2023 Riverview Reflector Spring Issue

President: Jason Oliver president@riverviewcc.ca

Vice-President: Dom Lloyd

Treasurer: Diane Lee Sousa

Secretary: Sara Christianson

Past President: Dennis Cunningham

General Manager: Andrew Ward 204-452-9944 gm@riverviewcc.ca

Facility and Grounds Manager: Janice Gray

Communications and Programs Coordinator: Tessa Allen bugle@riverviewcc.ca

Events Coordinator: Quinn Fletcher

Sports, Recreational, and Leisure Director: Shayla Vokey

Neighborhood Group Liaison Director: May Wady

Renovations and Grants

Director: Dave Bynski

Buildings & Grounds: Colin Pochailo Scott Brown

Youth Soccer: Vacant

Mini Soccer: Trish Faurschou

Jackrabbit Hockey: Mitch Dion

Jackrabbits Skiing

Convener vacant

Basketball: Kevin Shand

Cross-Country Skiing: Vacant

Baseball: Jason Hoeppner

Softball: Vacant

Members at Large: Dave Temmerman Dom Marinelli

Associate Member: Jon Gilmore

Community centres are vital spaces that serve as hubs for community engagement, socialization, learning, and access to essential resources. They provide a variety of programs, services, and activities to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including:

Social support: Community centres provide opportunities for social interaction, where people can build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. This is especially important for older adults and individuals who may be isolated or living alone.

Education and skill-building: Community centres offer a range of educational and skill-building programs, such as language classes, cooking workshops, and computer literacy courses. These programs help people to develop new skills, improve their employability, and expand their knowledge.

Recreational activities: Community centres also offer a range of recreational activities, such as sports leagues, dance classes, and fitness programs. These activities promote physical health, reduce stress, and provide a way for people to unwind and have fun.

Cultural events and celebrations: Community centres often host cultural events and celebrations, such as festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. These events provide opportunities for people to learn about different cultures and traditions and promote understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Community centres play an important role in building strong, connected communities by providing a range of programs and services that promote social, educational, and cultural development. They offer a safe, welcoming space for people to come together, build relationships, and improve their quality of life.

Winter may be chilly, but the Riverview Community is always heated up with fun and excitement! I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. I am honoured to serve as the President of our wonderful community centre, and I am excited to share some updates with you all.

The 4x4 Hockey Tournament was a huge success. The tournament, held on Feb 3rd to Feb 4th, was filled with great hockey, great food, great people and great fun. The Riverview Community once again demonstrated its strong spirit and enthusiasm for sports and community events.

The hockey games were of a high standard, with skilled and passionate players showcasing their abilities on the ice. The level of sportsmanship was impressive, with players and fans alike enjoying the competition in a positive and supportive environment.

In addition to the great hockey, the tournament featured a delicious selection of food. The kitchen was staffed by many volunteers and lead by Rob Walton and Courtney Shuert, who put in a fantastic effort to ensure that everyone was well-fed and satisfied. The food was a big hit, with everyone enjoying a variety of tasty options throughout the day.

But perhaps the most memorable aspect of the tournament was the people. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone in high spirits and enjoying the festivities. The Riverview Community is known for its strong sense of community, and this tournament was a testament to that. People of all ages came out to enjoy the day, creating a fun and inclusive environment for all.

Finally, I would like to take a moment to thank the countless volunteers who made the tournament a success. Their hard work and dedication was evident in every aspect of the event, from the smooth running of the hockey games to the organization of the food and other activities. Without their tireless efforts, the tournament would not have been the success that it was.

The 4x4 Hockey Tournament was a fantastic day filled with great hockey, great food, great people, and great fun. The Riverview Community should be proud of the event and the spirit that it represents. I would like to thank the main organizers: Scott Brown, Aron Brown, and Colin Pochailo as well as all the many volunteers, for their hard work and dedication in making the tournament a success.

The Jack Rabbits Learn to Play Hockey program is thriving under the guidance of coaches Mitch and Jordan. The players are learning the fundamentals of the sport at an impressive pace and their skills have improved significantly since the start of the program. The coaches have a great teaching style and

are able to make the lessons fun and engaging for the players. They have created a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages the players to try new things and take risks on the ice. The players are having a great time and are eager to come to each session to learn more. With the hard work and dedication of the coaches and players, the Jack Rabbits Learn to Play Hockey program is shaping up to be a huge success. Our new Outdoor Multiplex is finally done! The multiplex will provide a space for people of all ages and abilities to come together and participate in a variety of sports and events throughout the year. From hockey, pickleball, lacrosse, roller hockey, to carnivals and farmer's markets, there is something for everyone at the Outdoor Multiplex.

This remarkable facility was made possible through the support of the Government of Canada, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, and the Riverview Community as a whole. Their contributions have allowed for the construction of a facility that is not only accessible to all, but also provides a safe and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy. The Outdoor Multiplex is a testament to the community's commitment to inclusion and accessibility and is sure to be a valuable asset for years to come.

Get ready for a night of fun and puzzle solving!

Our Community Puzzle Night is making its comeback on March 11 and everyone is invited. Whether you're a seasoned puzzle master or just looking for a fun evening with friends and family, this is the perfect event for you. To register, simply visit the Riverview Community Center website at www.riverviewcc.ca. This event was previously cancelled due to the pandemic, but we're now bringing it back, so don't miss this opportunity to participate in a unique and enjoyable experience. The Community Puzzle Night is an excellent opportunity to socialize, challenge your mind and have a great time with the community. So mark your calendars for March 11th and join us for a night of puzzle-filled excitement!

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that spring sports will soon be open for registration. Mini Soccer, Youth Soccer, Baseball, and Softball are all great opportunities for our community members to stay active and healthy. Please consider signing up for one or more of these programs.

In conclusion, I am proud to be a part of the Riverview Community and I am excited about all the great events and activities we have planned for the future. Thank you for your continued support and I hope to see you all at the upcoming events.

Best regards,

Jason Oliver President, Riverview Community Centre

Upcoming Community Events

by Quinn Fletcher RVCC Events Coordinator

A series of exciting events are coming up at Riverview Community Centre to help build community and raise money to support community centre programming.

Puzzle Night

by visiting riverviewcc.ca/bugle

For each pair of donated cleats, you will receive a coupon that will give you a 50% discount on the purchase of a pair of cleats on the night of the sale.

The Annual General Meeting will start after the cleat swap and it is an important forum to share how you

We will be publishing each issue on our website so you will still be able to enjoy it. If you provide us with your email address, we can also add you to a mailing list that will be notified when a new issue has been published online.

To opt-out, please visit www.riverviewcc.ca/ reflector, click the “Opt-out” link, and fill out the online form.

be auctioned, Manitoba social style. The “Crafts and Arts” can include woodworking, knitting, sewing, photographs, recorded music, paintings, drawings, an epic Minecraft world, an interpretative dance performance, WHATEVER! For example, Jaxon, the creator of the Reflector’s “Another Day in Riverview” has confirmed that he will be donating something for the raffle!

Spring Carnival – Friday, June 16, 5pm.

We’ll be welcoming back our family favourite classic spring carnival once again, featuring bouncy castles, petting zoo, hot dogs, burgers, penny carnival, dunk tank, cash bar, fun, fun, fun!

Riverview Garage Sale Saturday, June 3, 9am-3pm.

Drop off your garage sale donations to our big community centre garage sale starting April 1st. Hold your own garage sale the same day, and consider donating a portion of the proceeds to the community centre.

RVCC Slo-Pitch Tournament – Saturday June 17.

Start assembling your teams now. Just so you are aware, Clemens, Boggs, Griffey Jr., Sax, Smith, Canseco, Mattingly, Strawberry, and Scioscia have already agreed to be on my team. I’m hopeful that this year I’ll finally be able to beat the Park Line Coffee team.

Age Friendly Riverview (AFR) is a volunteer led, community-based group, with the goal of making the Riverview community Age Friendly.

What does it mean to be Age Friendly? It means making services and structures more accessible and inclusive for older adults with varying needs and capacities. Age Friendly communities promote healthy and active aging. People in Age Friendly communities are supported in maintaining their independence and have access to the community services and supports they need.

Since its inception in 2018, AFR has initiated numerous programs and is now brining back some old favourites and trying out some new ones. These programs are designed for older adults, but everyone is welcome.

MEN’S SHED

Thursdays 1:00-3:00pm

Working with the Manitoba Men’s Shed Association, AFR helped organize a Men’s Shed group at RVCC. The group meets Thursdays at 1:00 pm and welcomes members from the local community and surrounding areas. Men’s Sheds are a place for men to connect over activities decided by the local members. The Riverview Men’s Shed enjoys plenty of community projects, woodcarving, and swapping stories over cups of coffee.

Coffee and Crib

Thursdays 10:30am-12:30am

Join us Thursday mornings from 10:30 am-12:30 am for a free cup of coffee, and a fun game of cards. Cribbage has been the game of choice, but new games are always welcome. Drop in, meet your neighbours, and make friends.

Creative Writing

Wednesdays 10:30am-12:30pm

The Creative Writing program is coming back to Riverview. Stretch your creative muscles in a supportive environment, with the help of an experienced instructor. Before its hiatus, this program was well received and another session is set to start on Wednesday, March 22, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, and will run weekly for 8 weeks. To register, or find out more, check out the community centre’s website.

Pickleball

Mondays 10:00am-2:00pm

Thursdays 6:30pm-9:30pm

AFR has facilitated several clinics at RVCC to introduce Pickleball to the community. Pickleball is offered in hour long time slots at RVCC Mondays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Players of any skill level are welcome to sign up for a slot online through the Riverview website. Future clinics are in the works, so email cathy@riverviewcc.ca to receive information about upcoming clinics. In the summer, the paved surface of the new rink will allow for outdoor pickle ball sessions, with multiple courts.

Adaptive Fitness Class

Wednesdays 10:30am-11:30am

AFR is running an adaptive fitness class aimed at older adults or anyone who may struggle with mobility or balance issues. The exercises can be modified to accommodate sitting or standing routines, and provides a gentle way to keep active. It includes cardio and muscle conditioning, along with flexibility and balance exercises. Come join us, it’s a positive experience, no matter what your fitness ability is!

The classes runs every Wednesday for one hour, starting at 10:30 am.

CRISP Speaker Series

Last Friday of the month, 1:00-2:30pm

This is an interactive lecture and discussion series at RVCC. Local residents present Creative, Relevant, Inspiring, Social, and Positive, topics for discussion. CRISP will resume its monthly series the last Friday of the month starting February 24th 2023 . The first session was held February 24th, and featured Bev Suek, discussing “alternative housing for older adults.”

Next on the schedule is Jim Strong MD/PhD, Head of Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Special Pathogens with the Public Health Agency of Canada. On March 31st he will be discussing, “What keeps a virus researcher up at night?” Dr. Strong will discuss some of the viruses he works with (Ebola, Lassa fever, etc.), some of the out-

breaks he’s been involved with, and what worries he has about future outbreaks

On April 28th, Linda Olson, Master Composter, and Volunteer Speaker for the Green Action Centre, will be discussing "Compost Basics,” including, what is composting, why it’s important, and how to do it.

For more information on any of our programs, or if you have suggestions to make our community more age friendly, please feel free to email our senior’s resource coordinator, Cathy, at cathy@riverviewcc.ca. You can also find out more by visiting our website at agefriendlyriverview.ca, or the community centre’s website at riverviewcc.ca

Join us every Tuesday from 7pm to roughly 9pm for a friendly, unplugged open mic. Gather with a group of supportive musicians to practice your pieces, enjoy some small performances, and connect with fellow performers. An average night sees about 10-20 musicians gather in the community centre’s multipurpose room where they take turns playing for each other. There are no amps, and there’s no stage. This is a low-pressure, supportive environment where new musicians can get their start, and veteran musicians can try out a new piece or just enjoy an old one while connecting with new friends.

We have a music stand and stools, just bring your instruments, voice, or whatever else you’ll need to perform. Attendance is free and open to performers as well as those who’d just like to listen.

is welcome. Efforts are made for odorless supplies. The group meets weekly in the hall at Riverview Community Club on Tuesdays from 10am -2pm. We enjoy a self-made lunch break part way through the session. There are two sessions, October – December and January – April, consisting of 10 weeks per session. Cost is dependent on the number of members but usually under $100.00 per session. New members are welcome. If you would like more information, please contact Leah Chudy at (204)255-0224.

The first session was February 14th. Drop in and enjoy some music, and feel free to make some of your own. For regular updates on the open mic, follow the RV Lounge on Facebook.

Our new rink project is finally finished, and we just held the official grand opening ceremony on the afternoon of February 26th. Many of you are familiar with the project as our new rink, but thanks to it’s hard surface, it’ll be so much more than just a winter rink, that’s why you’ll also see us referring to it as our new Outdoor Multiplex. This facility will be used year-round for a variety of sports and events, including hockey, pickleball, lacrosse, roller hockey and much more.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new place to spend time with friends and family. With its inclusive design, the facility is accessible to all and provides a safe and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy.

The grand opening of the Outdoor Multiplex would not have been possible without the support of the Government of Canada, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, and the Riverview Community as a whole. Their contributions have allowed for the construction of this fantastic facility, providing the community with a place to come together and participate in a range of recreational activities.

In the pictures below you can see the windows on the upgraded players box and on the new rink entrance door, which allow sledge hockey users to see onto the ice from low to the ground.

by Trish Faurschou

Mini soccer is open to all children aged 3 to 8 (kids born in 2015 through 2020). There is no requirement to have any previous skills or experience with soccer. Mini soccer is primarily focused on ensuring players have fun while learning some basic soccer skills. Weather permitting, the season will start at the end of April and run until the end of June.

The U3 division is a very basic introduction to soccer. Parents may be required to participate more actively to help their child and the coach. At the U4/5 level, the players will develop basic soccer skills (i.e. dribbling, passing, and shooting). These sessions are designed to provide all players with multiple opportunities to touch the ball in a fun and positive environment.

At the U6, U7, and U8 level, basic soccer techniques are developed and team skills are introduced. Teams play either 4 v 4 or 5 v 5, with a goalie. The U6, U7, and U8 year old teams travel to play teams at other community clubs nearby (Wildwood, Fort Garry, and Lord Roberts).

The mini soccer program relies on volunteer coaches. Coaching is a great way to become involved in the commu-

nity and be part of your child’s growth within a sport. Do not be afraid if you are unfamiliar with soccer - we will provide resources and materials to help you run a practice.

Registration is opening soon - please check the Riverview CC

Cross Country skiers in Riverview have enjoyed one of the finest seasons in recent memory. Trails were set early in November, and while we haven’t had as much snow as in past winters, there has been enough of the white stuff around to set, and reset, trails regularly along the entire Churchill Parkway.

Darrell Durling and I try to get out at least once a week to set the trails for classic and skate skiers alike.

Sometimes we’re resetting trails while skiers are on them, but as volunteers our schedules don’t always align to times when skiers aren’t out.

The quad has been a real workhorse for us again this year. It’s quite remarkable how much easier and faster trail grooming goes with the quad compared to the old smelly

snowmobile. Being more efficient when setting the trails has helped us somewhat offset the higher cost of fuel.

If you enjoyed the ski trails this winter please consider making a donation to help cover some of our operating expenses. Donations will also be used to support the purchase of new trail tracking equipment in the fall of 2023. You can donate online at riverviewcc.ca/donate, or drop by the centre.

After a couple years off, Jackrabbits skiing has returned to Riverview Community Centre! New coaches Aaron Letts, Candice Tremblay, Sara Harms, and Jon Gilmore resurrected the program (with the help of former coach Dennis Cunningham) for the 2022-23 season.

The Riverview Jackrabbits group is affiliated with the Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba (CCSAM) and uses the Jackrabbit skill development program from Nordiq Canada. The program aims to teach the kids fundamental skills for cross country skiing (such as the diagonal stride, properly descending hills, herringbone for climbing hills, introduction to skate skiing, etc.) in a fun and engaging setting. The new coaches attended training put on by the CCSAM and Nordiq Canada to brush up on their skills and learn how to teach kids these skills and techniques.

This year there are over 25 kids registered in the Riverview Jackrabbit skiing program, between the ages of 4 and 10. We had a bit of a late start due to it being our first year back, but the great weather so far this season has allowed us to make up for it!

We meet Sunday afternoons at our training track, which is groomed into the field behind the community centre, or on the trails along Churchill Drive. A typical session includes a warmup, drills, relays and games. We try to incorporate a lot of fun into the sessions to keep kids interested. To accomplish this we use stuffies, rubber chickens, and have had tug-of-wars on our skis. After each session we typically head back to the community centre for some well deserved hot chocolate!

We are always looking for more volunteers for coaches and trail groomers to keep this program running. If you are interested in volunteering this year or next year please email coaches@riverviewjackrabbits.com

Stephanie Voyce

Last year was a busy year in South Osborne. Twenty vibrant new banners were put up on the St. Vital Bridge. The banners were created through a design competition and are part of a larger initiative to welcome folks as they enter South Osborne. Details on the winning artist – Sandra Barnes – and the banners can be found on our website.

Our flowers couldn’t have been lovelier, thanks to Agassiz Ridge and Shelmerdine Garden Center. In the winter, beautiful lit Christmas trees filled the planters, arranged by Agassiz Ridge.

We engaged Sierra to manage our social media. our BIZ posts on Facebook and Instagram that showcase local businesses and initiatives.

The BIZ also launched an exciting new initiative last summer, to encourage South Osborne to cycle and cyclists to come to South Osborne. The Bike Friendly Business Program is an initiative through which businesses accommodate and forge connections with cyclists. Bike Friendly Businesses offer various bike friendly amenities, such as public restrooms, water bottle refills, charging stations, bike maps and more! Bike Friendly Business Welcome Locations go a step further, with bike repair tools on site. Currently, five local hotspots are participating; Chaeban Ice Cream, Fort Rouge Dental, Leopold Alleys are our first Bike Friendly Businesses, and Park Line Coffee is our first Welcome Location!

Looking ahead to spring and summer 2023, we are excited to take on even more. We will once again be filling the planters with vibrant flowers and trees (both summer and winter) and will have our Cleanliness and Beautification contractor, Trevor, working to keep our sidewalks tidy and litter free. Our Guided Restaurant Tours, on hold since 2019, will get off the ground again, with at least eight tours set to take place in the summer months. And we hope to grow the Bike Friendly Business Program, bringing more folks to the area by encouraging them to give cycling a try.

Please stay tuned for further information on our Guided Restaurant Tours, Bike Friendly Business Program and more. Visit us at southosborne.biz. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Interested in helping the BIZ? Join our Streetscape Enhancement or Marketing Committee and provide your

ideas. The only commitment is your time at about five meetings a year! Please reach out to Stephanie at osbornesouthbiz@gmail.com for more information.

Thank you for supporting the South Osborne BIZ!

Caring for a Community Treasure

by Rod Kueneman, VP Programming - Sustainable South Osborne Community Cooperative

In 2011, SSOCC and community volunteers began the journey of turning a weedy slope of Churchill Drive into a food forest. In 2014, we then took on the challenge of restoring a damaged site on the river side of that street. Our quest has not been without setbacks and mistakes. But our efforts have taken hold and are increasingly “bearing fruit”!

Over 120 fruit trees (apple, pear, apricot, plum and cherry) and a variety of berry plants (currants, haskap, gooseberry, raspberry and strawberry) are all producing an increasing amount of fruit. Perennial beds of rhubarb, asparagus and Egyptian walking onions are well established. The orchard, which is becoming a food forest, is on the cusp of providing an abundance of fresh, organic and healthy food.

A small group of dedicated volunteers have planned and, as stewards of sites, led work bees and garden clubs for volunteers. It has been a way of providing direction, imparting

knowledge, and collectively sharing the joy of gardening while helping plants meet their needs and reach their potential. This approach continues to work well in our garden sites.

BUT the needs of the food forest have increasingly exceeded our ability to care for it by way of this approach. No longer does one person have enough time or energy to oversee and direct the work required to meet the needs of the food forest, especially during the growing season. There are sporadic and intense periods of demand that the garden club model cannot meet. For example, fruit harvesting requires many hands for a limited period of time. Food distribution during these peak periods also presents a real challenge.

SO, we are looking to recruit and support individuals and small groups to take responsibility to care for a specific part of this living community. Does the idea of learning how to care for our raspberry patches appeal to you? How about haskaps, cherries, currants, asparagus, sunchokes? How about learning to use and care for a scythe? Interested in delivering food to organizations who get it to those in need? How about ensuring

that we grow the food that pollinators need or helping to turn local material like grass and tree leaves into soilbuilding amendments? Want to actively respond to your worries about climate change? Would you like to spend some time with interesting plant lovers? Witness and celebrate the miracles of nature? Learn new things about gardening, horticulture, or permaculture? And how would you like to have earned access to a share in the bounty of our sites?

We would love to have you as part of this positive, hopeful slice of life in our community treasure! Please join us in March for our AGM to learn more about our organization, details will be shared on social media and our website. Can’t wait to learn more? Email us at southosbornecommons@gmail.com or visit our website at www.sustainablesouthosborne.ca for more information.

Every 2nd Saturday our building buzzes with the flow of food and friendship at our Oakwood Community Table foodbank. This endeavor began in Fall 2013 and has not been stopped in its operation since, even during the lock-downs of the pandemic. Partnering together with Manitoba Harvest we receive food for 15 households. Alongside with these 15 registered households, we usually have another 10 -15 “walk-ins” – people who are not registered and are in need of support. In order to provide 25-30 households with food every 2 weeks we maintain a well-stocked pantry of dry goods, laundry soap, and toiletry supplies. Funds for pantry supplies come from our parishioners whose support for the food-bank remains solid. Financial support also comes from outside the congregation, from folks in the neighborhood. Kits are made from pantry stock and are kept available so that everyone who comes to the food-bank will go home with food.

Prior to the Covid pandemic the food-bank was run by 40+ volunteers from the congregation. They were divided into teams of drivers (those who pick up the food from MB Har-

vest), sorters (those who sort food at the church) and hospitality (those who welcome, serve coffee & donuts and visit with people as they wait). The teams served on a rotating schedule offering the volunteers a realistic and manageable commitment, participating every 3 or 4 months. The pandemic slimmed all of that down to 1 crew of 4-5 volunteers who sort the food, welcome and host people, serve coffee & donuts and offer a listening ear. That crew, self-named during the pandemic as the “Corona Crew” operates the foodbank every time. The teams of drivers have been maintained.

The Oakwood Community Table is not only a place where food is distributed; it’s a place where, over the past 10 years, friendships have formed, mutual support happens, lives intersect in ways that otherwise would not have. It is a beautiful and practical way for our congregation to engage with our neighbors. “It really is church being church” says Belinda, our food-bank coordinator.

At the Oakwood Community Table, amidst the very real human contingencies of life, reciprocity of love and care happens. We can too easily think that we are the ones helping those who come. I like to think it’s the other way around.

Wilma Wiens is Minister of Pastoral & Spiritual Care at Grace Bible Church, 366 Oakwood Ave.

Riverview Community Center’s 2023 Frost Bite River Run was our most successful ever! We celebrated our tenth anniversary with 152 runners registered and 137 runners making it out on Sunday, January 22 for the five mile and five kilometer runs.

Conditions for the runs were ideal. The Nestaweya River Trail was in amazing shape. Hoarfrost covered the trees along the race course. The weather was unexpectedly mild with the skies clear and blue. Our top finishers in the five miler were Elliot Cooke and Ashley Elliot. Top Riverview five mile runners were Thomas Neave and Ashley Elliot. Top five kilometre runners were Jason Bruce and Amanda Younka. Top Riverview runners were Marhi Joyal (her sister Kaya was one second behind her) and Dom Lloyd.

As with our previous events we had amazing volunteers setting up the course, getting runners registered and kitted out, preparing the pre-run snacks and post-run chili con carne. Many thanks especially to Quinn and Paul Fletcher for managing our equipment and setting the course, Rhian

Christie and Till Freihammer for assisting with the groceries and food prep, many thanks to everyone who volunteered to marshal the course and keep our runners safe, and a big round of applause for all those who helped clean up after the event.

We are grateful for our fantastic sponsors this year

Chaeban Ice Cream returned as our presenting sponsor and A-Phase Electric supported the race associated costs and provided the prizes for our top runners in both distances.

We received lots of compliments on hosting another top quality running event. Runners raved about the route and our amazing volunteer. They left Riverview Community Centre well-fed (you just can’t beat homemade chili, cookies, fresh fruit, and hot chocolate and coffee after a hard winter run) and were enthusiastic about using their feet to support RVCC on a very fine January day.

We’ve already set the date for our 11th Frost Bite River Run – Sunday, January 21st, 2024 – hope to see you there.

Dennis Cunningham

Photo credit: Jonas Eastcott

by Quinn Fletcher

Citizen science is revolutionizing how we understand the natural world. Citizen science is defined as research conducted by professional researchers that involves the general public. Although some citizen science project started in the early 1900s on birds, this type of research project took off in the late nineties and has exploded in the last 10 years or so. Citizen science projects are beneficial from a scientific perspective because scientist are able to get help collecting data from many people spread over large distances. These projects are also beneficial because they have the potential to engage the general public in issues of local concern (e.g., Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network).

Citizen Science projects are all very different. For example, one citizen science project gets participants to extract weather data from digital scans of World War II Navy Records that they view on their computers. These data are valuable because they provide detailed insight into weather patterns (Project – Old Weather). Another project gets citizen scientists to count monarch butterfly eggs and larvae on milkweed plants to help understand monarch butterfly populations (Monarch Larva Monitoring Program) The biggest portals for citizen science projects, including Zooinverse and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, host hundreds of unique projects that people can get involved with. The Canadian Government even has a citizen science website that gives a long list of Canadian projects looking for participants.

I have been working on citizen science projects for over ten years now. My citizen science experience started with a project that worked with families to monitor birds nesting in bird houses in their backyards. I am now working on a similar project for bats, called the “Neighbourhood Bat Watch” (batwatch.ca), that collects information on the locations and counts of bat colonies. During my time working on citizen science projects, the thing that I enjoy the most is discussing the data that participants collect. The process of collecting data always leads to more questions and enthusiasm for research.

I’ve always thought that it would be fun to organize a science project in Riverview. I tried to come up with an idea with squirrels, but couldn’t think of a manageable project. One day, I stopped to take a look at a sticky tree band designed to catch canker worms and noticed a bunch of insects stuck to it. I wondered which of these insects were canker worms, and whether or not the band actually caught any. Then I wondered about the bycatch associated with these bands. Bingo! Answering these questions seemed like a manageable project.

In Winnipeg, there are two species of canker worms. One is called the spring canker worm and the other is called the fall canker worm. The larvae of these two species are the critters that we are most familiar with that defoliate our trees. In general, trees can manage this defoliation; however, some people claim that several consecutive years of severe defoliation, especially in years that are stressful, may increase the risk or mortality for trees. Larvae emerge from eggs that are laid on tree branches. After the larvae are finished feeding on leaves, they drop to the ground and burrow into the soil to pupate (i.e. turn from a larval worm to a moth). For the fall cankerworm species, the adult moths emerge in the fall. The females are wingless and climb trees (and maybe get stuck in tree bands). The males have wings and fly around to mate with the females. The females then lay up to 200 eggs on tree branches completing the lifecycle. The spring cankerworm species differs because the adults emerge in the spring, with the wingless females laying their eggs and have their larvae hatch soon after.

To study the bugs caught by the sticky tree bands, a small group of Riverview residents met in Fisher Park in the spring to see how many of the spring canker worm adult female moths were caught on the bands. Finding the first adult female moth on a tree was exciting for the team because I don’t think that any of us had ever identified one before.

Overall, we examined twenty-two trees and counted 510 adult female cankerworm moths. The largest count on a band was 70 female moths. To get an indication of by-catch, we also counted spiders on the bands, and tallied 1177 of them.

Overall, it was a beautiful spring day and everyone had fun running from tree to tree and counting bugs. It would be fun to try this activity again this year during the spring and fall and keep better track of the trees targetted by the cankerworms and the bycatch stuck on the bands.

by Erin Braun

There is a wide range of research out there focused on how critical the early years are to an individual's development. Choosing the right early years program for your child can be a difficult decision to make. There are several factors to take into consideration; When should my child begin? What program would provide them with the best start in life? How do I make an informed decision, and how do I know what the right place is for their specific needs?

The Montessori method centres on the individual needs and interests of every child attending the program. According to the Montessori philosophy, children possess a natural drive to learn. This inherent urge is driven by the child’s interests as they explore the world around them. These interests appear at different times, and in different ways for every child. Knowing that a child absorbs knowledge best when drawn to a subject matter, the teacher's job becomes one of a caretaker; we provide children with a prepared environment, show them how to use the materials and help them discover how to teach themselves with that material. It is important for educators to identify these interests as they come, and respect what each child is ready to learn about; this is the foundation of the Montessori program.

If you have made the decision that Montessori is the right choice for your child, you may notice that they have be-

come more and more popular in Winnipeg! It is important to understand Maria Montessori’s philosophy of Education was not patented. In 1929, Montessori founded the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) to protect and further her work. AMI continues to see itself as the legitimate source of Montessori authenticity and teacher training. However, schools and programs can be opened with or without affiliation with the AMI. This has allowed for a wide range of differences in programming and authenticity.

It is important to get engaged and visit a variety of Montessori centres before making a choice that is best for your family. The months of February and March are open house season at many schools and centres around the city. Riverview Montessori located at 170 Ashland Ave. will be having their open house this year on March 7th at 7:00pm. Please RSVP by sending an email to info@riverviewmontessori.ca. Stop by, meet the teachers, see the classroom, and get a clear understanding of just how beneficial a prepared environment and authentic Montessori program can be for your unique and inquisitive child! We hope to see you there!

ErinBraun Director Riverview Montessori

During the 50s flood, the majority of Riverview homes were damaged by flood waters. For insurance purposes, the city sent out a photographer to capture evidence of the damage. Those photos lie in a scrapbook with the city archives, and are accessible to the public.

Last spring, I visited those archives and photographed every Riverview photo in that scrapbook, after which, countless hours were spent retouching those photos to bring out as much of the original detail as possible. There are just over 200 photos, in which roughly 500 Riverview homes are clearly visible. Many homes in the first block off Osborne were unaffected, many houses on the eastern ends of the streets hadn’t yet been built, and many houses have since been replaced, but whether or not you can find your own home, chances are there are going to be many that you do recognize. This time capsule allows us to see Riverview

as it was 70 years ago.

As the annual spring flood returns, we'll be exploring our options as to how we’re going to share these photos with you. Because of the large number, and extensive organization and labeling required to keep the collection useable, we may not be able to share all of it with you right away, but encourage you to keep an eye on our social media, and if you’re curious about your own house, send me an email at bugle@riverviewcc.ca, and if I can find your house in our archives, I’ll email the photo to you.

If you have your own photos of the flood, or other older photos of the community, consider reaching out to have them copied and added to our community archive, we’d love to help preserve and share them with our neighbors.

If you’d like to view these photos in person, you can find all them all at the City of Winnipeg Archives, in Subseries s00109 - Scrapbook [1950 flood photographs].

The above photo is of Maplewood Ave. 172, 176, 180, 184, 188, 192, and 196

The above photo is of Oakwood Ave. 297, 293, 291, 287 and includes several motor boats on the street

Kid’s Corner

Jokes

What kind of key opens a banana?

A mon-key!

What’s red and smells like blue paint?

Red paint?

What kind of socks do grizzlys wear?

None, they have bear feet!

Kock, knock.

Who’sthere?

A little old lady.

Alittleoldladywho?

Hey, I didn’t know you could yodel!

Another Day in Riverview

Tongue Twisters

“Irish wrist watch”

“I saw Susie sitting in a shoeshine shop.”

“If two witches would watch two watches, which witch would watch which watch?”

“Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't very fuzzy, was he?”

“If cows could fly, I’d have a cow pie in my eye.”

“She sees cheese.”