Roblin, a veteran who had been asked by then Premier Gary Doer to represent Manitoba at the ceremonies. I was also pleased to be able to find the grave of Roger Firman, young Royal Winnipeg Rifle from Transcona, who

had been executed by the Nazis after being captured. Ten years or so passed between my visits to Canadian War Cemeteries. Each time I was more aware than the last of what had been sacrificed and lost, not just years, but all that goes into the years. All that potential for love, life, family, education, work, citizenship, service, joy, and the ups and downs of life as we go through the decades, decades that were denied to so many. Decades of Christmases. Bill Blaikie was a Member of Parliament from 1979 to 2008, representing ElmwoodTranscona.

Berry Street has hosted politicians and sports heroes To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of St. James (starting just west of St. James Street to Sturgeon Road) breaking away from Assiniboia to form their own municipality, I am doing street profiles. This column features Berry Street.

Garden Contest with a score of 95 and a half. Many sport champions have resided on Berry Street. In 1933, Gordon McCallum was awarded the Louis Roberts Junior Cup by the Winnipeg Ski Club. Between 1960 and 1968, Carol Betker was the St. James Speed Skating n 1912, a firehall in the municipality of As- Club Champion. During this time, Carol won various siniboia was constructed on Berry Manitoba and Canadian Championships. Between 1966 and 1968, Carol set eight Street just north of Portage Avnew time records. In 1965, Carol won the enue. Until 1958, the building was also Carl Peterson Manitoba Junior Athlete of used as a police station. The chamber the Year Award. In 1967 Carol was a Pan of commerce office was in the buildAm Games ambassador leading the Nicaraing between 1930 and 1995. In 2013, gua team onto the Winnipeg Stadium field. the firehall relocated. The building is Carol played on the 1972 St. James Flyers now privately owned. Many businesses Ladies Flyers fastball championship team. along Berry Street are gone, but fond Hal Tanasichuk skipped 1976, 77, and memories remain. Some of them are 1986 Manitoba Mixed Curling Champithe Kings Theatre which showed its onship teams. The 1977 team won the nalast movie in 1996, the Do Nut House, tional championship. a Reny’s Bakery, Shackell’s Grocery Rose Tanasichuk was the Third of 1976 and Confectionery, and a Royal Bank Fred Morris and ‘77 curling teams. In 2018, the 1977 branch at 801 Berry Street. Britannia From the desk team was inducted into the Manitoba CurlSchool and the Bord-Aire Communiof a gadfly ing Hall of Fame. Also, Hal skipped the ty Club will be part of the Hampton Street story. 1989 Manitoba Senior Men’s Championship. In 2006, Happy Hal was inducted as an individual Some of The People who lived part of curler into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame. their lives on Berry Street Robert Cecil Paris, a Berry Street resident, was the In the 1911 Henderson Directory, residents of Berry Street are listed for the first time. These residents were Principal of Britannia School between 1930 and 1951. John Smith, George Smith, Frank Deno, and Charles In 1944/45, Robert was the president of the Manitoba Teachers Federation. Card. During Manitoba’s 1970 Centennial Year, Miss ManiIn 1917, Hector McIntosh, age 12, won two prizes in the Winnipeg Tribune Junior Movie Contest. In 1928, toba Carol Black was a great Manitoba ambassador as she Edna Ball, age 10, won first prize in the Waugh Shield travelled around Manitoba. Carol later hosted Kinsman

TV Bingo and worked as the marketing coordinator of the Winnipeg Convention Center. During my 2010 City Council Campaign, I joined many Berry Street residents, including Glen Babcock, Cheryl Aiken, Patricia Knight and Colin Knight in expressing concerns about the Bike Street Bike Path. The story received coverage on the Great Canadian Talk Show and the national news. Mayor Sam Katz made a campaign visit to Berry Street. Many politicians have lived part of their life on Berry Street. In 1943 while living on Berry Street, Tom Findlay, the mid-western sales manager for Jenkins Brothers, embarked on a 26-year political career. He served as a school trustee, the Mayor of St. James (1954 to 1961) and finally as a Metro councillor. Tom was the School Board Chair when the Portage Avenue St. James Collegiate opened. Aidan Conklin was long time St. James School trustee and the reeve of Victoria Beach (1971 to 1975). The school board office building at 2574 Portage Avenue is named in his memory. Jaryl Johner operated Johner Rec Room builders. Jaryl moved to Headingley and served as Headingley’s first Reeve between 1992 and 1995. Current MLAs Scott Johnston and Cindy Lamoureux, and current MP Kevin Lamoureux, have lived on Berry Street. Your feedback is welcome. Fred Morris describes himself as a political activist and sometime political candidate. ••• I have accepted a speaking engagement at Lions Place on Feb 10, 2022, to talk about my series on St. James Streets. The plan is to let the audience pick five streets that they want to talk about.

Eric Hoffer, America's foremost philosopher

How a man who had never been to school became America’s greatest thinkers “As children we are taught not to waste time, but we are raised to waste our lives.”

both aristocracy and church, had their lands and possessions confiscated, and they were banished from France if they his was an observation made by managed to escape the guillotine. When Eric Hoffer, who was often referred this happened, the uneducated peasants, who, for generations, had to as America’s forebeen held in servitude, bemost philosopher. Despite came like lost sheep wanhaving attended school for dering aimlessly throughnot even one day of his life, out a desert, looking for and being legally blind from direction. The exiled opage seven to 15, Eric Hofpressors, who had helped fer became the Senior Refinance some of Napoleon search Political Scientist at Bonaparte’s military camthe University of California, paigns, were eventually Berkeley, where he lectured. allowed back into France, He was also appointed as a where the peasants welspecial advisor to President comed back their former Lyndon B. Johnson. This all Wayne Weedon oppressors with open arms. seems incredible, but it is a Food for Somehow, these opprestrue story. sors, disguised in cloaks Hoffer could read both Thought of piety and philanthropy, English and German when managed to get the irrahe lost the ability to see. When his eyesight returned, he realised tional peasants to declare that their quest that a person who does not read is no bet- for an autonomous, self-sufficient, exister off than a person who cannot read. He tence, had been a wish for a barren and was an insatiable reader who read every meaningless life, and their rebellion was type of non-fiction he could get his hands a depraved and evil act. The peasants acon. For more than twenty years, he was cepted the belief that Man, on his own, is a homeless vagabond who spent as much a helpless, miserable, and sinful creature, who needs guidance. time as he could in libraries. Hoffer found it easy to make accurate Hoffer read the essays of Michel de Montaigne at least three times. Mon- predictions about the future. He could taigne’s writings greatly influenced the see how history repeats itself and events French Revolution, when the oppressors, happen in patterns. Hoffer had read H.G.

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Wells’ The Outline of Hisstrations and up risings. tory, several times, as well as Hoffer noted, in order many other history books, to have freedom, a person and books on philosophy, in must think for themselves order to find out how we got rather than just going to where we are, and why we with the flow. A person hold onto opinions, even if who thinks is never bored, they are proven to be false. their heads are full of plans and ideas, while a person Most people, Hoffer rewho is just a follower, is alised, do not have one origiconstantly bored, waiting nal thought in their heads for for someone else to come their entire lives. People who up with ideas. Thinkers develop the ability to think, Poster created in Chito rationalise, to solve their cago to promote library plan their lives, while followers waste their lives. problems with ideas, are nev- use as part of the Work Hoffer eventually wrote er bored; they have the inter- Projects Administraseveral books, lectured est and curiosity to learn, and tion Poster Collection. at university, and was inkeep learning. Most people Image courtesy of terviewed frequently on living in homeless camps nev- the U.S. Library of radio and television. His er wonder why they are there, Congress. name became a household and they never try to come up word. Today, how many with ideas on how to get out of there. They never think, and they ac- people have heard of this man and how many today have read any of his books, cept their predicament as inevitable. After the attack on Pearl Harbour, which are still in print? Because his books Hoffer, being physically unfit to enlist are non-fiction, they sell to just a small and with the war bringing new prosper- group who prefer fact to fiction. Could ity, easily found a steady job. He moved peoples’ attitudes and lives change if they into comfortable, clean lodgings, with a read the types of books Hoffer wrote? warm bed. This is when he began writ- Would they be less bored? That is food ing about his experiences, philosophies, for thought. and ideas, and, in 1951, he published his Wayne Weedon is an Indigenous Manifirst book, which detailed how and why toba writer of novels and short stories. His mass movements such as revolutions oc- novel Free To Think, is available for downcur, and why people freely join demon- loading at Archive.org. December 2021

Taking a stand for the birds M

any of you have probably experienced a bird cities across Canada are already taking steps to reduce striking your window at some the risks by adopting the national Bird point in your lives. Downtown, Friendly Building Design Standard esbirds face a much bigger threat as durtablished by the Canadian Standards Asing the day they are unable to discern sociation (CSA Group). that clear or reflective glass is solid and The Guideline provides a collection at night they effectively become trapped of urban design- based strategies for the by walls of light. This risk also becomes creation of bird-friendly developments, much higher during bird migration peribuildings, and structures. It also offers ods. Mirrored glass is particularly dangersuggestions for bird-friendly building ous for birds and illuminated buildings operations which align with accepted at night can also unintentionally attract sustainable design objectives. night-migrating birds. This Standard covers bird-friendly Canada is home to over 600 species of building design in both new construction Councillor birds and these populations are considand existing buildings and is intended to Kevin Klein ered to be increasingly threatened. Apreduce bird collisions with buildings. It proximately 25 million birds are killed Inside City Hall recommends that mitigation strategies be implemented to a height of 16 m or in Canada every year due to collisions to the height of the adjacent mature tree with glass. Building design plays a key role in many, if not most of these deaths. Many major canopy (whichever is greater).

Some of these strategies include adding visual markers to glazing materials, providing ‘visual noise’ for birds such as mesh screens and shades, turning off lights in municipal buildings during peak migration periods and encouraging other building owners to do the same. I am pleased to let you know that my colleagues at City Hall agree that this bird friendly standard is necessary, and the Bird-Friendly Standard motion was passed at our last council meeting. The Public Service has recommended that the City of Winnipeg immediately implement this standard, and will begin the process of making Winnipeg more bird-friendly, and residents will have increased access to information to help protect bird populations. Going forward, the Public Service will integrate the discussion of further bird-friendly standards into our upcoming zoning by-law update consultations. Kevin Klein is the city councillor for Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood.

Aging in place: A reality or a pipe dream?

ging in place means having the health and social vincial and federal level, policy and program decisions supports and services you need to live safely and about shifting the focus away from institutional care to independently in your home or your community community care are critically important. Infrastructure for as long as you wish and are able. It has become a funding must factor in short and long-term accessibilpopular topic of discussion as the baby boomers face ity for community members who experience a variety of mobility and accessibility needs. Focusing their retirement years. The question is on these criteria will benefit all community how serious is our current society about members, not just seniors. achieving this option for an aging popThe planning departments of local cities ulation? and towns must accept their role in supportSupporting our seniors to age in ing our seniors. The various policies and place is an excellent way to encourage programs they create for use of space and health and wellness as they age. The road networks in our communities must ability to remain in the community also factor in the impact of these changes eases the burden on the health care syson the members of the community. After tem including long term care facilities. raising a family in the home, you have built It can also ensure that seniors remain and dutifully paid taxes for, one would exactive and engaged in their community pect that changes made in the community which has multiple benefits for both the Nancy Cooke could and should have some level of consulcommunity and the senior. tation. Unfortunately, there are cases where Aging in place involves the commitFrom the the consultation appears to involve minimal ment of all members of society and variCentre true community engagement and, in some ous levels of government. The individcases, no engagement at all. ual plays a significant role in successful My family has experienced a recent example of when outcomes from having input into the policies developed by government to taking an active approach to planning decisions are made with no apparent consideration on how their aging in place plan can work for them. This the impact to community members. There has been a means having a long hard look at where they would like significant road renewal project underway on the street to spend their retirement and the subsequent years fol- my parents have lived for over 45 years. This project lowing that. This will involve conversations with part- will result in improvements for the area; however, the ners and family members about the types of activities planners did not consider the placement of a fire hythey wish to be engaged in. Do they involve remaining drant and subsequent removal of a street light and its independent in their home? Will they continue to drive? impact on seniors in the area. The placement of a fire hydrant should be an imCan they identify how they want to spend their time and how to access these activities as their level of mobil- provement to an area that everyone is pleased about. Unfortunately, in this case, they chose to place it directly ity or independence changes over time? At the local level, it involves the municipal govern- in front of the only house on the street with extremement, which is responsible for keeping the communities ly limited frontage. It happens to also be my parent’s clean, safe and accessible for all members. At the pro- house. The city did so without notifying them that is

was being installed nor where it was going to be placed. The hydrant now blocks all access to the front street for my mobility challenged parents. The fire hydrant is on a curve in the street between two driveways on either side of my parent’s home. The neighbors have the option of parking in the driveway. My parents or anyone else who will live there in the future, will not have the option of parking in front of their home. This lack of accessibility is a significant barrier for my mother who has limited mobility and requires a walker to navigate her way to the front door. As good, reliable community members and taxpayers, they reached out to their local city councillor. They did not receive a response. They then contacted the city planning department and were informed that their opinion was irrelevant as the city had decided the hydrant was going to be placed there and they would have to live with it. To add insult to injury, the planner indicated that moving it to the property line would involve removal of a tree and that was not acceptable to the city. The message to my parents is that a tree is more important than my parent’s ability to remain independent and successfully age in place. The removal of a streetlight is another example of thoughtless planning about how this lack of lighting would impact a senior’s ability to navigate the community, especially in a climate where the hours of sunlight reduce drastically for many months. The lack of adequate lighting is also a public safety issue for others on the street. If this is how our cities choose to treat our seniors and others who require accommodations to be mobile and remain independent in their community while they age in place, then the goal of aging in place seems like more of a pipe dream. You can reach Nancy Cooke to comment on this article at nancycooke11@gmail.com.

Are you as safe as you ought to be?

- Upgrade to a smart lock. t is sad to say that these days we can’t - Increase your security with a video leave our homes open and inviting. doorbell. Doors locked, cameras on, sensors • Outdoor lighting is operating through the always a good way to keep night. Just how safe is wannabe intruders at bay. your home? These sorts of folks reIn any city, there are ally like to blend into the places to avoid, however, darkness. Place lights strastaying in the safer part of tegically around the pethe city doesn’t guarantee rimeter of your home, the you won’t be burgled. It is front yard, side, and back best to take some precauyards. The garage needs tionary measures even if it lights also. Try these efis just for piece of mind. fective ways that can help Here are some useful you: tips to help you sleep bet- Use a smart outlet and ter at night: Brent Poole place lights on a timer. • Check your exteHome - Solar powered lights rior doors. Make sure the Improvements help save money. frame is strong, the hinges - Motion activated lights are in good working orare a real deterrent. der. Note if you have a mail slot check • Windows can be a common entry to see if you can reach inside through the door and unlock it from the outside. Re- point for all wannabe burglars. Some may member, when moving into a new home be closed but not locked. Some windows always change the locks, a new and im- locks are really not that good, best to proved lock is safest. check all and take safety measures where - Add a deadbolt. necessary. Burglars always check sliding December 2021

doors, always check that they are locked. The old-fashioned dowel in the track is a good way to stop a would-be intruder. - Install door and window sensors or glass break sensors these will alert you that someone may be trying to enter. - Enhance you outside with thorny bushes. - Add window bars. • Never forget the garage. An easy entry point to the home which is fast becoming popular with would be burglars. It doesn’t matter if the garage is not connected to your home, your garage is loaded with all sorts of goodies. Start a habit of locking all entry points either inside or outsider. Give thought to keeping your garage door opener inside the home, this way a burglar cannot steal it for use later. If you have a security code never share or open in front of another person. - Cover windows to your garage, hiding what is inside. - Replace easy open door handles with added locks - Upgrade to a smart door opener - Install a driveway alarm.

• Install security cameras. This is one home security system that truly works as both a means of justice and a deterrent. Its easy to purchase cameras that work on their own, better still one that comes as a complete home security package. Whatever you determine it is recommended that you install a system that comes with an app. This way you can catch footage in real-time, it will also help the police in the long run. What to look for when purchasing a camera system: - Two-way talk. - Wi-Fi capability. - Night vision. - Weatherproof casing, especially for Manitoba weather conditions. - Motion detection. You don’t have to do these all at once, take it in stages. To start, make a plan and add to it later. Being aware is the first step to home safety. Brent Poole is the owner operator of Handy Hands Construction, which he has run with his father Jim since 1997. A carpenter by trade, Brent enjoys all types of projects. “We’re not happy until you are happy!” whatsupwinnipeg.ca

All the hype about turkey, doesn’t mean you should ever forget pork!

am sure you have eaten beef Wellington, even salmon en croute, but have you ever tried pork Wellington? If not, you are surely in for a treat! Being an ardent admirer of pie, my philosophy will never waiver, if it has pastry, it must be good. I stand steadfast behind this statement. This dish is a real winner. Always searching for an authentic umami experience, this dish truly hits the spot. The combination of pastry and filling is a flavourful delight. Prosciutto, mustard, apples, Ian Leatt mushrooms and pork tenFoodies derloin make this a winner every time.

Here’s what you will need: 1 pork tenderloin 150 grams prosciutto (finely sliced) Salt and pepper (to taste) 2 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon dried sage ½ teaspoon dried thyme 4 tablespoon apple sauce 250 grams chopped button mushrooms (finely chopped) 1 sheet puff pastry 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tablespoon butter (unsalted) 4 green onions finely chopped 1 medium egg The all important how to: Place a large frying pan on the stove and melt the butter and olive oil on a medium to high heat. Add the mushrooms and onions and cook until all the liquid has

Try pork in place of beef for a delicious change of pace in a pastry. been cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside. Season the pork with the salt and pepper, rubbing the herbs into the flesh. Place the pan back on the stove on a medium heat, then add the pork. Sear all sides of the pork in the goodness left behind from the mushroom mixture. Roll out the puff pastry, roughly two inches larger than the piece of pork. Spread the mustard on the pastry followed by the applesauce, ensuring a full even spread. Lay the prosciutto out over the pastry then spoon the mushroom mixture over the flattened surface. Finally, place the pork on one side of the pastry. Brush some egg wash over the opposite edge and along both sides, then

STAY

roll the pastry over, starting from the pork side to the egg wash side. Fold the sides under and seal. Place on a baking tray on greaseproof paper. Brush with egg wash. Using a sharp knife or scissors snip the top of the pastry allowing for the steam to escape while cooking. Place in a preheated oven on 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the meat has an inside temperature of 145°. Remove from the stove and leave to stand for 5 minutes. Serve with your choice of sauce or gravy, and with fresh vegetables of the season. Happy holidays! Ian Leatt is general manager of Pegasus Publications and a trained chef.

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December 2021

You can help a lonely senior this Christmas

lder people play an important role in our community. Ensuring older adults are socially connected has always been important and now it is more important than ever before! Due to the ongoing pandemic and entering 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 again this year to deliver the Be A Santa to A Senior Program (BASTAS). In an effort to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, older adult recipients and donors, the program has been modified to look and operate differently this year. Last year the program delivered over 7, 000 gifts to older adults in the community. Of the 7, 000 gifts, A & O delivered over 2,700 gifts to older adults living independently in their own homes. This year due to the pandemic and increased feelings of social isolation and need, the Be A Santa To A Senior program is critical for many isolated and/or in need older adults living in Winnipeg. We need your help to let older Winnipeggers know that there are people who care.

There is still time for you to help, here’s how: 1. Donate as a group - your groups monetary donation will enable A & O to purchase the gift baskets needed for other older adults in the community • Monetary donations are the safest way to ensure an older adult gets a gift. This allows A & O to safely purchase a gift on your behalf and deliver the gift to the older adult in the community. • If you are interested in providing a monetary donation, please visit www. aosupportservices.ca, or call (204) 956-6440. Please note this donation is to be directed to the Be a Santa program. 2. A & O can provide a group of gift requests for your workplace, community, or family to purchase directly for older people living in the community For more information, please contact (204) 956-6440, 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.

Calling all Boomers – let the adventure begin! Dawn Bourbonnais

or as long as we can remember, the ever-generous seniors have been the driving force behind so much goodwill in our communities. We’ve all heard of professional volunteers, those who dedicate an enormous amount of time and energy to their communities, and most of us have benefitted from their service (in one way or another, indirectly or directly). But society is changing…and with it, so are the ways in which people volunteer their time. The Boomer generation – Canadians born between 1947 and 1966 – face a host of other time pressures that the generation before them didn’t and this has had an impact on the volunteer sector. For example, the high-cost of childcare means that grandparents often fill the role of caregiver while the parents go to work. Families with interests over-

December 2021

seas, or in another country, may mean more travel outside of Canada and let’s face it, after a long life of working hard, some retirees may just be looking forward to their leisure time. To accommodate this new generation of volunteers, non-profits and charities are rethinking how they structure volunteer jobs within their organization and have begun taking these pressures into consideration when recruiting new volunteers. With 80 per cent of Canada’s non-profits and charities relying almost completely on volunteer hours to stay open, it’s become important to develop volunteer programs that cater to the needs of the boomer generation. Some good news: this next generation of volunteers will include more people than ever before who have enjoyed long, successful and challenging careers. As the demands that work and family have placed on them change, seniors have the potential to become a social resource by actively participating

in the growth and development of their communities. One of the trends emerging in the volunteer sector is to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge available to organizations by offering shorter-term, more substantial roles to volunteers (similar to consulting work). It sounds like a radical departure, but these new roles are best suited to the skills and experiences of the Boomer generation. This is especially important to stress to someone who is nervously stepping away from the workforce for the first time. Leaving work can also mean the loss of a social network for many and volunteering is a great way to address that. Volunteering can provide a way to keep the mind active and lives full of purpose. What do seniors have to give? They bring to the table a wealth of life and career experience, both of which are extremely valuable to organizations. Seniors can make a big impact within a charity or non-profit by sharing their

wisdom and perspective. As a result, many Canadians have discovered the fulfillment and satisfaction of volunteering after 60 years of age. Volunteer Manitoba is proud to promote and encourage volunteerism to all Manitobans. We provide information, training and resources for volunteers, non-profit organizations and charities. Our vital contributions to the community include connecting people with volunteer opportunities, promoting volunteerism, and providing leadership and counsel in the voluntary sector. We are committed to supporting individuals and groups as they develop and enhance their capacity to meet community needs in the province. For more information about Volunteer Manitoba, and to access the database of online volunteer opportunities, please visit www.wolunteermanitoba.ca Dawn Bourbonnais is the Manager of Communications & Outreach for Volunteer Manitoba.

whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Directory

Northern AREA

Flin Flon Seniors 2 North Avenue, Flin Flon (204) 687-7301 Jubilee Recreation of Cranberry Portage Legion Hall, 217 2nd Ave. SE, Cranberry Portage (204) 472-3031 Snow Lake Seniors 71 Balsam St., Snow Lake (204) 358-2151 The Pas Golden Agers 324 Ross Ave., The Pas (204) 623-3663 Interlake AREA Gimli New Horizons 55+ Activity Centre 17 North Colonization Rd., Gimli (204) 642-7909 www.gimlinewhorizons.com Gordon Howard Centre 384 Eveline St., Selkirk (204) 785-2092 www.gordonhoward.ca

(204) 638-6485 www.dauphinseniors.com Grandview Seniors Drop In 432 Main St., Grandview (204) 546-2272 Herman Prior Senior Services Centre 40 Royal Rd. N., Portage la Prairie (204) 857-6951 www.hermanpriorcentre.com Minnedosa Senior Citizens Assoc. 31 Main St. S., Minnedosa (204) 867-1956 Morden Activity Centre 306 N. Railway St., Morden (204) 822-3555 www.mordenseniors.ca Neepawa Drop In Centre 310 Davidson St., Neepawa (204) 476-5103 www.neepawa.ca/district-drop-in-center Pilot Mound Fellowship Club 203 Broadway, Pilot Mound (204) 825-2436

Grand Marais & District Seniors 36058 PTH 12, Grand Marais (204) 770-6124

Plumas Senior Citizens Club Inc. 102 White St., Plumas (204) 386-2029

Riverton Seniors Activity Centre 12 Main St., Riverton (204) 378-2800

Portage Service for Seniors 40A Royal Road N., Portage la Prairie (204) 239-6312

South Interlake 55 Plus 374 1st St. W., Stonewall (204) 467-2582 www.si55plus.org

Sandy Lake Drop In Centre 100 Main St., Sandy Lake (204) 585-2411

Eastman AREA Beau-head Senior Centre 645 Park Ave., Beausejour (204) 268-2444 East Beaches Social Scene 3 Ateah Rd., Victoria Beach (204) 756-6468 www.ebseniorscene.ca East Beaches Resource Centre 3 Ateah Road, Victoria Beach (204) 756-6471 www.ebseniorscene.ca Pat Porter Active Living Centre 10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach (204) 320-4600 www.patporteralc.com Central AREA Carman Active Living Centre 47 Ed Belfour Drive, Carman (204) 745-2356 www.activelivingcentrecarman.ca Crystal City & District Friendship Club Inc. 117 Broadway St., Crystal City (204) 873-2091 Dauphin Multi-Purpose Senior Centre 55 1st Ave. SE, Dauphin

The Comfort Drop In Spot 31 Main St., Erickson (204) 636-7895 Treherne Friendship Centre 190 Broadway St., Treherne (204) 723-2559 Winkler & District Multipurpose Senior Centre 102 - 650 South Railway Ave., Winkler (204) 325-8964 www.winklerseniorcentre.com Brandon AREA Age Friendly Committee of Council Brandon 638 Princess Ave., Brandon (204) 729-2259 Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op 311 Park Ave., East, Brandon (204) 571-2052 www.brandons4s.ca Killarney Service for Seniors 203 South Railway, Killarney (204) 523-7115 Prairie Oasis Centre 241 8th St., Brandon (204) 727-6641 www.prairieoasis.ca

Winnipeg AREA 20 Fort Street Seniors Club 2200 - 20 Fort St., Winnipeg (204) 233-6079 A & O Support Services for Older Adults Inc. 200 - 280 Smith St., Winnipeg (204) 956-6440 www.aosupportservices.ca Aboriginal Senior Resource Centre - Winnipeg 527 Selkirk Ave., Winnipeg (204) 586-4595 www.asrcwpg.org 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

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre 720 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg (204) 669-1710 www.gnalc.ca Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre 1588 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 339-1701 www.gwensecter.com Headingley Seniors’ Services 5353 Portage Ave., Winnipeg (204) 889-3132 Ext. 3 www.headingleyseniorservices.ca Manitoba Korean 55+ Centre 900-150 River Ave., Winnipeg (204) 996-7003 www.ksam.ca Pembina Active Living 55+ 50 Barnes Ave., Winnipeg (204) 946-0839 www.pal55plus.com

Bleak House Centre 1637 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 338-4723 www.bleakhousecentre.com

Rady Jewish Community Centre 123 Doncaster St., Winnipeg (204) 477-7510 www.radyjcc.com

Broadway Seniors Resource Centre 823 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg (204) 772-3533 www.bsrc.ca

Rainbow Resource Centre 170 Scott St., Winnipeg (204) 474-0212, Ext. 211 www.rainbowresourcecentre.org

Brooklands Active Living Centre 1960 William Ave. W., Winnipeg (204) 632-8367

South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council 117-1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg 204-478-6169 www.swsrc.ca resources@swsrc.ca

Centro Caboto Centre 1055 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg (204) 487-4597 www.cabotocentre.com Charleswood Senior Centre 5006 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg (204) 897-5263 www.charleswoodseniorcentre.org Creative Retirement MB 448 Burnell St., Winnipeg (204) 949-2569 www.creativeretirementmanitoba.ca Crescent Fort Rouge United Church 55+ 525 Wardlaw Ave., Winnipeg (204) 489-1925 Dakota Comm. Centre - Dakota 55+ Lazers 1188 Dakota St., Winnipeg (204) 254-1010 E206 www.dakotacc.com Dufferin Senior Citizens Inc. 377 Dufferin Avenue, Winnipeg (204) 986-2608 Elmwood East Kildonan Active Living Centre 180 Poplar Ave., Winnipeg (204) 669-0750 www.eekactiv.com Fort Garry Seniors Resource Working Advisory Group 2nd Floor - 280 Smith Street, Winnipeg 204-792-1913 www.aosupportservices.ca/resources/seniorsresource-finders/

Southdale Seniors 254 Lakewood Blvd., Winnipeg (204) 253-4599 www.southdale.ca St. James-Assiniboia 55+ Centre 3 - 203 Duffield St., Winnipeg (204) 987-8850 www.stjamescentre.com St. Mary’s Rd. Seniors 613 St. Mary’s Rd., Winnipeg (204) 257-0678 www.stmarysroad.ca Transcona Council for Seniors 845 Regent Ave., Winnipeg (204) 222-9879 www.transconaseniors.ca Transcona Retired Citizens Org. 328 Whittier Ave. West, Winnipeg (204) 777-5576 Vital Seniors 3 St. Vital Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-0555 www.stmarymagdelenewpg.org Winakwa Active Seniors Club 980 Winakwa Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-4418 www.winakwacc.ca Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association (204) 291-9028 www.winnipegchineseseniors.ca

Best Wishes for the New Year

JOHN

ORLIKOW CITY COUNCILLOR

RIVER HEIGHTS/FORT GARRY WARD

orlikow.ca | 204.986.5236 10

whatsupwinnipeg.ca

December 2021

Life doesn’t always go as planned

he snow arrived in November with a ven- the mirror and see the evolving physical person and geance! Was I ready for it? Were you? My live with the things in the present that get in the way truck had been winterized and was adorned of the dreams unfolding as planned. We then must with winter tires. My house had a new coat of paint re-envision the immediate future with sometimes an on the outside and some new brick added to up- altered vision. What are the inevitable happenings grade the appearance. Short supply of a couple of in our lives that everyone must take into account? windows and a door as part of the plan How does someone anticipate these meant I would have to wait for a good things into their future? day during the winter for them to be More people in this generation of installed. I had a plan in place in the older adults are living longer than the spring and it was unfolding, albeit not older adults of the past. It would be as quickly as I had intended. As you can prudent to know what some of these hear, the plan is not complete and certhings are as we age se we can realistitainly not on time. With the onslaught cally plan for the future. First and foreof the snow, I found myself trapped in most, our physical bodies are always my house with a large snow drift in developing into the next stage of life front of my door, and, the following and that means things like our immune late afternoon, after being rescued by a system are declining, our muscles are grandson who shoveled me out, when gradually losing their strength, our Peggy Prendergast I went to start my truck for a trip to the eyesight and hearing are slowly dimgrocery store, all the doors were frozen Exploring Lifestyle ming and so on. shut. Evolving lifestyles are those lifestyles 55 Possibilities What I described is a plan for the futhat have taken a realistic approach to ture, and what happened as it unfolded. what our futures will look like. A perPlans are one thing, how life evolves is another. The ceived lifestyle must take into account what we will intervention of nature and how the unexpected of be living like and for in reality. Most of us marry the present may interfere with the plan is what I de- along the way but realistically a lot of people end scribed along with a great deal of inner frustration. up living life alone. Do we plan for this lifestyle in This was a renovation project where unforeseen a realistic sense? Nowadays more people than in the glitches have affected future plans. As it unfolded, past have careers. What in our education system is I have become very aware of how the whole of life unfolds. We all have dreams about how we see ourselves living into the future but are we really seeing our evolving selves? Somehow, we have to look in

available to everyone to plan for some kind of realistic future? How do we as older adults mentor out younger population? Do we as older adults live in the present enough? It is good to hold dear the memories of the past that assist us in our vision of the future, but are we open to what the sciences of health are telling us on how to live a healthier life, a more fulfilling life as an older adult and a life that is leaving a legacy to those we leave behind? After my outburst of frustration, and eventually a good laugh, I had the opportunity to reflect on the whole situation. I sometimes think that we have a God just to blame for situations like this as that was my first reaction. On a positive note, however, I also know I have a family and friends that will help me in an emergency. They are always available when I am in dire need but respect my independence. Where does all that knowledge come from? I think being born during the depression years and living with immigrant parents that were always grateful, even though struggling, with the fact they were better off in this country than they would be if they had remained “back home” helped build resilience. They had each other, courage, and the determination to believe in their goals for themselves and their children. They were fiercely independent, resourceful and always learning. That is my vision of my future and my wish for you this festive season – a realistic Happy New Year and a warm and memorable holiday season!

Buy a bundle for Christmas!

Sri Lankan Seniors healthy living indoors and out

Read! Relax! Enjoy!

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A subscription to Canada’s Local Gardener and 10 Neat Things 2 196 pages of fun facts about things that grow, live and fly in the garden.

Senaka Samarasinghe

uring the summer season, Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba (SLSM) reintroduced in-person outdoor healthy living practice sessions which started in April 2021 at Assiniboine Park near the Duck Pond. A one-hour walking session was conducted from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Members were grouped in several clusters by the team leader according to their ability to walk. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and bad weather, we postponed few days. However, we conducted weekly from April 6 to Sept. 28, 2021. As the weather has become colder, we have booked Whyte Ridge Community Center two Fridays a month from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Oct. 15, 2021 to May 27, 2022. During this eight-month period with 16 sessions we have planned one-hour healthy living practice sessions to include yoga and fitness. As we scheduled to meet in person and to conduct indoor events the committee plans to adhere to provincial protocols of public health guidelines. As Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba plan to hold a Christmas Ceremony on Dec. 18, 2021, we (SLSM) started carol song practices on Oct. 29, just after yoga session. Two Sinhala Carol songs were selected. SLSM shipped Yatra Sinhala and English monthly newspaper from Toronto to distribute among our community. Gills Supermarket is continuously shipping Yatra newspaper free-of-charge for the last few years. December 2021

To order: go online to www.localgardener.net/gift-bundle, call (204) 940-2700, or fill out and mail in this form to: Pegasus Publications, 138 Swan Lake Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4T8 If you love to garden, you should subscrIbe! 3 great optIons to choose from: 1 year subscription (4 issues) plus 10 Neat Things 2

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Nutcracker takes centre stage

An RWB student. Photo by Réjean Brandt.

utcracker, the world's most popular ballet, began with Nussknacker and Mausekonig (Nutcracker and the King of Mice), a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, and its subsequent, rather gentler French translation by Alexandre Dumas. It's a night close to Christmas in a comfortable German home in the 18th century. Young Clara receives the gift of a nutcracker from her eccentric grandfather, Drosselmeier. Late that night she creeps downstairs to play with the gift and arrives just in time to find a band of mice engaged in stealing the family's holiday gingerbread. A battle ensues with the nutcracker summoning a regiment of toy soldiers against the Mouse King's minions. The soldiers' triumph and the nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince who leads Clara to a land of sweets. The Dumas version came to the attention of Ivan Alexandorvitch Vsevolojsky, Director of Russia's Imperial Theatres. Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographer Marius Petipa had recently enjoyed great success with the ballet, The Sleeping Beauty, for Imperial use. Neither artist was initially overjoyed with the new assignment, but the impresario persisted, and work began in 1882. Petipa fell ill, however, and the choreography for the ballet (known as Casse-Noisette) was reassigned to Lev Ivanov. The first production, at the Maryinsky Theatre, was savaged by critics. The public response was only moderately warmer. After two seasons and only a relatively small number of performances it was dropped from the company’s repertoire. Its survival owes much to Nicolai Sergeyev, a former regisseur at the theatre, who made careful records of the choreography, which he took with him when he left Russia.

Company Artists Elizabeth Lamont and Katie Bonnell. Photo by David Cooper.

The RWB Company. Photo by Réjean Brandt.

Anna Pavlova's company introduced a version of the ballet (entitled Snowflakes) to the United States in 1915. An abbreviated Russian version from Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo reached New York in 1920, and four years later the San Francisco Ballet presented the first American production (only act two was presented). The first full-length production performed in North America premiered in 1944 by the San Francisco Ballet, choreographed by Willam Christensen. The Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet production that toured America in 1951 and 1952 with Sir Frederick Ashton's two-act edition was seminal to Nutcracker's success on this side of the Atlantic. In 1954, George Balanchine unveiled his version with the New York City Ballet and a Christmas tradition was born. With the proliferation of productions came variations. In John Neumeier's production, the RWB's first Nutcracker, the story becomes the passage of a 12-year-old girl on her birthday (known here as Maria) into the world of ballet, and, metaphorically, young womanhood. Christmas wrappings are replaced with the joy and beauty of dance, and the mouse content is non-existent. Other productions have probed even deeper. The RWB's current production, choreographed by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon in 1999, draws from both worlds. The setting is in Canada, the time is the night before Christmas, 1913, and there is a 12-year-old girl named Clara. Yet Clara dreams of being a ballerina, and when her nutcracker prince leads her to the magical forest, she becomes the tall and graceful dancer of her dreams. December 2021 marks 22 years since the RWB has performed the Yordanova/Menon version (performed every year on stage

other than in 2006 when the show took a hiatus for Peter Pan and in 2020 when the RWB presented The Nutcracker Suite during the pandemic – a digital version of the ballet). There have been slight changes to the production over the years. The most significant change happens at the beginning of act two as Clara and the Prince travel to his kingdom. Originally, the couple faced one last battle before they entered the kingdom as they encounter flying bats at the castle gate; Clara and the Prince now encounter a group of adorable angels at the threshold of their journey. The angel roles are danced by young children from the RWB School instead of by adults as the bats were. “We wanted to involve more children from the Recreational Division to take part in our production,” explains Artistic Director and CEO André Lewis about the decision to re-choreograph the section. “We also decided to go with angels as we felt that it was more suitable for the Christmas theme.” We hope you and your family will join us to celebrate Christmas Eve and the festive season with Clara. Featuring one of the most iconic ballet scores in history and timeless choreography, our holiday favourite Nutcracker is back on stage and will take your breath away. Watch toys coming to life, the Sugar Plum Fairy spreading her magic, and the villainous Mouse King trying to steal Clara's nutcracker, lovingly portrayed by 40 professional dancers, and 30 students. Nutcracker takes centre stage from December 18-28, 2021 at the Centennial Concert Hall. Get your preferred seats online now at rwb.org before we are “sold out” or call 204.956.0183 to buy tickets. Kids 12 and under pay only $25. Don’t miss out!

Royal mtc’s National Mentorship Program

he past 18 months have been some of the most difficult in the history of MTC and yet important transformations have emerged allowing them to continue to serve our robust community. During this time, MTC has diversified and deepened its local impact through new initiatives like the National Mentorship Program. In the performing arts, as in many industries, networking has a profound impact in propelling an artist’s career. Last fall MTC launched a virtual mentorship program that connects the brightest emerging talent with the most innovative and exciting senior theatre practitioners across the country. Too often, we see our local talent base seek opportunities for both training and employment in other parts of the country, often resulting in a permanent move out of Manitoba. For IBPOC artists, this exodus is even more prevalent. The National Mentorship Program aims to help Manitoban theatre practitioners overcome 12

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Ksenia Broda-Milian. the barriers of geographical isolation and build a web of connections and opportunities, simply by sitting down to have a conversation on a bimonthly basis.

The National Mentorship program matches emerging local artists, like Ksenia Broda-Milian with established industry mentors from across the country, creating opportunities to

grow their careers and professional networks without leaving Manitoba. Ksenia said this about her experience “The mentorship relationship gave me a lens to view my contribution to theatre through audience care and how that is achieved. It gave me a framework of serving a community through participating in work that is starting conversations, providing a balm, connecting audiences to new ideas, allowing an underserved voice to heard, coupling shows with outreach, educating, giving joy or relief. The idea of being an artist who serves community fits in so well with my worldview that it fills my soul just thinking about it.” Ksenia is well positioned to serve audiences through her new role at MTC as Education Enrichment Manager. Royal MTC’s National Mentorship Program was seeded in part by funding from the RBC Foundation and countless donors. Information about this and other artist development programs can be found at royalmtc.ca. December 2021

A Cinderella Story: Fairytale fun featured in Manitoba Opera’s upcoming production of La Cenerentola Continued from page 1

production in which the high-fashion costuming is as much a treat for the eyes as Rossini’s sparkling music is for the ears. “La Cenerentola is a really fun production. It is very fast paced and full of comical, slow-motion sequences,” explains director Rob Herriot who will be bringing his comedic flair to the show. “Plus, the messages are very current: bullying is never rewarded; inner beauty of soul trumps physical beauty every time; and the best message – being kind in the only way to behave.” The story When the prince (Don Ramiro), disguised as a servant, arrives at the house in search of the most beautiful woman in the land for his wife, the two have an instant connection. Later, Ramiro is again taken by Cenerentola who, with the help of the prince’s tutor, arrives at the ball veiled. She gives the prince a bracelet and instructs him to find her. She is finally discovered at home by the prince, back in servant’s clothes. Along the way from servant to princess, Cenerentola

overcomes many obstacles with pluck and courage. And even though her family has been cruel, the resilient Cinderella forgives them and finds happiness with her new husband. Gioachino Rossini’s music for this two-act opera is delightfully tuneful, lighthearted, and spirited. The production is sung in Italian, but there are English translations projected above the stage. The artists Rising star Winnipeg mezzo-soprano Lizzy Hoyt makes her mainstage debut as Angelina/Cenerentola. Tenor Andrew Owens who charmed audiences as Count Almaviva in the 2019 production of The Barber of Seville returns to sing Don Ramiro (The Prince). Considered to be a master of buffoonery, baritone Peter McGillivray will display his comic chops as Don Magnifico, the stepfather. Bass-baritone Stephen Hegedus, who first appeared with the MO in the 2018 production of Don Giovanni, returns to take on the role of Alidoro (a philosopher and the Prince’s former tutor).

Also starring in this production is Winnipeg soprano Andrea Lett as Clorinda, a stepsister; mezzo-soprano Pascale Spinney will be making her MO debut as Tisbe, the second stepsister; and Dandini, the valet, will be sung by baritone Nicholas Borg, a graduate of the company’s 2020 Digital Emerging Artist Program, who will be making his MO debut as well. Manitoba Opera’s Music Advisor and Principal Conductor Tyrone Paterson will be on the podium conducting the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. An all-male Manitoba Opera Chorus will also be featured. The mid-century modern-inspired set design is by Sheldon Johnson, Manitoba Opera’s director of production, and costumes, designed by Deanna Finnman, will be supplied by Edmonton Opera. Lighting is by Scott Henderson. For tickets and more information, go to mbopera.ca. Darlene Ronald is the Director of Marketing for the Manitoba Opera Company.

We’re Ba-a-a-ack! The wonderful, improbable, wacky arts world in Flin Flon mounts another winner

lin Flon’s arts and cultural contribution to the world (that may be hyperbole, but not actually by much!) came sweeping back on November 14, 2021, with the production of Ships: A Story of Love, Loss and a Desire to Connect. In less than 55 minutes, the cast and crew gave us a moving/still/joyful/tragic play/dance/poem in story/ movement/song that, as you are likely becoming aware, defies our ability to define. The tale of what hapElly Spencer pened to bring this gem to an audience is so miThe arts from raculous and yet so typiup here cally Flin Flon that it’s challenging to write. The actual production also begs to be reviewed, albeit by a skillset greater than ours, and that is not something we usually do. However, with all our meagre resources on full display, here we go. The project began, as performing arts projects often do hereabouts, in the mind of Crystal Kolt, Cultural Coordinator of the Flin Flon Arts Council. She has worked long and hard over the past 15 years to professionalize the performances offered to Flin Flon audiences. This latest performance of Ships: A Story of Love, Loss and a Desire to Connect is truly the culmination of all that sweat and occasionally, tears. Kolt applied for and got grants from Heritage Canada and the Manitoba Arts Council that enabled her to pay performing artists to create and perform, as a gateway for them to move back into commercial theatrical productions. So, what could little Flin Flon do? Why, punch well above its weight (as was usual pre-COVID-19) and introduce a genre-bending art form to a very lucky public. Janelle Hacault, an actor, contemporary dancer, and choreographer originally from Flin Flon but based in Montreal for the past 10 years; Jeremy Walmsley, actor and singer-songwriter from Toronto by way of Neepawa, Man.; and Mark Kolt, a composer from Flin Flon, met for the first time just two weeks prior to the performance. They enrolled Jesse Krause, a multi-instrumentalist and singer from Winnipeg, and Dean Martin, from Creighton, Sask. on percussion, to round out the band and went to work. December 2021

The play Ships: A Story of Love, Loss and a Desire to Connect. Two weeks later, they had created and performed the genre-bending, mind-blowing show that had the whole audience, including members of the band and crew who had seen it many times, actually crying in their seats. It was, in a word, beautiful. Sophie (Hacault) enters her apartment, alone and demonstrates through dance and chilly, distant music her need for ‘something more’. She finds it in a vial of pills. In a cafe she hears Charlie (Walmsley) singing with his guitar, a song that speaks to her needs and they share an evening of happiness made exuberantly real in Walmsley’s songs. They meet again by chance and begin to nurture the relationship, in joyous dance, that is buffeted by the demands, exposed in a sad, angry song, of Charlie’s former love and of the spectre of Sophie’s drug addiction, hidden in a furtive dance. Yet they weather the storm. Both Hacault’s choreography and performance in the dance of addiction were evocative of shame and were frightening. Then, the impossible happens and Charlie’s health begins to fail. The pair dance a repetitive, rhythmic piece with ever increasing interruptions in flow that so aptly demonstrates his deterioration. Sophie continues

to love and care for him, but Charlie slips away and Sophie is alone. The lead performers were beautiful in their roles. Hacault demonstrated real acting ability as well as dance skills as she made Sophie beautiful and joyful, desperate, and sad. Perhaps most surprising was her pretty voice. Walmsley is a true triple threat, he can act, sing, and dance at a level that demands a much larger audience than Flin Flon can afford. He has already auditioned for an upcoming Broadway production, and we can only wish that he ‘breaks a leg’ there. He glowed onstage and deserves every success. The musicians were supportive and played wonderfully. Kolt’s incidental music was fitting yet edgy and quite new-sounding. It was not just another gentle underscore. We would be remiss if we did not mention the sound and light crew as well. The sound by Gord Cave was clear and lovely, even in the online recording and the lighting design by Mike Spencer was really the narrator, showing the audience where their emotions were going every step of the way. It really was a most remarkable production and it happened here. Please, sir, I want some more! whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Manitoba through time

id you already know that… ...The current St. Norbert church was constructed in 1937 on the site where the first church was made of logs in 1857. Two grandiose twin towers give the splendor to this impressive building situated on the west bank of the Red River. The church’s largest rosette, with the cross in the middle, represents St. Norbert parish logo, and the circle represents the Eucharist. The most important elements of St. Norbert’s community are symbolically represented with the colours of the flowers where red represents Sanja Rossi God’s love that Jesus call Manitoba us to share with all; the Through Time gold represents the light and the sacred such as liturgy; the green represents the community growing in faith, hope and charity and the blue represents Our Lady of Good Help, Mary and her role in the parish. The church houses the body of Joseph Noel Richot, who was St. Norbert’s parish priest for 43 years and supporter of the Metis people during the Red River Rebellion (1869-1870) and, some sources of history say, Riel’s greatest advisor. ...Smudging is one of the traditions common to many First Nations people. This ceremony has been passed down from generation to generation, and it involves burning of one or more sacred medicines: sage, tobacco, sweetgrass or cedar. Not all First Nations people do this ceremony in the same way, but the meaning is the same – cleansing oneself. Smudge is considered as part of living a good life. Clearing the air, mind, emotions and physical body will bring positive thoughts about oneself and others. It helps to achieve a balanced lifestyle, to stay mindful and focused. ...In the early 19th century, the main creators of the Red River Colony were the London Committee of the Hudson’s Bay Company and Lord Selkirk. They had a somewhat different understanding of how Christianity should be used on Rupert’s Land, although both of them shared the same opinion in one thing – not to use Christianity to convert Aboriginal people or to support cultural assimilation, but as a tool to hold their community together. As a matter of fact, in 1814 pamphlet Lord Selkirk presented the idea about Aboriginal boys attending industrial schools to gain knowledge about agriculture and industry so that they can use acquired abilities in changing the way their people had been using soil. HBC and Lord’s view of Christianity framed the influence of European religion on the Red River Colony. HBC considered the colony as a multi-

Lord Selkirk. St. Norbert church.

Smudging. ethnic society formed from Aboriginal peoples and British people. Lord Selkirk saw communities as ethnic blocks where each one should have their own version of Christianity. ...When it comes to Orthodox Christmas, most Manitobans recognize it as Ukrainian Christmas. Other people also celebrate Orthodox Christmas, such as Serbs, Russians, Copts, etc. Christianity originated in the area of the former Roman Empire during the first century AD. In the year of 387, it became the official state religion of the Roman Empire. Numerous disagreements between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires caused the division of the Christian Church. Great

Orthodox Christmas Eve.

split occurred in 1054 when Christianity was divided into Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic. Ukrainians are one of the Eastern European people who celebrate Orthodox Christmas. But not all of them. When the first Ukrainian settlers arrived in Manitoba, in the end of 19th century, their religious situation wasn’t easy. They didn’t have their priest, and for the occasional service new settlers had to rely on traveling American priests. It seems that was a time of a great turmoil which gave birth to the new religious organisations and eventually two establishments of Ukrainian church were formed, Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Church. There is also another church organisation and that is the Greek Catholic Church. Ukrainians are among the most common Slavic ethnic groups in Manitoba. They make 14.7 per cent of Manitoba population. Could this be the reason why Orthodox Christmas is Ukrainian Christmas according to Manitobans? ...Early pioneers who came on these lands 200 years ago didn’t have just courage to leave their homelands, but also brought their faith which helped them endure wilderness and harsh climate. They started to build churches, and today in Manitoba these valuable monuments can be seen in all sizes, from tiny churches to monumental cathedrals. Winnipeg alone there are more than 100 places of worship. Every person in Manitoba, and in Canada, has the right to express their religion and to practice it accordingly. The definition of religion itself is very complex, and some would think that nowadays in the time of globalization, the influence of religion is slowing down, but that is not the case. Whether it is spirituality of Indigenous peoples, who believe this is a way of life not a religion, or one of the great monotheistic religions, they speak of one’s own identity, the instinct to belong to a community. Love, faith, and hope, are primary to every soul.

Just think of all those kids in the hospital over Christmas under visiting restrictions! Heather and Bob Williams did. They will double-match your donation!

t’s a busy time of year. Many imagine. You see, up to 140 kids are in the families and businesses are planning holiday celebrations, some HSC Children’s Hospital right now, virtual and some, finally, in-person waiting for medical procedures, some staying overnight, and again. While you plan some for many, many your memorable holiday days. occasions, we at the ChilTraditionally, our comdren’s Hospital Foundamunity of donors would tion of Manitoba also bring down bags of toys plan for the children in for the kids, to share the hospital who can’t parHoliday spirit of giving. ticipate in family events Our donors would also over the holidays and into pop by our office and the New Year. And with donate what they can to Children’s Hospital visithelps support these chiling restrictions being on dren in the work that we high alert to prevent the Stefano Grande spread of covid-19 in do help the hospital such Healthy our hospital, it becomes as buying specialized Living even more challenging equipment, making children’s stay in the hospital for loved one’s to be together. If you have kids, grandkids, better, and much more. Our offices nieces, nephews, or friends with chil- are still closed to the public, unfortudren with kids our hospital, you will nately. But... at your Children’s Hospital know what I mean. Others can just 14

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Foundation, we are on a mission this Holiday! There is Hope for the Holidays! Thanks to generous matching donors Heather and Bob Williams during Hope for the Holidays, throughout all of December donors can give an incredible gift of hope to kids and their families. Thanks to Heather and Bob, all donations will be double matched up to $100,000! Our child life specialists are ready to put your donation to good use to purchase covid-safe toys and to continue to support kids over the holidays through the Clown and Music Therapy programs, our Library for kids. Your donation will help kids like Pacey who spent last Christmas and his birthday in hospital away from his parents and siblings. Pacey has had more than 25 surgeries for intestinal failure, including one surgery earlier this month. His family hopes his story will help other kids get the great care

Pacey has received. Watch his story here. https://goodbear.ca/read-ourstories/meet-pacey/ At HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital, there is much to be thankful for. Whether it is the resiliency of a mother/father coping with the health challenges of their courageous child, or the determination of a nurse or doctor, or a scientific researcher to find the cure - there is much to celebrate about people and life. It’s easy to include us in your holidays celebrations too by making your donation. You can call 204–594-5323 or just visit our web page goodbear. ca! Stay tuned in January 2022 to learn about how you helped make anything possible in 2021 and what’s to come in 2022, thanks to our community! Let’s make anything possible! Stefano Grande is the President & CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. December 2021

We lost at least 56 to Winnipeg streets this year

n 2017, I went to the London, Ont. conference for the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. We were invited to the city’s annual homeless memorial to remember and celebrate the lives of the homeless who passed away on the streets. It struck me as strange that we here in Winnipeg had no such service. I decided to bring that home to Winnipeg. It is SO important to acknowledge lives lost on the streets, not as statistical numbers but as real people like you and I, with names like Al and Dorothy, real people with brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, sons and Al Wiebe daughters. It’s why we also Of No Fixed honour those whom they Address have left behind and who have survived them. We also remember those who are still on our streets. This year we read off over 65 names and we know that we missed twice as many. We, as a country, as a province, as a city, as people with the responsibility, and everyone, yes everyone, must do more. We apologize with a heavy heart to those whose loved ones have been lost, because “WE” have not done enough. Al may be reached at Al@albelieve@hotmail.ca. Phone 204-960-0335.

Memorial

Who is Al Wiebe? Al is a 24/7 advocate for the homeless and those living in poverty. He has a longstanding radio show called Of No Fixed Address which is a great platform for his work and the name of his programming, Al works with and for all levels of government to make the lives of the vulnerable better, including the Human Rights Committee of Council, and the federal government’s Community Advisory Board, where as vice-chair, Al trains municipalities, the police force and organizations on peer and community engagement.

We remember you, You who have left us behind, You who we left on the streets To find your way and survive The day. We remember you. We know that we Have not done enough. We know that you Had been on our streets sleeping rough And we could not set you free, We could not give you a key To life away from the sorrow Away from the pain. We left you out there In the wind and rain, Unsheltered, Feeling forgotten And left behind On our streets So cold and so unkind.

When Winnipeg had a night life

over Winnipeg’s exotic dance industry ntrepreneur Harry Smith. Harry Smith was born in Po- for nearly 20 years. Gladys Johnston attended St. Mary’s land on 2 February 1913. He came to Canada at the age of 16 and Academy, a Roman Catholic private worked on his cousin’s dairy farm. He school, and then took up flying at the then worked successively as a prospec- Winnipeg Flying Club. She married tor, fur trader, and waiter on the Great lounge musician Reginald Balsillie at age 21 and became his booking agent. Northern Railway. The couple eventuHis entrepreneurial ally saved enough from spirit led him to open Reginald’s shows to Lindy’s Lunch and the purchase a Main Street Roseland Dance Garrestaurant called the dens then the Club MoSwinging Gate in 1961. rocco on Portage Avenue Gladys tended bar unin Winnipeg, allegedly til the restaurant closed the biggest cabaret in in 1967, after which Western Canada with a she set up a bartendlarge dance floor and an ing school. Around this orchestra often led by Al time, she began booking Sprintz. Harry booked go-go dancers in hotel many big-name acts lounges, expanding her such as Duke Ellington, Memorable business by recruiting Harry James and the Ink Manitobans women from other inSpots in the 50s and 60s. dustries including teachA larger-than-life personers and secretaries. ality, he was described as She also became manager of the “den mother and impresario” to performers, many of whom would later Airport Hotel’s Continental Room, where many of her “girls” performed. become well known. Smith had a strict dress code at his Her husband led the house band at the club. He kept a stock of 150 sport hotel’s lounge until his death in 1971. jackets on hand in case a male pa- At the peak of her business, she managed roughly 100 exotic tron arrived without the dancers, and was bookproper attire. The cabaing gigs in 45 Winniret license allowed him peg hotels, giving her a to stay open much later virtual monopoly over than all other establishexotic dancing. She inments that served liquor. troduced the first male As such, the Morocco exotic dancers to Winniwas the spot to go to peg in 1980. She was a for local musicians who large woman known for wanted a nightcap afher flamboyant style, but ter their gig before they also a devout Catholic headed home. Harry was who made all her pera member of the Masons formers sign contracts (Mount Sinai Lodge), forbidding drug use and Young Men’s Hebrew Harry Smith prostitution. At the time Association, and a founding member of the Variety Club of her death, Balsillie owed more than of Manitoba (Tent 58). He died sud- $600,000 to Revenue Canada in back denly at Winnipeg on 22 August 1997 taxes, resulting in the bankruptcy of and was buried in the Shaarey Zedek her estate. She passed away in Winnipeg on Jan 9, 1987. Cemetery. He was 84. Jim Ingebrigtsen is a council member Entrepreneur, burlesque agent. Gladys Eva “Gladdie, Johnston of the MHS and submits Memorable was born in the RM of Franklin on Manitoba stories each month. Hear Jim’s March 27, 1919. She was known as podcasts at https://whatsupwinnipeg.ca/ the “Queen of the Strippers,” reigning radio-redux/ December 2021

IF YOU ARE A SENIOR. . . . . . You should consider having the following in place Will The preparation of a will may seem like a daunting task, however, it is essential to ensure that your property is disposed of according to your wishes upon your death. If you pass away without a valid will, the law states what is to happen to your estate. Power of Attorney A power of attorney is a document which appoints an individual to handle your affairs in the event you become mentally incapable of making your own decisions. Nothing prevents you from continuing to make your own decisions while you are still competent. A power of attorney is an extremely valuable document to have in place in case anything happens to you which affects your mental ability, such as a stroke, coma or dementia. Health Care Directive (Living Will) A health care directive, commonly called a living will, is a document which appoints an individual to make decisions with regard to your health care only, while you are alive but unable to express your decisions yourself. This document is distinct from a power of attorney and deals only with health care decisions such as whether life sustaining treatments, such as CPR or blood transfusion, should be continued or withdrawn.

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December is the time for generosity

ecember is the time for generosity. Con- be matched by a federal program to build endowsider giving the gift of a legacy and save ment funds for arts organizations. This means that the generous gifts of 275 people could grow to up yourself some taxes at the same time Well, any time is the time for generosity, but in to $300,000 once the matching grant is included. The Winnipeg Foundation pays out December we often think about speendowment interest to the organicial gifts that we may make before the zations at 5 per cent of the value of end of the calendar year. It can be wise the fund in most years. Each year, in to look at our annual income and look perpetuity, the Winnipeg Symphony at the tax rates for different levels of Orchestra will receive an endowment income. Making some strategic charipayment of $15,000. table gifts to organizations you care This is simply thrilling to me. I am about can reduce your taxable income not in a position to make an annual and put you in a lower tax bracket gift of $15,000 to the Winnipeg Symthat can save you considerable funds phony Orchestra, but thanks to this in taxes. It is worth checking into named endowment fund my name your income status for the year and will be connected with this organizamaking a gift that could reduce your Trudy Schroeder tion that I love for decades to come. taxable income in a very positive way. There are also a number of annual December is also a time when we Random benefits for the person honoured by find ourselves thinking of gifts for Notes the fund. In my case, I have opted people we love who truly have too to direct the funds from the endowmany things. We want to honour them and delight them with something that shows ment fund to sponsoring a masterworks concert how much we love them, but we know that they do each year. I will be able to select the concert that the funds will support, and the contribution of the Trunot want or need more things. What to do? I want to suggest thinking about the organizations dy Schroeder Endowment Fund will be recognized and causes your loved one cares about, and consider in the program notes and sometimes from the stage starting a legacy fund in that person’s honour. This annually. In addition, six tickets for the endowed type of gift comes to my mind because earlier this concert will be given to me or to my estate to attend week I had the very pleasant task of meeting with the concert. This example is specific to my connection to the the head of the development staff at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra to discuss the long term bene- WSO, but every charitable organization has the cafits of the endowment at the Winnipeg Foundation pacity to do things like this with a set of benefits that was set up in my honour to recognize my thir- and recognition that is related to the organization. teen years of service as the executive director of the The WSO, the ballet, theatre companies, the WAG, orchestra. Community members suggested starting Manitoba Museum, Fort Whyte Centre, The Asa named endowment fund whose annual proceeds siniboine Park Conservancy, the Humane Society, would benefit the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. churches, universities, and hospitals all have the caWhen I first heard about the plan to take this step pacity to set up these types of named endowment and set up this fund, I was pleased but not certain funds connected with the charity’s agency fund at that there would be much of a landslide of dona- the Winnipeg Foundation. The size of the donation tions to this fund. Well, the request went out to required is often not very large, particularly if there encourage people to express their appreciation by is an intention to make contributions over a numcontributing to this fund, and much to my surprise ber of years. Almost everyone has some causes and institumore than 275 gifts were made with a total value of almost $150,000. These funds in turn are eligible to tions in our community that they would want to

Give a gift that will save you tax money and create a lasting legacy at the same time.

see supported. Your ability to help someone assist a cause that they care about could be the best gift they could receive. With best wishes for the holidays and the start of 2022. Trudy Schroeder provides project planning and management services to the community through Arts and Heritage Solutions.

The health benefits of humidification Part one of a two part story.

and lips to prioritize organ function. To avoid this stress on the body, it’s critin the fall and winter months, sales cal to drink lots of water and keep the of remedies for chapped lips in- humidity levels in your home at levels between 40 per cent and crease dramatically. 50 per cent. While I have my own seDry air adversely affects cret solution for chapped the self-cleansing function lips – the cause is the dry of the windpipe, which reair that accompanies the sults in increased susceptidrop in temperatures. bility to infections and reHumidity plays a key spiratory tract issues, and role in our effort to mancan cause nagging coughs, age an ideal indoor endry eyes and skin, nose vironment for optimum bleeds, cracked lips, eye health. Winter air dries irritation, and headaches. out our eyes, nose, and Dry mucous membranes mucous membranes, incan make your throat and creasing susceptibility to mouth dry, and increase airborne pathogens inNathan Zassman sinus congestion. Increascluding viruses and bacNatural Health ing humidity levels can teria. A humidifier helps help keep your sinuses protect and maintain the most important of air purifiers, our clean and clear, which can make you feel better, and result in improved sleep own bodies! This time of year, our cold climate as nasal breathing is much easier when constantly exposes us to dry air. Our your sinuses are clear. Fatigue, headache, and reduced abilindoor climate should be humidified in fall and winter to maintain a healthy ity to concentrate are all symptoms of living space. Fortunately, there are a va- low humidity. Proper humidification riety of solutions that can make your can boost immune function and help home more comfortable this winter and speed up recovery from colds and flu. Plenty of rest enables the body to rehelp protect your health. cover sooner. The Body’s Water Priorities Mitigate Airborne Viruses Our body has a system of priorities, Research in public health has identiand will ‘steal’ moisture from areas that aren’t as critically important to our fied a strong connection between huhealth to ensure our organ systems func- midity levels and temperature, which tion optimally. While our body is about influences the transmission, survival, 60 per cent water in total, the brain and proliferation of influenza viruses. and heart are composed of 73 per cent Flu viruses thrive in colder temperawater, the lungs 83 per cent, muscles tures. As temperatures rise in spring and and kidneys 79 per cent, and the skin is composed of 64 per cent water. When summer, the air can hold more water we’re in a dry environment, the body overall. When your furnace warms your will draw moisture from our cells, skin, home, relative humidity drops dramati-

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cally since the warm inside air is higher in temperature than the cold air outside, and heating the air dries out the moisture even more. A National Academy of Sciences study found a strong correlation between dry living conditions and the transmission and survival of the flu virus. When humidity levels were too low, the flu virus was spread more easily and survived longer. Research has proven that humidity levels in the 40 per cent to 60 per cent range work to deactivate airborne viruses, making them far less likely to be infectious. Moisture helps to prevent the movement of germs and viruses, as heavier particles simply drop to the floor rather than remain suspended in the air. Adding a humidifier to your living space results in a less favourable environment for viruses to survive, decreasing the chance of a flu infection, as low humidity levels create a friendly environment for pathogens to thrive and multiply. In addition, low humidity, and the dry skin that results, can weaken your body's natural defenses against pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Ensuring the humidity level in your home is in the ideal range brings a wide variety of health benefits. Not only does it increase the comfort level in your home, but you can reduce the chances of catching a virus, moisturize your skin, and get more restful sleep. Humidifier Technologies Humidifiers designed for home applications use either ultrasonic, evaporation, or steam technology. Models are available that work well in small spaces, others can humidify rooms up to 1,370 square feet. Boneco is a leader in humidifier technology, offering models

that use ultrasonic, evaporation, and steam designs. They also produce hybrid air purifier/humidifier units that both humidify and clean the air. These units feature HEPA technology for air cleaning and utilize evaporative humidification with a wick that can be easily washed, unlike designs that require wick replacement. Steam humidifiers are excellent choices but produce more sound than ultrasonic and evaporative models. They aren't ideal for use in small bedrooms, but when placed and sized appropriately, a steam unit in a nearby area will still work well. Ultrasonic and evaporative designs are the quietest, making them ideal for bedrooms. In fact, ‘ultrasonic’ means producing sound that is beyond what the human ear can hear (usually above 20,000 hertz). Humidity levels affect many aspects of our health, and are also important for the maintenance of wooden furniture, musical instruments, and flooring. Humidity reduces allergy symptoms, makes your skin feel better, and can help you sleep. Humidified air actually feels warmer than dry air; it not only makes your living spaces more comfortable, but allows you to lower the thermostat, saving energy and money. I learned early in life as a professional trombone player that the best solution for healing cracked, chapped lips is to play for at least an hour a day. Ask any brass player, and they'll tell you that they never have chapped lips. But the easy solution for everyone else is to use a humidifier and drink lots of water. Next month, I'll go into more detail about the many benefits for the health of your body, and your home. Nathan Zassman is the owner and president of Aviva Natural Health Solutions. December 2021

PUZZLES

Crossword Across 1. Outfits 8. Interstate trucks 13. Sending to one’s fate 14. “Speaking personally...” 16. Aretha Franklin hit 17. Actress Fabray 18. Gets some air 19. Reduces a lot 20. Bomb 21. Original Dungeons & Dragons co. 22. Spanish queen, 1906-31 23. Dalai Lama’s land 25. “The Andy Griffith Show” lad 27. Pret-a-porter (abbr.) 28. Quarter in Paris 31. Heckling sound 32. Productions 33. “No kidding!” 36. Twins player in “Big Business” 40. 18th President’s monogram 41. Comfort 42. Prop for an artist 44. Court colleague of Rob., Ken. and Sou. 45. U.F.O. users 46. Like some fast-food orders 47. Flounder relative

49. Justices Thomas and Alito went here 52. Installment, TV-wise 53. Pigged out 54. Put on a new Spanish roof 55. Contributor 56. “I’ve Just ____ Face” by The Beatles 57. Elk features Down 1. Unanchored 2. Filed item 3. Samsung rival 4. “Vlad the ____” 5. Canadian revolutionary leader Louis 6. Differ or confer suffix 7. Bilko et al., for short 8. Bat’s detection tool 9. You are, south of the border 10. ____ Day (May day of note) 11. For all ___ and purposes 12. Teeter-totters 14. Establish 15. High tenor 24. Saw, e.g. 25. Endured beyond 26. English diarist Samuel 29. Peaceful state

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30. Salinger teen 33. Spurting things 34. One who’s gone con 35. Part of a French motto 37. Like some thinking 38. Maroon 39. Skeptic

43. Drops 45. African virus 48. “Beauty ____ the eye of the beholder” 49. Sage voiced by Frank Oz 50. “____ calling” 51. 40-day period

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A look at Winnipeg’s music history by John Einarson just in time for Christmas Continued from page 1

ronment, Winnipeg’s music story is about the many people who, while never scaling the heights of mass acclaim in their chosen genre, contributed to and supported musical endeavours throughout the city. This is their story, too. Names like Gisèle MacKenzie, Lenny Breau, Donna Grescoe, Tracy Dahl, Bob Nolan, Neil Young, Jimmy King, Daniel Lavoie, Dianne Heatherington, Wally Koster, Chad Allan, Billy Joe Green, Yvette, Ray St. Germain, Lorraine West, Jim Donahue, Fern Rondeau, Art Young, Loreena McKennitt, Glen Frain, Oscar Brand, Ted Komar, Burton Cummings, Ron Paley, Bramwell Tovey, Juliette, Len Cariou, Fred Penner, Gerry & Ziz, Graham Shaw, and Bob Burns among many others continue to resonate with Winnipeggers. Venerated venues such as the Dominion Theatre, J’s Discotheque, The Cave nightclub, Jack’s Place, Stage Door, Patterson’s Ranch House, The Normandy, Marble Club, The Cellar, Rancho Don Carlos, Orioles Community Club, Roseland, Club Morocco, Pink Panther, and Town ‘n’ Country conjure up fond memories. Born and raised in Winnipeg, John Einarson is an award-winning author of more than a dozen music biographies published worldwide. Four of his books have been on the Globe & Mail bestsellers list while several have been ranked among the top ten best music biographies in the UK. In 2006 he received the ARSC (Association for Recorded Sound Collections) Award for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research. John is a regular contributor to the Winnipeg Free

Biography episode. He curated the 2010 Manitoba Museum exhibit Shakin’ All Over: The Manitoba Music Experience and teaches music history classes at McNally Robinson Booksellers, University of Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts. He is also a host on Lifestyles 55 Digital Radio. In January 2016, John was the recipient of the prestigious Order of the Buffalo Hunt in recognition of his extensive work in preserving Manitoba’s music history. To order copies of this limited edition one-of-a-kind large coffee table-size book with 250 pages and over 150 photos, email John at: johneinarson52@gmail.com. List price is $49.95 plus GST. ••• John invites you to join him for the launch of his new book where he will be signing and selling copies at Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club, 234 Main Street in Winnipeg, on Saturday, December 18th from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Press and Lifestyles 55 and is a frequent commentator on music history for CBC radio. He wrote the Juno-nominated Bravo TV documentary Buffy SainteMarie: A Multi-Media Life and served as writer/consultant for A&E/Biography Channel’s Neil Young

Join John On Lifestyle 55 Digital Radio

am extremely excited to be returning to radio as part of the team at Lifestyles 55 Digital Radio. Join me for my two feature shows: My Generation and Off The Record weekdays. You can preview my podcasts right now at http:// whatsupwinnipeg.ca/lifestyles-55-digital-radio

You gotta get a gimmick!

ou Gotta Get a Gimmick! So province was British Columbia at 0.68 sang Ethel Merman in the 1959 per cent. The national average was Broadway production of Gypsy. 0.56 per cent. These statistics are wideGimmick: a trick or device intended ly known in the charity world and if I to attract attention, publicity or busi- worked for any one of them I would ness. Synonyms include stunt, novelty, put a lot of effort into squeezing every penny I could out of this scheme, trick or shtick. market. One of the ways A gimmick is more ofcharitable organizations ten than not a “loss leadmake extra money is to er”. Businesses might ofshare (sell) their mailfer everything from free ing list to other chariturkeys with purchases ties. You shouldn’t be over $100, gift cards, surprised to receive a gift vouchers, buy-onedonation request from get-one-free and the list an organization you goes on. They will do have never dealt with or almost anything to get donated to in your life. you in the door. The oftIf you give to one, you used line in the world will hear from others. of business is, “You Jim Ingebrigtsen It’s business. have to spend money Is It Just Me... Just for fun I started to make money”. Some amassing all the gimof the most successful micks that arrived in the businesses operating are charities. After all, the first word in mail over the past three months. Honestly, it seems like it’s the only mail we gimmick is gimmie. A recent study confirmed Manitoba get now. The enclosed letters are signed leads the rest of Canada in the percent- from presidents, vice presidents and age of income donated. We donated occasionally people who have signed 0.83 per cent of our hard-earned in- their first name to a letter that appears come to charities. The next closest hand-written just to you. One relates the personal story of the pain this person experienced after a tragic car accident and, as you read it, you know she

If you frequently give to charities, this is likely what you’ll be finding in your mailbox this year. is about to die. It is very dramatic. I actually read the entire two-page letter and must admit, I just might consider a donation, not because of the wellcrafted, crafty pitch but, I really do believe in the organization. Or maybe I fell for that old advertising call-toaction ploy, ACT NOW! We often receive a pen as a special gift. I have no idea how many pens we have received

in total but, given our advancing years, we may never have to buy another. Today I received large envelope filled with gifts (gimmicks) from an organization in Toronto with no connection to Winnipeg. In it I find a key fob, Christmas stickers, return address labels, a dozen Christmas cards, two winter themed fridge magnets, a tote bag, and a lovely pen to add to the collection! Personalized note pads are another popular pitch. As of today, I counted more than 1,065 labels. Given the current list of our Christmas card recipients, I reckon we have enough to get through the next 500 years. We have also received other tote bags, garden gloves and this year, even socks. The season of giving comes with the season of gimmicks. My advice is simple. Give if you can, but choose a charity or two that is closest to you and your family. They all serve a positive purpose in some way for many people. To paraphrase a recent local fundraising campaign, “They need us and we need them”. If you still use cheques, I have lots of pens if you need one. Jim has been a writer-broadcaster, producer and performer on television and radio for close to 40 years. Hear Jim Ingebrigtsen’s radio podcast at https://whatsupwinnipeg.ca/radio-redux/

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December 2021