Lifestyles 55 2022 July

July 2022

FAST DENTURES

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Manitoba is open for business

50 years of Ballet in the Park

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Dorothy Dobbie

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he Carman Garden club will host the Carman “Celebration of Gardens Tour”.

It will take place July 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On display will be about seven gardens in and around Carman – two of them will be a bit out of town. There will be all kinds of different gardens from very small to very big.

Tickets for the tour will be available at the museum in Carman.

It’s a real deal. Tickets are only $15

Scam Alert!

Parking lot scam: beware of clean cut strangers asking for help Lori Dobbie

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Flying the flag!

Carman Garden Tour July 16 Claudia Kohler

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Happy Canada Day! anada Day has always held a special place in my heart as did Dominion Day before the name change. I see it as a day to celebrate all the things that make our country unique and beautiful, both physically and in the way we generally conduct ourselves as citizens.

The values that our nation embraces seem to me to be something to cherish in that they support inclusion and peace in a loosely tied package of freedom of expression, freedom of activity and freedom of enterprise.

We are far from perfect, and many regrettable things have occurred over our past 155 years and before when we were still a colony of France and Britain. I do not believe there is a soul alive in our country today who does not mourn the children who lost their parents and their birthright as Indigenous people when they were sent to residential schools, and this even in the cases where the experience was not horrific. Every orphan knows that secret trauma of having no parent or being estranged from them. It leaves a lasting scar.

To say that parental separation was a practice of the day in no way lessens the impact but perhaps it explains what today seems such a cruel act. Many of the decision makers of those early years had themselves been sent to boarding school at the tender age of six and cruelly treated through those formative years. u 4 ‘Happy Canada Day!’

Better Futures launched at the HSC Children’s Hospital

and you will get a program with a map to show where every garden is.

You can also order tickets online. If you buy on online there is an option to order a lunch to go with your tour. This option is only available online www.auctria. events/gardentour.

There is a big bonus at the end of the tour: A chance to shop for garden goodies. The museum will also host vendors that sell garden related items as well as baking.

It is just a short drive from Winnipeg, so it might be fun to make

After a couple of years hiatus, garden tours are back! a day of it. We hope for good weather that day to make the Carman Garden Tour a fun event for everybody.

n my weekly grocery run to Safeway in Linden Ridge a couple of weeks ago, a young, clean-cut Middle Eastern man approached me while I was loading my groceries into my car. I had the impression that he was a recent immigrant, perhaps a university student. His English was very poor and he asked me where to find the hospital for pre-mature babies, as his wife was there. He wanted me to look at his phone, presumably to show him on Google Maps.

Normally, I don’t leave my purse in the shopping cart. This time, for no particular reason, I had. I was conscious that my purse, although close by, was not right under my arm, so I did not want to get close enough to the man to look at his phone. But he seemed like a nice guy and I had seen him earlier inside the store.

I told him to go to HSC Women’s Hospital and then he left.

My purse was right where I left it and I unloaded my groceries and left, feeling like I had helped an immigrant, but a bit ashamed that I had been at all worried about my purse.

The next morning when I went to retrieve my gym card from my purse, I discovered that my wallet was missing. Soon after, I recalled the incident in the parking lot and quickly realized that I had been scammed. I tried my online banking app to disable my credit cards but found that I was locked out. The bank had already flagged the unusual activity on my cards. Minutes after I got into my car, he had withdrawn funds from a few ATMs, purchased gift cards at Shoppers Drug Mart and made cash advances on my credit card. It turned out that these were all PIN-verified transactions, so he or his accomplice must have watched me enter my PIN when I had paid for my groceries. I am told that this is not an uncommon occurrence and I have certainly learned never to leave my purse unattended, even while close by, and to carefully conceal my PIN entries at all times.

Celebrate the Year of the Garden all year long with Canada’s Local Gardener by subscribing today!

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July 2022

ISSUES IN THE NEWS

Follow us online at: whatsupwinnipeg.ca Facebook: Lifestyles55 Twitter: @Lifestyles55 PUBLISHER Pegasus Publications Inc. EDITOR Dorothy Dobbie dorothy@pegasuspublications.net ART DIRECTOR Karl Thomsen karl@pegasuspublications.net GENERAL MANAGER Ian Leatt ian.leatt@pegasuspublications.net CONTRIBUTORS Hon. Bill Blaikie, Dorothy Dobbie, Lori Dobbie, Hon. Myrna Driedger, John Einarson, Garry Enns, Michael Gibbens, Stefano Grande, Hon. Scott Johnson, Jim Ingebrigtsen, Kevin Klein, Claudia Kohler, Ian Leatt, Gary Moir, Marty Morantz, Fred Morris, Manitoba Seniors Coalition, Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, Connie Newman, Peggy Pendergast, Brent Poole, Sanja Rossi, Senaka Samarasinghe, Trudy Schroeder, Elly Spencer, Wayne Weedon, 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.

Hope and optimism return as we explore our opportunities in Manitoba

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have never been more excited about the possibilities in our province and our city than I am right now. Why? Because the stars are aligning over so many of our advantages. What are they, you say, blearily looking up from your COVID-19 malaise? (I suffer it, too).

Well, think about it: We are rich in hydro production and hydro production possibilities, meaning lots of high-volume rivers and streams rushing to the Bay that could generate more power on a smaller scale all over the province. We have a gateway to the Ocean and all the advantages that a northern port – or two – can bring. These three – salt water, electricity and access to ocean shipping – provide great potential to proDorothy Dobbie duce and export hydrogen, one of the alternative energies.

We have an untold wealth of minerals that are in high demand, and they are not only in the North. You might have heard the news about the long-awaited potash development near Russell that will have an expected life of over 100 years, producing up to 250,000 tonnes of potash per year.

That represents a lot of jobs and prosperity to the region.

That is just the first in a long line of mining investment getting ready to arrive on the scene since Premier Stefanson has made it clear that Manitoba is open for business. This is good news not just for business and entrepreneurs, but for the union folks in the north who have been watching their futures dissolve into the Greg Selinger dream of a giant northern park.

That brings us to the other wealth potential in our north: a smart and increasingly educated collection of people looking for jobs and opportunities in our First Nations communities.

These folks are just chomping at the bit to take part in developing our shared nation and future. Do you have any idea about what an advantage this is over so many of our competitors? Businesses can’t get workers today. And when they do, the labour pool is often unmotivated, un-loyal and uninvested. The average Canadian kid (not all, but enough) thinks that developing wealth is as easy as picking apples off a tree and, what’s more, that someone else should do the picking.

On the other hand, kids in the north are starving for jobs

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and experience. Thanks to the Internet and social media, they see the big side of the world and they want a chance to participate. And with Northern Manitoba’s average age at 30.9 in 2016 and 30 percent of the population being under 14 at the 2016 census, all of this bodes very well for investors, who would rather hire locally than import workers.

Manitoba’s University College of the North is headquartered in The Pas with a large secondary campus in Thompson and regional campuses in Flin Flon, Churchill, Swan Lake and nine regional centres scattered throughout First Nations communities. UCN offers more than 40 degree, diploma, and certificate programs in the faculties of Arts and Science, Trades and Technology, Health, Education, Business, and as part of community-based contract training and apprenticeship training program. Doug Lauvstad, its president, is a visionary who sees the potential and is willing to pivot to meet needs of industry.

And the Arts continue to flourish thanks to people such as Crystal Kolt in Flin Flon and Penny Rawlings in Churchill who go deep into the communities to help artists reach the world markets that love their work.

In Winnipeg, we are gearing up for a new mayor and there is a healthy lineup of people eager to get to work. There are two keys to our success: electing a business minded, no nonsense person, and changes to the City of Winnipeg Act that would let the city concentrate on local issues while the province takes over some of the heavy lifting for such things as regional streets/roadways (Portage Avenue, Main Steet, Kenaston – those heavily trafficked main arteries) and shared operational facilities such as sewer and water.

Meanwhile, little by little, our citizens are beginning to understand the need for self-reliance. Governments do not build economies – individuals do. We do not need permission to make a living or to build an enterprise or to improve our neighbourhoods. Governments at every level have limited obligations: create a level playing field through lighthanded regulation and husband the resources we give you to do the things we cannot do alone. Then get out of our way as we do the work that needs to be done.

Fortunately, right now we have a premier who understands this, instinctively. She has set the right wheels in motion to make things happen, to liberate ministers to do their jobs (and they better do them), and to let the community know that she is there to support those who need support and there to encourage those who are eager to get moving.

We need this, Manitoba. We have mired in the mud of being last in every category in Canada for far too long. It is time to see the sun shining on our province again as we look to the future with hope and optimism.

Order of Canada

ow proud I am to announce that I, Dorothy Ina Elgiva Dobbie, nee Tummon, have been honoured with the Order of Canada which will have been announced by the time you read this.

Although I feel that there are so many others who

deserve this more than I, this honour will be held close to my heart. I am very grateful to those who supported me, especially to Jean Giguere and Ian Leatt for their vigorous efforts on my behalf.

Thank you all. Now I will really have to get to work to earn it!

Canada Happy

Day

Heather Stefanson

MLA for Tuxedo 204.487.0013 tuxconst@mymts.net

July 2022

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Happy Canada Day! Continued from page 1

For those who lived through this experience, the memories were lifelong and shaped thoughts and actions for years to come. That is true of the Indigenous folk who went through this, too, and in many cases, it coloured the childhood experiences of their own children.

So, recognizing this and mourning the lost lives, both actually and emotionally, where do we Canadians go from here?

Because we are all Canadians now. As one Indigenous friend told me, some in his community bemoan the fact that many “settlers” have a home to go back to while the First Nations have only this land. And that is true for some, but not for all. Many of us are now so integrated

into the land and with the people that there is no other place to retire unless we split ourselves in many pieces and send the remains “home”.

In my case, a tiny part of “home” would include Canada as my DNA traces 2 per cent North American Indigenous in my genome. My paternal grandmother’s family immigrated to Manitoba from Nova Scotia where they had immigrated to from Britain back in the 1700s.

As another Metis friend said, “Most third or fourth generation Canadian families are part Indigenous.” And he is right. We are integrated and we are one.

Those who came a little later and who are still arriving will reach this place too,

one day, if we stop labelling and separating them from us.

We are all one race and we are all one people, shaped by the lands we grew up in but we are 99 per cent the same under our skins, no matter how pale or how colourful that outer surface may be. Living here, we soak up the lessons our land teaches us and the longer we are here, the more that becomes part of our psyche and unites us with those who have been here the longest.

So happy Canada Day to all. To those who were here first, thank you for your generosity in sharing this beautiful part of the planet. For those who came next, thank you for shaping a warm and gen-

erous society, despite our many errors along the way. And for those who are just arriving, relax, let the land flow around you, allow time for your sense of comfort to grow, and become truly Canadian.

Where do we go from here? We agree to live together, to love each other despite external differences, to work together to get better in mutual respect and regard, to learn from each other and our varied experiences, to ensure that all have equal opportunity, to never forget the wrongs of the past, to know how to say we are sorry when we make a mistake, to ask forgiveness – and to give it.

As someone once said, We are all treaty people!

Here for seniors: Senior abuse awareness and hearing aids

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ollowing a very long winter, it is wonderful to a relationship of trust and can take many forms — have warm weather, sunshine and good news to physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, financial share. I am grateful to have made some impor- and neglect — it can be difficult for older Manitobans to ask for help and even more difficult tant announcements this month speciffor others to notice what’s happening. ically related to older Manitobans.

The increased isolation caused by the I take the responsibilities of my role COVID-19 pandemic makes it even as minister for seniors and long-term more important for everyone to learn care very seriously, and I am dedicated about the warning signs. We all play to ensuring older Manitobans are safe, an important role in preventing elder protected and treated with the dignity abuse. and respect they deserve. That is why I I encourage older Manitobans, their officially proclaimed June 15, 2022 to families and loved ones, and anyone be World Elder Abuse Awareness Day else concerned about the safety of an in Manitoba. older Manitoban, to reach out to A&O I know it’s not enough to simply deor Good Neighbours. Their knowlclare an awareness day, if there aren’t Hon. Scott Johnson edgeable, compassionate staff and volmeaningful, effective services that can unteers are dedicated to supporting help. That is why I was honoured to Minister’s announce $31,000 in new funding for older Manitobans, whether they are in Message need of counselling, referrals to comthree programs at two community ormunity resources, temporary crisis acganizations — the Elder Abuse Prevention Services and Safe Suites programs at A&O: Sup- commodations or legal services, such as help with port Services for Older Adults and the Prevent Elder obtaining a protection order.

Earlier this month, my colleague, Health Minister Abuse Manitoba program through the Good NeighAudrey Gordon, and I also announced an important bours Active Living Centre.

Because elder abuse is perpetrated by a person in expansion to health coverage for all adults with co-

chlear implants, which capture complex acoustic information and converts it to electric signals, which the brain can interpret as meaningful sounds.

We know that social connectedness is a critical part of healthy aging, and older Manitobans with hearing loss may experience more social isolation. That is why we are now offering an adult cochlear implant program identical to the existing pediatric program. All Manitobans, regardless of income, will be eligible for 80 per cent coverage of the cost to replace the implant’s external sound processor, once every five years.

Both of these initiatives — Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the adult cochlear implant program — were made possible because of what you, Manitobans, told us as your government. We need your input to keep developing policies and programs that respond to your priorities.

I’m pleased to report that over 6,000 Manitobans have already participated in the EngageMB survey.

We set up this public consultation process so that we can learn what’s important to you, and so that together we can build a better Manitoba to age in.

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to participate, please, share your voice.

Hon. Scott Johnston is the MLA for Assiniboia and the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care.

“What did you say?”

Cochlear Implants improve the health of seniors

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cochlear implant is an electronic device that erage represents one of the most generous programs improves hearing. It can be an option for for cochlear implant recipients in Canada and will people who have severe hearing loss from have a tremendously positive impact for patients and inner-ear damage who are not able to hear well with their families.

The province already covers the initial surgery, but hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify the external processors require periodic sound, a cochlear implant bypasses replacement, which can be expensive damaged portions of the ear to deliver without additional coverage. The exsound signals to the hearing (auditory) panded program is anticipated to bennerve. efit about 40 people each year, many of Cochlear implants use a sound prowhom are over the age of 55. There are cessor that fits behind the ear. The prono up-front costs to Manitoba residents cessor captures sound signals and sends who proceed with cochlear implant them to a receiver implanted under the surgery as Manitoba Health covers the skin behind the ear. The receiver sends surgical procedure, internal implant and the signals to electrodes implanted in the first external sound processor. Adult the snail-shaped inner ear (cochlea). patients are responsible for the upgrade The signals stimulate the auditory costs of their sound processor when it nerve, which then directs the signals to the brain. The brain interprets those Hon. Myrna Driedger requires replacement ($10,000).

An important aspect of healthy aging signals as sounds, though these sounds Broadway is social connectedness and age-related won't be just like natural hearing. It Journal hearing loss can have an isolating effect takes time and training to learn to infor seniors. Expanding the cochlear imterpret the signals received from a cochlear implant. Within 3 to 6 months of use, most plant program will help to ensure older adults who people with cochlear implants make considerable may be facing financial barriers have equitable access to this important device, which will enable them to gains in understanding speech.

The Manitoba Government recently announced continue to participate fully in life with their families $352,000 to expand health coverage for cochlear and communities.

Cochlear implant surgery is done under general implant replacements to include adults. For some Manitobans, cochlear implants ensure they can hear anesthesia. This means you will be in a sleep-like and live with their loss of hearing. The expansion state during the procedure. The surgeon will make a will implement an adult program that is identical to cut (incision) behind your ear and form a small hole the pediatric program, which will cover 80 per cent in the portion of skull bone (mastoid) where the inof the cost of replacement every five years with a 20 ternal device rests. Your surgeon will then create a per cent co-pay. This new funding for expanded cov- small opening in the cochlea to thread the electrode 4

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of the internal device. The skin incision is stitched closed so that the internal device is under your skin.

Cochlear implants may be placed in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Adults will often have one cochlear implant and one hearing aid at first.

Adults may then progress to two cochlear implants as the hearing loss advances in the hearing aid ear.

People who have cochlear implants report improved: • Ability to hear speech without needing visual cues such as reading lips • Recognition of everyday sounds • Ability to listen in a noisy environment • Ability to find where sounds are coming from • Ability to hear television programs, music, and telephone conversations • Symptoms of ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in the implanted ear To be eligible for a cochlear implant, you must have: • Hearing loss that interrupts spoken communication • Limited benefit from hearing aids as determined by specialized hearing tests • Motivation to participate in hearing rehabilitation and be part of the hearing world • Realistic expectations of what cochlear implants can and can't do for hearing For more information on the adult cochlear implant program, visit the website of the Central Speech and Hearing Clinic at the Victoria Hospital. Visit https:// centralspeech.ca/our-programs-and-services/adult-cochlear-implant-program.

Hon. Myrna Driedger is MLA for Roblin and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

July 2022

Minister Cullen reiterates Premier’s clarion call: Manitoba is open for business!

Dorothy Dobbie

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his month as we went to press, the Premier was down with COVID-19 after a heavy schedule that did not help in fighting off the virus. Part of that schedule was attending the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto June 13 to 15 and working to redeem our once lofty position as the world’s best place to invest in mineral exploration and development. Her message that Manitoba is open for business was echoed by a long list of officials, MLAs, and businesses, including Economic Development minister Cliff Cullen and new Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt as Manitoba sent its largest ever delegation to the conference.

Deputy Premier Cliff Cullen spoke to the Canadian Mining Association Board on the final day when the Premier was called back to Manitoba to take part in a special Indigenous ceremony, “The response we received was very positive,” the minister said. “I wanted to make it clear that we are now under new management, that Premier Stefanson is making economic development a top priority for Manitoba.”

And in the economic scheme of things, the minister said, “The mining sector is very important to us.”

This commitment was emphasized by an announcement that the Manitoba government has renewed their agreement with the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) to provide $10 million to support the mineral sector supply chain over three years.

Although the province extends the most generous mineral exploration tax credits in Canada, the benefits of this have been offset by problems with permits and hold-ups over First Nations consultations, which by the way, are not necessarily the fault of the First Nations many of whom are eager to see development and the jobs that come with it. The premier

Left to right: Hon. Scott Fielding, Manitoba Premier Hon. Heather Stefanson, CEO of Snow Lake Resources Ltd. Philip Gross, and Hon. Cliff Cullen. is tackling both these issues, points out Minister Cullen. Elliott Simms, the new Deputy Minister, is a very experienced and effective administrator and will be making whatever changes are needed in the department to ensure that things get done.

Minister Cullen is the vice-chair of the premier’s special economic development committee which has a stand-alone secretariat that reports directly to her, unfettered by the constraints of how things have been handled by the department over the past number of years. The committee recognizes that old habits die hard so new, outside thinking, can open better and faster avenues of change and forward mo-

mentum. Michael Swistun, an experienced capital markets executive, leads the secretariat.

We are already hearing of breakthrough decisions.

“Mineral exploration in Manitoba is currently at $154 million, an all-time high,” said Minister Cullen. “Vale, alone, has a planned investment of $250 million over the next few years,” he said. Vale is the current owner of the Thompson operation originally developed by Inco. As for Flin Flon’s HudBay, while the historic in-town 777 mine will close, is still there with exploration in the vicinity continuing and ongoing activities at the Lalor gold mine in Snow Lake.

The World Bank estimates that demand for lithium and other battery component minerals could increase by as much as 4,000 percent over the next 25 years. Manitoba is lining up to benefit from this.

Minister Cullen and the Premier met with the president of Snow Lake Lithium Ltd. in February. Snow Lake has a five-year plan for achieving commercial lithium mining production and launching the first fully renewable, integrated lithium hydroxide producer in North America, here in the province of Manitoba.

This spring, the Tanco mine now owned by a Chinese company, Sinomine, is producing lithium again. This mine is also the only significant producer of cesium in North America.

Premier Stefanson and Minister Cliff Cullen are committed to kick starting economic development in this province. Earlier this year, the Premier announced a $50 million fund to help entrepreneurled businesses get started. She also said the Small Business Capital Tax Credit, which was set to expire later this year, will now be permanent.

As Minister Cullen concluded, “We want to let investors know the advantages of working with a smaller province such as Manitoba. It is easier to get things done with more direct access to decision makers.” And when those decision makers are eager to make things happen, watch out!

Housing the homeless is an issue that belongs to all of us – why does City Council vote to do nothing?

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n the June Winnipeg City Coun- affects the budget of Winnipeg Transit cil meeting, councillors debated and that does not even help the homethe removal of glass from a transit less who themselves are often afraid to enter these spaces. shelter near the Kildonan Place Mall.

The current state of bus Councillor Nason reshelters is costing Winquested the glass be nipeg taxpayers hundreds removed, but council of thousands of dollars. members opposed the reOn June 23rd, the day quest. Councillor Nason of the debate at City was concerned about the Council, it cost taxpayers harm caused by allowover $10,000 to replace ing the unauthorized ocglass broken in bus shelcupation of civic space, ters along Portage Avan occupation which enue. does nothing to help the In 2021, Winnipeg homeless or to encourage Fire Paramedic Service transit use. There was no responded to more than discussion about alternaCouncillor tives. Nothing was done.

1,700 calls for service to Kevin Klein transit stops. The cost The answer was just No. What safety measures Inside City Hall to taxpayers was HUNDREDS of THOUwill the council direct the SANDS of dollars. Did Public Service to take?

None. They are willfully turning a the city council address these costs? blind eye to a serious problem that af- No. They didn't even talk about it.

What about the thousands of people fects people trying to get to work, that

who no longer will use transit because they fear for their safety? How is the council going to fix that? No discussion.

I have tried to get this City Council to discuss the realities of our transit system. It's not safe for transit users or for transit employees. I sent an official request for a public meeting about transit safety, but they ignored my request entirely. Since I sent my original request more than three months ago, more crimes have occurred, some against young people, and I am receiving more complaints from residents that use shelters along Portage Avenue.

Why are elected officials afraid to have these discussions?

How can elected officials ignore the millions lost from transit revenue losses?

Just two months back, Finance Chair Gillingham agreed that spending more on advertising would get people back on the bus. Really? It has not worked.

In the last budget Finance Chair

Gillingham introduced, and many on City Council supported, spending millions on building even more heated bus shelters across the city. How can he and others justify decisions like that?

Why not invest in making transit safer? Invest in helping facilitate a solution. Why not invest in finding homes for homeless people! Perpetuating the notion of the homeless relying on transit shelters as place to live is ludicrous.

There are better and more humane answers to this problem. Why are we afraid to discuss them?

We must have truthful conversations about issues in our city. It is no secret that the first step to fixing a problem is admitting we have a problem.

We should not be afraid to discuss the problems openly and together because that's where we will find the solutions.

I have ideas, but I bet you have some too. We should talk, Kevin Klein is the city councillor for Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood.

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July 2022

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5

The art of negotiation, part 2: Scientific reasoning

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ichard Dawkins, in his book, they may end up being eaten by a fox.

If parents tell their child that people "The Greatest Show on Earth", describes how the study of na- who are of a different colour, a differture becomes increasingly fascinating ent religion, or have a different accent, the more we are able to understand it. are dangerous, the child will accept and remember this in Through our knowledge their subconscious for as of natural laws, we have long as they live. Humans been able to develop all differ from geese in the of our modern converespect that we have a secniences: cars, televisions, ond gene, a scientific, racomputers, internet, tional, gene, which is able comfortable housing, et to override our instinccetera. The study of native gene. Without this ture is revealing answers second gene we would to questions which have still be living in the wild, baffled people for thoujust like geese and foxes. sands of years. We now This second gene tells us have answers about how Wayne Weedon to question everything we came to be the way Food for and to get the facts bewe are, and how we can Thought fore coming to any conbecome what we want to clusions. This gene may be. compel us to question Scientists have discovered a gene in our DNA which is re- our fear of foxes. We may wonder how sponsible for much of what we believe we might be able to protect ourselves and how we behave. Because of this from foxes, or, perhaps, we may wongene, as children, up to the age of five der how we could make foxes afraid of or six years of age, we believe as fact us. Possibly, we could formulate a plan whatever we are told by our caregiv- to domesticate foxes and breed them ers. These "facts" are imbedded in our for their fur.

Without this scientific gene, we subconscious brains. We often refer to them as being instinctual, because, could never have invented anything. as adults, we cannot remember our We would just accept things as they parents teaching us these "facts". This are, including, accepting whatever our instinctual gene is meant to protect us parents have taught us. Quite often, from harm. If a goose tells its offspring parents become upset if their children to be afraid of foxes, the goslings will try to go against what they have been never question this belief, and will be taught. Parents have been known to afraid of foxes for their entire lives. If try to sabotage this second gene by the goslings did not have this gene, repeatedly instructing their children

to never question anything. Many parents tell their children to trust nobody outside of their community, claiming many of these outsiders are wolves in sheep's clothing. This is the reason why many people are afraid to leave a commune. As children grow up, many have inner conflicts as these two genes push against one and another, causing these young adults to waver between compliance and rebellion. Some parents ostracise and punish disobedient children. We read about some parents killing their rebellious offspring.

To have sincere negotiations, we often must go against what our parents have led us to believe. Negotiations will

likely fail if we have unconscious prejudices against the other parties. How do we get people to stop listening to the first gene and begin to engage the second gene, so rational negotiations can begin? Science tells us that one way to do this is through brainwashing. Since parents have brainwashed their children in the first place, brainwashing is an effective method to counteract the first brainwashing. However, can we trust the second brainwasher?

Scientists offer a second, more reasonable, method to counteract the brainwashing done to children. They argue that by learning logic through the study of science, mathematics, and other thought-provoking subjects, children can learn to think rationally and begin to understand that their parents' teachings may be erroneous. Rational thinking strengthens the second gene and weakens the first gene. Eventually the second gene becomes the dominant gene. It is then that people begin questioning things which their parents have taught them and begin making decisions in a rational manner. The first gene tells people what to think. The second gene is the tool needed to learn how to think, and how to make independent decisions after looking at all of the evidence available.

That is food for thought.

Next Month: The Art of Negotiation, Part 3: Looking into the Mirror Wayne Douglas Weedon is a Manitoba author. Some of his works may be downloaded, free of charge in various formats, at https://archive.org.

Overdale Street was an incubator for excellence 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 Overdale Street.

the Deer Lodge Lawn Bowling Club was located at 248 Overdale Street (1).

Many prominent citizens have called Overdale home. Dr George Knipe was the medical officer for Charleswood.

In 1912, Herbert Nott was the president of the Manitoba Association of any notable people have lived Optometrists. Frank R. Lount develpart of their life on Overdale oped the Silver Heights area. In the early 1930s, Dr. Roy Street. It is a real Snider the dental inspecchallenge to try and mentor for schools moved tion most of these people. from Deer Lodge Place Here we go. For the first across Portage Avenue time in this series, I have to Overdale. Dr. Mungo separated the early days Turnbull Lewis operated and the post-World War a veterinary hospital at 2 era.

1252 Portage Avenue.

The early days Also, Mungo served as George Glines and the MLA for Rockwood company published a between 1936 and 1945.

1903 plan for St. James Mungo and I share NoLots 24 and 25, calling Fred Morris vember 13 as a birthday. for curved streets and a From the desk Robert Lennox QC man-made lake. The plan served 2 non-consecutive did not materialize. of a gadfly terms as the Chair of By 1911, Overdale, the St. James Chamber Winchester, and Linwood had become north south streets in of Commerce. John Guest managed the revised Oakdale Park plan. Over- the meat department at Eaton’s. John dale with its beautiful boulevard was served as a St. James Councillor and considered the main street. In 1914, contributed $500 towards the conJames Campbell a baker became the struction of a Bruce Park children’s first Overdale Street resident listed in wading pool.

Jack Johnston was the owner of the Henderson Directory. In 1929, the Oaks at 199 Overdale Street first Weston Johnston Wholesale Distriappeared in the Henderson Direc- bution in a partnership with George tory. Walter Beattie, Robert Thorp, Weston.

More recent times Oscar Keating Sydney Bateman were For almost a decade, 2031 Portage the original residents of the apartment block. Deer Lodge Grocery store was Avenue was home to the Winnipeg located at 2033 Portage Avenue. Be- office of KCND a television station. tween 1937 and the late 1960s the In 1988, John and Lynn Dusessoy Overdale Coffee Shop was one of the opened an ice cream store, Sargent businesses of John and Anne Mainella. Sundae, in the building that had once A picture of the coffee shop appeared housed the Overdale Coffee Shop. in a 1960s school science textbook. Be- There is a neighbourhood connection tween the late 1920s and early 1950s to another iconic ice cream store, the

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Bridge Drive Inn on Jubilee. Cornelius Friesen who founded the Bridge Drive Inn in 1957 lived on both Overdale and Mandeville.

Dr. Alfred Alcock played a major role in the Canadian response to the 1950s polio epidemic. Between 1955 and 1990, Alfred was the medical director of Municipal Hospitals. Earl Vann was the head of the Urology Department of the Victoria Hospital.

Isabel Auld served as the Chancellor of the University of Manitoba. Isabel co-founded the Canadian Consumers Association. She received the Order of Canada, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, and a place in Winnipeg’s Citizens Hall of Fame. Wesley Steevens served as editor of the Christian Scholar. In 1994 and 2006 Wesley received, from Germany, the Humbolt Prize for Research.

Dorothy Funnell served as the choir director and organist for both St. James Anglican and Ste. Bedes Anglican churches. Virgina Stevens played the recorder for the Country Dance Society and Hell’s Belles.

John Funnell as the attorney for Manitoba Hydro redrafted the Manitoba Hydro Act. Murray Auld served as the president of Bristol Aerospace.

Murray received the Order of Canada, and both the Queen Elizabeth Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. David Thordason, an architect, designed many buildings including Winnipeg City Hall, the 1964 Winnipeg International Airport, and the U of M Duff Roblin Building. Gregg Filmon who lived on Overdale during the 1990s is the President of Value Partners Investments.

J. Frank Johnston served as a St. James Alderman and 19 years as an MLA. Frank was a cabinet minister for four years. Scott Johnston spent 25

years on School Board and has been an MLA since 2016. Scott is currently the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. Scott is a regular contributor to Lifestyles 55. (2) Bob Lane served one term as an MP. Bonnie Korzeniowski served three terms as and MLA. Bonnie spearheaded the effort to restore the Women’s Tribute Building at 200 Woodlawn. The building is now the Movement Disorder Clinic. Don McNabb served as a School Trustee.

Tim Diack, a Winnipeg Police Officer, ran for Mayor in 2018 receiving 10, 548 votes. Tim promised to provide transit service to the Ice Plex.

Alex W Welsh as part of the 1947 Brier Championship team is in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Edna Welsh served as President of the Deer Lodge Curling Club. Edna was a Life Member of the Deer lodge Curling Club.

Diane Scott played on 3 Winnipeg Wesman National Volleyball Champions. In 1993, Diane was the CIAU and U of W athlete of the Year. Diane spent 3 years playing professional volleyball in Germany. Between 1995 and 2019, Diane was the Head Coach of the U of W Volley Teams. In 2011/12, Diane was the Canada West Volley Coach of the Year. Dick Scott chaired the 1997 Brandon Summer Games.

John and Dorothy Funnell were married for 70 years.

Next month, I will examine the issue of restoring Vopni as a Winnipeg Street name.

Notes: 1. The Henderson say it was a Bowling Club but I am pretty sure it was Lawn Bowling Club.

2. Scott and J Frank are the only pair of MLAs in 2 consecutive generations from ridings in the Greater Winnipeg area to serve in Cabinet.

Fred Morris is a grandfather, sports fan and political activist.

July 2022

Be careful what you ask for

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he Canadian response to a leaked draft of an islation should say or include. In the beginning, the upcoming American Supreme Court decision debate over abortion was only about whether womconcerning abortion is interesting. The draft in en should be free to choose to not have an unwanted question, should it ultimately become the final draft, child. For quite a while now, the range of choices has would overturn the watershed Roe v Wade 1973 de- grown from whether to have a child, to sometimes whether to have a particular kind of cision which ruled that American womchild. Abortions related to sex selection en had a right to obtain abortions up to come to mind. It seems probable that the time of viability (1). The prospect of any attempt to legislate an abortion right such an American development has raised might bring on a debate about this issue, both concern and hope in Canada. There and possibly others, that might impinge is concern on the part of those who are on the pro-choice status quo. A case of pro-choice, especially those who fought letting sleeping dogs lie, one might arfor years to establish that women should gue. In any event, no legislation can bind have control over their own bodies. There future governments, but the other danis hope in the pro-life camp that the repeal ger is that it could legitimize the idea of of the 1973 American decision might crefuture legislative interference in an area ate the conditions for a renewed debate of public policy that has done without it in Canada over abortion. Both sentiments Hon. Bill Blaikie for three decades. may be unfounded, given the many leThe fact that the status quo is progal, constitutional, cultural, religious and Reminiscences choice came about as a result of politics political differences between Canada and of a political life the United States. Yet given the history of within the pro-life movement. The SuAmerican political spill over into Canada, preme Court of Canada decision that led concern is understandable. Having said this, both sides to the status quo did not establish an unfettered right of the abortion debate should be wary of any attempt to to abortion. It ruled against existing abortion criminal replace the status quo in Canada with respect to abor- code legislation, and invited Parliament to draft better tion. legislation, legislation that struck a better balance beThe status quo in Canada is de facto pro-choice. tween the rights of women established by the Canadian There is no law restricting abortions, no law at all. Any Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the right of govattempt to legislate the protection of this pro-choice ernment to legislate some measure of protection of fetal reality runs the risk of a debate about what that leg- life. The Mulroney government tried to do just that, but

its attempt failed. (2) And failed in such a way that no future government ever wanted to try again.

Pro-lifers would do well to remember that the attempt failed because they could not agree among themselves.

Instead of reasoned deliberation, they tore themselves to pieces in a frenzy of absolutist self-righteousness, caricaturing and demonizing pro-choice people, and excommunicating their fellow pro-lifers if they didn’t adhere to the detail of their particular point of view. There is no guarantee that something like that might happen again.

Indeed, given the nature of political dialogue these days, it could be far worse. Witness the exchanges on the issue in the first Tory leadership debate. Furthermore, it could also be the case that after thirty years the political landscape on abortion has changed. Polls have tended to show that most Canadians are pro-choice. Even the position of the members of nominally pro-life churches may well have evolved towards a more pro-choice perspective, despite official teachings to the contrary.

All of which is to say that both sides of the abortion debate in Canada should be careful what they ask for.

Observing the debate in America with interest is unavoidable. Demanding a response to it as if it was happening in Canada might not be a good idea.

Notes: 1. Bill wrote this piece earlier in June. Just prior to publication the Roe v Wade was overturned.

2. The 1991 Abortion Bill failed in the Senate largely because Tory women Senators refused to vote for it.

Hon. Bill Blaikie was a Member of Parliament from 1979 to 2008, representing Elmwood-Transcona.

Democracy disconnect: Your vote DOES count – make sure you use it “Here we go again.”

the people and democracy.

Acclamations are becoming more common in municipal elections “Ugh. Another election, who cares.” where the school trustees are on the same ballot. Some candidates work “My vote doesn’t matter.” hard to be heard above the voices of “There is no candidate in my area the council and mayoral candidates.

Unfortunately, voters often do not that I like, no point in voting.” hear from the trustee candidates and “No matter what government is in see a series of names on the ballot after the mayor and councillor with no power, they don’t listen.” context as to who they are or what “Is there an election? I had no idea.” they stand for. This leads to situations where the same trustee can hold the hese are some of the com- position for over 20 years. These poments I have heard since the sitions are responsible for our billiondollar education system. upcoming civic They are meant to bring election was announced fresh eyes and exterfor October 26, 2022. nal viewpoints to lead These comments are the approach towards from people who are improvement.

Those generally up to date candidates may have with current events. energy and good intenIs it Covid-19 fations when they first tigue that is making step up and are elected. people disconnect? Is it Can they maintain it for the economy and inflathe next 30 years, or do tion? Should we care? they become part of the The low number of Nancy Cooke system they are trying to people who bother to refresh? vote is evidence of disFrom the Civic politics is imengaged voters. In the Centre pactful daily in a world 2018 civic election in where we are trying to Winnipeg, voter turnout was at the lowest point in the engage voters in the issues. Civic previous decade, 42 per cent, ac- politicians decide on accessibility, cording to a CBC article on October snow clearing, maintenance of roads, 24, 2018. That was when we had no bus service, civic services, building idea what a pandemic was or how it permits, taxes and utilities, and infill housing, to name a few areas. When would make us feel.

The 2018 election, in a large urban voters are treated as if they do not centre, had a councillor with the only matter, they will disengage further, name on the ballot. No opposition and the cycle will continue.

In the civic election this fall, get out meant there was no opportunity to exchange ideas or alternatives for and vote. Find ways to get informavoters to consider. The single candi- tion about the names on the ballot, date was handed the seat and guar- so you can make informed decisions anteed a win. This is a reason for and strengthen our democracy. Make concern about voter apathy or un- each elected official earn the privilege informed, disengaged voters. When of being elected to serve you. Then you have an outstanding candidate do your part and hold them accountwho is dedicated to public service, able to you. After all, you just hired that can still be a win for voters. Still, them to manage billions of your when you have a candidate who is hard-earned dollars.

You can reach Nancy Cooke to comnot, that can lead to poor representation and four years of an unaccount- ment on this article at nancycooke11@ able politician, which is terrible for gmail.com.

Celebrate the Year of the Garden with

Enjoy digital editions of Canada’s Local Gardener magazine on your favourite mobile device!

T

July 2022

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Simply download Canada’s Local Gardener app on your mobile device and you can access the digital editions of the magazine quickly and easily!

Read, relax, enjoy.

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7

Traditional tarragon chicken, a hint of French cuisine

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ver the years my culinary travels have played a huge part of remembering where I was when. Does this happen to you?

Trips through France, Montreal, and even the French quarter of New Orleans enjoying this particular dish have all blended in my mind, leaving huge impressions on taste, aromas and flavours of what might lay ahead.

Nothing says French cuisine more than the ever-present garlic, Ian Leatt wine, and cream. The aromatic, bittersweet Foodies flavor of tarragon, with a distinct licorice-like taste and fragrance, compliments this creamy chicken dish perfectly.

Here is what you will need: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Knob of butter 4 medium chicken breasts 1 medium white onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed ¾ cup dry white wine ¾ cup chicken stock ¾ cup 36 per cent whipping cream 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water 3 teaspoons fresh tarragon, finely chopped 2 teaspoons parsley, finely chopped Pinch sea salt Pinch freshly cracked black pepper The all important how to: Place a skillet on the stove on a medium to high heat then add the extra virgin olive oil and knob of butter. Season the chicken breasts liberally, then place in the skillet. Cook on one side for 4 minutes or until the chicken is golden then turn over and repeat. Once the chicken is golden on both sides, set

Enjoy the creamy tarragon chicken today! Photo courtesy of Shutterstock. them aside on a dish.

Place the skillet back on the stove and add a little more olive oil as required, then add the onions and garlic. Cook until the onion is clear. Pour in the wine and stir together using a wooden spatula deglazing the skillet as you go. Leave to reduce for 5 minutes, ensuring that all the good bits are mixed into the reducing wine.

Once you are satisfied that the wine has reduced by half pour in the chicken stock, wine, and fresh chopped tarragon. Leave the sauce to simmer gently for a couple of minutes. Taste the sauce and add salt

and pepper if required.

Mix the cornstarch and water then slowly pour in, stirring the sauce as you do. You may not need it all, just enough until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Add the chicken to the sauce. Place a lid on the skillet and reduce the heat, leaving it to simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked throughout.

Garnish with parsley. When serving I like fresh new potatoes and whatever the veg in season is.

Ian Leatt is general manager of Pegasus Publications and a trained chef.

Its good to have courage in renovations, but its better to be safe than sorry

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ts good to be brave, to have a ‘Can home, especially doing it alone. In the do’ attitude if you are thinking of real world, it can be very stressful, take your time, and at best try remodelling your to enjoy the experience home. But if you are goof it. ing to go all out and do Know your own limit alone don’t make these its. Renovating can be common mistakes. expensive. There are sevGetting down and eral questions you should dirty is an excellent way ask yourself before to learn and can be very starting: have you ever rewarding. In times past, completed a large-scale we all learned from Dad project like this before? who did the necessary Do you have specialrepairs, and Mom, the inized knowledge required terior decorator who did Brent Poole to undertake tasks like the remodelling, chooselectrical or plumbing? ing colours and such.

Home If your answer is no to Today, millennials want Improvements these questions, call in it now and have the monthe professionals. Sorry! ey to pay someone else to do it, but there are still a few hardy souls YouTube can teach us many things but understanding the intricacies of plumbwho decide to go it alone.

Renovating can be fun. Be careful. if ing and or electrical are key to success. you are not trained, there are many fac- You need to understand building and ets to construction and home renova- impact codes, and much more.

Setting a budget is another thing. tion projects that can spiral completely out of control and turn into a living Using cheaper materials to cut costs nightmare. Start with small projects does not always pay. You can often be and always finish one task before start- tempted to use inferior products such ing another project. In this way, you as cheaper insulation because the dolnever take on too much at any given lar calls for it, but this will cost you in time. One of the biggest mistakes as a the long run. Research the products and DIYer is take on too much, we have all materials you need before starting. You watched HGTV where it looks so easy, will save in the longer term.

Problems will always arise; nothing right? In one hour, you have watched everything change, from shambles to ever goes according to plan when renobeauty. It takes a lot longer in your own vations are at play. The last thing you 8

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ever want to hit is an obstacle or roadblock. Try to expect the unexpected, look at the project at hand, and understand what may go wrong or be uncovered. If you are running a budget for the project (which you jolly well should be), add a little padding and time at the offset. Wisdom tells us that cushioning by up to 15 per cent should cover most eventualities. The same can be said for your timeline. Depending on your project, 15 per cent is a good yardstick. For a job you feel will take six weeks, tag on an extra week to be safe.

Remember: plan before you execute, and all will go well. If you have problems, there are always professionals to seek out and help fill in the void.

And when you have completed your project alone or with help, your reward will be both self-gratification and that you have beautified your home.

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!”

July 2022

A & O offers innovative social engagement programming

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t is so nice that the weather is startConnect Conversation Groups ing to warm up, the grass is green the In response to the Covid-19 panflowers are blooming, and the birds demic, the agency offered the Conare chirping! At A & O: Support Ser- nect Conversation Group. This group vices for Older Adults we recognize that is offered four times a week and is led no matter the weather, it by agency volunteers is not always easy for peoand staff. These groups ple to get out and connect provide an opportunity with others. It is importo chat about topics of tant that older Manitothe day, provides tools ban’s and those that care to address anxiety and about them know that A has a variety of guests & O provides specialized speakers. programs and services Senior Centre Withthat can support meanout Walls A & O: ingful social engagement This program is the Support Services for for older people. Many of first of its kind in Canthese programs are accesada and offers a unique Older Adults sible from the comfort of opportunity for Maniyour own home! tobans, 55+, to join A & O provides the following innova- educational and interactive programs tive social engagement programming: from the comfort of their own homes.

Connect Program Programming topics include educaRegistered Social Workers assist so- tional presentations, language classes, cially isolated Winnipeggers 55+ living book clubs, travelogues and support in the community by connecting them groups. The free programs are delivto resources that will facilitate indepen- ered through a toll-free number and dent living. Clients of the program may are offered during the day and evebe connected to: Volunteer Visitors and nings.

Callers, Community Resources, Senior Immigrant Settlement Services Centre Without Walls, Safety and SecuThe program offers a wide range of rity Programs, Counselling and Support settlement services for newcomers 55 Services. years of age and over. Our Settlement

Opportunities for socializing is important for older adults.

Orientation for Seniors program is a group orientation where participants learn about important settlement topics such as law, health and safety, housing, transportation, money and banking and community information. Upon completing the orientation, participants are referred to The Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC) for a language assessment appointment. They may then register for our English Language Program for seniors or are welcome to join one of

our English Conversation Circles. A settlement worker is also available to provide additional information about community programs and services, to assist with forms and documents and offer opportunities to connect with other older adults in the community.

You are not alone. Don’t wait, call today! A & O has many supports that can assist older people in aging well. Phone: 204-956-6440. aosuppportservices.ca Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter!

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July 2022

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9

Directory of Manitoba Association of Senior Centres Winnipeg AREA

Flin Flon Seniors 2 North Avenue, Flin Flon (204) 687-7301

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

Jubilee Recreation of Cranberry Portage Legion Hall, 217 2nd Ave. SE, Cranberry Portage (204) 472-3031

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

Snow Lake Seniors 71 Balsam St., Snow Lake (204) 358-2151

Hamiota 55+ Centre & Restore Community Co-op 44 Maple Avenue (204) 764-2658

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

The Pas Golden Agers 324 Ross Ave., The Pas (204) 623-3663

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

Northern AREA

Thompson Seniors Resource Council 4 Nelson Rd., Thompson (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

Minnedosa Senior Citizens Assoc.

31 Main St. S., Minnedosa (204) 867-1956 Morden Activity Centre 306 N. Railway St., Morden (204) 822-3555 www.mordenseniors.ca Neepawa Drop In Centre 310 Davidson St., Neepawa (204) 476-5103 www.neepawa.ca/district-drop-in-center Pembina Community Resource Council 315 Main Street, Manitou (204) 242-2241 Pilot Mound Fellowship Club 203 Broadway, Pilot Mound (204) 825-2436 Plumas Senior Citizens Club Inc. 102 White St., Plumas (204) 386-2029

Eastman AREA

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

Beau-head Senior Centre 645 Park Ave., Beausejour (204) 268-2444

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

East Beaches Social Scene 3 Ateah Rd., Victoria Beach (204) 756-6468 www.ebseniorscene.ca

Swan River & District Community Resource Council 126-6th Ave N, Swan River (204) 734-5707

East Beaches Resource Centre 3 Ateah Road, Victoria Beach (204) 756-6471 www.ebresourcec.weebly.com

The Comfort Drop In Spot 31 Main St., Erickson (204) 636-7895

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) 873-2109 Dauphin Active Living Centre Inc. 55 1st Ave. SE, Dauphin (204) 638-6485 www.dauphinseniors.com

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 Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op 311 Park Ave. E. Brandon (204) 571-2052 www.brandons4s.ca Killarney Service for Seniors 203 South Railway, Killarney (204) 523-7115 Prairie Oasis Centre 241 8th St., Brandon (204) 727-6641 www.prairieoasis.ca

20 Fort Street Seniors Club 2200 - 20 Fort St., Winnipeg (204) 250-8644

Archwood 55 Plus 565 Guilbault St., Winnipeg (204) 416-1067 archwood55plusinc.weebly.com Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre 51 Morrow Ave., Winnipeg (204) 946-9152 www.barbaramitchellfrc.ca 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 (204) 949-2569 www.creativeretirementmanitoba.ca

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Indigenous 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 North Centennial Seniors Association of Winnipeg Inc. 86 Sinclair Street, Winnipeg (204) 582-0066 www.ncseniors.ca North Point Douglas Senior Centre 244 Jarvis Avenue, Winnipeg Pembina Active Living 55+ 170 Fleetwood Rd., Winnipeg (204) 946-0839 www.pal55plus.ca Rady Jewish Community Centre 123 Doncaster St., Winnipeg (204) 477-7510 www.radyjcc.com 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

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

Sri Lanka Seniors Manitoba 113 Stan Bailie Drive, Winnipeg (204) 888-8253 www.srilankanseniorsmb.ca

Dakota Comm. Centre - Dakota 55+ Lazers 1188 Dakota St., Winnipeg (204) 254-1010 Ext. 217 www.dakotacc.com

St. James-Assiniboia 55+ Centre 3 - 203 Duffield St., Winnipeg (204) 257-6171 www.stjamescentre.com

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

St. Mary’s Rd. Seniors 613 St. Mary’s Rd., Winnipeg (204) 257-0678 www.stmarysroad.ca

Elmwood East Kildonan Active Living Centre 180 Poplar Ave., Winnipeg (204) 669-0750 www.eekactiv.com Fort Garry Seniors Resource Council, 200-270 Donald Street, Winnipeg (204) 792-1913 www.aosupportservices.ca/resources/seniorsresource-finders/ Good Neighbours Active Living Centre 720 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg (204) 669-1710 www.gnalc.ca Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre 1588 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 339-1701 www.gwensecter.com

Join the conversation with Lifestyles 55 online!

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

Transcona Council for Seniors 845 Regent Ave., Winnipeg (204) 222-9879 www.transconaseniors.ca Transcona Retired Citizens Org. 328 Whittier Ave. West, Winnipeg (204) 222-8473 Vital Seniors 3 St. Vital Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-0555 www.stmarymagdelenewpg.org Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association (204) 291-9028 www.winnipegchineseseniors.ca

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July 2022

Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba: President’s speech at the AGM

Senaka Samarasinghe

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he Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba (SLSM) was held at 10:30 am in the Cricket Pavilion, Assiniboine Park with participation of 27 members. Meeting was started observing a moment of silence for members passed away namely Hemasiri Perera, Tyrrell Mendis, Sasanda Nilmalgoda, Herb Embuldeniya and Pauline Curpen.

As the current President, SLSM, during my speech I explained that 6-62022 is a historic day for me. On 6-62015, I was elected as the President of the Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba (SLAM). This was a totally unexpected position for me. On 16-5-2017, I completed my tenure in SLAM. Again on 21-6-2020 elected as President Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba (SLSM) after another two years on 6-6-2022 completed my tenure in SLSM. On 6-6-2022, at the maiden Board Meeting of the SLAM there were number of proposals: namely purchase a land or a building for SLAM, welcome newcomers (mainly students), join Folklorama, elect board members from students, multi-ethnic and to establish a Sri Lankan senior organization.

In Sept. 2016, SLAM submitted proposals to the Ethnocultural Community Support Program regarding seniors’ concerns. ECSP commended the seniors’ project. On 11-5-2017, we had conducted preliminary discussion at Daya’s (one of our leading seniors)

with a set of seniors and few board members of SLAM. On 16-5-2017 The Board of SLAM made a decision to establish a senior’s organization. Based on that on 23-6-2017, SLAM called for a meeting with seniors at the Meeting Room of Pembina Trails Library and 26 seniors participated. After a positive discussion SLAM 55+ Group was established, and Peter elected as the first President with 15 short- and long-term objectives.

Much has happened since that time: We conducted virtual meeting due to COVID-19, changed our name to Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba, got one of our members on the Pembina Active Living board, organized many special events to support our seniors, promoted our organization through local seniors’ magazines, including this one, and fundraised for a Children’s hospital in Sri Lanka. We also became members of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres.

The new officers of the association are: 1. President - Indra Ariyaratne 2. President Elect - Doreen Kuruppu 3. Vice President - Sam Wijewardena 4. Vice President - Elian Joseph 5. Secretary - Upali Nilmalgoda 6. Treasurer - Felix Mendis Board Members 1. Ismath Mohamed 2. Chandrapala Jayawardena 3. Charlotte Gunawardena 4. Hussain Ibrahim 5. Daya Perera - Past president 6. Senaka Samarasinghe - Immediate Past President

A World of Faith & Spirituality: book launch

The new board of the Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba (SLAM).

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Tony Tavares book launch.

Senaka Samarasinghe

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anju Lodha and Ray Dirks invited me to: “A World of Faith & Spirituality: Yours, Mine, Theirs & Ours Diversity in Manitoba” for the Book Launch Event, June 9, 2022, at 7.30 pm at CMU Chapel (Canadian Mennonite University), 600, Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg.

For this book there were more than 200 contributors from various communities and traditions and religions.

There are more than 800 photos, with 214 pages and examples of communities working together. The book complied with art by students’ other themes such as on faith, interfaith and unity.

About Buddhism, this book presents, under a few headings, Instruction to Theravada Buddhism, Mahamevnawa July 2022

Buddhist Monastery, Manitoba Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Association (MBVCA), resident Monks of these temples and two leading volunteers of each temple. Authors Ray and Manju never forget to note the names of Bhante Kusala visiting Monk of MBVCA and service of Radhika Abeysekera for Buddhists in Winnipeg.

To complete the above section coauthor Ray Dirks selected me. For this venture Ray and Manju visited our home many times to take photos of two temples and related locations, and conduct interviews with resident Monks. As a result, not only did Chandani and I become good friends with them but I got an opportunity to know Tony Tavares.

With Tony I got an opportunity to help him to prepare for teachers of the Grade 12 World of Religions: A Canadian Perspective Course (2019).

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Ballet in the Park turns 50 Welcome back to free family fun at Assiniboine Park

Ballet in the Park celebrates it’s 50th year. Both photos by Daniel Crump.

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he Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s (RWB) 83rd season begins with Ballet in the Park, a treasured tradition that started in 1972 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer. This free, family-friendly event takes place at Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre, the site of the Summer Entertainment Series in the Park, from July 27 to 29 at 7:30 pm nightly. This event attracts thousands of Manitobans, along with tourists, to watch performances by the RWB Company artists and the RWB School dancers under the prairie sky.

Cheers from the Ballet in the Park crowd will be more audible than ever as the Company dazzles with Agnes de Mille’s delightful ballet Rodeo, a theatrical tale of love triangles and empowerment. This story is a true showstopper, whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the 50th! Students from the Professional and Recreational Divisions of the RWB School will also deliver exciting and beautiful performances showcasing their versatility of dance and technical brilliance, leaving everyone wanting more!

“2019 was our last performance at Ballet in the Park, so we are humbled to finally return and illuminate your world with the art of dance”, says André Lewis, the RWB’s Artistic Director and CEO. “Year after year we

witness the sea of support at the Lyric Theatre and are thrilled to give back to the community. There is something for everyone at Ballet in the Park and it will be extra special this summer as we celebrate the 50th anniversary!”

Ballet in the Park is the one time of the year that the incredible talent from all divisions within the RWB gathers together in one place to illuminate the stage.

The art of dance is a universal language that unites us all through movement and music. Ballet in the Park is a unique opportunity to enjoy artistry in motion with family, friends, and nature at Assiniboine Park. It is a slice of Winnipeg culture that rivals Nutcracker for nostalgia and fun.

What to Expect In addition to watching the mainstage event, participate in engaging children’s activities prior to the performance and enjoy a variety of tasty food trucks. Since you’ll be outdoors, dress appropriately and be mindful of sun protection. Ballet in the Park may run as scheduled rain or shine; cancellations due to inclement weather will be issued on the radio as well as on social media and the RWB website (rwb.org).

What to Bring Lawn chairs, cushions, and/or blankets to sit on;

Ballet in the Park At a Glance Ballet in the Park got underway in 1972. It was originally known as “Dancing in the Park” when the event started that year. The name was then changed to Ballet in the Park in 1980. In 1993, Ballet in the Park was cancelled due to financial difficulties until 16 Company artists decided to organize the event on their own without pay.

In 1994, Ballet in the Park was performed at Rainbow Stage. Despite valiant efforts, Ballet in the Park was cancelled from 1995 to 1997 and again in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Ballet in the Park moved to the Lyric Theatre when it was built in 1999 – prior to this, it was performed on an open stage. snacks and water to keep you fuelled and hydrated; and a desire to reconnect and enjoy live dance!

Welcome back to the summer tradition you don’t want to miss! See you at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park from July 27 to 29!

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Manitoba Liquor Mart for its support of the RWB and Ballet In The Park.

The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival stages a comeback!

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he Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival is ready to delight and dazzle audiences in person for the first time in three years from July 13 to 24.

With 113 performing companies across 23 stages in the Exchange District and across the city, the Fringe Festival truly offers something for everyone.

From as far away as Japan and South Africa, the festival brings people together to connect over the common goal of sharing original and innovative theatre with the masses. Performers come from all over Manitoba, across Canada and beyond to stage their unique shows for Fringers of all ages.

What many people don’t realize is that Fringe is a global community. Starting in Edinburgh in the 1940s, the Fringe circuit has festivals on every continent except for Antarctica (but who knows what the future will hold!).

While the geography differs, some principles hold true across the many festivals. For example, Fringe Festivals are not judged or juried. At the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, performers are selected at random and without bias through a lottery system. The lucky winners are scheduled in our main venues such as Royal MTC’s Tom Hendry Warehouse, the Planetarium Auditorium and The Cinematheque.

If you’re not a lottery winner, the Win12

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The Fringe Festival returns to the Old Market Square. nipeg Fringe invites performing companies to join the festivities in unique spaces. Fifteen of the 23 venues this year fall under the BYOV (bring your own venue) category.

Another Fringe cornerstone is that the festival is truly for the people and by the people. This means that all ticket proceeds go to the performing companies.

This year, all tickets have been released for purchase in advance, streamlining the festival experience by allowing Fringe fanatics to pre-plan their entire schedule for optimal Fringing.

Tickets are $12 and available through the Fringe website and at the Royal Manitoba Theatre 174 Market Avenue.

While you can grab all your tickets ahead of time, waiting for door tickets can net you a discount. Many performing companies offer door discounts for a variety of identities from seniors to students, as well as some with wacky requirements such as wearing a puffer vest. These door discount tickets will cost you $10.

Between shows, patrons can head down to Old Market Square, a.k.a.

the heart of the Fringe. The Bell MTS Outdoor Stage hosts free live performances of bands and buskers to entertain crowds, day and night. Here you can fuel up at a food truck, take in some shopping in the market at the Red River College Courtyard or have a refreshing beverage in the beer garden.

The festival even has a dedicated area for children to begin a lifelong love of Fringe. Kids Fringe has now made the move from Old Market Square to Stephen Juba Park at Bannatyne & Waterfront. This new location is a familyfriendly outdoor setting with games, crafts and special guests with more room to play than ever before. From there, Fringe families can take a short jaunt to the Kids Fringe venue at Manitoba Theatre for Young People to catch a kid-friendly show.

Chuck McEwan, the Executive Producer, says of the festival, “I’m so excited to see the Fringe return this summer and to have Fringe fans bustling throughout Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District enjoying some entertaining shows including musicals, dramas, comedy, cabaret, dance and so much more.”

Fringe is made possible by the tireless work of volunteers and the generous support of sponsors, funders and donors. Tickets and programs are on sale now.

July 2022

Manitoba Opera celebrates its 50th Anniversary season in 2022/23

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anitoba Opera celebrate its 50th season in 2022/23 (which launched June 1) with brand new, fully staged productions of two established comedies, a one-night concert, and a host of events and projects throughout the year.

“What a milestone: 50 seasons of music, drama, and singing!” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director and CEO. “Our 50th anniversary season will celebrate the past, look to the future, and thank the community.

Staging two productions and a concert are just a part of the 50 weeks of opera-related events, celebrations, and social engagement that are in the works, including paying tribute to the many people in the community who have helped Manitoba Opera on our journey these past five decades.”

The season opens with La Cenerentola (pronounced Chen er en toe lah), Rossini’s sparkling version of the classic fairy tale Cinderella November 12, 15, and 18. It will star Winnipeg mezzo-soprano, Lizzy Hoyt, in the title role and features a 1950s mid-century modern-inspired set with colourful exaggerated haute couture costuming.

Originally scheduled to be performed this past April, La Cenerentola was postponed in response to the increase in cases of COVID-19 that occurred earlier this year.

Opera fans will be treated to a trip down memory lane

Soprano Tracy Dahl and baritone David Watson will be celebrating their 41st seasons with Manitoba Opera this spring. with the 50th Anniversary Concert Saturday, February 25, almost the exact date that the company produced its first concert version of Il Trovatore in 1972. The concert will look back at some of the great moments in the company’s performance history and feature a roster of talented soloists, along with the Manitoba Opera Cho-

rus, accompanied by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Tyrone Paterson.

Mozart’s comedic look at the silliness of young love, Così fan tutte , will be presented April 22, 25, and 28.

Re-imagined to be set in a resort hotel in the Canadian wilderness in the 1930s, this Canuck version of the production has two young very stylish Italian sisters come to Canada on vacation and fall head over heels for two dashing Mounties. However, the officers, as part of a ruse to tempt the two sisters, answer the ‘call of duty” and return in disguise as log drivers (lumberjacks) replete with plaid shirts, suspenders, and rubber boots determined to seduce the young ladies.

This production will mark the 41st anniversary of the company debuts of the incomparable coloratura soprano Tracy Dahl and the talented baritone David Watson. This milestone production for these two great Manitoban artists will feature Dahl as Despina, a nosy resort staffer, and Watson as Don Alphonso, the resort owner, who gets the comedy ball rolling with a wily wager about fidelity.

All productions and the concert will take place at the Centennial Concert Hall. Currently tickets are available by subscription. Single tickets go on sale in the fall. For more information on tickets and the season, call 204-944-8824 or visit mbopera.ca

The 46th Northern Juried Art Show

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lin Flon hosted the 46th Northern to see the artwork being produced in Juried Art Show (NJAS) early in every region and this year some regions the month and it was a smashing opted to stick with that format. Not Flin success. Five Juried Art Shows are held in Flon though!

The last time we hosted an NJAS on a all regions of the province in the spring and early summer every year, in West- large scale was in 2017. We did hold an abridged version in 2018, man, Central, Interlake, due to some unforeseen Parkland and Northern. challenges in Thompson, They are ‘moveable feasts’ MB but ‘20 and ‘21 were in terms of both timing online events. The works and location, with smaller, produced in those years rural communities encourwere beautiful and seeing aged to make application them online was great, but to host. In northern Maniwe believe everyone in the toba, the responsibility for art world was desperate the exhibition has now to get together for a real fallen to the communities show, so Flin Flon rose to of Thompson, The Pas and the challenge. On Opening Flin Flon as some of our Elly Spencer Night there were about 90 communities have shrunk, The arts from people in the RH Chanin terms of population and ning Auditorium to view job opportunities so that up here the works and celebrate they can no longer muster with the prizewinners. Just a sufficient volunteer base in case you are not particularly impressed to plan and staff a show.

During the lockdowns associated with by that number, let us try to put it in perthe Covid-19 pandemic, the rural ex- spective. In Winnipeg, MB, population hibitions went online to display the art of 775,000 or so, at the opening event of created by their respective populations. the Rural and Northern Juried Art Show They photographed and posted all the in September 2018, 40-45 people were work, and the jurors were able to discuss in attendance. We take our art seriously it with each other via Zoom. Some of the in Flin Flon, population 4,940!

The exhibition had 147 entries from 67 shows opened that way too, on Zoom.

While it was not ideal, it was kind of fun different artists including 39 youth aged

9 to 12 and 13 to 17 years. Their artwork is marvellous and included painting, drawing, three-dimensional work, and fabric art. Some of them have not quite grasped the importance of good framing for what it can bring to an artwork, perhaps imagining in their youth that the work speaks for itself. But the volunteer artists who hung the show made it look amazing. All the youth entries were displayed on different coloured boards and easels. While most of the hanging surfaces were repainted in a light grey the youth entries were hung on black surfaces, making them really pop.

In case we have not previously described the room that is RH Channing Auditorium let’s get to that now. First, it is large, with really high ceilings. It is a multi-purpose space with an elevated stage at one end and still has multiple lines painted on the floor to remind us that it was also a gym at one point. It has housed Broadway-style musical performances and cabaret-style hoe-downs complete with straw bales, with Celtic/ country bands. But when it is arranged as an art gallery with the Steinway grand piano on stage and Mark Kolt at the keyboard, it is transformed. It was lovely for the Opening.

Artists from all over the north sent work to be adjudicated by two professional artist jurors, in this case, Dianna

Thorneycroft, a well-known Winnipeg artist who has shown exhibitions all over the country, and Michael Spencer, who lives and practices his art right here in Flin Flon. The work came from Churchill, Thompson, Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids, The Pas, Wanless, Thompson, Snow Lake, Flin Flon and the Saskatchewan communities of Creighton and Denare Beach. They are included because of their proximity to Flin Flon. Each artist received a written critique of their work from the jurors.

Each NJAS has a theme and ours was Water and the Wild. The jurors are asked to choose the work that best reflects the theme, and the 2022 winner was ‘Calls of the Wild’ a pair of hand-made, heavily beaded gauntlets by Shawna Ponask of Wanless, MB. Of course, artists in each category receive recognition for their work and this exhibition had seven separate categories: painting and mixed media; watercolour; drawing and printmaking; creative fibre art; small threedimensional work and craft; large threedimensional work and sculpture; and photography. Best in Show was ‘More Horsemen’ a sculpture about Ukraine by Doug Dmetriew of Flin Flon, MB. The entire NJAS can be viewed on the Manitoba Arts Network website throughout July and August at manitobaartsnetwork. ca

These insults are from an era before the English language got boiled down to 4-letter words Garry Enns

Y

ou may have seen this on Facebook, but not everyone is on Facebook, so for those who re not. Here is a giggle or two.

1. "He had delusions of adequacy”.

Walter Kerr 2. "He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.” Winston Churchill 3. "I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.”

Clarence Darrow 4. "He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary.” William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway) 5. "Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words?"

Ernest Hemingway (about William July 2022

Faulkner) 6. "Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it.”

Moses Hadas 7. "I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” Mark Twain 8. "He has no enemies but is intensely disliked by his friends.” Oscar Wilde 9. "I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend, if you have one.” George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill 10. "Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second... if there is one.” Winston Churchill, in response 11. "I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here” Stephen Bishop 12. "He is a self-made man and worships his creator.” John Bright 13. "I've just learned about his illness.

Let's hope it's nothing trivial.” Irvin S. Cobb 14. "He is not only dull himself; he is the cause of dullness in others.” Samuel Johnson 15. "He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up. Paul Keating 16. "He loves nature in spite of what it did to him.” Forrest Tucker 17. "Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?”

Mark Twain 18. "His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork.” Mae West 19. "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.” Oscar Wilde 20. "He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination.” Andrew Lang (1844-1912) 21. "He has Van Gogh's ear for music.”

Billy Wilder

22. "I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But I'm afraid this wasn't it.”

Groucho Marx 23. The exchange between Winston Churchill & Lady Astor: She said, "If you were my husband, I'd give you poison."

He said, "If you were my wife, I'd drink it.”

24. "He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know."

Abraham Lincoln 25. "There's nothing wrong with you that reincarnation won't cure." Jack E. Leonard 26. "They never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge." Thomas Brackett Reed 27. "He inherited some good instincts from his Quaker forebears, but by diligent hard work, he overcame them." James Reston (about Richard Nixon) Robert L Truesdell. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

13

Neil Young: “Winnipeg was where it all happened for me . . .”

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ifty-nine years ago this month, with these two songs, Taylor arranged a internationally-renowned rock recording date for July 23. On that day, music iconoclast Neil Young made Neil Young made his recording debut. his first ever recordings at CKRC radio’s Two months later a 45rpm single, The Sultan, backed by Aurora, tiny recording studio in was released locally on lothe old Winnipeg Free cal V-Records label, quite Press building on Carlton a feat for such a young Street in downtown Winband. Owned and opernipeg. On the afternoon ated by Alex Groshak out of Tuesday, July 23, 1963, of his home in Windsor local rock ‘n’ roll quartet Park, V-Records specialThe Squires with Kelized in Ukrainian music, vin High School student the label’s biggest sucNeil Young on lead guitar, cess being popular duo Grant Park High students Mickey & Bunny. But Alan Bates on rhythm Groshak took a chance guitar, and drummer Ken John Einarson with The Squires. Some Smyth, along with bass Local Music 300 copies of the single player Ken Koblun from Spotlight were pressed. It received Churchill High School – airplay on CKRC. recorded a couple of origBoth sides of the single inal compositions from Young under the direction of recording were guitar instrumentals in The Venengineer and CKRC deejay Harry Tay- tures and British instrumentalists The lor. Fellow CKRC deejay Bob Bradburn Shadows style. The recordings reveal is listed as record producer but it was Neil’s progress on guitar, though nothTaylor who was calling the shots. Brad- ing of the nimble fingers he would show burn’s contribution was hitting a large on later recordings. “With The Sultan,” gong with a mallet at intervals in one of Neil reflected to me, “it was good to have it out but I hadn’t got the sound I the songs.

“The big thing was to get a DJ behind was after yet. It was my first recording you,” recalled Neil of his embryonic session and I was just glad to be there years on the local community club cir- for the experience. I was still searching cuit. “Bob Bradburn was our connec- for that right sound.”

That search brought Neil Young’s tion at CKRC.” Although Bob’s on-air slot was the mid-morning show, nine to Squires back to CKRC’s 2-track studio noon when teens were supposed to be on April 2, 1964, with Harry Taylor in school, he was, nonetheless, a name again at the controls. With The British around the city. Bob adopted the band, Invasion in full swing spearheaded by plugging their engagements on the radio The Beatles and their Merseybeat conand hosting their community club danc- temporaries, this recording session feaes. On July 12, 1963, he arranged an tured the debut of Young’s vocals. “I audition for The Squires with CKRC re- think we recorded a song called Ain’t cording engineer Harry Taylor. Having It the Truth written by me,” says Neil. suitably impressed Taylor with fifteen “There were tapes of those songs around or twenty of their best instrumentals, but they are probably lost now. We did Harry invited them back a week later for about twenty songs.” Decades later two a run through of two of Neil’s composi- songs from that April 1964 session surtions, The Sultan and Aurora. Satisfied faced: I Wonder featuring Young on

The Squires - Neil Young, top row left with big guitar circa 1964 in Winnipeg). double-tracked vocals and an instrumental track, Mustang. At the completion of the session, Neil asked Harry Taylor what he thought. Neither ever forgot the reply: “You’re a good guitar player, kid, but you’ll never make it as a singer.” Recalls Young, “People told me I couldn’t sing but I just kept at it.” The recording wasn’t released at the time.

Young would take a second stab at I Wonder in Fort William (Thunder Bay) at radio station CJLX in November 1964 while still based in Winnipeg. At that same session, the band recorded Young’s I’ll Love You Forever, a love song to his Winnipeg girlfriend Pam Smith that featured dubbed in ocean sounds. In March 1965, Young and The Squires recorded his composition I’m A Man And I Can’t Cry at Mickey & Bunny leader Mickey Sheppard’s basement studio in West

Kildonan. A month later, Neil would take The Squires, now down to himself, Ken Koblun and drummer Bob Clark, to Fort William for several months before trying his luck unsuccessfully in Toronto. Heading south in March 1966 he would run into Stephen Stills and Richie Furay in a Sunset Boulevard traffic jam.

Together they would form the Buffalo Springfield. Neil Young had found the fame he had been searching for.

In June 2009, Neil Young released the first volume of his highly-anticipated 10 disk Neil Young Archives box set retrospective pulling together some of his best-known recordings from 1963 to 1972 along with dozens of unreleased tracks. Among those unreleased tracks were the recordings made by The Squires between 1963 to 1965. “Winnipeg was where it all happened for me,” he stated.

The man who hated rock ‘n’ roll 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting in Manitoba. Over the course of the year Life Styles 55 will be publishing a series of articles featuring a few highlights of local radio history.

J

ohn Oliver Blick was, without a doubt, one of Winnipeg’s most colorful and successful broadcasters.

The former RCAF training officer, who founded radio station CJOB in 1946, was a man with big ideas, strong opinions and definite tastes. A tireless worker, with a penchant for flashy cars, Blick was a true innovator.

CJOB would become the first local radio station to go on the air 24 hours a day, offer news on the hour every hour, and provide the first FM broadcasts in western Canada. When CJOB first signed on, Blick only hired employees who had served in the military.

In its early years, CJOB provided a variety of musical programming. Country, jazz, swing, and big band. “Club 1340” Gary offered music for young people. But by the mid-1950s, a newly emerging sound known as “rock ‘n’ roll” was making waves.

Some called it “the devil’s music.” Certain preachers railed against it, while parents worried about its influence on their children. Jack Blick and CJOB wanted no part of it. In a 1981 interview, former CJOB announcer Ray Isley recalled a time when Program Director George Davies returned from a broadcaster’s conference armed with a new format that included a dose of rock ‘n’ roll.

“Jack Blick just about went crazy.”

Blick enjoyed jazz and big bands which had been so much a part of the music scene during the war years. According to several sources, he was a decent piano player who, from time to time, would pound out a jazz tune at some social event.

By the late 1950s, however, it was evident rock ‘n’ 14

whatsupwinnipeg.ca

roll was more than just a passing fad. On September 26, 1959, CJOB made its move. Purchasing full page ads in both daily newspapers, the radio station served notice it had “banned rock ‘n’ roll music”. The station pledged to avoid “raucous rock ‘n’ roll like the plague,” with Jack Blick offering the following explanation for the station’s decision: “People today are hungry for music, but there are many radios that are standing silent because their owners want sounds they can enjoy...not beeps, thumps, crashes and twangs. Our crusade for sing and whistle music comes from a strong personal conviction that radio listeners of all ages want good music. They will still get it on CJOB, and we expect many silent radios will be switched on to welcome the change.”

The newspaper ad went on to predict that “the policy will undoubtedly have the strong support of discriminating teenagers who have been asking CJOB for more easy-to-listen-to music. Most adults will Moir cheer the news since it marks a return to listenable melodies old and new.”

According to an account published by the Canadian Communications Foundation, Blick then proceeded to take the ban a step further. “To underscore the move, he created a contest which was promoted in Broadcaster Magazine. A prize would be awarded to the person who broke a rock record into the smallest number of pieces.” The winner used a Black and Decker sander to grind a record into a very fine dust.

Was the music policy based solely on Blick’s dislike of modern rock music, or was it sound strategic planning?

Jack Blick knew CJOB’s audience better than anyone. It was not the young crowd but rather working people and families. The key was to build on that base.

Regardless of motivation the music policy served the radio station well. In the years to come, other private

John Oliver Blick, the colourful founder of 680 CJOB. broadcasters like CKY, CKRC and later CFRW competed long and hard for a young listening audience. In the process, CJOB was left with a huge adult market. Offering a combination of information, talk, sports and easy listening music, CJOB emerged as one of the most successful and highest-rated radio stations in the country.

Under the banner of “Working for Winnipeg,” CJOB thrived …as did rock ‘n’ roll.

Garry Moir has spent more than 50 years in the broadcasting industry. He has written extensively about 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.

July 2022

Winnipeg in pictures and words Of mills and monks and ARTifacts

Grant’s Old Mill, replica. Photo courtesy Sanja Rossi.

Sandra Vincent, ARTlington studios, paint and ceramics. Photo courtesy Sanja Rossi.

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The location of the original 1829 watermill built by id you already know that… …ever since 2010 when John Hunsberger Grant is not known.

Since 1974, a working replica of an old-fashioned purchased a century old building that origigrist-mill constructed from logs from nally housed the Northland Knitting Gypsumville and stones from Garson Company, Winnipeg West End proudly has presided over Sturgeon Creek at presents new-old 618 Arlington Street 2777 Portage Avenue. Today it is a muproperty enlivened as a truly unique seum that commemorates the effort of three-floor art-space. This former manCuthbert Grant to help feed the Selkirk ufacturer is converted to a place with settlers, Metis and native Canadians of impressive and functional art studios, the plains region. Cuthbert Grant was known as ARTlington studios, now a charismatic leader whose name stands home to over 25 artists and makers. Mr. alongside men like George Simpson, Hunsberger had an idea of preserving Louis Riel, John Diefenbaker and Pierre the historical charm of this old mansion Trudeau – people who had an enormous with original design elements, including influence on the future of our country. antiques, tin tiles, stained glass, wrought …on the cold snowy Thursday morniron, etc. There are also bank doors Sanja Rossi ing of October 30, 1884, flogging had from Chicago, elevator doors from old Manitoba been used in Winnipeg for the first time Eaton’s building, old bed frames, bikes Through Time at the provincial jail, later known as the and lots of other details. Old, restored Vaughan Street Jail. The flogging was and recovered materials have found their for John McCormack who was sennew purpose and are saved from decaying by introducing a new, vibrant and of great use - tenced for six months for the crime of stealing jewelry from a prostitute. But McCormack escaped from jail. value art sanctuary. …in the time of the ancient Slavs, it was believed He was recaptured after an hour of hiding and returned that the grist mills were under the veil of the wicked, to the jail. James Miller, Manitoba’s Attorney General, and stories about vampires who allegedly visit the grist decided to have him flogged as an example. This unmills are still attractive in some parts of Eastern Europe fortunate event provoked a huge and stormy reaction as part of folklore that complements tourist offerings. of condemnation both from the public and legal proWe can’t deny that there is something mystical about fession who argued that this should not be tolerated these mills. Except for the sound of stone grinding in Christian country, especially because the reason for wheat and the roar of a river turning the wheel of a flogging this man was simply because he tried to regain mill, those places are as quiet as a grave. Since in the old his liberty. …The Notre-Dame des Prairies monastery in St. days, they were often built in more remote areas and with no electricity, it is not difficult to understand how Norbert was founded in 1892, and the credit for it bethe legends of scary stories appeared. But this is not the longs to the parish priest, Father Joseph-Noel Ritchot, who offered parish lands to a Cistercian order of monks case with the Grant’s Mill.

Cuthbert Grant was a powerful man of the early from Bellefontaine, France.

The Cistercian Order, as a part of Benedictine order, 1880s. He was a leader of the Metis people. Grant was the first to build a water mill west of the Great Lakes was created in 1098 by the group of monks in Citeto provide ground wheat meal for his community. It aux, France. This group of three monks, led by Saint was completed in 1829 in Grantown (the community Robert of Molesne, were not satisfied with their curwas originally named in his honor but later renamed rent monastery and wanted to return to the original St. Francois Xavier) and located along the bank of Stur- observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. They were angeon Creek in Winnipeg. The mill was closed in 1832 cestors of Trappists, named after the La Trappe Abbey due to the repeated spring flooding and Grant moved in Normandy.

Since the Rule of St. Benedict dictates that all monhis mill in Grantown and converted it into a windmill.

View of the Trappist Monastery ruins (August 2017). Photo courtesy Sanja Rossi.

asteries must be self-sufficient and self-supporting communities, Abbey of Our Lady of the Prairies provided the parish with a model farm, milking barns, stables, granaries, greenhouses, butter and cheese factory; bakery, shoemaker’s shop and an outdoor sawmill.

Manitoba’s Trappists have maintained a centuries-old tradition of monastic life, highly devoted to finding God and achieving salvation for all souls. They lived in silence and were faithful to the rule of poverty. Even though they were vegetarians they raised pigs, poultry and horses, dairy herd and beef castle. The Trappist Fathers wore white and brown robes, and everyone wore black cowls. In 1997, after the long discussions and prayers, monks decided to relocate from St. Norbert to a place where they could continue their life in peace and solitude without being interrupted by a fast-growing community. The reason was the rapid expansion of the city of Winnipeg and interference to monks’ traditional maintenance of obedience, silence and humanity.

The new monastery was set up in Holland, Manitoba, where they continued their dairy, beef and grain operation although on a tad smaller scale.

Doors open Winnipeg This year again, we had an opportunity to enjoy the fascinating architecture and unique cultural spectacle of our capital, getting to know the rich history of the city of Winnipeg, and at the same time to remind ourselves of the diversity of cultures and nationalities Winnipeg has embraced since its inception. “Doors open Winnipeg” has always been among my favorite events, which my whole family enjoys equally. Some locations were very well prepared with knowledgeable staff while others could have had better informed guides. Also, some institutions weren’t open all day for visiting. One site particularly stands out for its uniqueness: the casemates of the Vaughn Street jail which were very challenging to observe.

On a brighter note, visiting museums and cultural institutions has a positive impact on our mental health.

It encourages positive emotions and a sense of commitment resulting in a better quality of life. The art space itself makes us feel transported to another world and some other epochs. Visiting cultural institutions can encourage self-reflection and contemplative states that allow us to think differently about ourselves and our lives, establish new connections and expose ourselves to new perspectives.

Robert Warren “Uncle Bob” Swarts (1934-1989): Entertainer, Ventriloquist

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ob was born in Winnipeg on June the show had some merit and interested 30, 1934. He was the son of Rob- advertisers, the show was a go.

Uncle Bob and his friend "Archie ert Warren Swarts (c1902-1971) Wood" hosted Archie and and Myrtle May Croft His Friends, a Winnipeg (1914-2009). He attended produced weekday, noon both Lord Roberts School hour kids' show that ended and Tec-Voc High School. up running for 21 years For more than 20 years he from 1965 to 1986 on was “Uncle Bob” on the CTV. "The friends" were popular television proTammy True (Archie in a gram broadcast on CJAYwig), Grandpa Wood (also TV (predecessor to CTV) Archie in a wig) and sock “Archie and His Friends” puppets Petite the dog and In the mid-60s, Swarts was working as a sound Marvin Mouse. Also feaengineer at CJAY-TV when tured prominently were the idea of a lunch-hour children celebrating their children’s show came up birthdays. Bob would call Memorable in a meeting in the boardthem live on the air and Manitobans room. Bob pitched his wish them a happy birthconcept and it was acceptday. This was a huge thrill ed but, it was agreed that for any youngster back in it would only be a few episodes. It wasn’t the day. thought to last much more than that but it It was no secret that Bob had a quick caught on quickly and once it was realized temper so it was great fun for the crew to July 2022

Uncle Bob and Archie. push Bob to the breaking point whenever they could. The practical jokes were plenty with Bob always the reluctant recipient.

On more than one occasion they tied his shoes together when he was retrieving letters from Robbie the Robot or one of the crew would casually walk in front of the blue screen when he was pretending to ride his flying carpet. Another classic caper from the crew occurred during a lunch break when Bob left the building. Someone grabbed Archie and took him outside through the loading dock doors. There

was a mud puddle nearby so they dipped both Archie’s sneakers deep into it. Then, once back in the building, they made it appear as though Archie had gone outside to play in the puddle and left his shoe tracks all the way back to the set where Bob found him sitting after he returned. Bob was not happy.

Sadly, when the show ended, almost all bits of memorabilia were destroyed.

All the publicity pictures which included irreplaceable photos of puppet co-stars Marvin Mouse, Petite the little dog and Archie Wood. Fortunately, Archie is safe and sound and is well taken care for in the hallows of the Manitoba Museum.

Bob Swarts lived in Sandy Hook and died at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli, Manitoba on June 9, 1989.

Jim Ingebrigtsen is a council member of the Manitoba Historical Society and submits the stories of Memorable Manitobans each month to Lifestyles 55. Visit MHS.mb.ca and discover more than 12,000 other notables in our archives. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

15

What should you do when someone dies?

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hen someone dies, the aftermath can be overwhelming for the person left in charge, and handling a death can seem very confusing and emotional. Regardless of whether a death is expected or unexpected, emotional struggles and feelings of disbelief can cloud thinking, making the task of planning a funeral difficult.

If you’re unclear about how to handle a death in the family, the list below details what you should do immediately and in the days and months following a death.

And remember, you Michael Gibbens probably don’t have to do this alone. Friends and family will most likely want to help. Delegating responsibilities to family members and others you trust not only eases your burden but also allows them to show you how much they care about you—and it may even help them begin to heal their own feelings of loss as well.

What to do immediately when someone dies • Notify the authorities that a death has occurred.

If you're not in a hospital or with hospice care at the time of the death, call 911 immediately so that the death can be legally pronounced. If your loved one is in a hospital or under hospice care, this task generally falls to the medical caretakers.

• Select a funeral home, mortuary or funeral director to begin the process of planning a funeral, memorial service, cremation or celebration of life. They will assist you with many of the following details.

• Arrange for transportation of your loved one by calling the Dignity Memorial provider nearest you.

We will arrange transportation with no obligation to use our funeral services. Be aware of any arrangements that need to be made for autopsy or organ donation before a mortuary or crematorium takes your loved one into its care.

• Notify family and close friends of the death. You may wish to ask some of these people to inform others.

• Arrange for a caretaker for children, elderly parents and pets. (This is a good task to delegate to someone you trust.)

• Notify your loved one’s employer, if he or she

was still working. Ask about remaining pay, life insurance, benefits or any other work-related details you may need to know.

• Locate the Will and any pre-planned funeral arrangements.

What to do before meeting with a funeral planner • Designate a main point of contact, or Executor.

This might be you or someone else, but whoever it is should also have a friend or family member who can be nearby and help with important decisions and more.

• Gather any documents specifying pre-planned or prepaid funeral arrangements, and obtain the personal information you need for an obituary and death certificate.

• Contact any religious or military affiliations of your loved one to determine whether burial benefits or specific funeral plans and services are available.

• Contact the cemetery that you have chosen for the final resting place to verify their availability to your plans.

• Start an obituary. Your funeral director can help you write an obituary, or you may choose to write it yourself. Have at least one person proofread the obituary before it is submitted for publication.

It’s hard to know how to handle a death, especially when that person is a close friend or family member.

There are things that need to be done—and more than likely you will not have to do them alone. Enlist a support system to lean on. It’s so helpful to have someone to assist with planning a funeral and putting someone’s things in order. It also feels good to have a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.

Say yes to Nootropics to boost brain function

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You can also increase mitochondria with natural ootropics are a classification of dietary supplements designed to improve cognition and supplements. Dr. Bruce Ames of the University of memory while facilitating learning. The word California developed a formula that was successful in was created by Romanian physician Corneliu E. Giur- transforming sedentary old rats that were the equivalent of between 70 and 100 years old gea by combining the Latin words nous into youthful, energetic rats that he said (mind) and trepein (to bend). Completecould dance the Macarena, with a nutrily safe and free of adverse effects, nootional supplement that included acetyl tropics can increase circulation to the L-carnitine (ALCAR) and alpha-lipoic brain, boost neuronal growth, improve acid (ALA). memory and focus, prevent cognitive Many prominent medical professionimpairment, and may even help us to be als and researchers who have read Ames' more creative. research choose dietary supplements that Some of the extensively-researched include ALCAR and ALA. AOR Ortho nootropic compounds include magneMind is an excellent nootropic formula sium L-threonate, Pycnogenol, PQQ, that also includes Bacopa monnieri, citiacetyl L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, coline, and Panax ginseng. lion’s mane, Alpha GPC, lutein, zeaxanSupporting neuronal growth thin, vinpocetine, and Bacopa monnieri.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone: PQQ Other proven, powerful, cognitive inNathan Zassman is an exciting antioxidant that has been gredients include omega-3, ginkgo biloNatural Health studied for diabetes, cognition, neuba, taurine, phosphatidylserine, creatine, roprotection, and lowering C-reactive L-theanine, and blueberries, which are high in the flavonoid polyphenol anthocyanin. Flava- protein levels (a marker of inflammation). PQQ can nols are from the flavonoid classification of polyphe- activate genes that boost mitochondrial function while nols and occur naturally in plants; shown to improve protecting the brain from age-related degeneration. cognitive function, they are found in cocoa, green Studies show that PQQ may reverse cognitive detea, the skins of berries, coffee, red wine, apples, and cline and improve memory by stimulating the producgrapes. tion of nerve growth factor in cells that stimulate brain Nootropic supplements can help generate new mi- neurons. A powerful antioxidant, not only does PQQ tochondria, boost neuronal growth, support nerve protect against mitochondrial decay and the damage growth factor, and may help prevent or reverse the caused by oxidation, but it also helps generate new miprogression of Alzheimer's disease by stabilizing amy- tochondria. PQQ may be the most important nutrient loid beta 40 protein levels and reducing phospholipid ever discovered for improving mitochondrial function, hydroperoxides. Research indicates nootropics can boosting memory, and protecting brain cells from damhelp control blood sugar (high blood sugar levels, age caused by toxins. insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes are associated Lion's Mane: A medicinal mushroom, lion's mane with dementia and the development of Alzheimer's increases nerve growth factor and is an excellent comdisease), and inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase plement to PQQ and other nootropic supplements. A (AChE) to help maintain optimum levels of the vital double-blind placebo-controlled trial of thirty 50 to neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

80-year-old Japanese men and women diagnosed with More Mitochondria mild cognitive impairment showed improved scores on The tiny energy furnaces in our cells, mitochondria the cognitive function scale, as compared to the placebo are among the most important keys to our health, en- group. The scores continued to increase during the 16ergy levels, and brain function. Research has proven week trial, but scores decreased significantly four weeks that you can increase mitochondria by up to 50 per after the trial concluded, indicating that the supplement cent with only six weeks of exercise, and one of the would need to be taken regularly to continue the benmethods of intermittent fasting that results in calo- efits. There were no adverse effects. rie restriction, which turns on the healthy cell mainMagnesium L-Threonate: Developed by a Nobel tenance process of “autophagy”. These intermittent Prize-winning physicist, and the result of nearly 20 fasting methods include time-restricted eating, the years of research at Stanford University, MIT, and Tsingtwice-a-week method (I use a variation of this), al- hua University, magnesium L-threonate (or MgT) is the ternate-day fasting, and the 24-hour fast (or Eat Stop only form of magnesium that crosses the blood-brain Eat method). I recommend the books ‘The Complete barrier, and that supplies magnesium to neurons. ReGuide to Fasting’ by Jason Fung, ‘Fast Diet’ by Dr. search has found that in only twelve weeks, this amazing Michael Mosley, and works by Dr. Pradip Jamnadas supplement can reverse more than nine years of clinical to learn more about these important fasting methods brain aging by increasing the density of synapses (the that result in a wide range of overall health benefits, communication connections between brain cells). In including improving neurological performance. addition, MgT may help improve mood and sleep.

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Pycnogenol: Derived from French maritime pine bark, Pycnogenol is one of the most powerful natural health supplements, with proven benefits for allergies, tinnitus, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, ADHD, erectile dysfunction, retinopathy, and skin health. Italian and Australian studies have confirmed improvements in attention, cognitive function, memory, and mood within eight weeks by taking 150 mg daily.

Bacopa Monnieri: Also known as Brahmi, bacopa has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. Recent studies confirm its nootropic effects, as it has been shown to improve brain function, cognition, and memory. Bacopa is also considered an adaptogen as it helps balance the body's response to acute and chronic stress.

Alpha GPC: L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine is the most bioavailable form of choline, as unlike other forms, Alpha GPC crosses the blood-brain barrier. As the precursor to acetylcholine (an essential neurotransmitter) and phosphatidylcholine (a component of all cell membranes), Alpha GPC can help improve mood, increase mental clarity and alertness, improve short and long-term memory, while providing the nutrients required for the brain to build new cells. It has also been shown to increase growth hormone levels. Research confirms that Alpha GPC can facilitate memory and learning, and may halt or reverse cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease, especially in the early stages.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Known as critical nutrients for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, a recent randomized double-blind trial found significantly improved cognitive function in younger adults.

Vinpocetine: Derived from the periwinkle plant, studies have shown it boosts brain function by increasing circulation and blood flow to the brain. Vinpocetine improves memory, slows cognitive decline, and may be helpful in stroke recovery and epilepsy. Dr. Jonathan Wright recommends vinpocetine for tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Zembrin: The South African plant Sceletium tortuosum has been used traditionally to treat anxiety, and depression, improve mood, and induce a tranquil, meditative state. In addition, it’s been found to help people think more clearly and improve focus. Also called kanna (and sold as Zembrin), other benefits to Sceletium tortuosum include increasing energy, while at higher doses it can act as a sedative.

Of the many nootropic compounds, I've elected to detail just a few of the most studied nootropics that have been shown to be effective. Nootropic supplements, along with regular exercise, intermittent fasting, and a diet that includes all essential nutrients, can provide protection against developing cognitive impairment, and improve brain health.

Nathan Zassman is the owner and president of Aviva Natural Health Solutions.

July 2022

Your present can change their future

Kristyn and Jaxon Miller at the heart centre opening.

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Philanthropists small and tall at the Better Futures launch, 22 June 2022.

e take for granted that all kids will have a paign to announce that, despite a global pandemic, future filled with success, health, happiness, supporters from every corner of the province have quiand a lifetime of milestones. But that’s not etly contributed 70 per cent of this ambitious $75 milthe reality for all kids and for all families. Sometimes lion goal to #GiveBetterFutures for kids. More than $50 million have already been raised by there’s an unexpected swerve. And when engaged members of the community, inthat happens, there is HSC Children’s cluding by many kids who themselves Hospital. have needed the hospital. Kids like 2022 As the only hospital in Manitoba, Champion Child Keira. Talk about setting Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut with a great example! specialized, acute pediatric services, and Manitobans are incredibly generous the largest pediatric research institute on when they know there’s a need, and Better the prairies, it is essential the resources Futures is already enhancing child health and expertise to care for the sickest and care and research in Manitoba. most critically injured kids who can’t be For example, the new Travis Price Chiltreated anywhere else, is available, right dren’s Heart Centre opened last March here at home. and was officially dedicated at the end of In 2019, Children’s Hospital FoundaStefano Grande May. More than 6,000 kids living with tion, together with the leadership of HSC complex heart conditions are being seen Children’s, Shared Health and Children’s Healthy in a bright new space that, according to Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Living Jaxon’s mom, Kristyn, is a place he looks identified new, immediate needs, and an forward to coming to. Dr. Reeni Soni, the ambitious goal to raise $75 million over five years to achieve them. The Better Futures campaign head of pediatric cardiology, tells us that the careful atchampions growth and innovation in leading-edge tention to design and detail in the new centre has meant equipment, technology infrastructure, critical diagnos- that kids are more comfortable when they come in, and tics, life-saving research, and culturally safe program- less anxious for appointments. A new pediatric catheming that will continue to give all kids the very best terization lab is keeping 60 to 80 kids in Manitoba for treatment every year, instead of having to go to Edmoncare, right here.

On June 22, we publicly launched this historic cam- ton or Vancouver for care. That reduces an enormous

amount of stress on families, not to mention expense.

A new fluoroscopy unit, and a significant expansion of remote monitored beds and leading-edge communication technologies on every unit of our children’s hospital are also making a difference in patient experience and peace of mind for families. A new Child & Adolescent Mental Health outdoor play space, which opened last month, is a 100 per cent donor-funded space where kids can safely exercise, hang out and enjoy the outdoors with each other and when their families come to visit.

These transformational enhancements are all part of the $75 million Better Futures campaign. And we’re just getting started.

All Manitobans can support your children’s hospital and research institute, to make sure that healthcare heroes and brilliant researchers have the resources they need to give all our kids the care they deserve. Where there are comfortable, culturally safe spaces to heal.

Where ideas are explored and investigated, and brought from the lab to the bed side. Where kids can just be kids.

The last 30 per cent of this historic campaign can only be achieved when we all work together. We invite all Manitobans to get involved, because your present can change their future. No gift is too small to change a sick child’s life. As Keira so sweetly challenged the community at the launch, if she can do it, you can too. To learn more, visit Goodbear.ca/betterfutures.

Stefano Grande is the president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

Poverty is

Al Wiebe

Of No Fixed Address

July 2022

Collecting beer cans, in the last ten days of the month at 5:30 am till the welfare cheque comes in.

Running out of minutes on your pay-as-you-go phone five days before the end of the month, and having to find a pay phone, then running out of change to make calls, and panicking because a call you had to make would get you 10 bucks.

Standing in line at a food bank for an hour Before the change, waiting for 20 minutes at a pay phone to get an appointment.

Not making a doctor’s appointment because you didn’t have bus fare.

Getting a job but not being able to take it because you couldn’t afford the bus fare for the three weeks until payday.

Suffering a massive heart attack because diabetic needs could not be met.

Collecting cans and bottles for extra money when you got an out-of-town training gig and borrowing from a generous organization for flight and expenses because you could not get up front money to go.

Going back and forth to the grocery store several times a day to find milk on sale.

Not buying anything that is not on sale.

Backing away from the meat section and not buying much needed protein because of prohibitive cost.

Moving into a place and sleeping on the floor for months because you could not afford a bed.

Poverty is always being put in a catch 22 for a bus pass. Getting the doctor to lie for you to get a pass or do without because of punitive policies.

Taking gift cards when you really need cash.

Asking for cash rather than a cheque because EIA will claw back.

Walking for miles because you can’t afford a bus.

Making multiple trips to EIA to get a simple form filled out to their approval.

Getting mistreated and disrespected by EIA and hospital staff every time you must see them.

Losing self respect and dignity losing your soul.

Taking toilet paper from public washrooms.

Declining coffee because you don’t even have a dollar.

Having people question you on every dollar you spend when you grab your one good meal at a restaurant on payday to give yourself a shot of comfort.

Not sleeping because you know that inevitable slip under the door will come, and you will be evicted because housing costs are 80% of your income.

Taking a place knowing you won’t be in it very long Agreeing to do something knowing you can’t follow through.

Having ethics tested over and over and over.

Not getting meds on time creating serious health issues and a second heart attack.

Not being listened to because you are only a poor person.

Leaping for joy finding a $20 bill on a sidewalk or in spring peeping out of a melting snowbank.

Walking on broken shoes and hurting feet and the foot pain won’t go away because of diabetes.

Not buying birthday or Christmas presents and hoping the Cheer board is kind.

Trying 100 times to get through to the Cheer board.

Laying in bed all day because the trauma of the threat of eviction and shortage of food fall on you, as a mother as a caregiver and you can’t see a way through.

More and more but I can’t put everything down. It is a book.

Please take this in as you, we, I focus on change. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

17

Words of wisdom?

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everal weeks ago, I was waiting in the Amsterdam airport for a delayed flight. I spent some time scrolling through social media posts and came upon an article entitled something along the lines of “Ten Home Design Trends Professional Designers Think Should Disappear.” While I have no aspirations to impress professional designers with my home décor decisions, I found myself clicking on the link. Among the many design and décor faux pas as identified by the group of designers was their general disdain of the trend of putting big Trudy Schroeder and obvious word signs Random all over the house. The designers all felt that it Notes is ridiculous to put up signs in a kitchen that say “Eat” or in the bedroom that say “Sleep” or more somehow even more commonly “Eat, Pray, Love” signs posted at various places in the house.

I didn’t think too much of this whole business at the time, but somehow the idea that we would have to post big signs on the wall to remind ourselves to eat, sleep, or love our family members got stuck in my subconscious, and I started noticing this trend more. I think we are all familiar with welcome mats on doors or welcome signs at the entrance to cottages or homes, but this trend of naming rooms and post-

ing home signage seems to take things too far. Are we somehow afraid that we will develop Alzheimer’s disease and forget that we are supposed to sleep in a room with a bed?

When observing these signs with a more cynical eye, it really is quite funny that we are putting these signs on our walls. Seriously, one décor shop had a sign to put in your bathtub enclosure that says “get naked” and another sign for the kitchen that says “If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen.”

I know that it is not new for people to place written reminders on the walls of their homes. I recall some verses from the book of Deuteronomy in the sixth chapter admonishing the Jewish people to remember the commandments in their hearts and in verse 9, “And thou shalt write them upon the posts

of thy house, and on thy gates.” And perhaps, what we are seeing in our times is an extension of those traditions of keeping the ten commandments on hand so that one would remember to “honour your father and mother” and not envy other people. Later generations made embroidered or painted samplers with Bible verses or the Golden Rule. Our generation may not feel comfortable with those religious symbols and verses, but feel that large reminders to Eat will somehow be encouraging for members of their household.

I do recall that my parents had a painted sign posted in the front hall of our house for my entire childhood. The wording on the sign was in Gothic German script, and not something that we would bother to decipher on a daily basis. When I was first married, my mother gave me the sign to put in our first house. One of her family members had given the sign to her when she was first married. The translation of the German came down to something like this: Protect each other from heartache, for short is the time that you will have together and soon the years spent together will seem like shining minutes. Well, somehow this kind of thinking is a good reminder to treat the people you love with care and consideration. Our days are short, and it is important to be kind.

As you can see, I have talked myself into thinking that household signage can be a good thing. Perhaps we all need a sign or two to remind ourselves to be our best selves, particularly in our homes.

Trudy Schroeder provides project planning and management services to the community through Arts and Heritage Solutions.

Food, glorious food, as it was back then

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was thinking about food the other ing we had bacon and eggs. Sometimes day. More to the point I was think- we had it for supper. Did you ever have ing about the food I ate growing a slab of Klik with your eggs? I always up. What got me thinking about this is found the statement on the tin “mechanically separated pork” a tad the current rapidly rising disturbing. The fun part costs of almost all food. was pulling the key off People are having to make the bottom of the tin with hard choices at the growhich you opened up the cery stores. flavour packed 12 ounces When I was a kid there of ahh … whatever it was. weren’t as many choices Klik could be served for as there are now. We have breakfast, in a sandwich “super” grocery stores or as an entrée at dinner. that have a produce de“A tasty Treat in no Time” partment larger than the the ad said. Someone once few big grocery stores we commented that “it was had back then. We didn’t produced by having an eat as often (three basic Jim Ingebrigtsen ogre clear his sinuses into meals a day and very few Is It Just Me... a can.” By the way, the difsnacks). We didn’t eat as ference between Klik and much and we ate things we wouldn’t eat today. There was no Spam is Spam is American and Klik is ordering in. All meals were made from Canadian.

Lunch was soup and maybe a sandwich, scratch. There were no microwaves, juicers, food processers, bread-makers or any a boiled egg was always welcome. The of the other time-saving, work-saving de- soup was usually homemade although vices to make life easier. No one I knew I do recall having a bowl of Campbell’s had a BBQ. I was in my early 20s when I Oxtail soup, Scotch Broth and at one time even Liver soup. Strangely, some of finally got a Hibachi.

Here are some of the staples served these savoury soups no longer exist. One up on our kitchen table. Breakfast was day I’d still like to have a baloney sandpuffed rice, puffed wheat and eventu- wich. I still associate them with family ally shredded wheat. Porridge any time picnics washed down with a plastic cup of year. Occasionally on a Sunday morn- filled with Kool-Aid or Freshie.

Did you ever have a plate of fried baloney with a heap of fried potatoes and onions? Now that was living! Sardines on toast or hard tack was tasty treat and even a tin of kippers was good. A peanut butter sandwich wrapped in wax paper was the basic sandwich taken to school for lunch. I don’t know a single person who knew a kid with a peanut allergy.

Moving down the menu to the entrée options we have my grandmother’s favourite, pig’s feet. I have nothing more to say about that. Once every week or so liver and onions was served with mashed potatoes and gravy. A friend of mine and I still seek out a restaurant occasionally that offers this yummy fare.

I think you can still buy a whole chicken in a can. Never had it, never will. Finnan Haddie was another explosion of flavour that showed up a couple times a month. It was smoked haddock served with boiled potatoes and peas all smothered in a white sauce. There were 18

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A timeless classic - bacon and eggs - great any time of day! no substitutions. You ate what was put in front of you. How many mothers yelled from the kitchen “This isn’t a restaurant you know!”

Sunday dinners were the best. Always a roast beef, roast pork or a roast chicken. The potatoes were either roasted or mashed served with two vegetables.

Lucky was the person who got the beef bone to suck the marrow out of or the one who got the wishbone pulled gently from the area not far from the pope’s nose. Did you ever have a hearty helping of chicken soup or stew with dumplings?

And whether you were a fan of sweet or savoury there was always a jellied salad in different shapes and sizes on special occasions. No thank you.

I remember mac and cheese but home made with, if it was someone’s birthday, a wiener or two added to the pot. We never had hamburgers or if we did they were served on a piece of bread. No buns.

Meatloaf always was and still is a favourite at any time of year. Again, mashed potatoes and carrots as a side. My apologies, I almost forgot about head cheese.

A small loaf of meaty bits from the inside of an animal’s head mixed with special spices and the all-important gelatinous something or other to hold all of it together. Yessiree, a taste treat that can’t be beat. It actually isn’t bad if you like that

sort of thing and it’s still available here and there. Well, not here, maybe over there somewhere. Still, we seem to have conveniently forgotten all the various “things” that go into a wiener. Best let the mighty tube steak lie.

Time for dessert. Canned fruit was the main go-to any day of the week. Homemade tapioca or rice pudding never lasted long at home. Jell-O pudding was wonderful especially before the instant stuff. As a little kid I recall a special treat was chunks of bread soaked in warm milk with sugar on top. Cinnamon toast was deluxe.

If you lived in the country or were fortunate enough to have a small garden in the city, you would have grabbed a carrot right out of the ground, brushed the dirt off and chomped away. Ditto for a stalk of rhubarb with a saucer of sugar to dip it in.

I wonder if, as food costs rise, some will revert to the fare we were accustomed to at the time. If nothing else … it’s food for thought. Except for pig’s feet, don’t think about that.

Bon Appetit.

Jim was a writer-broadcaster, producer and presenter on television and radio for 40 years. He is also a host on Lifestyles 55 Digital Radio. Find it at www.whatsupwinnipeg.ca July 2022

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