Lifestyles 55 2022 April by PegasusPublicationsInc

April 2022

whatsupwinnipeg.ca

FAST DENTURES

How will you celebrate?

947-1807 208 Power Bldg 428 Portage ave

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Royal Aviation Museum ready to take flight

Dorothy Dobbie

The concrete canyons of downtown Winnipeg could use a green coridor. effects of an urban forest — even tiny ones scattered from here to there. So, she enlisted some help from Colliers and a few communityminded advisors, working to reimagine this space and help us return our downtown to the pretty community place it was in the past.

Why does this matter? To those of you who never venture downtown anymore, maybe not a lot, but what if going downtown was the kind of special thing it used to be? What about visitors to our city? They focus on downtown, and I think pride in our town is an important part of living here. But even more, what about the folks who already live in that area. Some of them have no other home and it shames me to see how they are treated. Why can we not create a friendly space that enables them to breathe air cleaned by trees and greenery? Why can’t they have a place to sit and to rest and to mingle? Let’s close our eyes and think what a little greening might mean to the barren concrete streets that lie between Donald and the Main on the south side of Portage to Graham. This area is very desolate, occupied by government and institutional buildings that look inward. There are tiny pockets of u 6 ‘Green Corridor’

Canada all but defenceless thanks to political wrangling over the years Hon. Bill Blaikie

he Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked a new discussion about Canadian defence spending. There is widespread acknowledgement of the fact that for decades both Liberal and Conservative governments have failed to meet Canada’s NATO obligations to spend at least 2 per cent of their GNP on defence. Furthermore, neither have come even close to solving the quicksand and quagmire of military procurement in this country. Decisions on new equipment take years more than they should, and executing the decisions also takes way more time than it should. In the meantime, the cost of everything increases.

June 17 - 26, 2022

City needs to rally around a Green Corridor downtown

ll great cities have a commitment to becoming green and staying greener. It is not just all about aesthetics, even though green means beauty and beauty means peace and happiness. Civic beautification through greening affects the people who live there, changing behaviour and improving safety. A lovely green environment attracts and calms people and helps visitors enjoy the experience of being in the city. It also shows the kind of civic commitment that excites developers and businesses to invest locally. So, when Cathy Campbell, former minister at the Holy Trinity Church on Smith Street and Graham realized this, she and current pastor, Andrew Rampton, decided to do something about it. For Cathy, this just made sense. A student of trees and how they affect us and our environment, she immediately understood the healing

How will you celebrate the Year of the Garden?

The bane of Ukraine

Will the CF-18 fleet ever be replaced? The prolonged lack of action on deciding the replacement for the CF-18 fighter jets is a good example of what I am referring to, a process that has alu 4 ‘Canada all but defenseless’

Winnipeg’s first full time internet radio station

Music to our ears . . . and much more

Dorothy Dobbie

ifestyles 55 is adding a new brand of joy for our audience: 24-hour digital radio, a first for Winnipeg. We go on the air with our first live broadcast May 1, 2022. To find us, all you need to do is google Lifestyles 55 digital, but you can also tune in with any of your favourite digital apps. We have been working on this for a year. A group of seasoned broadcasters and radio lovers has been adding an audio feature to our What’s Up Winnipeg – Lifestyles 55 website through a series of podcasts. In total, we have more than 90 episodes online ready for your listening pleasure as you wait out the rest of this month and while we prepare for our fully programmed, 24-hour casting in May. There are eight principles in our company, five with their own shows. Chris Golden present Golden’s Oldies; a lighthearted look back at the British charts through the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Sprinkled with anecdotes of working in the biggest UK venues and unusual song facts, Chris brings a touch of fun from u 14 ‘Internet radio station’

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April 2022

ISSUES IN THE NEWS

Canada needs Jean Charest 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 Hon. Bill Blaikie, Dorothy Dobbie, Vanessa Desorcy, Hon. Myrna Driedger, John Einarson, Michael Gibbens, Stefano Grande, James Ham, Jim Ingebrigtsen, Jenna Lee Kennedy, Kevin Klein, Ian Leatt, Gary Moir, Marty Morantz, Fred Morris, Manitoba Seniors Coalition, Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, Connie Newman, Peggy Pendergast, Brent Poole, Sanja Rossi, 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.

A man for all reasons

ean Charest is running for the leadership of the Conservative party. He has been here before, pulling the Party out of the ditch when only he and Elsie Wayne were left in the caucus after the 1993 wipe out of Kim Campbell’s Progressive Conservative Party. He led the Party first as interim leader in 1993, then as leader in 1995. In the following election in 1997, he pulled the Party from the brink, winning 20 seats, but the Reform Party had gained enough support to nullify further efforts. In 1998, he was recruited by the Quebec Liberals (the small c conservative party in Quebec) to become their leader and keep Quebec in Confederation. He chaired a committee leading the “NO” forces against separation. He then won the leadership of the Quebec LiberDorothy Dobbie als and the premiership in 2003 where he served three consecutive terms until 2012. For the past 10 years, he has been discovering the joys and tribulations of business, returning to the practice of law with the firm of McCarthy Tetreault LLP as part of their business law group. In the announcement of his joining them, the firm wrote, “Mr. Charest broke a 50-year provincial record by winning three consecutive election campaigns in 2003, 2007 and 2008. Under his leadership, Québec experienced a sustained period of economic prosperity, with stronger economic growth from 2008 to 2012 than the U.S., Europe, Canada and Ontario. His legacy includes the creation of the Council of the Federation, the “Plan Nord” as well as major hydro-electric, wind power projects and a significant infrastructure investment program. On the international scene, Jean Charest’s most noteworthy initiatives include initiating an unprecedented labour mobility agreement between France and Québec and convincing Canada and the European Union to negotiate a broad economic partnership that will put Canada in the middle of the world’s largest trading zone.” All that is background about this man who started out in politics as a kid of 28, becoming the youngest person ever to hold a cabinet position. Despite being a public figure since 1984, he is still only 63 years old, an ideal age and with a vast experience to take on the ultimate leadership job in Canada. And Canada needs his leadership. No idle dreamer, Jean Charest nevertheless has a dream of the Canada we all used to believe in, a place where we honoured our history and respected each other without label or hyphenation. He understands that when you lead, you must find accommodation for those who did not vote for you while continuing to pursue the agenda you were elected to achieve. Wise leadership knows that new information, evolving events and a wider vision shifts perceptions and alters plans, but as long as progress is being made in a positive direction, the dream will ultimately come true although perhaps in a subtly transformed way that serves the widest needs. For the past number of years, Canada has been wallowed in bitterness. While many felt that Stephen Harper did a good fiscal job of leading the country, he was not exactly a ray of Canadian sunshine. His dour style may have contributed to the excited welcome so many afforded his successor, Justin Trudeau, who won the election promising “sunny ways”. Sadly, the sun stopped shining almost immediately and his language has become increasingly divisive and spiteful. It has even affected a

Jean Charest. member, Joel Lightbound, a Quebec Liberal, who said earlier this year, “I can’t help but notice with regret that both the tone and the policies of my government have changed drastically since the last election campaign. It went from a more positive approach to one that stigmatizes and divides people”. He continued, “It’s time to stop dividing Canadians and pitting one part of the population against another.” His words could not be more welcome. It is time to stop dividing, to end the politics of personal attack and finding wedges designed to drive Canadians apart. We need to reshape the narrative that allows Canadians of every party to feel well served by their prime minister. Jean Charest has the character and the experience to make this happen. This is not to detract from any of the others who have their names on the leadership roster. There are some fine people vying for a seat at the head of the table, but right now, Canada needs Jean Charest to get us back on an even footing at home and in the world. There is lots of time for the younger potentials to learn the ropes and prove themselves. And my first advice would be, relax, learn to not take yourselves so seriously, smile, listen and understand that you need to be flexible because we live in a very big country with a lot of diversity. These are traits that Jean Charest has instinctively. You won’t see him reading from a script – he knows who he is and what he thinks. He cares about this country from coast to coast, and as half Irish (his mother) and half French (his father), he has a foot in both traditional founding nations. He loves western Canada, feeling very comfortable here. He laughs a lot. He answers questions in a forthright way – no waffling or changing his story overnight. He has excellent judgement and good people skills. We need him. If Jean Charest becomes leader, he will become the next prime minister because he will attract votes from many folks who like the balanced approach and we will all get a breather from the trauma fueled by the pandemic and its politicization over the last few years.

Heather Stefanson

MLA for Tuxedo 204.487.0013 tuxconst@mymts.net

April 2022

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Lillian James - A life of community service

very community in Manitoba has a rich and vi- Gerry are in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame). There is an interesting story of Lillian and her Mothbrant history. It’s the history of the people who came before us that help us to understand just er as a “tag team” in a community service adventure. After being chased out of Winnipeg, a how we got to where we are. I am grate“house of ill repute” was established in ful to the Charleswood Historical Society Charleswood. The outraged commufor curating the Charleswood Museum nity hired a policeman to get rid of the and telling the important stories of our “house”. Unfortunately, this policeman past for those of us present today. Dan turned out to be bribed by the occupants Furlan of the Charleswood Historical Sowhom he tipped off if a raid would occiety wrote an impressive account of one cur. Lil and her Mother invited him for of our heroes. With his permission, I am tea the day of the raid and tied him to a pleased to share with you an incredible chair so he couldn’t warn his friends. It account of our very own Lillian James. worked! ••• Years later, when the story came out at Lillian James-A life of a community meeting, a woman asked, Community Service Written by Dan Furlan Hon. Myrna Driedger “Lil, you didn’t really tie him up did you?” Lil then replied, “Well, he was Lillian James (1895-1990) was a lifeBroadway only a little guy!” long volunteer, a leader, contributing Journal In 1926, Lillian organized the 33rd community service through her many Girl Guide Company in Charleswood roles. Honoured for distinguished service with the St. John Ambulance Service Medal from the and was Captain until 1938. She ran the evening meetPrince of Wales in 1931, and then returning to a life of ings and took the girls to camp in the summer. During the WWII, she established a cadet corps of community service well into the 1980s. Remarkable! Lillian’s family moved to Charleswood in 1913, women too young to serve in the adult corps of St where she resided for the rest of her life. Initially at- John Ambulance. As Provincial Corps Officer for the tending business college, she then worked in the family Cadet Division she was honoured by King George VI home and farm and was active in the community her for her contribution. Coming from a family known for community serentire life. Initially studying first aid as a girl guide, at 14, she vice, from an early age, “Miss James” stepped up to took training in Home Nursing as the youngest mem- serve as an active leader in many community organizaber of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Nursing Divi- tions including: - The St. John Ambulance Brigade Nursing Division. This began life-long service with St. John Ambulance. Selected to go overseas in the First World War, sion-Original and youngest member in 1911 aged 14* the death of her mother and sister changed her plans, (Charter Member Fort Garry Nursing Division #2). - Member of The Winnipeg Women’s Volunteer Reso she served in Winnipeg. In the St. John Ambulance Brigade Nursing Divi- serve 1914-1918 - Charleswood Girl Guides 33rd Company-Guide sion, she played a major role caring for victims of the 1919 influenza epidemic at the risk of her own life (as Leader and Captain 1926-38 - Provincial Corps Officer for the Cadet Division there was no cure). Lillian was credited for the fact that no one in (during WWII) - Order of the Eastern Star (Mizpah Chapter, CharCharleswood died of influenza. After a day of work, she would take food, water, and wood to patients at ter Member Friendship Chapter in 1963)-Convener of Sick and Visiting and then Life Member in 1984. great risk to herself. - Charleswood Horticultural Society-Director, CharAn energetic young woman, she would walk briskly down Elmhurst Road to the streetcar and often re- ter Member (1919) and Honorary Life Member.** - Charleswood Historical Society-an early honorary fused rides from neighbours as, at 12 miles an hour on muddy, bumpy roads, she found cars to be “too slow.” member, as a Director she made many historic students Small of stature, but forceful in energy and purpose she presentations on her early days in the community. *Charter Member of the Fort Garry Nursing Divipresented an engaging smile to all she met. She and her siblings were very athletic and successful sion-the first division in Winnipeg and second in Canin competitive sports. (Her brother Eddie and nephew ada and was very active with St. Johns for many years

(teaching, voluntary first aid, and in service, tending to ill and injured people at events). **In 1991 the Charleswood Horticultural Trophy was dedicated to her in recognition of her ongoing support and contributions as an active member and Convener of key sections when needed. ***An active Charleswood Historical Society members, she provided many presentations to school children, sharing memories of the early days in Charleswood. Awards*-Her medals and awards are proudly displayed at the Charleswood Museum. - Chosen to represent Winnipeg as recipient of the St John Ambulance Service Medal from the Prince of Wales, June 1931. - Honoured in The Order of St. John of Jerusalem as a serving sister (1944). - Promoted-Officer Sister of this Order (1959). - Promoted-Commander Sister of the Order-awarded by Lt. Gov. McKeag (1972). - Heritage Winnipeg Heritage Preservation Award (1986). In 1985, Assiniboine School Division named their boardroom in honour for both Lillian for her community service and her father, Charles, a 20-year pioneer school trustee. She saw what was needed and did it, being steadfast and persistent, as a trailblazer in tough times when action was required, and community supports were few. In peacetime, she served the community cheerfully and consistently her entire life, through ongoing involvement in local organizations. Charleswood is proud to recognize Lillian James as a dedicated community leader and role model for others. Hon. Myrna Driedger is MLA for Roblin and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Canada all but defenceless thanks to political wrangling over the years Continued from page 1

ready been longer by a few years than the happy serving as a submariner. I had a duration of the Second World War. Not roomier naval experience in 1995 when to mention that the CF-18 itself was a as a Winnipeg MP I was invited to parmajor political controversy that changed ticipate in the launch of the then new the politics of the country for a long time, frigate the HMCS Winnipeg at HMCS providing as it did one of the issues that Esquimalt. My father, who had served in the Royal Canadian Navy was a catalyst for the crein World War Two, was ation of the Reform Party my guest. It was a truly in 1987. memorable moment to sail The length of time it the Strait of Juan de Fuca, took to replace the aging standing on the bow of the Sea King helicopters, or to ship with my dad. replace the Oberon class In any event, too often submarines also comes to military procurement is mind. In the latter case, politicized, either by govCanada ended up buying ernments making questroublesome used British tionable decisions because submarines, a deal that inof regional or other pocluded the ill-fated HMCS litical considerations, or Chicoutimi aboard which Hon. Bill Blaikie by the official opposition there was a fire in 2004 Reminiscences that killed one Canadian attacking what they know of a political life to be basically sound decisubmariner and injured others. At the time I was sions, because it suits their on the Standing Commitpolitical strategy to do so, tee on National Defence, and successful- claiming that if they were in charge, ly moved a motion to have the commit- they would get more for less. In the tee look into the purchase of the British meantime, the cost of replacing whatsubs. Part of the study included a tour of ever needs to be replaced continues to the Chicoutimi’s sister boat the HMCS increase in cost. Defence spending and defence policy Windsor, which was docked in Halifax. I can say for certain that submarines and procurement have always been a are not designed for 6’ 6” sailors, but source of controversy in Canada. The nevertheless the Windsor crew did in- Ross rifle was controversial in World clude one person that tall, and he was War One. Both world wars saw conflict 4

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about conscription. In 1963 John Diefenbaker’s last government imploded over the issue of nuclear-tipped Bomarc missiles. The Pearson Liberals brought in a plan to unify the three branches of the armed forces. I was in the army reserve at the time and remember how reviled then Defence Minister Paul Hellyer was. It was an issue that was still alive in 2006, when the Harper government set out to undo the provisions that had eliminated distinctive uniforms. The last years of Pierre Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister saw unprecedented protests over plans to test the cruise missile in Canada. Brian Mulroney dealt with controversy over the CF-18, and nuclear-powered submarines. The nuclear submarines were a key part of a Canadian Arctic strategy, but when they were dropped, no meaningful alternative Arctic strategy ever took their place, a serious problem given that we share a border with an aggressive Russia in the ever more open Arctic thanks to climate change. Jean Chretien scrapped the EH-101 Helicopter contract and created the delay in replacing the Sea Kings. Paul Martin changed his mind about Strategic Missile Defence and opted out. Chretien had kept us out of the invasion of Iraq, but then Martin increased our involvement in Afghanistan to compensate. And the list goes on.

Whatever the outcome of the impending changes in defence spending and the accompanying debate, it will be important to keep two things in mind. The peace dividend brought on by the end of the Cold War was in part squandered in the form of years of corporate tax cuts, while ordinary Canadians continued to pay the country’s bills. If there is to be a return to higher defence spending, then there should be a return to more traditional levels of corporate taxation, so Canadians don’t have to sacrifice, for example, the rejuvenation of their presently beleaguered health care system to pay for it. The second thing to keep in mind is that the increased militarization of the West, however arguably necessary it may be at the moment, is not the final answer. In a post-Putin world, and even now, it will be crucial to recover and revive the post-Cold War dream that died in the late nineties with the expansion of NATO. The dream, and the ultimate absolute necessity of it, in a world of proliferating nuclear weapons, is the vision of transcending the paradigm of collective security and creating an inclusive co-operative common security regime that threatens no one and which can be trusted by all. Hon. Bill Blaikie was a Member of Parliament from 1979 to 2008, representing Elmwood-Transcona. April 2022

An agenda of hope and optimism in a sea of personal attack and negativity Dorothy Dobbie

“F

illed with a sense of relief, hope and optimism,” is how the Premier describes the first few inperson meetings of her caucus. “People are excited about their jobs. It is important to be in touch and for members to be able to attend events and hear from their constituents in person,” she added. “It’s a new world. We have to get used to personal interaction and we are developing a new sense of camaraderie.” This sense of relief is visible outside her caucus. When she went to the Legislature after mask mandates were lifted, she was gratified to see big smiles on open faces. “People need to have a choice and if they are not comfortable without their masks, they should still wear them,” she said, adding that she will keep hers on for a while longer in certain circumstances. Meanwhile, her team has been very busy introducing several bills to help kickstart the economy and make it easier for business and for individuals to live and progress. Among these bills is one to remove more regulatory barriers to doing business and another to help municipalities and individuals to use the same grade of pesticides as are approved by the federal government. Previously, the Manitoba regulations were so stringent that parks, homes, and gardens have been overcome with weeds. Another bit of very good news for small root vegetable farmers is a change to the Act that governs who can sell what and where. “Our province’s farmers provide nutritious, local food to Manitobans, though for years they have not had the freedom to grow and sell their table potatoes and root crops in the province,” said Minister Derek Johnson in a press release. “At the same time, regulations have prevented Peak of the Market from modernizing its business model to promote, sell and distribute Manitoba’s table potatoes and root crops to the world. This legislation would allow producers to grow as many table potatoes and root crops as they wish and to sell to any buyer, while paving the way for a modernized business model for Peak of the Market and strengthening our provincial economy.”

Heather, on a radio broadcast while she visited southern Manitoba. Solid changes such as these will help our province grow by allowing more freedom for small local businesses. This past month also saw the establishment of the Premier’s Economic Development Board, which she personally chairs, and which is already creating a new confidence among businesses that Manitoba truly is ready to receive and welcome enterprise. “People are very excited and coming forward with requests for meetings to talk about how we can work together,” the Premier notes. She tries to grant as many requests for meetings as she can and encourages ministers to be proactive in seeking out advice from the citizens most concerned with each area of responsibility. While civil servants can provide much useful background information, it is filtered by a whole list of realities, including personal opinion. Hearing from as many different sources as possible makes it possible to weigh all the information and come to decisions that work best for the whole province. The Premier is also carefully monitoring the progress of the state of our health, particularly with the new mental health ministry understanding what a critical issue this is as we come out of two years of isolation and fear over COVID-19. Seniors were most affected, and she has appointed a separate minister, the Hon. Scott Johnston, to focus on the needs of seniors Heather is not one for a lot of hyperbole, but she takes

seriously her responsibility to repair relationships with our Indigenous people. She is determined to be their advocate with the federal government when it comes to things like clean drinking water and better housing. She talked a bit about her recent interactions with some of the chiefs and others. “We all learn from each other,” she said. “And each community is different. Each time I go, I learn something new.” She pauses and adds reflectively, “I find it so peaceful there.” On a broader front but critical to development in the north is the issue of good Internet connection. This is being examined on several fronts because it is now a critical part of the infrastructure and without reliable Internet, nobody can prosper. And prospering is what this premier is all about, making sure that individuals have the means to provide for themselves and their families, hence the focus on business. However, underlying that essential thrust is her deep interest and concern for families and for those who needs a hand up the ladder. She is determined to see that all those whose health needs were set aside due to COVID-19 are cared for as expeditiously as possible. She is working on initiatives that will support children at risk and ensuring that the somewhat dysfunctional Child and Family Services supports are improved and modernized. None of this is easy. As the first female Premier of this province, Premier Heather Stefanson is charting new ground while government opposition members, instead of focusing on the substantive issues, are spending all their time working to discredit her personally. That makes them a very ineffective force for helping to improve the province. Slanderous language and the persistent search for nonexistent personal flaws certainly do nothing to bring new ideas or a positive agenda for change to the table. Furthermore, the members of the opposition seem to forget that they also have a job as legislators to make good things happen for their constituents. That is very hard to achieve when the total of focus is on personal attacks instead of on researching positive action and demanding answers to significant questions. Let’s give the first woman leader of our province an opportunity to bring her agenda of “hope and optimism” to fruition.

Set to soar!

New aviation museum preserves roots and opens gateway to the future Vanessa Desorcy

ometimes the most innocuous of questions can be a catalyst for the most remarkable of endeavours. When Doug Emberley asked his father, Gord, what became of the Vickers Vedette aircraft used to map northern Canada in the early-mid 1900s, he had no idea of the journey they were about to set out on. This conversation took place in 1970, and by 1974, it had resulted in incorporation of the Western Canada Aviation Museum. Gord, Doug and fellow aviation enthusiasts Alen Hansen, Murray Clearwater, and Keith Olson were its founders, and their original mission was to preserve and protect historical aircraft and artefacts. Since the museum’s inception, its founders have worked tirelessly to amass one of the world’s largest collections of historical aircraft and artefacts, which now number more than 70,000. For thirty years, the museum operated out of humble facilities in Winnipeg, delighting visitors and receiving acclaim—including a ‘royal’ designation from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Granted in 2014, this honour prompted a change of name to the ‘Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada’ (RAMWC). In 2005, the museum’s founders and board members started dreaming of a bigger, brighter, state-of-the-art space. It took more than 15 years for their vision to take shape, but on April 27, 2020, PCL Construction broke ground at the new site on the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport campus. Despite beginning construction at the beginning of the pandemic, museum executives received possession of the new facility roughly 18 months later, six weeks ahead of schedule and under budget. April 2022

Aviation Museum exterior (above left) and interior (above right). Photos courtesy of Empire Photography. Now, the museum is nearly ready to open its doors to the public. Many of the aircraft and artefacts displayed in the 86,000 square-foot building will be familiar, but there are also some exciting new differences. Shifting demographics and the emergence of new technologies have redefined the expectations of visitors. Museum-goers now look for a more interactive experience, a space for community, and enhanced learning opportunities. The team behind RAMWC has taken all this into consideration. While its roots are still firmly planted in Canada’s aviation history, visitors to the new RAMWC will discover these stories in a new way. The immersive and engaging experience will take them on a journey throughout meticulously curated exhibits including videos produced by Centric Productions and Foundation Films. Visitors will also notice a dynamic soundscape through the museum, created by RAMWC Board member and Emmy Award-winner, Dan Donahue. In addition to 17 exhibit spaces, the Silver LEED-certified Museum includes:

a Galaxy Exploration Zone for children; an observation lounge with stunning views of the airport’s runways and RCAF 17 Wing; meeting spaces; a new boutique giftshop, and more. And at the heart of it all are the inspirational stories of pioneering pilots, daring rescue missions, women in aviation, and feats of engineering. Of note is the museum’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, threaded throughout its content. The ‘Norway House’ exhibit details the crucial role the Indigenous peoples of this community played in helping pilots map and navigate the area’s challenging landscapes and the weather. To help tell this story and others, RAMWC has brought Dr. Niigaan Sinclair on board as their Indigenous Curator. With his expertise, the museum has ensured that Indigenous perspectives are considered in every panel of every exhibit. A focus on education is another key priority for the museum. Since 2005, more than 90,000 students have participated in their ‘Take Flight!’ program. The museum has been offering virtual educational programming during its closure, and will

continue to do so in order to accommodate schools outside of Winnipeg. Plans are also in the works to launch STEM and Space programming for grades K-12 in fall of 2022. Even before its establishment as a city, Winnipeg was the epicentre of trade and commerce for Indigenous nations and travelers headed for all points north. When air travel landed in Western Canada in the 1920s, Winnipeg continued as a gateway for development, eventually becoming the operational headquarters for each of Canada’s first three national air services. From aerial survey and mapping to cargo and passenger transport, to innovation in cold weather flying and rocket science, Manitobans have led the way both nationally and internationally. The museum’s founders had a vision for a museum that was more than a collection of aircraft and artefacts. They wanted to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions made by western Canadians to aviation history while at the same time inspiring and educating visitors. It seems safe to say—mission accomplished. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

We have to fix City Hall It is costing us all for no reason other than ennui

ell, here we go again, more allegations of fi- to take action, but it will take more than just a spenancial mismanagement at the City of Win- cial meeting with the department to ask questions nipeg, this time in the public as the finance chair suggested. works Department and specifically withThe fact is the City Council doesn’t in the traffic signal branch. hold the public service accountable Allegations suggest the city is spendwhen budgeting. For several years ing hundreds of thousands of dollars, now I have made motions for more if not millions, on make-work projects, financial accountability, suggesting with no paper trail, inventory, or proper that we conduct a zero-based budget review. Why is there no support for procedures. These allegations were made this? upon the traffic signals branch. Proper budgeting, continuous imYou and I both know this is not an isoprovement requirements, and aclated issue in just one small department. countability will begin to fix the It is a systemic problem throughout the systemic problems at Winnipeg City city. Remember the inspector issue? Hall. That's what you would do in But I must ask, how often do we have Councillor business. That's what I would do if I to learn about allegations of financial Kevin Klein in charge. mismanagement in the media? It is emInside City Hall were The councillors who called meetbarrassing to elected officials. We are ings feel they had to do something. hired to be good stewards and ensure I understand, but it's not enough. If we are truly taxpayers’ money is not wasted. We are failing. I believe my colleagues when they say they want concerned, then let’s implement action like we

never have before. If we want to solve the systematic problem, it is going to take long hours. We must take off the rose-coloured glasses and start drilling down to determine the root of our problems. This problem runs deep, it's systematic. We must drill down to the root cause, then we can begin to fix the problems. And that only works if we have accountability policies throughout our operations with a passion to do what’s best for the city, not the next election. Change is not easy, but it is worth it. We need to change our corporate culture to one that will eliminate the status quo. It's not working anymore. Change is difficult. I’ve been asking for change for three years. It won’t be easy, but I will continue to fight because a better Winnipeg is worth it. We need to be leaders who demand change, open the books for the first time in decades, roll up our sleeves, and get to work fixing the problems. Kevin Klein is the city councillor for CharleswoodTuxedo-Westwood.

MPs are united in Standing on Guard for Ukraine!

ost Canadians take for granted fore our eyes as Putin wields the full milithat politicians always seem to tary might of Russia against the freedom loving democratic state of Ukraine. Mr. be at each other’s throats. Putin has no real political I often get asked why opposition to hold him to is your party so critical of account, and he actively the government? Why are works to punish those who you always opposed to speak against him. anything the government We are lucky to live in a does? country where we are free My response is usually to speak our minds, and something like …. Well, where the official opposiit is the job of the official tion operates as a check opposition to oppose the and balance in a system government and to hold designed to hold the Prime the government to acMinister and his or her govcount. It is an extremely ernment responsible for the important role in a parliaMarty Morantz decisions they make. ment democracy. We see time and time I will say however that again that countries within my short time in parliaout a strong political opposition often ment since 2019 I have never seen MP’s of all political stripes so unified over a take a dark path. We see this happening right now, be- single issue. Opposition to Russian ag-

gression in Ukraine is condemned widely and among MP’s. As Parliamentarians we are united in our opposition to Russia’s unwarranted and horrific aggression in Ukraine. Unlike Russian, Ukraine is a democratic parliamentary democracy. Ukraine President Volodimir Zelensky is a profile in courage, a true hero to the Ukrainian people and inspires hope in us all. We must do all we can to help him and all Ukrainians weather this terrible storm and to hold Mr. Putin and his regime to account. NATO countries and all countries that value freedom and democracy have rallied together to impose the most wideranging economic sanctions in history. These are sanctions not just against the Russian state but also Magnitsky style sanctions that punish individuals financially. These sanctions allow us to freeze the Canadian assets of Russian oligarchs

who protect Mr. Putin. Canada along with our allies have also provided financial support, humanitarian supports, ammunition, and lethal weapons to Ukraine. Canada should also be waiving the Visa requirements for those fleeing Ukraine in search of safe harbour. Through Operation Unifier, Canada has trained over 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers to fight back. Every year I donate my annual salary increase to a charity in our community. This year I have decided to donate my annual salary increase to the CanadaUkraine Foundation – Ukrainian Canadian Congress (General Humanitarian Appeal): cufoundation.ca Might cannot make right. Mr Putin’s aggression cannot stand, and as Canadians we are united in standing on guard for Ukraine. Marty Morantz is MP for CharleswoodSt. James-Assiniboia-Headingley.

City needs to rally around a Green Corridor downtown Continued from page 1

green inside the space: the church itself that lies between Smith and Donald at Graham and is rethinking its own green space to make it more accessible. There is the front of the Millennium Library which has created small pockets of green on its south side, but east of that on Graham, there is a parking lot on the north side and the Winnipeg Polices Service building on the south side. Back to the north side, there is another parking lot (although along Smith, there are some small businesses and some heritage buildings that lend a little character). Proceeding up Graham to Main, we pass more office buildings and at Fort Street there is the entrance to Winnipeg Square while another government building occupies the south side. There is room in both cases for raised garden patches and more seating areas. At the corner of Main and Graham, the new tower at 302 Main looms on the North side and on the south is CDI College in a fine old heritage building. At the end of Graham, the former Federal Building (now the Victory Building) is architecturally interesting but offers no green comfort and, essentially, Graham ends up against with a blank wall. There are no signs to tell the visitor where he or she is or how to get to The Forks, our number one tourism draw (which owes its attractiveness to its access to the rivers, the greenery and the Human Right Museum, which is there because of the beauty of the site). The only green along the way comes 6

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A city without a heart of green is not a good city. from a few boulevard trees, some uncared-for scrubby shrubs along the western-most parking lot and some scanty cement planters on the south side of the street. Yet here are many opportunities for greening on this small slice of the city. Behind the church on Smith, the old St. Regis has been demolished and the space is being transformed into a modern mixed-use facility with housing, offices, and some retail, including, it is rumoured, a supermarket on the ground floor. With a little thought and some urging, perhaps the developer, Rockford, could be made to see the value of having a green entrance. Other building owners could do their part. The new office tower owners of 302 Main might be prompted to improve their

ugly parking lot between it and Garry Street. Nor need any of this cost a fortune. Just think what a difference it would make if the parking lots set aside a few feet along their margins and created green islands in the lots for growing shade trees and small patches of grass? With relatively little expense, the whole aspect of the area would change. The parker would have some protection from the blazing heat in summer and cold winds in winter. Benches could be inset the way they are at 215 Garry where the builder left room for a little patch of green and fitted a couple of benches into a raised planting area where weary folks could stop and watch the passing parade. We have had some very fine people come to our Green Corridor Advisory Committee meetings with ideas and contacts, including some fineintentioned senior city civil servants, but while all agree this is needed and a good idea, action is harder to stimulate. Cathy and Andrew were turned down by the Winnipeg Foundation for a small grant to create some landscaping concepts. The Foundation didn’t see the “urgency” here. All I can say is that perhaps we didn’t make our case because this is urgent. Just take a walk in the area and you will soon discover that for yourself. Now it is time to take action. We need the support of the local city Councillor and beyond that of the wider community to see what this means to

Public washrooms needed Public washrooms are also urgently required in the area. There used to be separate men’s and women’s “comfort Stations”, one on Fort Steet, and another on Garry Steet. Both opened in 1914 and were closed in 1979. This issue is currently being revisited with seven temporary facilities added in 2021, but none in this area. the heart of our city and the quality of life of those who live and work in the downtown core. It also means a lot to all Winnipeggers no matter where your home. A city without a heart of green is not a good city. It is not to say that all of downtown Winnipeg is in such dire need, although there remain much more to address that this tiny slice I have described. Much good work has been accomplished on the North side and even East of Main and Portage. Now it is time to turn our eyes south. The renewal of the Bank of Montreal into a museum for the Metis will bring new interest to the area. We encourage the planners there to add some green to that corner. Let us band together and start an infection of green further south on both sides of Main, and particularly up Graham. This is just the start of a much larger plan, but we need to start somewhere. Let’s start here and let’s start now. April 2022

The bane of Ukraine

• 2nd place in Europe in terms of mercury ore reserves. he relationship between Russia and Ukraine is long and somewhat complicated. Much of it goes back (with a few exceptions mercury is banned in Canada) • 3rd place in Europe in shale gas reserves. (Canada is to the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Social• 5th in the world) ist Republics (USSR) in the fall and early • 4th (unsubstantiated) in the world winter of 1991. The USSR was replaced by the total value of natural resources. by 15 independent countries including (Canada 3rd) Ukraine. There are several reasons why • 8th place in the world in coal reformer KGB intelligence officer and now serves. (Canada 16th.) Russian President Vladimir Putin wants • 1st in Europe in arable land area, 8th Ukraine back and under his control. in the world. (Canada is 5th) The obvious one is power but, here are • 3rd place in the world by the area of some other examples of why he wants to black soil (25 per cent of world's volume) take over Ukraine (and very likely other • 1st place in the world in exports of countries that once flew the flag emblasunflower and sunflower oil. (We are zoned with a hammer and sickle). To add 20th) some perspective, I included comparisons • 2nd place in the world in barley prowith Canada. Jim Ingebrigtsen duction and 4th place in barley exports. Ukraine is the second largest country in Is It Just Me... (Canada 5th) Europe with a population of 44 million. • 4th largest producer and 4th largest Russia has around 144 million and we exporter of corn in the world. (We are have about 38 million. Here is some information about Ukraine you might 12th) • 4th largest producer of potatoes in the world. (Cannot have known, but should. ada 18th) Ukraine is: • 4th largest rye producer in the world. (Canada 5th) • 1st in Europe in recoverable reserves of uranium • 5th place in the world in bee production. (Canada ores. (Canada is 4th in the world) • 2nd place in Europe and 5th place in the world in 12th) • 5th place in the world in wheat exports (Canada 2nd terms of titanium ore reserves. (Canada does not produce only to Russia) titanium) • 1st in Europe in ammonia production. (Canada 8th • 2nd place in the world in terms of explored reserves of manganese ores or 12 per cent of the world's reserves. in world) Europe's 2nd and the world’s 5th largest natural gas (Canada doesn’t produce manganese) • 6th largest iron ore reserves in the world. (Canada pipeline system. (Canada is 4th in the world.) 3rd largest in Europe and 8th largest in the world in is 9th)

terms of installed capacity of nuclear power plants. (Canada 7th in world) • 3rd place in Europe and 11th in the world in terms of rail network length (21,700 km) (Canada is 5th in world with 48,000 km in world) • 5th largest iron exporter in the world. (Canada is 4th) • 5th place in the world in titanium exports. (Canada 4th) • 20th place in the world in exports of defence industry products (Canada 14th) • 12th largest steel producer in the world. (Canada 18th) At one time the Ukrainian language was the second or third most spoken language in the city of Winnipeg. Other than Russia and Ukraine, Canada has the largest Ukrainian population of any country in the world. More than 180,000 Manitobans are of Ukrainian descent or 14.5 per cent of the population. The percentage is much the same for the City of Winnipeg with almost 100,000 Ukrainians. I hope by the time you read this there has been some resolve to the crisis facing the Ukrainian people and for that matter, the threat Putin is to the rest of the world. The independence of Ukraine is imperative, not just to those who call it home including the more than three million who have fled as a result of Putin’s oppression. Ukraine is important to all of us. Even though it is almost 8,000 kilometres away, it’s hitting too close to our home. Jim was a writer-broadcaster, producer and performer on television and radio for 40 years. He is also a contributor to Lifestyles 55 Digital Radio. Find it at www.whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Flip-Flop

istory tells us about Canada his father before him, Justin Trudeau committing horrible atrocities, will be safely standing on the sidelines including, enslavement, im- as a spectator. It is always the common people who suffer. If this prisonment, and slaughter war proceeds as planned, of innocent people. Canait will then be quite apda apologises, making the parent why Québec, to be excuse, this was at a time renamed Laurentia, is diswhen all nations were dotinct from Canada. ing the same. Former CaRefusing to fight Engnadian Prime Minister, land's war, Pierre Trudeau John Diefenbaker, proremained in North moted a dream, One CanAmerica while Canadians ada, One Canadian. All were engaged in World Canadians would be treatWar Two. Today, Jused equally. There would tin Trudeau is prancing be no special treatment or Wayne Weedon around Europe preaching maltreatment. Canadians retaliation and stirring up would be All-One. Food for the pot. He is provoking Seventy-three years ago, Thought Russia. Mark my words, Lucien Vinet predicted, just like his father before when the cabal which Pierre Trudeau belonged to, came to him, when things become too hot in power, Québec would be classified as Europe, Justin Trudeau, this Iago, will distinct from Canada, effectively kill- come running back to Canada with his ing Diefenbaker's dream, and setting a tail between his legs. He is playing Camaster plan into motion. In 1949, Vi- nadians for fools. Things have flip-flopped; during the net stated, this clique's agenda is to instigate an out-and-out war between newly First World War, Canada and Russia formed NATO and Russia. He advised, were allies fighting Germans. Canada this cabal's "systems should be thor- accused Ukrainian Canadians of beoughly studied by all citizens and their ing enemy aliens, and thousands were doctrines and aims widely exposed." forced into slave labour camps. Canada However, he was optimistic, declaring, interned women, children, and elderly, along with able-bodied men. These "Truth can yet save the world." Pierre Trudeau is dead, but the cabal camps were literally built and mainlives on, and, when this war begins, like tained by inmates who lived in tents

Survival of the fittest

everal weeks of images of devas- territorially expansionist ways how can tation and despair their erratic and dangerfrom Ukraine have ous decisions be moderhad a strong impact on the ated or controlled? Since the end of the way I am thinking about Second World War inthe world. After years of ternational bodies like menacing behaviour from the United Nations and Russia, these barbaric atNATO have worked in tacks on civilians, the retheir own ways to try to lentless bombing of cities maintain a careful balance and the disregard for the and general agreements international agreements regarding the respect for on acceptable internainternational borders is tional relations. Russia’s current behaviour is far deeply unsettling. When Trudy Schroeder out of the norms of these leaders of countries with agreements, and it is paina very weak democratic tradition decide to move in aggressive, ful to watch all of work of these decades April 2022

until they were able to construct huts. Not everyone survived, some were shot while trying to escape, others died of disease and poor living conditions. Canada's National Film Board produced a documentary, Freedom had a Price, which describes these camps. Kassandra Luciuk's Enemy Alien is a beautifully illustrated graphic history detailing the everyday struggles of the internees in one of these camps. She describes forced labour, exploitation, abuse from guards, and malnutrition. Canada has a history of discrimination, injustices, and oppression. Reconciliation has never been achieved. Why does Canada smugly point fingers at other nations and demand they do justice? How many Canadians who are against the Russian invasion of Ukraine have taken the time to find out the whole truth? What does the average Canadian know about Canada's history? How many have studied the Doctrines of Discovery which authorised the enslavement and extermination of literally hundreds of millions of people? Are they aware that these loathsome proclamations are still accepted as valid by International Law? Do they know about the Expulsion of 1755, or the expropriation and forced evacuation of millions of acres of land? Have they studied about bounties paid for "Indian" scalps, and the forced enslavement of millions?

Canada supported George Bush when he ordered an attack on Iraq, a sovereign country which had previously received military aid from USA. This was an illegal and immoral war, but that was not how Americans and Canadians described it. There were no embargoes against USA as there are against Russia today. USA Secretary of State gave phony evidence to the United Nations. The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Canadian newspapers published stories about how Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. After years of killing innocent civilians, USA apologised for starting an unjust war. There never were any weapons of mass destruction, and Iraq had never been a threat to the USA. Rather than taking sides and stirring up trouble, let's bring our troops home and address the wrongs we have done, and are still doing. Can we just give Peace a chance? Maybe a war can be prevented, and, possibly, we could resurrect Diefenbaker's dream. One Canada, One Canadian. ••• Several of Wayne Douglas Weedon’s novels are available for free download in various formats at https://archive.org. ••• Wayne Weedon is an Indigenous Manitoba writer of novels and short stories. To sample his wonderful work go to Wattpad. com.

crumble before our eyes. Perhaps some of my concern and care for the region is related to my family history in Ukraine. My family history is tied to the region with my father’s family moving to Manitoba in 1874 and my mother’s family arriving in America in 1926. While no family members remain in the area, the area has a hold on our family history and imagination. We remember Ukraine as a place of peace and plenty until the impact of the Russian Revolution destroyed the peace for my family and so many others. Yet, for me, it conjures up images of fields of sunflower plants glowing yellow beside the ancient Scythian burial mounds called Kamennaya Mogila. The historic colony

Sunflowers in Bergthal. of Bergthal was located there, and it is now in the disputed Donetsk Oblast territory that has been the place of horrific bombings and dispute. (I have attached a photo that my father, William Schroeder, took of this area and the burial mounds in the early 1980s.) u 18 ‘Survival of the fittest’ whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Canada is the first country to celebrate Year of the Garden Canadians will celebrate the influence gardening and gardens have on our health, environment and quality of life

he Canadian Garden Council (CGC) has proclaimed 2022 as Canada's Year of the Garden, making it the first of its kind. Supported by a House of Commons Declaration, the Year of the Garden 2022 is dedicated to honouring Canada’s rich garden heritage and celebrating our vibrant garden culture and the centennial of the Canadian ornamental horticulture sector, marked by the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. Canada’s Local Gardener is the official English Language Publication of the event. Dorothy Dobbie is a member of the Advisory Board. The Year of the Garden invites Canadians to 'Live the Garden Life’ and discover the numerous positive benefits of gardening and gardens and how they contribute to maintaining the health of Canadians, our cities and the environment. As Canada begins to recover and approach a postpandemic life, it's hard to ignore the positive influence gardening has had over the past two years. Research shows a significant increase in gardening interest among Canadians in 2020 and 2021. "The Canadian garden culture is transforming itself," says Michel Gauthier, Executive Director of the Canadian Garden Council. "Our landscape and weather al-

low for some of the most unique gardens in the world. Recently we've seen a rise in Canadians rekindling their relationship with plants through edible gardens, indoor gardens, indigenous gardens and more." With more people inspired by gardening than ever before, Canada's Year of the Garden 2022 has gained momentum across the country. In three months, municipalities, spanning every province have proclaimed 2022 as the Year of the Garden. The Year of the Garden 2022 has also established a growing community of passionate garden organizations committed to celebrating Canadian garden culture and sharing their knowledge. "The support we've received has been overwhelming," says Alexander Reford, President of the CGC and Director of the Reford Gardens in Milton, Ontario. "In the coming weeks and months, Canadians will have opportunities to celebrate our unique garden culture. Our first garden invitation is to Plant Red in honour of front-of-the-line workers, an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic and show our garden pride To learn more about the launch of the Year of the Garden 2022 and invitations to get involved, visit www.yearofthegarden.ca. Follow the Year of the Garden 2022 on Facebook and Instagram.

Chicken infused with the essence of southern Europe

here is something about the fla- 2 teaspoons dried basil vours of the southern European 1 white onion finely chopped countries food that I find in- 1 yellow onion sliced toxicating. Could it be the olive oil, or 1 red pepper the many varieties of herbs and spices? 1 red pepper halved and sliced Possibly. Or maybe it is that the fresh 2 tablespoons butter 4 cloves garlic ingredients grow so 8 chopped tomatoes from abundantly in the warm the vine Mediterranean breeze. 1 can tomato paste Each country has some1 ½ cups dry white wine thing unique to offer, 2 teaspoons oregano from the oils and wines of ½ cup whipping cream Italy to the garlic, onions, Salt and pepper to taste peppers, and tomatoes of Chopped flat leaf parsley Spain; ingredients that for decoration at the very core have the taste of the land infused The all important how inside them. to: As we mere mortals Wash and dry the chickchop, slice and dice, we Ian Leatt en. Rub the seasoning all try to encourage these over the chicken breasts. flavours to blend at our Foodies Place a pan on the stove will to a dish we hope and then add the olive oil. will make us proud. This dish is my take on something that brings Heat on medium, place the chicken into the warmth of these areas to the table. A the pan and sear on both sides for three simple dish that warms you up inside as minutes, or until the chicken is golden in colour. we await the blooms of spring. Set the chicken aside then add the butter, onions, garlic, and red pepper. Stir Ingredients: for a couple of minutes or until the on2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ions appear clear. 6 skinless chicken breasts Add the wine to deglaze the pan and 2 cups fresh grated mozzarella

reduce by half. Place the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano whipping cream into the pan and bring to boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes on a medium heat, stir occasionally. Using a casserole dish, pour the tomato sauce in, then place the chicken on top. Place inside a preheated oven 350°F for 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven sprinkle over grated mozzarella cheese then return to the oven for a further 5 minutes or until all the cheese has melted. Remove from the oven. Serve on a pasta of choice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Ian Leatt is general manager of Pegasus Publications and a trained chef.

Home improvements that add value to your home

here to start? If you are think- the counter cupboards in conjunction ing of selling your home, here with ceiling lights. are some useful tips that will Fixtures and fittings may seem like a help you get the most out little too much for some, of what you have. at the end of the day it What the eye sees first is pays to invest if you want always important. What to get the most out of gives you the best bang your home. for your buck? Paint! The Washrooms can always average price of a 1-galbe made to look more lon pot of paint is $40, inviting with lighter cogiving a great return and lours, clean countertops, a fresh new look. Colour non- carpeted flooring. choice, greys are back ‘en The basement can be vogue,’ creating a neutral a scary zone, but it really colour for all rooms. doesn’t have to be. If you A statement can be are a handy person, you Brent Poole made with minor kitchen can turn any basement Home upgrades, from a new into another area of your Improvements countertop to a new back home that is comfortable splash.. Flooring in the and welcoming. A finkitchen helps reinforce ished basement truly adds the look. An upgrade to the lighting lots a ton of value. also works. Consider new lights under Replace carpets with hardwood or 8

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laminate. It will change how you see the room, giving a visual and appealing new dimension. Replace your front door. I know it seems odd, but placing a new door and frame, albeit (steel, hardwood, fibreglass) will add value. Think of it as a statement upon entering. The siding of your home also plays a huge part in curb appeal, from regular upkeep to a new change, maybe consider manufactured stone veneer, this gives a more modern look. Remember appraisers always look at the outside of the home first. It signals to a real estate agent whether the home has been well kept. Appeal sells. Depending on how much you are looking to invest, new windows could be on your mind. The saying “speculate to accumulate springs to mind.” The average home expense on new windows is $12,000 you can expect an increased return on this of 81 per cent a nice invest-

ment for sure. The very same can be said were you to have your roof replaced. The ROI is some 68 per cent. Decks are always a welcome for any home. Make sure though, that you check for permits before any installation. If doing a deck, think about lighting it. Nowadays, low-voltage lighting systems add character and a little added security to your home. Garage doors, single or double, always adds instant curb appeal the typical cost including installation ranges from $1,300 - $3,500, depending on the door size. Today. Home sellers often stage their home for the buyer. Think of the things that you would notice clean walls are always a must. Good luck. 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!” April 2022

Ageism is a barrier in ensuring a better quality of life for older adults

espite the many contributions of older people to society and their wide diversity, negative attitudes about older people are common across societies and are seldom challenged. “Ageism refers to the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination directed towards others or oneself based on age.” – Global Report on Ageism, United Nations. “Stereotyping (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), discrimination (how we act) towards people on the basis of their age is ageism. Ageism affects people of all ages but has particularly deleterious effects on the health and well being of older people.” – World Health Organization

Everyone is aging, it is inevitable. Longevity is here to stay. Ageism, unlike aging, is not inevitable. Ending ageism benefits us all. Unfortunately, there is evidence that ageism is growing. The review of international research tells us that the status and perceived value of older people is in decline, and that this is having negative impact on attitudes and behaviours. “Canadians need to confront the reality that, every

day, its older citizens deal with the most widely tolerated form of social prejudice in the country: ageism.” – Hazel McCallion (former Mayor of Mississauga).

Ageist Concepts – Really? Why? • You don’t look 72! • You are so young at heart. • Older people don’t have many opportunities for touch, so hug them. • Wow! She’s 78 and still takes on-line classes. • This super skin cream will stop aging in its tracks! • Doctor to Bill (age 81) and Tom (his son). Tom, your dad has an early stage prostate cancer. It grows slowly so we probably won’t do radiation or surgery. • “Hi Granny – time to get up for breakfast.” • I am over 65 but I don’t want to be called a senior. “Once you’re conscious of ageism you see it everywhere. Old people are still unthinkingly stereotyped and mocked and rejected for their age alone. For me, the first, worst, and toughest call was when I recognized in myself the very same contempt for old people. That puzzled me, and I still find it both weird and unacceptable. Doing my best to change my own attitude and other people’s!” – Rachel McAlpine We can all do our part in changing the face of ageism in our society. A good place to start is recognizing our

own ageist attitudes and take steps to change them. Start seeing the ageism in and around you, embrace a more nuanced and accurate view of the years ahead. Never underestimate an older or younger person! Push back and spread the word! Aging - everybody’s doing it! Be bold - value old! “Let's end ageism” by Ashton Applewhite at Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfjzkO6_DEI Connie Newman, Executive Director with Brenda Tonn, Consultant, Manitoba Association of Senior Centres. For more information visit www.manitobaseniorcentres.com OR www.agefriendlymanitoba.com

Volunteerism makes a meaningful impact!

olunteering is empathy in action, lines, restrictions, technology, and roles, our this is the theme of Volunteer volunteers have persevered and adapted to Canada’s National Volunteer Week ensure that older adults are not forgotten. While it is difficult to for 2022. Looking back at the contributions of A do justice to the incredible & O’s volunteers over the work of our volunteers, the past year this sentiment following is a snapshot of their impact on our clients resonates deeply. Even as individuals faced the difover the past year. In Senior ficulties of a second panCentre Without Walls, voldemic year, many comunteer presenters delivered the senior centre experience munity members used to participants over the teletheir own experiences as A & O: phone in the comfort of their motivation to help those Support Services for who were more vulnerown homes. By sharing their Older Adults knowledge and expertise, able. The actions of these volunteers engaged older volunteers have helped to Manitobans in educational build community inclusivand recreational programming that they ity, strength, and resiliency. Volunteers play an integral role at A & may not have otherwise had safe access to. O in improving the quality of life for older Volunteers also applied their technological Manitobans. Throughout the pandemic, A savvy to provide one-on-one digital literacy & O’s volunteers have demonstrated time coaching to older people on how to use a and time again their commitment and pas- tablet for the first time. This support ension for fostering connections with the older abled participants to stay socially connected, people we serve. During changing guide- participate in virtual classes, and access basic

April 2022

resources such as grocery delivery. During a time of increased social isolation, Connect Program volunteers acted as familiar and consistent social companions to older adults experiencing feelings of loneliness. Additionally, volunteers have co-facilitated conversation groups for older adults, which offer light-hearted conversation, connection to others, and necessary resources during COVID-19. For newcomers, Senior Immigrant Settlement Services volunteers assisted with English Language Program classes. Volunteers helped older adults increase fluency in conversational English in addition to connecting them to individuals over the phone to speak in their native language. Volunteers in the Caregiving with Confidence program provided check-ins over the phone and a bi-monthly support group to caregivers to let them know they are not alone in their caregiving journey. During the holiday season, numerous volunteers stepped up to spread cheer to older Winnipeggers by delivering gifts for the Be a Santa to a Senior program.

To help individuals practice skills and strategies that will create lasting change in their home environment and their lives, This Full House volunteers offered one-onone support to clients experiencing hoarding behavoirs. In the Older Victim Services program, volunteers provided emotional support and information to individuals who had been a victim of a crime. Without volunteers, A & O would not be able to deliver our current range of programs and services, volunteers are an integral part of our team. As Canada celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 24 to 30, 2022, A & O will be honouring our volunteers with a virtual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. This event is a small token of the gratitude that A & O extends to its volunteers for their dedication and compassion that they bring to older Manitobans every day. Acts of volunteerism, both big and small, have an invaluable impact on the wellbeing of our community. To volunteers everywhere, thank you! If you are interested in volunteering with A & O: Support Services for Older Adults, please visit aosupportservices.ca.

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Directory of Manitoba Association of Senior Centres 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 Thompson Seniors Resource Council 4 Nelson Rd., Thompson, MB (204) 677-0987 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 Grand Marais & District Seniors 36058 PTH 12, Grand Marais (204) 770-6124 Riverton Seniors Activity Centre 12 Main St., Riverton (204) 378-2800 South Interlake 55 Plus 374 1st St. W., Stonewall (204) 467-2582 www.si55plus.org 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 (204) 638-6485 www.dauphinseniors.com

Prairie Oasis Centre 241 8th St., Brandon (204) 727-6641 www.prairieoasis.ca

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre 720 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg (204) 669-1710 www.gnalc.ca

Gilbert Plains and District Community Resource Council Inc. PO Box 567, Gilbert Plains, MB (204) 548 4131 www.gpdcrc-newhorizons.wix.com/gpdcrc

Winnipeg AREA

Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre 1588 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 339-1701 www.gwensecter.com

20 Fort Street Seniors Club 2200 - 20 Fort St., Winnipeg (204) 233-6079

Grandview Seniors Drop In 432 Main St., Grandview (204) 546-2272

A & O Support Services for Older Adults Inc. 200 - 207 Donald St., Winnipeg (204) 956-6440 www.aosupportservices.ca

Headingley Seniors’ Services 5353 Portage Ave., Winnipeg (204) 889-3132 Ext. 3 www.headingleyseniorservices.ca

Herman Prior Senior Services Centre 40 Royal Rd. N., Portage la Prairie (204) 857-6951 www.hermanpriorcentre.com

Aboriginal Senior Resource Centre - Winnipeg 527 Selkirk Ave., Winnipeg (204) 586-4595 www.asrcwpg.org

Manitoba Korean 55+ Centre 900-150 River Ave., Winnipeg (204) 996-7003 www.ksam.ca

Minnedosa Senior Citizens Assoc. 31 Main St. S., Minnedosa (204) 867-1956

Archwood 55 Plus 565 Guilbault St., Winnipeg (204) 416-1067 archwood55plusinc.weebly.com

Pembina Active Living 55+ 170 Fleetwood Rd., Winnipeg (204) 946-0839 www.pal55plus.ca

Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre 51 Morrow Ave., Winnipeg (204) 946-9152 www.barbaramitchellfrc.ca

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

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 Plumas Senior Citizens Club Inc. 102 White St., Plumas (204) 386-2029 Portage Service for Seniors 40A Royal Road N., Portage la Prairie (204) 239-6312 Sandy Lake Drop In Centre 100 Main St., Sandy Lake (204) 585-2411 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

Bleak House Centre 1637 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 338-4723 www.bleakhousecentre.com Broadway Seniors Resource Centre 823 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg (204) 772-3533 www.bsrc.ca Brooklands Active Living Centre 1960 William Ave. W., Winnipeg (204) 632-8367 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

Rainbow Resource Centre 170 Scott St., Winnipeg (204) 474-0212, Ext. 211 www.rainbowresourcecentre.org South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council 117-1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg 204-478-6169 www.swsrc.ca resources@swsrc.ca 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

Crescent Fort Rouge United Church 55+ 525 Wardlaw Ave., Winnipeg (204) 489-1925

Transcona Council for Seniors 845 Regent Ave., Winnipeg (204) 222-9879 www.transconaseniors.ca

Dakota Comm. Centre - Dakota 55+ Lazers 1188 Dakota St., Winnipeg (204) 254-1010 E206 www.dakotacc.com

Transcona Retired Citizens Org. 328 Whittier Ave. West, Winnipeg (204) 777-5576

Dufferin Senior Citizens Inc. 377 Dufferin Avenue, Winnipeg (204) 986-2608

Vital Seniors 3 St. Vital Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-0555 www.stmarymagdelenewpg.org

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/

Winakwa Active Seniors Club 980 Winakwa Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-4418 www.winakwacc.ca Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association (204) 291-9028 www.winnipegchineseseniors.ca

Connect with us online at whatsupwinnipeg.ca 10

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April 2022

This bloody war is cause to pause and reflect on our own troubled pasts of “uncertainty and resiliency”

“U

ncertainty and resiliency” from the Ukraine that survive this atrocity were the words Adrianne called a War. Those of us that have lived Arsenault used to describe a relatively ‘easy’ life compared to those the fleeing Ukrainian popfrom this tragic happening ulation one night in early need to reflect on our past March 2022 on the CBC and realize we can help and news program the “Naencourage those that will tional.” come with uncertainty and These words also deencourage their resiliency scribed my parents when and courage to live. they left the United KingPaying our taxes on time dom in 1927 to venture keeps our support in place forth to Canada, my mothIn so doing we need to er with her older sister and realize that one way we can my father to find his way in all help is to file our income the music world of Torontax on time. The only way Peggy Prendergast to. They met on the boat anyone realizes the Benefits carrying them to Canada Exploring Lifestyle that are available to them and different destinations. from both the federal and 55 Possibilities However, my father evenprovincial governments tually followed my mother is to file their income tax to Winnipeg and although they seemed to forms on time. These benefits are found ‘live happily ever after’ it was not without on the following websites: www.canada. uncertainty and resiliency and great cour- ca and www.gov.mb.ca/finance/personage and creativity. alincometax. Their past came with them. My mother Each person can make a difference. was an orphan at the age of thirteen be- Each person has the ability and responcause of the Spanish Flu in 1918, even- sibility to vote for the person that is gotually trained as a ‘Mary Poppins’ (live-in ing to develop the laws we all have to adnannie) in Dublin and my father ran away here to for the betterment of all. To enact from home at an early age, joined the Brit- these laws, we each pay income tax to the ish Army and was trained as a musician. federal government to cover the federal The culture they came from dictated that laws of Canada and each province adds to be successful in life one had to be born provincial tax laws and credits unique to into the aristocracy or else ‘work in ser- that province. There are opportunities to vice.’ They both believed that in Canada, speak to both MLAs and MPs about these education would be their children’s salva- laws individually and in groups. As a citition but they themselves would always be zen, each person has the responsibility to ‘servants’ in the large sense of the word, voice both approval and/or concern when never leaders or the equal to the lords and they feel it is necessary for the common ladies in the Old Country. Lack of money good for all or for those who don’t apwas never going to stop them from finding a way for their children to be educated far beyond the level they were able to achieve or even dream about. However, their homeland culture always was at the forefront of their thinking and, in their minds, defined who they were in the Canadian culture where they now resided. I believe that this affects all who immigrate. As a first generation Canadian I have the benefit of the beliefs, values and goals my parents had for their children as well as the culture of the country I have inhabited all my life. I know many first-generation Canadians from many cultures that have made Winnipeg, in particular, such a multicultural city. Watching the women and children of the Ukraine flee for their lives, to stay alive, recalls how my parents persevered through the depression and World War 2 to instill the values they had learned in both cultures that influenced their beliefs. This is the hope I have for those

pear to have a voice. In a multicultural society such as is prevalent in Manitoba each citizen can learn from the cultural values of others what values we all have in common. The different creative ways we exhibit these positive values enriches the lives of all of us and helps to rid our population of uncertainty and encourages the resiliency of all. My hand-built clay urn, designed over ten years ago, on its panels depicts a young girl reaching for the stars with a shield of the cross representing a trust in a greater power leading her on. A background of a sky that can be either a sunrise or a sunset, depending on the view of the beholder, indicates it is a lifetime struggle, day by day. One panel, a single simple daisy, demonstrates fresh hope and a smile in early summer that adorns the countryside each year. Another panel, the strong out-reaching arms of the evergreen

tree that stands steadfast year after year, century after century, in every part of our great country. It represents life before mine that will be there after I am gone, and the many years of my life spent alone always thanking whatever power that watches over me for the beautiful sunsets at the end of my day and the welcoming hope in the sunrises each morning. My legacy to the world is shown in the panel of the three trees depicting my three children and the stems of seven delicate flowers of the future, my grandchildren. The handle on the lid is a Celtic knot depicting my roots from my parents past; roots from a past culture in the world. I have lived a lifetime of learning reaching for a certainty of peace and equality for all. May this present “uncertainty” in the world end with the “resiliency” of the people of the world achieving peace and equality for all.

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April 2022

whatsupwinnipeg.ca

“Ballet meets Broadway” in Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story

emember when families gathered around the television set on a Saturday night? That era, the 1950s, is the setting for Val Caniparoli's A Cinderella Story, a retro retelling of one of your favourite fairytales. It is a dazzling production to conclude the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s 2021-22 reignite the stage season. Audiences will experience electrifying choreography by the one and only SanFrancisco-based Val Caniparoli that melds with the prolific music of Richard Rodgers, all arranged for a live jazz orchestra by legendary Winnipeg bandleader Ron Paley. Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story fuses classical ballet with swing and ballroom dance making for one unforgettable extravaganza that will keep you tapping in your seat! This show is exactly what we need right now to put the spring back in our step! Keep in mind that Val Caniparoli’s, A Cinderella Story isn't what crowds might expect from the title. Sure, there are spiteful stepsisters, a wicked stepmother, a wish granted, a ball, a lost shoe, a prince and some momentous romance, however the work is only loosely based on the fairytale that most people have come to know and love. According to the RWB’s Artistic Director & CEO André Lewis: "I've always been attracted to the romantic nature of Cinderella…its theme is still true today: we all hope for the perfect match, that person who is born to be your significant other; we all hope, all aspire to that dream of true love. But the story is old-fashioned, and I wanted something more contemporary. What our audiences will see is a show that has great energy and that's what keeps the arts vital in our community.”

Company artist, Yosuke Mino, Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story. All photos by Kristen Sawatzky.

Company artists Elena Dobrowna, Jaimi Deleau, and Alanna McAdie, Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story.

Company artist, Elizabeth Lamont, Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story.

Lewis adds: "You can't always follow. Without taking chances, there's no ability to achieve victories. It's the road less travelled. At the same time, I don't want people to think Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story is a musical. The pas de deux are definitely pas de deux, and it's true to its classical roots. That is still, what defines the RWB." Sheryl Flatow, the librettist for Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story wrote about her observations and conversations with the renowned choreographer: “When André Lewis invited Val Caniparoli to choreograph a full-length Cinderella for the RWB (about 20 years ago), his one stipulation was that the music for the ballet be something other

than Sergei Prokofiev's 1945 score, the ballet's bittersweet standard. Val was immediately intrigued. Despite his admiration for Prokofiev, he was not interested in following the blueprint for the ballet laid out in the music or working on a composition that had been used by so many other choreographers. He has always challenged himself musically and he set his ballet to a score that was unexpected, creating from the ground up a more contemporary Cinderella.” “Val wanted the music arranged into a blues and jazz score. When he met Winnipeg pianist and bandleader Ron Paley and heard him play a few bars, he knew that no one was better suited for the job. “Ron’s contribution to the ballet cannot be overstated,” he said. “His

work is incredible.” “It’s so interesting to me how many different permutations there are of Cinderella,” Val says. “And regardless of how the story is told, it always seems to strike a chord. I hope this ballet will be reassuringly familiar to people. But at the same time, I hope everything about the ballet is a constant surprise – the story, the music, the choreography. I want to meet people’s expectations and surpass them.” Don’t miss out when “Ballet meets Broadway” during the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s performance of Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story at the Centennial Concert Hall from May 11-15, 2022. Check out rwb.org for ticket information and purchase.

Singers return to classrooms after two-year absence

his past February marked the first time in two years that singers were back in the classroom connecting with kids through opera. COVID-19 health and safety protocols had prohibited school visits since March 2020. Thanks to the generosity of Manitoba Opera donors and with schools once again able to open their doors to guests, a record 28 classrooms were visited by three artists - Katherine Mayba, Sydney Clarke, and John Anderson - during I Love to Read month. Each February, as part of this initiative, Manitoba Opera is pleased to send an opera singer to schools to engage students’ imaginations. The artist reads a wonderful story like Opera Cat, does fun vocal exercises with the kids, and tops off the session with a short performance. Free of charge for schools, this initiative is always a “sell out,” and there are always more requests for singers than budget allows the company to fill. However, as a result of donations raised through a recent campaign, close to three times as many visits as usual were made possible. Manitoba Opera is now also able to offer I Love to Read visits for presentation in both French and Tagalog (the national language of the Philippines). As well this spring, teachers will be 12

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Soprano Katherine Mayba reads Opera Cat to students at James Nisbet Community School in February as part of I Love to Read month.

Paul Ong recording Pet of the Met in Tagalog for the MO’s Opera Storytime video series.

able to share an Opera Storytime video episode in either French or Tagalog, as well as English. These fun and engaging storybooks about opera-loving animals are a great introduction to the art form for K to grade 4. Opera Cat has been recorded in French with storyteller Katherine Mayba and Paul Ong has shared the story of Pet of the Met in Tagalog.

senting between 20-30 workshops in Winnipeg-area schools between now and the end of June. Eight workshops have already been presented by baritone Nathan Sawatzky-Dyck at Betty Gibson School in Brandon in December. Opera Class workshops are made possible with funding from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.

Manitoba Opera is also anticipating returning to classrooms this spring to present Opera Class, a 45-minute workshop led by an opera singer who introduces student to opera through imaginative hands-on learning. For this first time, sessions will be offered in French as well as English. It is expected that singers will be pre-

April 2022

Flin Flon drama takes to cyberspace and the world!

here was a very cool event within Johnny’s Social Club. The actors Susan our arts and cultural community Gunn, Alain Lachapelle, Miranda Bowin beautiful Flin Flon MB. It was man and John Bettger will be performing live, as will the cartoon an online event so that puppets. We are not at all means it was and is gosure how they got said ing to be available all over puppets to learn their lines Manitoba – no, wait – all but that is only another of over Canada, or maybe we the mysterious elements in mean, all over the world! this production. The whole internet thing A third mystical mois still magic to us (and ment is paying for the yes, we are aware that it is show. You could watch it years old now) so we realfrom the comfort of your ly don’t understand it but own home as it was liveit’s called the World Wide streamed. It was $20 and Web for a reason, correct? there was a QR code that Anyway, local visual artElly Spencer you could scan to get the ist Mike Spencer has creThe arts from instructions for payment ated a piece, written and up here and tuning in to the show. directed by Mike Spencer It will be published at the and Raphael Saray called, (Shrug). The title is just the end of this article as it is still available. beginning of the innovations. It is de- We meant it when we said magic, techscribed in its publicity material as, “an nology is just amazing. (Shrug) is a collaboration innovative livestream production using a hybrid presentation method, which between quite disparate artists working combines live video, live cartoon pup- in such a wide variety of media. Spencer pets, and pre-recorded video segments. is predominately a visual artist whose art In this quirky comedy, a feuding couple practice includes ceramics, photography finds themselves on an epic journey and painting. Saray is a performing artist who has written and performed in through cyberspace.” Spencer describes it as live action with theatrical productions at the Winnipeg actors and cartoon puppets in real-time Fringe Festival over several years and interspersed with pre-recorded mois no stranger to the Flin Flon stage eiments. The show will happen on Sat- ther. Of course, he is also well-known urday, March 26 with a Watch party at for his ‘day job’ as a radio broadcaster at

Shrug Cast of Characters. CFAR. Spencer is transitioning out of his role as Gallery Manager at NorVA Centre to devote more time to the work of producing visual art. Their collaboration on this project is very exciting for the public as well as the artists. The funding process for this project is interesting in its own right. Spencer received a grant from the Manitoba Arts Council to fund this work through the ‘SUPPORT’ stream of activity, designed to, “Invest in the long-term sustainability of Manitoba’s arts and cultural sector.” He applied to the ‘Adapt’ program which has as its mandate, The Adapt

program assists applicants who are responding to the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting their artistic practice, expanding their skills, building new relationships, or creating new work. This funding intake is made possible by the Manitoba government’s investment in the Arts and Culture Sustainability Funds to support Manitoba’s art and culture sector, which has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.” This was an exciting and innovative style of production. But that’s Flin Flon! Do tune in and enjoy.

Remember the D-Drifters 5?

Ukrainians have left an indelible musical mark on Manitoba

ave Roman (Romanyshyn) passed away in January of this year at the age of 78. While his name may not resonate with many, his band The D-Drifters will most certainly elicit fond memories. Winnipeg’s D-Drifters were Manitoba’s party band for two decades. Born Dyonizy Romanyshyn in Gimli and raised in Fraserwood, Manitoba, Dave’s parents moved the family to Winnipeg’s West End when young Dave was eleven years old. Steeped in the Ukrainian culture from his immigrant parents, John Einarson Dave took up the accorLocal Music dion at an early age. After Spotlight meeting old time fiddler Ihor ‘Yogi’ Klos in high school, the two played Ukrainian social events until forming The D-Drifters 5 (not to be confused with American vocal group The Drifters) in the early 1960s after adding Dave’s brother Tony on guitar, drummer Mike Klym and saxophone player Andy Poloniski. Dave learned to play bass guitar for the band. “We always thought of ourselves as a rock ‘n’ roll cover band, but we could play anything,” stated Dave. Versatility was the band’s calling card. Comfortable in just about any form of popular music, The D-Drifters 5 were especially well-received by Ukrainian communities across the province. In 1962, enterprising Winnipeg record business veteran Alex Groshak founded V-Records out of his home on Fleury Place in Windsor Park. Groshak was a visionary who saw a vast untapped market in the Ukrainian Canadian community for ethnic music. “I feel that Ukrainian music is very unique and one of a kind given to us by previous generations and it should be preserved for future generations,” he stated in a 2005 radio interview. The Cold War had cut off UkrainianCanadians from music from their homeland. Groshak recognized the potential with V-Records. “There was a big demand for Ukrainian music for weddings and socials,” he pointed out. Mickey & Bunny were V-Record’s first stars, scoring a Western Canadian hit single with a cover of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” sung half in April 2022

The D-Drifters. Ukrainian and half in English. Going out on tour, the duo needed a backing band and tapped The D-Drifters 5 for the job. “Mickey realized he needed a fulltime band,” noted Dave, “so he auditioned us. We barely got through the second song when he stopped us and said, ‘You’re hired’.” It was a big step for the band. “I made more money the first night with Mickey & Bunny than I did in a whole month working as a draftsman,” he recalled. But the merger was not without its hurdles. “Mickey fired Yogi after two weeks,” laughs Dave, “because Yogi wouldn’t do what Mickey wanted.” Yogi was quickly reinstated. The group also backed Mickey & Bunny on their many recordings. The D-Drifters 5 also recorded on their own for VRecords, releasing five albums of Ukrainian dance music including On Tour, At A Ukrainian Concert, Traditional and Original Ukrainian Songs and Ukrainian Dance Favourites. “The albums came about because Mickey Sheppard had his own studio in his house in West Kildonan,” says Dave. In 1965, the D-Drifters 5

released an album of Beatles and British Invasion pop songs including “She Loves You” and “Needles and Pins” sung in Ukrainian. “Yogi and I and my mother translated them,” noted Dave. Groshak dubbed the band “the Ukrainian Beatles”. That same year, Dave participated in a recording session at Mickey’s studio for still unknown local musician Neil Young, singing backup on Young’s own “I’m A Man And I Can’t Cry”, not released to the public until Young’s 2009 multi-disk Archives Vol. 1 box set. By the latter ‘60s the D-Drifters, as they were now known, left Mickey & Bunny for a career on their own, becoming an instant sensation. “Because of our association with Mickey & Bunny people knew who we were,” acknowledged Dave. “Our first gig was at the Lincoln Hotel and people were practically knocking down the door to get in. We couldn’t believe it.” Over the next two decades the D-Drifters remained one of the top bands in the province and beyond, playing pubs, dances, weddings, you name it. “We did very well in the music business even though we never had a hit record,” Dave mused. By 1970, Fred Turner, a veteran of a dozen or so local bands, was a member of the D-Drifters when he received an offer he couldn’t refuse. Randy Bachman’s post-Guess Who band, Brave Belt, needed another vocalist/bass player. Being a practicing Mormon, Randy couldn’t enter bars so one night when The D-Drifters were appearing at a local pub, Randy’s brother Gary opened the back door to allow Randy to stand outside and listen to Fred belt out “House Of The Rising Sun”. Needless to say, Fred joined Brave Belt who soon after morphed into Bachman-Turner Overdrive. The D-Drifters carried on recruiting ex-Justin Tyme guitarist John Wittman. After The D-Drifters folded, Dave built Maddock Studios in West St. Paul where he quickly became an in-demand record producer. He also continued to entertain family and friends on his accordion. Dave Roman succumbed to Covid-19 on January 17, 2022. He definitely left his mark on Winnipeg music. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Winnipeg’s first full-time Internet radio station Continued from page 1

his days over three decades as a UK disc jockey. John Einarson’s show is My Generation. John is a well-known musicologist and author. He presents a fast-paced eclectic smorgasbord of musical flotsam and jetsam from the 1960s and 70s along with plenty of platter chatter about the artists and the recordings. It’s an hour of music you won’t want to miss. Alex Regiec and John Panting present The Rec Room. Johnny “Lightning” Panting and “Captain” Alex Regiec welcome you down into their basement rec room for a journey back in time when shag carpeting, flair leg pants, lava lamps, ripple chips with onion dip and vinyl 45 RPM records were all the rage! The boys wind up the old turntable and spin some of the best pop, rock and one-hit wonders that the ‘60s, ‘70s and 80s had to offer.

Jim Ingebrigtsen’s Radio Redux, will include interviews from time to time, including Colin Blunstone (The Zombies), Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds) and Peter No-one (coming up in early April). When not interviewing, Radio Redux will be filled primarily with mid-50s to mid-60s music, what Jim calls. “a cool, cacophonous collection of crooners and cronies”. Yours truly, Dorothy Dobbie, will continue The Gardener for a time, gradually letting my daughter Shauna replace me with our Canada’s Local Gardener podcast, turned radio show. I am hoping to mount a new feature called Issues in the News, interviewing all sort of interesting people, both political and non-political, about the issues that affect us today. Ian Leatt and Dwight McAuley round out the roster, although Dwight has a talk show in mind, too. Ian is

taking care of the business side of things. Joining us on air when we go live are Greg Gardner with his Sounds of Summer. Bill Quinn will fill that well rooted need for the soothing sounds of Country, and Walle Larsson will focus on jazz. Glen Kowalchuk, who used to produce my show on CJOB, is planning to delight you with tales of the arcane: spooky stories, UFOs and other creepy things that might just go bump in the night. Well known writer and music producer, Dan Donahue, will be joining us a little later in the summer as his work load permits. This is our starting lineup. Other stars will be added as we go along. This is exciting news for listeners who are looking for something new that is focused on entertainment, not corporate ratings, and will deliver unfiltered opinions.

Raining money in downtown Winnipeg

Garry Moir

2022 marks the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting in Manitoba. Over the course of the year, Lifestyles 55 will be publishing a series of articles featuring a few of the highlights of local radio history.

any of us remember the television sitcom “WKRP.” One episode that particularly stands out is the “Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway.” Someone at the dysfunctional radio station comes up with the disastrous idea of dropping turkeys from a helicopter onto the parking lot of a shopping mall. The program concludes with the infamous quote from a badly shaken station manager, “as God is my witness, I thought Gary turkeys could fly.” The WKRP story was a work of fiction. In 1947, Winnipeg had its very own example of a radio promotion gone wrong, although this one was all too real. Radio station CJOB had been on the air less than a year with studios located on the 10th floor of the Lindsay building on Notre Dame near Portage Avenue. The station's morning show was called “Smile Darn Ya, Smile,” with host Chuck Cook who had come to Winnipeg from the west coast. Every morning the flamboyant Cook did his best to make each and every listener “smile darn ya, smile.” Early in January of 1947, Cook began hinting that CJOB was about to give away $500 cash. The talk continued through the week with Cook finally revealing that the big day would be Friday, January 10. At no point, however, did he indicate how the money would be distributed.

Just after 6:00 a.m. that Friday morning, something most unusual began to occur. Five, ten and twenty dollar bills began floating down from the CJOB's 10th floor studio. “Passersby,” reported the Winnipeg Free Press, “looked up in amazement, then began grabbing at the bills as they drifted by a light wind.” Cook, meanwhile, continued to talk up the promotion, informing listeners that money would be dropped from the studio window at various intervals throughout the morning. The news spread fast. As the Winnipeg Tribune reported, “Cars, bikes, and busses brought hundreds of money hungry souls to the street beneath the studio.” Cars were parked wherever there was space as their passengers rushed to join the crowd. Trolley busses couldn't get Moir through as traffic was completely snarled around Portage and Notre Dame. “As the money floated to the earth,” recorded the Tribune, “people on the ground fought for it. They ignored cars and buses as they ran blindly, their eyes following the drifting papers.” Police were called to quell the crowd. It took over an hour to sort it out. Then came the ultimate insult: the cash being tossed from the CJOB window was not real money at all, but rather phony bills from a board game. In one simple publicity stunt, the radio station had managed to anger listeners, emergency responders, the police and the transit system. CJOB owner John Oliver Blick was feeling the heat. A week later, the station donated $500 to the University of Manitoba, with Blick emphasizing that, this time, the money “was real”. Over time, morning man Chuck Cook headed west,

2022 marks the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting in Manitoba. To mark the occasion, a local seniors' theatre group is staging a musical theatre production called “The Last Radio Show.” It will run at the Gas Station Theatre April 29th and 30th at 7:30 pm, with proceeds going to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. “We just wanted to do something fun and recognize the anniversary at the same time,” says Garry Moir, who wrote the script for the play. “Although the majority of cast members are in their 60s and 70s, it's the kind of show any age can enjoy.” The production is set in Winnipeg in 1965. A local radio station hasn't kept up with the times, is broke, can't find a buyer and is going off the air. This is the story of the very last live radio show performed by a dysfunctional staff fretting about their future. On this last night, however, they must pull it together to give their listeners a tour of the Golden Age of Radio. N0 ONE COULD HAVE PREDICTED WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT. Tickets are $20 (cash or cheque only) available at the door, or by email at gaelic1@live.com or by calling 204-804-4679. E- transfer available for tickets ordered in advance. carving out a very successful broadcasting career in Vancouver before eventually being elected as a Member of Parliament from British Columbia. Garry Moir has spent more than 50 years in the broadcasting industry. He has written extensively about local radio history including a book titled “On The Air: The Golden Age of Manitoba Radio.” He currently produces the daily “History Vault” feature on CJNU radio.

Wally Koster – singer, trombonist and actor played football as well as hockey both with Wally Koster (1923 - 1975) some success but he soon chased the other Singer, Trombonist and Actor ally (Walter Serge) Koster was option. He was a self-taught trombonist a singer, trombonist and actor. and at the encouragement of his father He was born in Winnipeg of taught himself to sing. The baritone voice and the “bone” player soon Polish-Russian parents on attracted the attention of February 14, 1923. local band leaders. Growing up in WinniAt only 16, he was singpeg’s North End during ing with Joe DeCourcy’s the 1930s, he was quoted dance band. It wasn’t long by notable journalist and before he was gaining noauthor June Callwood toriety throughout the in a 1956 publication of city playing in most every McLean’s Magazine as dance venue at the time. saying, “To get across the One of the musicians in tracks you had to make the band taught Wally how good in either sports or to read music. At the same music.” She wrote “Koster grew time, he was playing hockMemorable up during the Thirties in ey and it was not uncomManitobans a section of North Winnimon, Callwood wrote, for peg that produced a bumhim to show up at a supper dance “with a heavy limp per crop of thugs.” or bandages on his face”. Once after performing before 500 inmates at Stoney Mountain Once he arrived at the Fort Garry Hotel Penitentiary just north of Winnipeg, he with stitches bristling from one eyebrow remarked, “I grew up with those guys. and a square of adhesive holding together I figure I know close to half of them by a cut lip. “Whaddya think I’m running here, a freak show?” complained the band their first names.” Wally was just shy of six feet tall and leader. Wally met a young woman by the name tipped the Toledos at 165. He was tough, tough as a nickel steak as they say. He of Myra Symes who was a polio survi-

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vor. Myra was very excited about her first commercials for numerous products. He date with Wally. She came home and said also appeared on stage across Canada inproudly to her father, “He’s a musician!” cluding in the productions of Guys and “Great” he replied, “What does he do Dolls (1959) and Carousel (1960) here at for a living?” Rainbow Stage. The timing wasn’t right for He was one of the first permarriage. Wally was still deformers to appear on Canaditermined to be a professional an television (CBC), usually athlete. After he finished a in musical comedy programs season in Nova Scotia playing both on radio and television. semi-professional hockey for The show that really shot him to fame was Trans-Canthe North Sydney Victorias ada Hit Parade followed by and the five years he spent Cross-Canada Hit Parade in the army, due to the many where he was co-host along injuries that Wally sustained with another popular perplaying various sports, he was former of the time, Joyce rejected and deemed unfit for Hahn (1955-1960). battle overseas. So, he spent Wally Koster. his five years in Winnipeg Wally Koster is another example of a tough kid who grew up in playing in the army band. Winnipeg’s North End but worked hard The two finally married in 1946. Wally was tiring of the work he was get- to do what he knew he had to do to get ting in Winnipeg and jumped at the op- where he wanted to go. Wally Koster died December 11, 1975 portunity offered him by bandleader Ellis McLintock to move to Toronto. For the as a result of complications after heart surnext number of years, Koster played with gery. Jim Ingebrigtsen is a council member of various bands and much like what happened in Winnipeg, he gained popularity. the Manitoba Historical Society and submits So much so there were two Wally Koster the stories of Memorable Manitobans each fan clubs. month to Lifestyles 55. Visit MHS.mb.ca and When television arrived, he was soon discover thousands of other men and women appearing on variety shows and doing in our archives. April 2022

Queen Street, once the epitome of a very Winnipeg lifestyle! 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 Queen Street.

WW 2 era, the service station was called Mager's Automotive and operated for 25 years by Edmund Mager. The St. James Hotel opened in 1928. An early picture of the Hotel shows diagonal parking. After a 2017 fire, the hotel was renovated and has reopened. Some of the people who have lived part of their lives am going to begin this article with an historical challenge to the Manitoba Historical Society. MHS claims on Queen Street After moving from rural Manitoba, Dr. John Henry that Queen Street was named after Winnipeg Mayor John Queen. On June 23, 1906, a Winnipeg Free Press Conklin lived at 251 Queen before moving to Hampton Street. Conklin practiced medicine in advertisement stated that lots on Queen St. James for 36 years, served six years on Street were selling for between $110 and St. James Council and 25 years as a School $135. In 1906, John Queen, age 24, came Trustee. to Winnipeg. It seems obvious that Queen In 1924, Harry Monk and his wife Street had been named before the unforgetPhyllis established College Electric. After table Mr. Queen joined us. Mr. Queen did World War 2, Harry Monk Jr. and his wife not become mayor of Winnipeg until 1932. Jean joined College Electric. College ElecIn the 1907 Henderson Directory, 16 tric remained in the Monk Family for 95 Queen Street residents are listed. By 1914, years. In 2007, College Electric won a 50Queen Street had become a developed year Dealership Award. Harry Monk was neighbourhood with houses and a few the lead for the Deer Lodge Jimmie Welsh businesses stretching from Portage Avenue Curling Rink. The Welsh rink won the to north of Silver Avenue. There were 35 1947 Brier. The Welsh Team is in the Manhouses and a Salvation Army Citadel on Fred Morris itoba Sports and Curling Hall of Fame. the east side of Queen from Portage AvFrom the desk In 1957/58, Harry Monk Jr. became the enue to where is Ness is now located. The of a gadfly president of the Deer Lodge Curling Club. early 1960s construction of the Cloverleaf Both Harry Monk Sr. and Harry Monk Jr. onto the expanded St. James Bridge and became life members of the Deer Lodge the 1970s construction of three apartment buildings resulted in the bulldozing of this entire block. Curling Club. Sidney Sr. and Margaret Farmer lived in Ashbury Place. (The bulldozing of a couple of dozen homes to build three apartment blocks was very questionable?) Another inter- Sidney is the guy who mounted the Humbug sign on his esting note is that houses at 876 and 873 Queen once ex- balcony as part of his Christmas Celebration. For almost 50 years, the Humbug sign has been part of Christmas isted north of St. Matthews (once called Barry Avenue). The 1930 Henderson Directory first mentions a service for drivers along Route 90. After retiring as a farmer, Stanley Goodridge lived on station on the northwest corner of Portage and Queen. This station under various names was part of the neigh- Queen Street in the same house that would later become bourhood for about the next 75 years. During the post the residence of the Cat Lady, Bertha Rand*. Mr. Go-

odridge (my Uncle Archer's father) wrote several books including A Year in Manitoba, and an English Officer and his Sons in Canada. Don Blanchard, a long-time football and curling writer for the Winnipeg Free Press, resided on Queen Street. Rosemary Kowalski an artist lived on Queen Street as a child. In August 1926, Rita Jackson wrote a story entitled "Nora Travels with the Wind" in the Boys and Girls Section of the Winnipeg Free Press. After a heavy April 1950 snowfall, Billy Promo age 12 and Donald Fuller age 10, are pictured in the Free press under the title Two boys’ snowman, with their large snow bear. Stanley Wright, a commissionaire became known as the Candy Man for giving out free toffee. Joseph Bagley served 40 years on the St. James Police Force eventually becoming chief. Edith Beckwith worked 45 years at Eaton's. Punch was the tabby cat of Alfred and Edith Thomson. Punch accompanied Alfred for his daily walks down Queen Street. (I have started to collect the names of St. James pets. Please send a little biographical information about your favourite pets. The Archive will be entitled the St. James Pet Hall of Fame.) Your Feedback is welcome. Please send to me any short stories on items that I have missed or that could be dealt with in more detail. I will send short stories to the City Historian. Regardless, short stories may also be published in Lifestyles. Next month, I will examine some of the streets around the Grace Hospital. *Readers may want Fred to recount the story of Winnipeg’s famous Bertha Rand whose only crime was to own too many cats. -Ed Fred Morris is a Grandfather, Sports Fan and Political Activist.

Manitoba through time

fire, cleaning ashes and polishing. Daily id you already know that… …until the railway reached routine also included proper care of pots, St. Paul, Minnesota, obtaining utensils, tinware and other dishes. Preparing meals meant spending lots of the necessities in Red River Settlement depended exclusively on imports by the working hours in the kitchen because all Hudson’s Bay Company ships which food came unprepared. Diet in the Viccame from England once a year. Import of torian era in Manitoba usually included goods was both very expensive and time rabbit, chicken, pork and fish. Also, duck, prairie chicken and partridge stew or roast. consuming. One of the household essentials was fur- Typical breakfasts consisted of homemade niture. Early settler’s furniture was func- stone ground bread coated with lard or tional and plain. Since import was a costly drippings and watercress, a very healthy and tedious job, settlers started to make and cheap vegetable. Also, on the table in their own furniture from raw materials the morning could be found cold meats, such as oak, cedar, pine and ash. Screws cheese and beer. They consumed nuts, and nails were also in short seasonal vegetables, fruits, supply so the whole piece especially apples, cherries, of furniture was made of pears, berries and plums, wood insofar as that was and lots of greens. Victoripossible. For example, ans had healthier diet than joints were fastened by we do now as they conwooden dowels, and the sumed more nutrient-rich use of straw and feathers food, less sugar and miniwas also widespread. mal processed food. One of the hand-made …Winnipeg’s first wapieces of furniture comter man was James Irvin. mon in Red River SettleBefore the incorporation ment is a chair known as of the city, on July 13th, “Babiche”. Babiche seats Sanja Rossi 1872, Irvin started wawere usually made from Manitoba ter works of his own. He older and stiffer buffalo raised a scaffold out in the hide. Out of 12 rawhideThrough Time river and let down a pump seated chairs that have pipe with a pump on a been identified, all share similarities in appearance but differ- scaffold. He managed to provide inhabitences in chair frame dimension which ants with water as pure as it was possible were shaped from raw timber stock with to get from the river. Water was generally carried from the axe and drawknife. These chairs are also known as slat-back babiche chairs ( hav- river by horse and wagon. Bringing and ing two or more horizontal or vertical taking water to and from the household demanded tremendously hard work as slats). …during the challenging period in the well as time. Water was drawn by horses province's past, the burden if the whole in large light buckets and then hauled into household of a typical working class or the house for laundry, bathing, cooking, immigrant family belonged to the wom- house cleaning and dishwashing. On the other hand, there were homes en. Family produced most of the food on their own. They churned their own but- whose residents were representatives ter and bought only a few commercial of the upper class and differed in social, products. In the garden, they grew crops political and cultural rank. Noble homes that could be preserved, dried or stored. indulged in luxury such as indoor plumbThe kitchen stove demanded constant ing (plumbing was a status symbol and it attention, preparing wood and tending was very common to have the pipes in the April 2022

An early water cart. house visible), central hot water heating and electric lights. …the Victorians were very fond of papier-mâché, the popular technique (between 1720 and 1900) of making objects by using mashed up paper and some sort of paste. However, this technique is as old as the paper itself, and originated in the East in ancient times. In the early 1700s, French craftsmen recognized the big potential of papier-mâché and started to produce useful and decorative objects such as cups, letter holders, trays, pencil cases, picture frames, decorative ceilings etc. Pieces were usually made in black, red or green and then decorated with flowers, birds and patterns embellished in gold. Later, at the end of 18 century, a man called Henry Clay found a way to produce panels (pasteboards) that could be used in a similar way to wood, and thus enabled the production of furniture such as chairs, tables and even beds. Yet, pasteboards couldn’t bear heavy weight so builders had to use wood or metal for chair legs or creating a base of other big furniture. ….Complex cultural acts and rituals that polite society had to practice in the Victorian era were written in detail in guides dictating Victorian etiquette. It was necessary to follow certain behavioral patterns on occasions like dinner parties, luncheons, afternoon teas, courtship or engagements. There was etiquette surrounding how to serve cheese, how to eat

Kitchen utensils and stove in Riel House. Photo courtesy Sanja Rossi. fish, how to leave carte de visite, etc. Socio-economic status was also reflected in one’s following these extensive rules which articulated Victorian’s rich social world. Some of those seem absurd and passe nowadays. Personally, I think that being respectful to everyone and showing nice manners must be our zeal for civilization. As we walk among red brick houses in our city, visiting some of the old mansions turned into museums, we learn about Victorian way of life and their rich, pleasurable culture. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

When you have an emergency! James Ham

from these new and emerging technologies. In short, a significant overhaul is underway to the nation’s 9-1-1 systems. Most of this work is done on the -1-1 has long been a trusted lifeline between you infrastructure and behind the scenes. Calling 9-1-1 and the emergency services you require. That will What you need to know most about this work is that never change. Whether to report a medical emergency such as a there will always be someone available to take your 9-11 emergency call and get you the help heart attack or severe motor vehicle colyou need. Nothing changes in that you lision, a house fire or crime in progress, can still call 9-1-1, and we will still pick the men and women serving in our 9-1up the phone as we do today and con1 Communications Centre are always nect you to the help you need. ready to take your call. Calling 9-1-1 can seem an intimidatThe 9-1-1 emergency line and the ing call to make. 204-986-6222 non-emergency phone It is one of the busiest operations in lines handle more than 600,000 calls the Service, but the Comm Centre is each year. They do so with professionalhere to help you under the most trying ism, genuine care and a commitment to of circumstances and what is for many our community. their darkest moments. In April, we join the global commuEach call taker receives extensive trainnity recognizing those efforts as part of Winnipeg Police ing and mentoring before being allowed National Public Safety TelecommunicaServices Crime to take your calls. That is followed up tions Week, which runs from April 8 to with constant monitoring and continu14. While the Communications Centre Prevention Column ing education. team takes ownership of this demanding The first – and perhaps most imporjob, they are also quick to recognize the continued success of this service truly represents a part- tant question you will be asked is “What is the location of your emergency?”. We need that location if the call is nership with the community. Most often, it’s your calls for service that prompt the somehow lost or you disconnect. It is no longer a given that the call taker knows your mobilization of critical emergency services. location. That is especially true if you are calling from Ensuring that trusted lifeline You will soon hear more talk of “NextGen 9-1-1” in a cell phone. When every second counts, searching out this information by other means can genuinely be the Canada in the months ahead. In the past 20 years, advancements in modern com- difference between life or death. Once we have that information, we will ask about the munications technology have created the need for a more advanced system to access emergency care. While nature of your emergency, so we know what resources the existing 9-1-1 system has been a success story for need to be deployed (police, fire, ambulance). We will more than 30 years, technological advances mean we also take your information, but it is always critical we get that location first and foremost. have to adapt as technology advances. When you speak to a Call Taker, time is critical. They New wireless and IP-based communications devices are being developed rapidly, offering text and video are efficient and well trained. We ask that you follow messaging capabilities. Unfortunately, the current 9-1- their prompts, and they will get you through your dif1 system was never intended to receive calls and data ficult time. But it would be best if you stayed focused.

Reporting Non-emergencies The Call Takers that answer 9-1-1 are also the Call Takers that answer our non-emergency phone line: 204-986-6222. The police non-emergency line should be used if you report something that does NOT meet the definition of an emergency but where police may still be required. This may include: • suspicious circumstances; • crimes that are not in progress and where the suspect has left; and • some property crimes. The non-emergency police line should only be used for police-related matters. Our community partners Should you have questions or need assistance with non-emergency City of Winnipeg Services such as parking ticket payments, public work requests for street repairs and maintenance, bicycle recovery or licensing – please call 311. Another new initiative we are excited to partner with is Manitoba 211. Launched by United Way Winnipeg, it is another critical piece of our community’s safety net connecting you with government, health, and social services available across the province. The service helps Manitobans looking to find the right community or social resource but don’t know where to start. While we are not responsible for those services, we continue to form partnerships with these services to help when you most need help. Our partnership with you is our most valued, and the team in the Comm centre is proud to serve and support you. But none of these services – certainly our Police Communications 9-1-1 Service – can never be as effective as they should be without you. If you see something suspicious, say something. Please give us a call. Your prompt action can save a life, avert danger and make our community stronger and safer. Learn more about 9-1-1 through our website: https:// winnipeg.ca/police/TakeAction/reporting_crimes.stm James Ham is the Communications Coordinator for the Winnipeg Police Service

Taking discovery from the lab to the bed side

ight now, more than 300 world-class researchers at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) are hard at work to better understand the specific and unique health conditions faced by kids in Manitoba. Conditions like kidney disease, peanut allergies, mental health crises, and even COVID-19. CHRIM researchers are responsible for many life-changing discoveries, including the first-ever documented case of type 2 diabetes in a child; research that led to a change in national guidelines on preventing peanut allergy in children; and reStefano Grande search that changed global guidelines on diagnosing Healthy and managing congenital Living diaphragmatic hernia – a rare and life-threatening condition in which babies are born with a hole in their diaphragm. All here in Winnipeg, thanks to our community. CHRIM is focused on improving the health outcomes for all children in Manitoba. With as many as 60 percent of kids who need HSC Children’s being Indigenous, CHRIM works closely with First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and partner organizations to help understand and address the disproportionate impact of illness on structurally disadvantaged children and youth. The Institute is also an incredible investment in the health and future of all our kids. Research teams leverage the $4 million of operating costs covered by donors to the Foundation to bring in more than $20 million of research funding annually, from prestigious groups like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the US National Institutes of Health, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. That makes good sense (and cents!). The Institute is built around a collaborative and innovative research environmentcollaboration and innovation – including shared, inter- and multidisciplinary spaces and programs where teams regularly interact with and learn from each other. This gives teams a unique perspective that looks at the overall 16

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A scientist at work in one of the labs at CHRIM. picture of child health. It also makes for a very attractive, rewarding environment, and researchers and trainees from all over the world continue to join this remarkable group. CHRIM is also a catalyst in recruiting and retaining the best healthcare professionals at HSC Children’s Hospital so kids continue to get the best care possible. Many of the researchers, like CEO and scientific director Dr. Terry Klassen, are also doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals in the hospital itself. And since their work is focused on the real-life needs of kids in our communities, it has immediate impact. For example, one of Dr. Klassen’s research areas is ensuring that no matter where kids are when emergency care is needed, they get expert, and even life-saving care and treatment. Through the work of the Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK) network, Dr. Klassen and his team create online resources for emergency departments, healthcare providers, and parents in rural and remote areas. Since almost half of the emergency visits to HSC Children’s – the only children’s hospital in the entire – province – are from outside Winnipeg and as far away as Nunavut and Northwestern Ontario, this expertise

Doctor Terry Klassen. matters, especially when time is of the essence. These resources help healthcare providers perform emergency assessments from a child’s home community, which significantly reduces the financial and emotional stress of having to travel to Winnipeg, provides families with the supports they need at home, and helps professionals serve more kids more efficiently. Having a pediatric-specific research institute of this calibre, right here, helps secure Manitoba’s leadership in understanding children’s illness. Investing in research helps speed the translation of discovery into innovative treatments and cures, new drugs and vaccines, medical devices, surgical techniques, and so much more. By investing in research, infrastructure and funding for these teams, our community can help transform the way medicine is practiced, to make a bigger impact on kids and families, sooner. To learn more about the dynamic and leading-edge work underway, visit chrim.ca. To support CHRIM’s work, visit goodbear.ca. Stefano Grande is the president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. April 2022

Natural solutions for hypertension

ffecting almost 1 in 4 Canadian adults, hy- work. Other than an elevated diastolic blood prespertension (the medical term for high blood sure reading over 90, everything seemed normal. pressure) is a major risk factor for cardio- The medical term for this condition is “isolated diavascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. It affects stolic hypertension.” The holistic approach to any health concern starts about 1 billion people worldwide and results in over with trying to find the cause, rather 7 million deaths per year. In the USA, than dealing with the symptoms. I every 37 seconds someone dies of carlearned that Jane leads a very healthy diovascular disease and about 700,000 lifestyle. She’s active, doesn’t smoke people have a stroke each year (with or drink, isn’t overweight, and drinks over 400 deaths each day). Fortunately, about four cups of coffee per week. Her many cases of cardiovascular disease are diet is focused on plant foods and lean preventable, and there are dietary and meats and is better than most of the clilifestyle changes we can implement that ents that come to see me. She also has a can help resolve this common condilovely, warm, engaging personality, and tion naturally. made it clear that she was eager to try The traditional medical approach to my approach. reducing blood pressure is to recomThe largest organ in the body, the mend lifestyle modifications includendothelium is the lining of our artering exercise, weight loss (if required), Nathan Zassman ies and blood vessels; it plays a critical healthier food choices like the DASH Natural Health role in regulating blood pressure and diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypreventing cardiovascular disease. Poor pertension), restricting salt intake, and endothelial function is associated with prescribing a suite of drugs, which may include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium chan- plaque buildup and reduced blood flow to our ornel blockers, and diuretics — sometimes called the gans, cells, and tissues. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas ABCDs. Unfortunately, these drugs can produce produced by the endothelium, and is the most imadverse effects including insomnia, headaches, important molecule for reducing blood pressure and potence, kidney failure, weight gain, joint disorders, increasing blood flow. During our meeting, we disdiarrhea, weakness, and low energy among many cussed the importance of boosting nitric oxide levels, others. Because of these serious and disruptive side which decrease after the age of 40. The key factor effects, many patients don’t take these drugs as pre- in improving endothelial function is aerobic exercise, however increasing the amount of foods high in niscribed. A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of trates is also important, as they’re converted to nitric mercury (mm Hg), with two numbers. The upper oxide in the body. I recommended Jane take Neo40, a supplement number indicates the arterial pressure when the heart beats (the systolic phase); and the lower number clinically proven to increase nitric oxide production, when the heart is at rest, between beats (the diastolic along with a concentrated super green juice powphase, when the heart fills with blood and absorbs der that includes probiotics, mushroom extracts, oxygen). A good, healthy blood pressure reading is micro-algae, vegetables, and fruits. I also suggested below 120/80 mm Hg. Ideally, the diastolic blood a powdered blend of different types of magnesium pressure reading should be lower than 80; a reading (Magnesium Synergy) which also contains zinc and between 80 and 89 is often considered normal, but potassium (critical for maintaining healthy blood it’s not optimal, and an elevated diastolic level can pressure). I recommended she take aged garlic capsules, beet juice, curcumin, olive leaf complex, black lead to a higher systolic level. I received a call from a woman who was seeking seed oil, omega-3, a comprehensive multivitamin, a natural approach to help lower her blood pres- and two strong cups of hibiscus tea per day. Two sure. Jane (not her real name) is 55 and had until published studies found that hibiscus tea and olive recently been in perfect health all her life. But in the leaf extract were as effective as the commonly-preprevious two weeks, she had been hospitalized twice scribed ACE inhibitor drug captopril. As my approach is to provide solid research to supfor a very rapid pulse and had a systolic blood pressure reading of 196. While in the hospital she had a port my recommendations, I gave Jane a selection of chest X-ray and a thorough checkup, including blood well-referenced studies on a variety of complemen-

tary dietary supplements including Pycnogenol, coenzyme Q10, black seed oil, olive leaf extract, and grape seed extract. I also recommended using sesame oil as her primary oil for cooking. Sesame oil contains sesamin, sesamol, and vitamin E, compounds confirmed in studies to help lower blood pressure. I stressed the importance of fasting for two nonconsecutive days each week and suggested that she spend quiet time meditating each day, as mindfulness meditation has been shown to help reduce blood pressure. I also gave her a four-minute aerobic exercise routine to do three times a day specifically designed to help the body increase nitric oxide levels. A few days later, Jane emailed me to update me on her “exciting progress.” She had implemented many of my recommendations and was eating lots of healthy salads, seeds, bananas, and papayas, and was keeping an accurate log of her readings. Before she embarked on my program, her blood pressure was 155/88 (as measured by her doctor). That dropped to 132/80 during her next visit less than two weeks later. She suspects that this doctor’s reading may have been elevated due to “white coat syndrome,” as the reading she took at home was a healthy 121/67. A half an hour after drinking some fenugreek tea with some ground ginger, she found her next reading to be a remarkable 105/71 with a 72 pulse. Jane is now sleeping better, and her self-measured diastolic readings are consistently under 80, while her systolic readings are usually under 120. Normally, I tell clients that they shouldn’t expect rapid results when using natural approaches that include diet, supplementation, and exercise. I’ve found it can often take up to three months for people to see significant changes. But it’s also not uncommon to see quick improvements, particularly for relatively healthy people like Jane who are committed and dedicated to pursuing optimum health. One of the best reasons to continually work on living a healthy lifestyle is that it can make performing the activities of daily life easier, providing us with more time to do the things we love. Making lifestyle changes requires more of a commitment than taking pharmaceutical drugs, but the health benefits can be amazing, especially when you consider the potential adverse effects of drugs. Making healthier food choices, taking supplements, fasting, meditating, and getting more exercise can not only help manage blood pressure, but bring a host of other benefits like increased energy, better sleep, and a longer life. Nathan Zassman is the owner and president of Aviva Natural Health Solutions.

The story of the Glendale Sanatorium The past revisits the present Jenna Lee Kennedy

he Glendale Sanatorium for Mental and Nervous Cases (historical language, not mine) has a brief, but tragic history in our neighborhood of St. James. Thorbjorg “Ruby” Couch (nee Thorvardson) started the Sanatorium in January of 1937, at 260 Sharpe Boulevard (now spelt “Sharp”). This grand, two-and- a-half storey home of over 2,500 sq ft still remains today on the corner of Lodge and Sharp. Mrs. Couch also utilized a structure at “275 Sharpe Blvd” though no residence has ever stood at this address according to Henderson Directories, so it is unknown what exactly this was. Today, two homes stand at 277 and 273 Sharp, both of which were built in 1948. Ruby Couch had been raised in Riverton, MB, as one of 11 children in addition to five half siblings. She had trained as a nurse, graduating from the Winnipeg Hospital School of Nursing in 1926. Ruby married Ernest Llewellyn Couch, who was employed as a manager of the radio department at Stanwood’s Mercantile. Ernest had a questionable history all his own, being arrested in 1934 on a fraud charge associated with the sale of radios at Stanwood’s alongside the establishment’s owner. Ruby and Ernest had two sons, Alan and Marno. This family of four resided at 260 Sharpe Boulevard during the brief period when the Sanatorium operated. Ruby’s sanatorium was considered at the time to be a “mental hospital”. During the 18 months the facility operated on Sharpe Boulevard, she never once held a permit to operate such a facility which cared for – as we will see – very vulnerable individuals. Ruby April 2022

claimed that the province had not issued the permit due to issues with St. James Council around where the sanatorium was located, but that she was heading down to the town council meeting that Tuesday. This was not long before tragedy struck the sanatorium. One Saturday afternoon in late June 1938, Mr. Couch senior passed away at the 275 Sharpe. Nothing is known about Mr. Couch’s death or why he was residing at the facility. What we do know is that Ruby and her husband had cleaned out his pockets following his death and left the contents – two matches – on the dresser when they admitted a new occupant. Pearl Leverington was the next to reside in the room at 275 Sharpe. Pearl was 35 years old and suffering from “dementia praecox” – an outdated term that would likely represent schizophrenia today. She was very depressed and actively suicidal. In addition to operating without a permit, nurses at the sanatorium worked 24-hour shifts. According to one nurse, she worked 11, 24-hour days in a row! Ruby claimed that these staff had some hours off during the day and could sleep during the night because the patients who were admitted there slept well. Apparently, actively suicidal does not mean the same thing to her that it does to me, but hey, 1938? The single nurse working was asleep when she was awoken by excited talking upstairs. She followed the noise to find Pearl’s room on fire with Pearl inside. Pearl had presumably started the blaze with the two matches that had been left in the room of this former individual. Sadly, Pearl did not survive the blaze. The other three patients inside were able to leave the home safely. Ruby also appeared to escape the tragedy unscathed. A coroner’s jury found Pearl Leverington’s death to be accidental though they did make a note that a nurse should be on duty at all times during the night (You don’t say!!). There is no evidence that

Ruby Couch faced any consequences for the negligence that had resulted in a woman’s death. The optics of a sanatorium in a residential area of St. James on the other hand, was not something that could be overcome. Glendale sanatorium on Sharpe Boulevard was forced to close in July 1938. This was not the end for Ruby and her facility. She swiftly moved her “private hospital” to 209 and 211 Mayfair Avenue where she operated for approximately 18 years. I cannot speak knowledgeably about the conditions of this facility or how it compared to others at the time, but they are also surely questionable. Some doctors did vouch Ruby, back in the 50s. That said, eyebrows do raise when faced with the reports of one patient being stripped and shackled as well as Ruby’s refusal to evacuate herself or her 47 patients and 12 staff during the army-ordered evacuation of the 1950 flood (though if you want a chuckle, I employ you to consider stout Mrs. Couch “making a bolt down the veranda steps with the two constables in pursuit. She scrambled through a hedge”). She also took in a baby bear (because that’s what all mental health facilities need, right?). Glendale Sanatorium finally shuttered in approximately 1957, when the Province once again refused to issue a permit. A lot of back and forth accompanies the eventual closure, but long story short, there were jurisdictional issues (city versus provincial licenses), along with stated claims of concerns. Then Ruby admitted a patient while under investigation and the health minister refused to budge on the whole matter. Ruby had meanwhile managed to come into some oil money, likely another long story we don’t have time for. Ruby and Ernest had divorced in 1949 and Ruby ended up in California. In 1970 Thorbjorg “Ruby” Couch died suddenly in Stockton, California at the age of 65. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Survival of the fittest Continued from page 7

This current world tragedy in combination with the Ottawa truckers protest, and the January 6th events in Washington, have combined to make me so aware of the fragility and yet the power of democracy. In my recent foray into Manitoba’s political life, I have seen the quite amazing process that is involved in the machinery of our democracy. Canadian democracy is time consuming, inefficient, repetitive, uncertain, and imperfect. Yet, it is also an incredible opportunity for Canadians to think about their values and priorities. It is a house by house connection with voters who are sometimes completely oblivious to political life in the community. Sometimes the people are remarkably engaged, and they want to talk about their political views and their concerns. This democracy is well worth protecting and nurturing. My experience running as a candidate in the Fort

Whyte by-election has been just such a powerful reminder of the importance of participating in this process. It takes hundreds of volunteers to run a reasonable campaign, and Election Day is an incredible display of optimism, voluntarism, and care for the will of the voters. It is a beautiful thing, and I will never regret having agreed to participate in this process. Quite a number of years ago I was doing a research project on the benefits of philanthropy, and I encountered a magazine article about the benefits of living in a society that has a philanthropic approach to life. The writer talked about our understanding of the tough world that we live in which is defined by the “survival of the fittest.” In this world view all other members of society except one’s immediate family were competitors for scarce resources and were seen as the enemies. Much to the surprise of

the researchers, who were studying various groupings of animals and insects, the might makes right, “survival of the fittest” approach did not create the most successful species or societies. The most successful species were those that created cultures of generosity, philanthropy, and care for the young and elderly within their communities, and collaborative, supportive work. We need to stand strong against the encroachment of regimes that give unbounded power and authority to an autocratic leader. Whatever we can do to protect and nurture the democratic systems that seem to be best suited for building the complex, relationship rich societies that can best create good living situations for all of its citizens. Trudy Schroeder provides project planning and management services to the community through Arts and Heritage Solutions.

Being prepared: what you need to know after the passing of a loved one

aying goodbye to a loved one is one of life’s most difficult tasks. Going through that part of the grief experience is very difficult for most, however many individuals don’t realize that the work of settling the affairs or closing the estate afterwards can be daunting and even overwhelming, depending on the circumstances of the passing and the complexity of the individual’s personal and financial situation. Michael Among the many different tasks you may be confronted with will be having to inform several federal programs, departments or agencies, de-

pending on the deceased person’s situation and where they lived. It is important to report the death of a beneficiary to the federal government in a reasonable timeframe following the death to avoid benefit overpayments. It’s recommended to do this within 2 weeks of the passing however, most full service funeral homes will look after this step for you shortly after the funeral arrangements are completed. Unfortunately, most Gibbens funeral and burial benefits provided by the Canada Pension Plan/ Quebec Pension Plan as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs are

limited. Most families find that they cannot solely rely on those benefits and additional funding may be necessary in order to provide the type of funeral or cremation service they find appropriate for their loved one. Under certain conditions, Canada Pension Plan/ Quebec Pension Plan provides a one-time death benefit to the estate of an eligible contributor. The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay a set amount for burial, funeral expenses and a plot interment allowance. This amount may be adjusted annually. It may be important for you to find out what benefits are available to you before you need them so that when decisions are needed you are best prepared. To find out exactly what benefits you are eligible to receive, contact Canada Pension Plan at 1-800-277-9914

or visit their website at www.canada. gc.ca. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, call 1-866-522-2122. Although we always recommend that you seek professional legal and financial advice in settling your loved one’s affairs, your local Dignity Memorial provider can assist you in providing information that will help you be prepared in advance and help in applying for your government benefits. We can also provide you with a complimentary Personal Planning Guide, a helpful booklet that helps record and keep organized all of your personal and financial information including your funeral plans. Being prepared in advance will provide you peace of mind and allow you the opportunity to spend more time where it counts most - with friends and family.

Angel of mercy Angel of Mercy part 2

reached out and pulled me back up onto my chair. She said, “You have so much life ahead of you and I just feel that you will do so many wonderful things.” Al Wiebe continues the story of his rescue from oblivion Who Me?? Certainly not me. as he tried to escape the misery of being homeless. There were no psych beds at St. B. She left the room and called all the hospitals he walked into the room; I inand found a bed at Victoria Hospital. She stantly felt a warmth that radiated came back and told me that I was going to from her. Who? My Angel of merVictoria Hospital to start my journey back. cy, Dr Brown. She said, “Al, I know you will do so much I’d waited 24 hours and 6 minutes to in your life and I'm glad I am able to help see her. There I was in the room where you get started.” they place psych patients at St. Boniface I wondered how she could be so conhospital emergency room. She walked vinced of that. in and first words were “Al You’ve been With that, we said goodbye and I here, here, and here “raising three finthanked her. I arrived at the ward at 3:00 gers one at a time. “And either they in the morning and was given some meds. couldn’t help you, wouldn’t help you, or I fell asleep. did not know how to help you Al, but Al Wiebe The next morning, I got up for breaktoday I, going to help you.” After rejecOf No Fixed fast but felt too sick to eat. I couldn’t think. tion after rejection From other hospitals Address Thoughts were bouncing around like binwithin the Winnipeg regional health augo balls and when I tried to talk, words thority, I was finally getting the help I needed. I felt that she really saw through the homeless wouldn’t come out. The realization that I was getting help, and the trauma of everything coming down hit façade to the person beneath. She said, “Al, you’ve lost your identity. It's like you’ve me like a ton of bricks. There I was, a homeless psych fallen off the edge of the world, you don’t know where patient traumatized and not being able to eat or speak. you are, you don’t know who you are, and you don’t I was so terribly messed up. I slowly began to improve; my diabetes numbers know how to help yourself, but today, I'm going to were over 30 and I had a lot of healing to do. I spent a help you.” Arm on my shoulder, she said gently, “From today month in that psych ward, slowly getting my thoughts forward, your life is going to change. You're going to together, still not knowing where or how I was going become better; you're going to become stronger, and to get anywhere from there. I was afraid to be sent back you're going to become the person that you always out to the street. The doctor’s words rolled around in my mind, and I wanted to be.” What??? The person I always wanted to be? Who began to have thoughts about how I should be able to says that kind of stuff? Where did those words come speak to the powers that BE at the WRHA about my many rejections because I was homeless and how that from? “It's not going to happen today, not tomorrow, not led to my jump from a bridge to take my life, and my next month, not next year, not even in two years, but miraculous recovery from the jump, and the rest of the you will get there, Al. Believe me, you will get there.” story that got me to this place. I dropped to the floor. I lost it. I started sobbing unBut how was that ever going to happen? I was a broconsolably. She really saw me as a human being who ken down nobody homeless person in a psych ward, needed help, and she was helping me. She got up for heaven's sake. How was that supposed to happen.?

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After a month in on anti-depression meds and with my diabetic medications taking hold, I was released to Salvation Army down on Henry and Main. I was alone and I was terrified I spent 14 months in Sally Ann, not being able to get out because some program called “At Home Chez” was booking up all the apartments. I could not get out of Sally Ann. On top of everything, I was interviewed for an apartment as part of the research program, and I was rejected. I felt conspired against. I was wasting away at Sally Ann. Eventually, I was finally able to leave Sally Ann and find a place. I took a friend with me that I met at Sally Ann. Her name was Char and she could not who did not speak because of PTSD and schizophrenia. Two and a half years later, I found myself standing and telling my story in front of 147 department heads of the WRHA and the entire hierarchy at Deer Lodge Centre. I was able to tell them how they discriminated against the homeless in the system. I was there to help them achieve health equity certification from the national board. I told them it was a big mountain to climb to get there. Remember that broken down homeless person in the psych ward, hoping to someday talk to the powers that be at the WRHA? Remember him? He was there doing just that, and I went on to talk to many more departments and help change policy at the WRHA. This was all made possible by Dr. Brown at St. B who uttered those life-changing and life-sustaining words to change the trajectory of my life. Sure, I needed other help and my own strength and perseverance, but her words and encouragement gave me the impetus I needed to dream a dream and achieve it. Because that Dr. Brown gave me HOPE, I was able to change policy towards the homeless within that healthcare system. The moral of this story is this: You and I can be that doctor. You can encourage those less fortunate that they need not stay in the place they are. We are all carriers of hope. My life is an example that miracles can happen. Imagine the possibilities. Al may be reached at albelieve@hotmail.ca. Phone 204960-0335. April 2022

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.

Standard Fees* Last Will and Testament Power of Attorney Health Care Directive * plus GST and PST - Rates are per person.

$225.00 $175.00 $ 75.00

Seniors $200.00 $150.00 $ 50.00

Home and hospital visits are also available $250.00* (includes both meetings) *plus GST and PST TACIUM VINCENT & ASSOCIATES 206 St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, MB R2H 1J3 DAVID G. VINCENT (204) 989-4236 www.taciumvincent.com

Celebrate the Year of the Garden all year long with Canada’s Local Gardener by subscribing today! Read, relax, enjoy. Come see us at these upcoming garden shows!

Winnipeg Home and Garden Show April 7 to 10

Living Green 2022 June 17-26

Official English Language Magazine

Check us out at localgardener.net April 2022

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Heather Stefanson Premier of Manitoba

Scott Johnston

Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care

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April 2022