Cheryl Girard

Saying farewell to James Corden

My husband and I have watched a lot of late night television talk shows over the past few years. Between the long winters, the nightmarish COVID-19 virus, and being immune-compromised and ill, these shows have provided much humorous entertainment and a reprieve from stressful circum-stancess.

For me, The Late Late Show with James Corden, which aired on CBS, was a favourite. Corden is a multi-talented British actor and comedian who had hosted the show since 2015. He announced he was leaving in April 2022 and said goodbye for good on April 28. His shows were at times silly but they always made us laugh and he definitely lifted our spirits.

Because the program aired so late at night, we recorded them and watched them when we could.

We enjoyed the final episode that combined an hour-long special with the final talk show. The spe-cial featured Tom Cruise and Corden hilariously performing in The Lion King. Perhaps it was payback for the times when Cruise had Corden, terrified, jumping out of airplanes.

Ten uplifting, inspiring movies

If you are still waiting for spring and looking for something to take you away from the winter doldrums and the present state of the world, have a look below.

Ten books to inspire your life

When I was a child, a large cardboard parcel was delivered to the house one day. It was pretty unusual because it wasn’t anyone’s birthday, it wasn’t Christmas and we weren’t exactly rolling in money.

10 songs to comfort and inspire

Music has often helped me get through dark and difficult times, and the past almost three years of the COVID-19 pandemic and many health issues have definitely been hard for all of us. Hard and often tragic as, so many lives have been lost during this time.

Festive Christmas recipes

“Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man’s hat.

June is MG month in Manitoba

The Winnipeg sign at The Forks will be lit up in teal on June 24 in honour of June being Myasthenia Gravis Awareness month across Canada and the United States.

Appeals to the mayor’s office resulted in Mayor Brian Bowman approving the request to illuminate the lights to help raise awareness of this rare and little known disease.

Manitoba health minister Audrey Gordon also just recently proclaimed June as Myasthenia Gravis Month in Manitoba. Ontario is possibly the only other province to have done so.

Myasthenia gravis, commonly referred to as MG, is a neuromuscular and autoimmune disease that can cause weakness in certain muscles.

Comfort food for uncomfortable times

I remember that when times were difficult my dad would show up at our door on a Saturday morning with offerings of bread, Ukrainian sausage and sometimes his homemade cabbage rolls (holubtsi).

The cabbage rolls always came in a round, black-and-white pot which I still have and cherish to this day as it is a reminder of my dad and his heart-warming, supportive ways. Dad would cover fill them with rice and bits of ground beef and cover the neat green rows of rolls with tomato sauce.

Today, we are again going through difficult times with COVID-19 and its variants being allowed to spread throughout the province. Many have been hospitalized or have passed away during COVID. Many, including me, are waiting for surgeries, other medical procedures and treatments

We are also going through terrible times because of Putin’s devastating invasion of Ukraine. There are no words to describe the extent of his brutality.

A voice for the immunocompromised

I recently watched a documentary on U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and how he inspired, gave hope to and led the people of the United States during the Great Depression.“Great power involves great responsibility,” he said. Somehow, I don’t feel like this responsibility is being taken seriously by many of those in power in our current government.As someone who is immunocompromised, taking three medications for an autoimmune disorder that involves daily respiratory issues I feel it profoundly necessary to speak out, as others have done, for the vulnerable in our province. It feels like we have been largely ignored. It feels like we are invisible. It feels like we don’t exist.We have apparently been told by the government that it can’t protect everybody. We have to look after ourselves. We are on our own.It feels like very little has been done regarding the latest surging numbers of the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19. Few restrictions have been put in place.Some say that this variant is milder — but milder for whom? Is it going to be milder for the elderly, those with health conditions, those who are undergoing chemotherapy, the immunocompromised?I, for one, feel extremely unprotected with the Omicron variant being allowed to spread like wildfire through the province. Though triple-vaccinated I get little protection. My husband has tried to protect me. We have had to sacrifice so much.Our kids have been sent back to school with the strong possibility that the numbers of COVID-19 will soar even higher. Contact tracing is not even being done with the result that teachers and students are even more anxious and weary.Many students recently walked out in protest, adding their voices to those calling to protect the most vulnerable in our community. These students stand out for their compassion and empathy.Hospitalizations, as I write this in late January, are higher than ever and positive case numbers are so high that the government  is not even trying to keep track anymore.We are told that hospitals and medical staff are overwhelmed. Yet there seem to few attempts to curb the virus. We are told everyone is going to get it and we have to learn to live with it.What about those who cannot “live” with it? People are still dying.Most of my family has contracted the virus. I feel surrounded and helpless.  For two years my life has been nothing but trying to keep myself and others safe. I know I am not alone.I have emailed polite letters of concern to the provincial Liberal, NDP and Progressive Conservatives. Guess which party I did not hear back from?Cheryl Girard is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. 

I recently watched a documentary on U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and how he inspired, gave hope to and led the people of the United States during the Great Depression.

“Great power involves great responsibility,” he said. Somehow, I don’t feel like this responsibility is being taken seriously by many of those in power in our current government.

As someone who is immunocompromised, taking three medications for an autoimmune disorder that involves daily respiratory issues I feel it profoundly necessary to speak out, as others have done, for the vulnerable in our province. 

Mmm, mmm… tourtière

This is going to be a difficult holiday season for us for many reasons. And I think it will be hard for many others.

So here is something different. A recipe from our home to yours. Even if you’re spending the holiday alone you can try to make this and hopefully enjoy the traditional aromas and flavours of this splendid dish.

My husband is French-Canadian and when he was growing up in rural Manitoba one of his family’s traditions was to have tourtière and bouillon at réveillon (the Christmas feast) on Christmas Eve after they went to midnight mass.

When the kids got home from mass, each was allowed to open one gift from Père Noël. There would also be Japanese oranges and all kinds of nuts that you would have to crack open with a nutcracker.

Aah… the soothing power of music

Music has always been an amazing comfort to me. I didn’t know that this would change so profoundly for me in later years.

I grew up listening to music played in the house often and when I was a teenager my parents bought me my own little round, white turntable shaped like a flying saucer. This was the ’60s, after all.

And so my collection started — Simon and Garfunkel, The Guess Who, Neil Diamond and so many others. I love many types of music.

I taught myself how to play the chord organ when I was little so that I could belt out tunes to my heart’s delight. I’m glad the neighbours didn’t move away… or my family.

Saturday breakfasts with Dad

My father used to make us a special breakfast on weekends. And when he did he used a secret ingredient that I did not discover until many years later.

Almost every Saturday morning, when we were kids, we’d rise to the sounds and smells of Dad clanging around in the kitchen with frying pans, pots and teapot. Usually, the oven fan would be roaring away in a feeble effort to vanquish the smoke and other odours which filled the house, pulling us from our beds.

At the time, I barely appreciated Dad’s magnificent efforts. Saturday’s breakfast did beat the porridge, however, we ate the rest of the week.

As we stumbled into the kitchen one at a time and sleepily sat down, I’d watch somewhat warily as Dad would begin frying. First he’d fry eggs, which always came out on the extremely crispy side.

A pleasant distraction in difficult times

It’s hard to believe we are still dealing with COVID-19 - 19 months after it first hit Winnipeg, in March 2020.

It has definitely been a rocky road with lockdowns, the resulting isolation and seeing the numbers of COVID cases go up and down through three waves.

It’s been reported that some surgeries and medical treatments have been cancelled. I have been waiting for a medical treatment for many months.

We lost a cousin along with her husband to COVID-19 and a good friend lost her brother. My husband recently lost a brother to an aggressive brain cancer - so it has been a rough time.

There’s still a long way to go — stay safe

this horrible COVID-19 pandemic. Here in Manitoba it’s been about 16 months that we’ve been on a rollercoaster of locking down and opening up repeatedly.

Recently we have opened up once again so that restaurants are partly open, patios are open and people are finally allowed to see other people outside. It is a huge relief to finally be able to see some of our family, even if it’s only outdoors.

However, not everyone is vaccinated and that is creating a huge problem and stress for a lot of people. There are warnings that the delta variant may surge in the fall and, according to many news reports, it is surging in other countries as I write this.

The delta variant, it is reported, is quickly becoming the dominant strain and has been found in at least 85 countries. Vaccination is reported to be the answer to stopping the surge of this more contagious variant.

Supporting our local restaurants

Last month I wrote about Santa Lucia Pizza on Main Street as a way of encouraging people to support restaurants in the area.

It’s so important to patronize local businesses, as we have all been struggling through this past year and need to help each other out. So, here are two more local restaurant recommendations you may want to check out.

(There are many more great options in the area, of course, but space limits me to just a couple.)

Salisbury House is a Winnipeg institution. Founded by Ralph Erwin in 1931, the tiny restaurant made it through the depression years, expanded to many locations and the rest, as they say, is history.

Coping during the pandemic

The lineup into the hospital is long but it moves quickly.

The people in line are wearing masks. The health care workers wear masks and gowns, too.

They ask me the usual questions. I sanitize my hands and am then allowed to go through to the ward where I will get my treatment.

This is where I go now. Twice a month for treatments. On top of immune-suppressing drugs and other medications.

Back to school during a pandemic

With the kids going back to school this fall during these difficult times many people are worried.

There are a lot of concerns. One major concern is that our numbers of COVID-19 cases have been rising in Manitoba.

Another major worry is that schools are opening up during what is the regular flu season in Manitoba. Add to that, the fact that the coronavirus symptoms are similar to regular flu symptoms and you have a host of other problems.

How are parents, many of whom are already anxious, going to tell the difference between a regular flu and the coronavirus should their child come down with symptoms?

Thinking of venturing out in the world?

Our recreation choices have been limited for months now, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and many activities are still limited.

As I write this in late July, however, some restrictions have loosened up and there are now more options open to us. Things could change again, I imagine, if our numbers go up.

Everything depends on your own comfort level. If you have health issues you may only be comfortable with some of the suggestions listed below.

Here is just a tiny list of possible activities in, around and not too far from our northwest area of the city. It is by no means a complete list.

Looking for the silver linings

My husband and I travelled to Arizona to visit family and to enjoy some sun in February. Little did we know that when we came back our lives would never be the same.

Things escalated very quickly in March. Schools closed, businesses shut down. And we found ourselves, like the rest of the world, suddenly having to stay home.

Because I have a compromised immune system, I have to be even more careful. My husband is the one who stands in the long lineups at the grocery store in order to buy our groceries.

It has not been easy for any of us and we are grateful to those who must go out and work on the front lines. We hardly see our kids or our step-kids unless some of them happen to drop by and stand six feet away outside. We miss everyone.

There are many ways to lift your spirits

As I write this on Easter weekend I do not know how much longer the pandemic is going to have us isolating in our homes. No one does.

These are definitely difficult and anxiety-provoking times. And so I thought I’d make a list of things that hopefully might help people lift their spirits a wee bit. Maybe as a result they might even boost your immune systems too.

These are far from unique ideas but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded in these times. I know many of these have helped me:

Move. Go for a walk if you can. Any exercise. Or just dance — with your partner or by yourself. Turn the music up loud;Take deep breaths. A minimum of 10. Meditate. Rest;Tune out the constant anxiety streaming into your home. Listen to music; it’s so calming;Read a good book. Try to make it an uplifting one if you can;Connect with others by texting or through FaceTime or other technology. Or just pick up the phone;Get some fresh air. Even if you can only open a window;Eat healthy. Lots of fruits and vegetables. Drink water;Distract yourself with a new hobby, crossword puzzle, board game, a good movie, cooking, decluttering, and so on;Reframe your thoughts when they are negative. Instead of thinking, “I have to do this,” say “I get to do this.” For example, “I have to stay home,” can become “I get to stay home.” Many don’t;If you have little ones, focus on them. It will distract you and keep you busy. And of course, they need your love even more during these days;Plan your garden or just pots on a balcony or a window sill. Connect with nature somehow.Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Even if it is just a cup of coffee or a relaxing cup of tea;Put a teddy bear in your window for the kids to see when they walk by;And, of course, be kind. When this is all over we will be happier knowing that we have been above all else, kind. Call someone. Help someone. Cheer someone up.Soon, it will be warmer and we will at least be able to enjoy the sun on our doorsteps, in our yards or on our balconies. Or we can hopefully go for a little walk under blue skies, breathe in the smell of fresh cut grass, hear the birds singing and watch the trees blossoming.

The importance of libraries

When I was just a tiny thing my mother took me to the library on Osborne Street, as we lived in Fort Rouge for a little while. The story my mother often tells is that I was already reading at the age of three and a half. She took me to the library, she said, as books were not cheap and we had very little money at that time.“The librarian took one look at you in your little green coat and bonnet and said you were too young. You had to be able to read properly before you could join,” she said.My mother told her that I could read and the librarian did not believe her. “I couldn’t blame her. You were such a little thing. You didn’t look more than two.”So my mother selected “A proper book suitable for teenagers” and she said “The librarian was amazed that you read it quite fluently. She gave you a library card.” After that, “You wanted to go every day.”Of course, I grew up and then got married and had children of my own. When they were little we didn’t have a lot of money and so I took them to the West Kildonan Library. There we would pick up piles of books and take them home.It was story night almost every night then as I or the kids would read their stories out loud. They also were reading before they went to school.When I later went through dark times as a single mom, the library was an absolute necessity. I could not afford to buy the books that brought hope, healing, wisdom and so much more to our lives. Books have saved me.I know I am not alone. I know that many use this library. It serves an enormous area, not just West Kildonan, but an ever expanding area north and east of Jefferson as well.That is why I was shocked to learn that city council is now considering its potential closure. The Winnipeg Free Press noted recently that there are an “estimated 100,000 plus annual users of the West Kildonan Library. And there were “around 400 visitors per day in November.”With so many cuts and potential cuts going on in our city, to hospitals, labs, jobs, pools and now some of our libraries, how much more can the people of this city endure?Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who helped to fund many libraries across Canada and some in Winnipeg, called libraries “a cradle of democracy” open to all regardless of rank, office or wealth. Our libraries need to stay open for all those who need them.

When I was just a tiny thing my mother took me to the library on Osborne Street, as we lived in Fort Rouge for a little while. 

The story my mother often tells is that I was already reading at the age of three and a half. She took me to the library, she said, as books were not cheap and we had very little money at that time.

“The librarian took one look at you in your little green coat and bonnet and said you were too young. You had to be able to read properly before you could join,” she said.

Honouring a remarkable lady

Nobel Prize-winning writer William Faulkner wrote in 1950, at a time of intense atomic anxiety, that humanity “will prevail” because we have “a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.”Local residents from the Luxton neighbourhood recently got together to honour the memory of a neighbour who they felt exemplified some of these very qualities.Arlene Jones, a Luxton Residents’ Association member, said that the local neighbourhood group wanted to pay homage to Judy Burns with a bench in her memory. Burns died in 2013. She was 68.The installation of the bench in honour of “this remarkable lady” took place on Oct. 5 “Just before the big storm,” Jones said.“It was raining,” she added. “But Judy’s husband Raymond said, “She loved the rain… after all, she came from England.”Burns was “a longtime community volunteer” and she was “the person in the neighbourhood who everyone went to when something needed to be done,” according to Jones.Born in Brighton, England, Burns immigrated to Canada in the 1960s. Her life had been filled with social activism. In her young teens she had participated in nuclear disarmament protests at Aldermaston in Berkshire, England. She later protested the Vietnam War. In Vancouver she met her husband, Raymond, who said after her death that upon meeting her he had been very impressed. “She spoke with wit and intelligence and passion.” Together they worked for social justice, attending numerous peace marches.The couple moved to Winnipeg in 1969 settling in the North End where they raised their daughter. They were married for 47 years and also had two grandchildren. “She epitomized what it means to be a community activist… to be an involved citizen,” friend Judy Wasylycia-Leis told the Winnipeg Free Press in 2013.Her obituary tells of many projects she was involved with. She fought for a new gym at École Luxton School, an alternative learning program in the Winnipeg School Division and a riverbank trail through St. John’s Park to downtown.Burns volunteered with the Seven Oaks Historical Society and helped with countless other projects.She “focused her beliefs through the New Democratic Party,” according to her obituary and “served on many executive committees and as a constituency assistant.” Later she became a riding assistant in the North End and so continued her legacy of helping others in the community.Two community suppers were held to pay for the bench and as well, a grant was provided by Coun. Ross Eadie, Jones said.The bench has been placed on St. Cross Street across from the St. John’s Anglican Cathedral cemetery.Cheryl Girard is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. You can contact her at girard.cheryl@gmail.com

Nobel Prize-winning writer William Faulkner wrote in 1950, at a time of intense atomic anxiety, that humanity “will prevail” because we have “a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.”

Local residents from the Luxton neighbourhood got together recently to honour the memory of a neighbour who they felt exemplified some of these very qualities.

Arlene Jones, a Luxton Residents’ Association member, said that the local neighbourhood group wanted to pay homage to Judy Burns with a bench in her memory. Burns died in 2013. She was 68.

Looking after Winnipeg’s history and heritage

When Bill Bryson, a great advocate for historic places, penned his travel book, The Road to Little Dribbling, about Great Britain he ended it with these words in reference to the famous countryside.“It is the world’s largest park, its most perfect accidental garden. I think it may be the British nation’s most glorious achievement. All we have to do is look after it. I hope that’s not too much to ask.”The same could be said of Canada’s countryside, of our cities and towns, our green spaces and our historic places.One such historic structure in the community of Old Kildonan is the historic Kildonan Church built in 1852. A tiny, modest, even plain looking church, it is hardly noticeable to the hundreds of drivers who pass by on Main Street.But this simple church bears the distinction of being the first Presbyterian church in Western Canada, according to the Manitoba Historical Society. The MHS also says it is a provincially and a municipally designated historic site — and it has been slowly deteriorating.Set back from Main Street on John Black Avenue, the church is surrounded by a historic cemetery containing graves of the Lord Selkirk settlers and other early pioneers.Canada’s Historic Places website says it is the second-oldest standing church in Winnipeg. It also says it is “one of the few remaining tangible connections” to the early Selkirk settlers, a major part of our Canadian history.The tiny church, built by stonemason Duncan McRae and modelled after the parish churches of Scotland, is in need of restoration and has not been used as a church since 1988. In 2020, Manitoba’s 150th anniversary, it will be 168 years old. “Currently our board of directors is engaged in a fundraising effort to complete the restoration and building envelope upgrade” on some of the walls, said George Fraser, executive director of the Historic Kildonan Church and Cemetery.Fraser also said “the estimated cost of the next phase will be approximately $265,000…The board will be approaching governments, foundations and the public for support.” Last month, at the site of the old Kildonan Church, provincial Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced a $15 million investment to create the Heritage Resources Fund designed to protect historic sites.But much money is needed. “The final phase will likely exceed $1.5 million,” Fraser said. “The board and its supporters want as much public access as possible (to the church), together with capturing the history of the role of the Selkirk settlers,” he added.To be involved in saving local history, contact George Fraser at kpcadmin@mymts.net “Suggestions for future use are welcome,” he said.Cheryl Girard is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. You can contact her at girard.cheryl@gmail.com

When Bill Bryson, a great advocate for historic places, penned his travel book, The Road to Little Dribbling, about Great Britain he ended it with these words in reference to the famous countryside:

“It is the world’s largest park, its most perfect accidental garden. I think it may be the British nation’s most glorious achievement. All we have to do is look after it. I hope that’s not too much to ask.”

The same could be said of Canada’s countryside, of our cities and towns, our green spaces and our historic places.

There’s beauty all around in Nova Scotia

As Canada Day approaches it seems fitting to write about one of our many gorgeous Canadian provinces.As Canada Day approaches it seems fitting to write about one of our many gorgeous Canadian provinces.

In May, my husband and I flew to Nova Scotia for a visit, mostly because one of my daughters, her husband and our almost two-year-old granddaughter now live there.

Walking for our lives

I found out recently that thanks to the prednisone I’ve been on for myasthenia gravis, I also now have a serious case of osteoporosis.I found out recently that thanks to the prednisone I’ve been on for myasthenia gravis, I also now have a serious case of osteoporosis.

It took almost three months to find out the results of my bone density test and that my bones had seriously worsened. And I only found out because I phoned around myself to dig out the results.

Praising Arizona

In February, my husband and I visited my sister and her family in Arizona for the second time. In February, my husband and I visited my sister and her family in Arizona for the second time. 

It was a short visit, as my husband was sick the whole time, my sister had double pneumonia and because I am on immune suppressants I was seriously anxious about catching whatever they had.

Looking back on the Winnipeg General Strike

The beginning of a new year is a great time to look back and reflect. One hundred years ago life was pretty rough.The year 1919 was a tumultuous year and the four years that preceded it were no better. The First World War and its devastating death toll dominated the years 1914 to 1918.Countless Winnipeg men lost their lives or returned injured for life. The Spanish Flu hit in 1918 and killed many more people.Surviving veterans did not have jobs and the high cost of living and low wages made life for working people a constant struggle even for those who did have jobs.Conditions during the war had led to numerous small strikes so it does not seem surprising then that mounting pressures in our city would lead to one of the largest and most significant strikes in Canada.In early May of 1919, Winnipeg’s building and metal trades workers went on strike, fighting for the right to collective bargaining, better wages and working conditions. In the following days, about 30,000 workers walked off their jobs in solidarity.Many soldiers supported the strike. Police officers, firemen, postal workers, telephone operators, male and female factory workers and thousands more followed suit.Opposition to the strike grew among the city’s elite. According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, “The Citizens’ Committee of 1,000” was created soon after and was composed of “Winnipeg’s most influential manufacturers, bankers and politicians.”The committee “declared the strike a revolutionary conspiracy led by a small group of ‘alien scum.’” The federal government supported them and the “Immigration Act was amended so British-born immigrants could be deported. The Criminal Code’s definition of sedition was also broadened.”Ten strike leaders were arrested. Winnipeg’s mayor, Charles Gray, banned all demonstrations. But on June 21, now known as Bloody Saturday, the Royal North West Mounted Police were called in along with ‘special’ police (volunteers) and the military when a crowd of strikers gathered. The police and troops charged into the gathering crowd with batons and guns. Shots were fired.According to a documentary about Bloody Saturday produced by Andy Blicq, two men were killed that day. Many were injured.The strike that had lasted six weeks came to an end. An alley near Centennial Concert Hall became known as Hell’s Alley for the violent clashes that happened there.Many events are planned to mark the centennial of the strike in 2019. Local playwright Danny Schur who created the Strike! musical also plans to release a movie version. The trailer can be seen on the Stand! Movie facebook page. The Bloody Saturday documentary can be found on YouTube.Cheryl Girard is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. You can contact her at girard.cheryl@gmail.com

The beginning of a new year is a great time to look back and reflect.

One hundred years ago life was pretty rough. The year 1919 was a tumultuous year and the four years that preceded it were no better. The First World War and its devastating death toll dominated the years 1914 to 1918.

Countless Winnipeg men lost their lives or returned injured for life. The Spanish Flu hit in 1918 and killed many more people.

It takes only a few moments to remember

The “official version’’ of a song posted to YouTube and written as a tribute to honour our veterans has well over two million views today. And that’s just one of the versions of the tune.The “official version’’ of a song posted to YouTube and written as a tribute to honour our veterans has well over two million views today. And that’s just one of the versions of the tune.

It has been posted on Facebook, YouTube, released on CD and made into a musical production. Yet many may still not know the story behind the song or the inspiring story of the man who wrote it.

The sad story of an abandoned bridge

I remember when I was young and walked back and forth to school every day. Sometimes I’d cut through fields of wild flowers and tall grasses. Sometimes I’d wander through pleasant, tree-filled neighbourhoods.I remember when I was young and walked back and forth to school every day. Sometimes I’d cut through fields of wildflowers and tall grasses. Sometimes I’d wander through pleasant, tree-filled neighbourhoods.

But that was then. Today it is not unusual for kids to be driven to school from a young age. 

Learn about the life of a martyr

Every year during the last weekend of May Doors Open Winnipeg allows the public to tour many of the city’s beautiful, hidden treasures.Every year during the last weekend of May Doors Open Winnipeg allows the public to tour many of the city’s beautiful, hidden treasures.

One of these is the shrine of a martyr whose fascinating, awe-inspiring life story is told in the museum located in West Kildonan’s St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Visiting the valley of the sun

I confess I have not travelled much. I have always been too busy raising my children and working. But they are older now and, frankly, our children travel more than we do.I confess I have not travelled much. I have always been too busy raising my children and working. But they are older now and, frankly, our children travel more than we do.

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit family and to take a short break in sunny Arizona. And well, you just never know what lies waiting for you around the corner. Life is short, winters are long and so we went. 

The bitter Winnipeg winter of 1918

Winnipeggers have been battling the flu while trying to cope with bitterly cold temperatures this January but none of this can compare with the terrible bleakness of life in Winnipeg 100 years ago,with the devastation caused by the war and the influenza epidemic of the day. 

Winnipeggers have been battling the flu while trying to cope with bitterly cold temperatures this January but none of this can compare with the terrible bleakness of life in Winnipeg 100 years ago,with the devastation caused by the war and the influenza epidemic of the day.

The First World War was in its fourth year in 1918 and the numbers of Winnipeggers killed or injured soared. Families lost husbands, fathers and sons and those who did manage to return were often never the same.

Places fondly remembered

When I made up a list of 150 special places and people in North Winnipeg in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary, some people suggested places that have long been gone from here.

One fellow in particular, Andrew Koster, sent in a long list of places he remembers fondly. And so, it being the beginning of a new year, I thought I’d include this nostalgic look back at some places many North Winnipeggers may remember. Thanks to Andrew, Sherry Gluting, and Harold and Libby Simon. Happy New Year!

1 – The White House:  Started out on Selkirk Avenue over 60 years ago. Famous ribs, chicken and more. Now on Roblin Boulevard.

2 – The Millionaire Drive Inn: Founded by “Commodore” Dan Ritchie. The first one in Winnipeg was near Inkster Boulevard and McPhillips in 1959.

This list could go on and on and on…

Happy 150th Canada!Happy 150th Canada!

Here are the final 25 items in my list of 150 people, places and things that make North Winnipeg a special place to live. 

Twenty-five more reasons to love the North End

In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, here are 25 more items that make North Winnipeg a good place to live. In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, here are 25 more items that make North Winnipeg a good place to live. 

Many of these came from others. Thank you!

More reasons to love North Winnipeg

In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, here are 25 more great places, people or things that make North Winnipeg a neat place to live. In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, here are 25 more great places, people or things that make North Winnipeg a neat place to live. 

Please email me your suggestions.

25 more reasons to love North Winnipeg

Again, in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary, here are 25 more great places, people or things that make North Winnipeg a neat place to live. Seventy-five more to go!Again, in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary, here are 25 more great places, people or things that make North Winnipeg a neat place to live. Seventy-five more to go!

51) Kildonan Golf Course —  One of the first two built by the City of Winnipeg in the 1920s;

A great place to live — 25 more reasons

In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, here are 25 more great places, people or things that make North Winnipeg a neat place to live.In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, here are 25 more great places, people or things that make North Winnipeg a neat place to live.

I will keep going until I reach 150. Many of these below are suggestions sent in by readers. Please continue to email me your suggestions.

A great place to live – 25 reasons why

In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, here are 25 great places, people or things that make North Winnipeg a neat place to live.In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, here are 25 great places, people or things that make North Winnipeg a neat place to live.

If I get the go-ahead I will write five more columns until I reach the magic number of 150. This list does not include many worthy people or places so please email me your suggestions! 

Rev. Lukie celebrates 50 years of priesthood

Every once in a while we meet someone on our journey through life who affects us in a special way. 

Judging by the hundreds of people who gathered recently, in our community, and the many heartfelt expressions of gratitude heard, Rev. Bohdan Lukie obviously touched many lives and is beloved by many.Community members, former students and parishioners packed the hall at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on Jefferson to celebrate the 50th anniversary of priesthood of the dynamic former pastor of St. Joseph’s.In 1967, a 26-year-old Lukie became a priest at this same church. “Fifty years ago, the naysayers said he would never last, not for a year, not even for six months,” said Orysia Hull a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s. “He proved them all wrong.“By the way he lived his priestly life, he showed us that we could laugh, have fun, enjoy life and still be good Ukrainian Catholics,” Hull said.Not only did he prove them wrong, Rev. Lukie, still “young” at 76, went on to inspire many with his humour, openness and big heart. Many spoke, sometimes with tears, of their gratitude for his influence on their lives.Rev. Lukie taught literature and served in many countries. He was stationed at St. Joseph’s in the ’70s and ’80s and again from 2008 to 2015.“When he visits you, he ensures that you know you are loved and cared about,” said Stephen Sumka, also a parishioner. “On a typical day, Father Bohdan will celebrate Mass, take care of administrative duties, then care for his flock… comforting the sick,” Sumka added.“He’s been known to roll up his sleeves and help with any project… he still does 100 push ups a day, rollerblades miles upon miles, and even kayaks,” Sumka said.  Often while listening to classical or folk music, he added.Rev. Larry Kondra, Redemptorist Provincial, described Father Bohdan as a “classic opera that never gets old.”Rev. Dmytro Dnistrian, the current pastor at St. Joseph’s, was stationed here twice following Rev. Lukie.“When I arrived the first time I found the church more beautiful… he was responsible for decorating the church with beautiful mosaics in the mid-1980s. The next time I returned the church was even more beautiful with the new iconostas and stained-glass windows.”The inimitable Rev. Lukie met with the accolades in his usual style, with humour and gratitude, leaving everyone with smiles on their faces and laughter in their hearts.But perhaps the last word should go to Sumka:“As the translation of the name ‘Bohdan’ illustrates, ‘Gift from God’ is who he really is,” he said.Cheryl Girard is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. You can contact her at girard.cheryl@gmail.com 

Judging by the hundreds of people who gathered recently, in our community, and the many heartfelt expressions of gratitude heard, Rev. Bohdan Lukie obviously touched many lives and is beloved by many.

Kildonan Cemetery site of plaque dedication

People gathered and bagpipes played in the historic Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery as the life of a heroic young man was honoured recently with the unveiling of a new gravestone and commemorative plaque.People gathered and bagpipes played in the historic Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery as the life of a heroic young man was honoured recently with the unveiling of a new gravestone and commemorative plaque.

In 1913, a year before the First World War, a young boy from Stonewall, Man., signed up for the 34th Fort Garry Horse. He was only 14 and so was only allowed to groom the horses. But his young life would soon be marked by both valour and tragedy.

Life in Kildonan, 150 years ago

This year being Canada’s 150th birthday, it is the perfect time to reflect back and to wonder what life was like 150 years ago.This year being Canada’s 150th birthday, it is the perfect time to reflect back and to wonder what life was like 150 years ago.

Closer to home, what was it like in the Kildonan area and close by in about 1867?

Lots of memories, history at Sals

One of my favourite breakfast or snack stops in Winnipeg has long been the iconic Salisbury House restaurant that Ralph Erwin founded during the Depression years with a mere $135 borrowed from friends in Nebraska.One of my favourite breakfast or snack stops in Winnipeg has long been the iconic Salisbury House restaurant that Ralph Erwin founded during the Depression years with a mere $135 borrowed from friends in Nebraska.

Perhaps it is because I have fond memories of going to Sals, as it is sometimes called, with my dad and my children when they were small. Though he is gone now, those memories have stayed with me and I often find myself sitting there reliving those pleasant times.

Street names – stories set in stone

One of the things I love about Winnipeg is that many of its streets honour people and places from our city’s rich past.One of the things I love about Winnipeg is that many of its streets honour people and places from our city’s rich past.

Some are beautifully named for lakes, rivers or trees while others are a mystery. But those that pay homage to people from our past tell a kind of wonderful story of our city; a legacy, if you will, set in stone.

Be heard before it’s too late

“However sophisticated and technologically advanced we may be, we are biological creatures, utterly dependent on her (nature’s) beneficence for clean air, water and food,” wrote David Suzuki in Letters to My Grandchildren.

I often look back about a hundred years ago and write about what life may have been like back then.One thing always struck me. There seemed to be a lot less pollution then there is now. There were not many cars on the road then. Horses were still mainly used for transportation in this city, especially.

There were fewer chemicals too, less chemicals in our food, in our water, homes and cities and people seemed to spend more time outdoors, in nature, unplugged.

When I was growing up in a small town in the ’60s, I heard the story of a man who one day ended his life by sitting in his car and running it in an enclosed garage. It horrified and saddened me and haunts me to this day.It disturbs me for other reasons also. The thousands of cars that ply the roadways of our city put out those same toxic fumes into the air we breathe every day.

Author an inspiration to many

I was shocked and saddened by the recent passing in November of local Winnipeg author, Orysia Tracz, at the age of 71. I was shocked and saddened by the recent passing in November of local Winnipeg author, Orysia Tracz, at the age of 71. 

Often known as a “walking, talking Ukrainian encyclopedia,” she was a passionate voice and legendary authority in our community for all things Ukrainian.

Being part Ukrainian but not having grown up with much knowledge of that culture, I became extremely curious as an adult about this part of my heritage. When I discovered Tracz’s articles I quickly came to admire her seemingly limitless knowledge and boundless love for that culture.

A writer, researcher, translator, lecturer and a consultant, Tracz’s activities often reached across Canada, the U.S., Australia and Ukraine. 

Friends team up to support toddler with brain cancer

If you follow Main Street in Winnipeg and head north for a short while it eventually winds up being Main Street in the community of Selkirk. If you follow Main Street in Winnipeg and head north for a short while it eventually winds up being Main Street in the community of Selkirk. 

Although I’ve lived in the Riverbend area for over 25 years, I grew up in Selkirk. My children grew up in Riverbend but also have many friends in Selkirk.

My oldest daughter recently shared some devastating news that has affected her close friend Becky and her family, who live in Selkirk. Becky’s two-year-old niece, Brenna, the daughter of Candace and Jason Schellenberg, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.

The number of people I know who have been diagnosed with some form of cancer is increasingly disturbing and, along with other illnesses, it is too often an extremely difficult burden for families to bear.

‘The Preacher’s Tree’ of North Winnipeg

How many of you are aware of ‘The Preacher’s Tree,’ a heritage tree of Manitoba? The tree is an old Manitoba maple located in the front yard of 57 Cathedral Ave., not far from Scotia Street.The maple was written about in the newspapers of long ago, in Lillian Gibbons’ Winnipeg Tribune column Stories Houses Tell,  in Heritage Trees of Manitoba and even Great Trees of Canada.David Menary, author of the latter book, estimates that the tree is over 160 years old. He also says it “is one of the most unusual in Winnipeg, having grown sideways to avoid an old log cabin.”The sprawling, massive tree sits in front of the historical residence at 57 Cathedral Ave., the Robert Crawford home, built by Crawford in 1904, when he worked for Canada Steamship Lines.Some historians say that before the old Kildonan Presbyterian Church (another great historical site) was built in 1853, the Rev. John Black, the first Presbyterian minister in the West, sometimes took to preaching his sermons to early settlers under the shade of the old maple.Gibbons told readers in her 1946 article for the Tribune that Crawford was moving on from his home and his much beloved, then century old, tree.“This was to be the fashionable end of town,” Crawford told Gibbons of the time he bought his lot. “The boom of 1882 raised the prices of lots to the highest they’ve ever been.”He also told Gibbons that the reason the tree grew so famously crooked “was that an old log house, belonging to one of the Mathesons… stood down there in the lower end of the lot. A maple seed blew in close to the house (and), in order to escape it, the tree had to grow sideways.”Crawford, who had an interest in history, said that the stones of the old Matheson house were preserved and built into his home.In a 1937 Tribune article, writer Jocelyn Baker said the Crawfords proudly referred to the tree then as the ‘John Black Tree.’Mrs. Crawford said the reason they bought the property was because of “the old crooked tree.” There were only two houses between the Crawfords and Main Street then but, by 1937, the Matheson farm was gone and replaced by a busy neighbourhood.A new family recently moved into the Crawford house and it has been much renovated since its early days but the tree is still standing, a proud and beautiful landmark in north Winnipeg.Cheryl Girard is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. You can contact her at girard.cheryl@gmail.com 

How many of you are aware of ‘The Preacher’s Tree,’ a heritage tree of Manitoba? 

The tree is an old Manitoba maple located in the front yard of 57 Cathedral Ave., not far from Scotia Street.

Silver and gold wins for local paddler

I have known the Mitchell family from Rivergrove for years now and so it doesn’t surprise me when I hear of their kids’ accomplishments. Especially Emma Mitchell’s recent medals won in the Pan American Championships in Georgia in May.In May 2016 Emma competed at the Lake Lanier Pan American Championships for Canoe Kayak in Georgia, U.S. She won a silver medal in the K2 500-metre race along with a Calgarian girl and a gold medal in the K4 500-metre event along with three other junior girls. “Our start was awesome,” Emma said. “We were ahead right away, I picked up the pace, just like we practised and we flew… We finished first. Our whole boat was in shock.”While my girls were growing up they were mostly into dancing and music — the Mitchell family, it was obvious, loved sports. When my son became friends with their son, Braeden, he enthusiastically joined many of the sports activities his family participated in and my son loved it. He even paddled and went to summer camp for a few years, canoeing and dragon boating alongside their three girls and their son. Which is how Emma got started.“My mom had heard about paddling through her friends when they needed an extra paddler for their dragon boat team in a festival. So I started paddling in a summer camp about six years ago,” said Emma, who is 18 now.Emma, her twin sister, Maddy and her older sister kept going. “My mom would drive me and my sister to the paddling club at 6 a.m.,” Emma said. Her parents now race dragon boat competitively, she adds. When Emma started paddling she was also playing hockey and softball. But other kids and her coach encouraged her and eventually she realized she wanted to commit most of her time to paddling. “One thing I love about paddling is that it is individual but yet still a team sport as well,” Emma said. “On the water, I train one-person kayak and I love feeling strong and powerful and moving my boat all by myself.”Emma emphasizes that she has an amazing team behind her and that she’s built “amazing friendships through the sport.” Paddling competitively for about five years now, she’s competed at many national and international regattas.She plans to continue training and competing to try to make the national team and to hopefully compete at the 2017 Canada Games. Next year she wants to attend the Université de Saint Boniface to study Science. “I will continue training before and after school nine times a week,” she said.I’ve always admired and been amazed by the Mitchell family’s energy and dedication. No less so today.Cheryl Girard is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. You can contact her at girard.cheryl@gmail.comI have known the Mitchell family from Rivergrove for years now and so it doesn’t surprise me when I hear of their kids’ accomplishments. Especially Emma Mitchell’s recent medals won in the Pan American Championships in Georgia in May.

In May 2016 Emma competed at the Lake Lanier Pan American Championships for Canoe Kayak in Georgia, U.S. She won a silver medal in the K2 500-metre race along with a Calgarian girl and a gold medal in the K4 500-metre event along with three other junior girls. 

“Our start was awesome,” Emma said. “We were ahead right away, I picked up the pace, just like we practised and we flew… We finished first. Our whole boat was in shock.”

Explore the city during Doors Open Winnipeg

Spring is here at last and it is the perfect time to get outside and explore the beautiful, historic and interesting buildings we have here in Winnipeg that we often take for granted.

And the annual Doors Open Winnipeg event on the weekend of May 28 and 29 offers the opportunity to do just that.

The free event will  feature lots of special guided and non-guided walking tours of the Exchange District, The Forks, Downtown Winnipeg, Armstrong’s Point, East Kildonan, Upper Fort Garry and more. There is even a Haunted History Tour of spooky Winnipeg sites.

The Costume Museum of Canada will take you back in time with a fashion accessories display at the beautiful Dalnavert Museum, once the home of Sir Hugh John Macdonald, at 61 Carlton St. And heritage Trolley 356 will once again be back in service, shuttling people back and forth for a fun ride during the weekend.

Building a safe place to play in the North End

Every child deserves a safe place to play and a healthy, loving and supportive family. Sadly, that does not always happen.

The North End is one area of the city where many are now working together to try to create a safe place for young children and to help build stronger families.

The Little Stars Playhouse is a dream project — a child and family oriented centre that is to be built at 681 Selkirk Ave. with a little help from some friends.

One of the many friends stepping up to support this project is Margaret’s Choir, directed by Nathan Poole and accompanied by pianist Charmaine Bacon. Their concert on Fri., May 6 with the Raine Hamilton Trio, is in support of the Playhouse.

Some memorable North Winnipeg MLAs

The provincial ridings in north Winnipeg have changed greatly over the years but one thing that’s been fairly consistent is that the MLAs have, for the most part, been selected from the New Democratic Party.

One of the notable exceptions was Liberal MLA Kevin Lamoureux, who served on and off for almost 20 years, in what was once called the Inkster riding. In 2010, Lamoureux was elected the member of parliament for Winnipeg North. His daughter, Cindy Lamoureux, is now a provincial Liberal candidate in Burrows.

Judy Wasylycia-Leis was one of the few women MLAs in the north Winnipeg area and was first elected in 1986. The Ontario-born former executive assistant to Premier Howard Pawley held her seat in St. Johns until 1993 and later served as an MP.

The first woman MLA in Manitoba was Edith Rogers, a Liberal, who represented the riding of Winnipeg from 1920 to 1932. But there were few women elected over the next 60 years.Women MLAs were not elected in great numbers until the late 1970s.

Visit the Holy Door at St. Joseph’s

St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church at 250 Jefferson Ave. was officially designated a place of pilgrimage and a Holy Door was ceremonially opened by His Grace, Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak, OSBM (Order of St. Basil the Great), during the 11 a.m. Divine Liturgy on Dec. 20, 2015.

Last March, Pope Francis proclaimed 2016 an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. “It started on Dec. 8, 2015, and will continue until Nov. 20, 2016,” says Father Dmytro Dnistrian, pastor of St. Joseph’s.

During Jubilee Years, people are encouraged to make a ‘pilgrimage’ to special churches such as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

“Knowing that such a spiritual trip is just not possible for most people, Pope Francis asked local bishops to designate certain churches as places of pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” Fr. Dnistrian says.

Christmas is truly “a state of mind”

I love Christmas. I especially like the winter solstice — because of what follows.

I don’t think anyone loves that time of year when the frosty weather, the snow and the long, dark nights descend upon us all at the same time. It makes getting around in this winter city so much more difficult and hibernation so much more attractive.

But I know it’s only temporary and that the days will get lighter. The snow is pretty and the evergreens have never been more beautiful.

Getting into the Christmas spirit or holiday season helps to diminish the winter blahs and the long dark nights. And, while I love the season, I don’t like the commercialism of Christmas that so often threatens to overwhelm it.

North Winnipeggers helped make a better world

On Mon., Oct. 19, people across Canada will be heading out to vote. Whatever the outcome, the north Winnipeg area has a legacy that it can be proud of, a legacy, in fact, that has affected all Canadians, though many may not even know it.

Through the years several MPs have dominated in the area. One of them became known as the ‘Conscience of Canada,’ the other as the ‘Conscience of Parliament.’  Both are legends.

James Shaver Woodsworth represented Winnipeg North Centre for 20 years, was elected to Parliament in 1921 and served until his death in 1942.

Woodsworth grew up mostly in Brandon and became a Methodist minister. He soon resigned, though, hoping to create a better world in the “here and now.”

Luxton School more than a century old

For many schools September means another year of ushering in new students, but for one venerable old institution it is an impressive time-honoured, long established routine.

Luxton School, located east of Main Street on a gentle slope on Polson Avenue, was built in 1907 and has been welcoming young students through its grand old doors for over a century.

It is a striking school, stately and immense and built in the years before the First World War, when large, architecturally beautiful schools were common.

It is possibly, apart from Isbister School, one of the oldest surviving public schools in the city. Designed by J.B. Mitchell and constructed of Tyndall stone and pale pressed brick, the school boasted enormously wide halls and was expected to be “the finest school in the city.”

Too few women in Parliament

With a federal election coming up as well as the 100th anniversary of women obtaining the right to vote, it seems only fitting to take a brief glimpse back at the history of women in federal politics in our area.

Electoral districts change over the years but more or less two ridings have dominated in The Times area — Winnipeg North Centre and Winnipeg North (they are now called Winnipeg North and Kildonan-St. Paul.)

Women were finally granted the right to vote federally in 1918 but for years women did not run for election themselves. Aboriginal women were not even allowed to vote federally until 1960.

It wasn’t until 1958 that a female candidate first appeared in Winnipeg North. At that time the district encompassed both West and East Kildonan.

The forgotten hero of Henry Avenue

Recently a monument was erected in Winnipeg to honour North End war hero Andrew Mynarski.Mynarski died after bravely trying to save the life of a fellow crew member in 1944 when their Lancaster bomber was shot down over Nazi-occupied France.

Another young hero was honoured long ago in our community but he seems largely forgotten today.

In the winter of 1933 a young Ukrainian immigrant arrived in north Winnipeg. He had most likely come to carve out a better life for himself, as did so many others.

These were the Depression years, though, and many people relied on some form of social relief. The young man arrived alone to the Point Douglas area near the old CPR station which, at the time, was home to many lodging houses, small cafes and pool rooms.

A curious house on Scotia Street

There are quite a few historic and beautiful houses in the Kildonan area. But one of the more unusual older homes ever written about by historian Lillian Gibbons is a tiny brick house on the banks of the Red River on Scotia Street.

The home at 59 Scotia stands out from the others because of its unusual roof and shape and because its front faces the river and its rear faces the street, as homes did  back in the late 1800s, when the river was the main thoroughfare.

The distinctive, tall Mansard roof is an example of Second Empire architectural style and is said to be rare in this city.

Estimated to have been built in 1887, the house likely has many tales to tell but, according to Gibbons, there was a touch of romance about the origins of the house.

Kildonan cemetery part of Doors Open tour

The historic landmarks in northwest Winnipeg are so numerous it would take a book, or two, to give them due justice.

But Doors Open Winnipeg is a free annual event taking place May 30 and 31 that allows you to physically walk through some of Winnipeg’s architectural treasures and experience them for yourself. Many places even offer guided tours.

One Doors Open location that people are just dying to get into is the old Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery.

Seriously, though, while a cemetery may not your usual tourist draw, it should be. Located just north of the Chief Peguis Trail, the cemetery surrounds one of the oldest churches in western Canada, a humble stone structure opened in 1854 to serve the original Red River settlers.

Margaret’s Choir — the dream lives on

Just weeks before Margaret Tobin passed away from breast cancer in December 2014, she told music writer Holly Harris she wanted to be remembered “as somebody who followed her dreams and believed in her dreams, and the infinite possibility and beauty of the human spirit and resilience and love of the human spirit.”

Margaret’s spirit continues to live on in the choir now named for her (formerly Spirit’s Call Choir) and “her dream is still alive,” says choir member Heather Emberley.On Fri., May 8, Margaret’s Choir will honour that dream once again with a spring concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute’s Jubilee Auditorium, 173 Talbot Ave.

This event, in keeping with Margaret’s philosophy, is a benefit concert — this time for The Wrench, a registered charity located at 1057 Logan Ave.

Using discarded materials diverted from the landfill, The Wrench’s mission is to “create stronger, healthier communities by removing barriers to building, repairing and maintaining bicycles — with a focus on educating youth.”

Scotia Street hums with history

This long and winding road may not have been home to the Beatles but guess who lived at 199 Scotia St.? Apparently, Randy Bachman lived there for a time while Burton Cummings lived not too far away on Bannerman Avenue.

There is a heap of history to discover on Scotia, not all of it of the rock ’n’ roll kind.

The name Scotia, Latin for Scotland, appears in the Winnipeg Free Press as far back as 1900. The tree-lined road winds and curves along the Red River, following the unique twists and turns of the river itself.

It was along these banks that much of the original Red River Settlement was located and it is to this area that Lord Selkirk came in 1817, when he is said to have dubbed the settlement Kildonan, named for the area in Scotland from which many of the settlers hailed.

New life for old North End building

It’s been described as infamous, notorious, a magnet for brutal criminal activity and worse. But the 102-year-old Merchants Hotel will soon be given new life with a complete overhaul and some sparkling new additions.

Once completed, the new Merchants Corner will become an educational, housing and community centre containing apartments, the University of Winnipeg’s department of Urban and Inner-city Studies and much more.

It will be a much needed beacon of light in a community that for years had been having to deal with a dangerous, crime-ridden corner.

It wasn’t always that way. Originally built in 1913 as a three-storey retail/office structure by Robert and Sarah Steiman, the building was originally called the Steiman Block. The couple had emigrated from Latvia around 1900 in search of a better life.

Past mayors were a colourful bunch

Most people probably know something about Winnipeg’s current mayoral candidates but likely do not know much about some of our past mayors, some of whom were quite colourful.

Winnipeg has had 43 mayors since it was incorporated in 1873.

Francis Evans Cornish was the first and perhaps one of the most scandal-plagued Winnipeg mayors. Historian Hartwell Bowsfield said, “he gained a reputation as the ‘rowdy’ mayor, being charged by opponents with bigamy, assault, drunkenness,” etc.

Cornish, a lawyer, came to Winnipeg in 1872 from London, Ont., where he had been mayor for a few years. He was defeated in 1864 when London called in the militia to ensure an honest election.

Council of Winnipeg Women to host forum

Founded in 1894, the Council of Women of Winnipeg was instrumental in the establishment of the Victorian Order of Nurses and the creation of the Children’s Hospital in 1907. More recently it has been involved in issues such as housing, violence in the city, the environment and civic elections.

And that is just a smidgen of its long list of service to the community.

This year, not only has the council been celebrating its 120th anniversary, it is also co-hosting a mayoral forum on Tues., Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at the North Centennial Recreation and Leisure Facility at 90 Sinclair St.

As part of its mission to educate and to improve the quality of life for women, families and the community, the CWW has held election forums in the past at which the opportunity is provided to ask questions and to learn about the candidates.

Plaques to provide much-needed recognition

When Mary Manko tried to tell her children that she had been interned at Spirit Lake internment camp in Quebec during the First World War, they did not believe her.

Records were destroyed and little had been written about the internment of Ukrainians, Hungarians, Serbians, Croatians, Germans and others who were branded as “enemy aliens,” stripped of their civil liberties and placed in camps following the War Measures Act of Aug. 22, 1914.

Lubomyr Luciuk and the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association have been trying to change that. Manko, whose sister died there, sought only acknowledgement, and did not want an apology.

It has taken 25 years, says Luciuk, a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada in Ontario, but the recognition Manko longed for will soon be met by a commemorative ceremony that will take place across Canada, including much of Winnipeg, on the 100th anniversary of the act, Aug. 22, 2014.

History in our streets — a valuable asset

Walking through our city streets and parks is often like travelling through time or the pages of a history book.

We are so fortunate that our streets are named for notable pioneers, outstanding people and sometimes regular folks from Winnipeg’s early days. Many cities simply assign numbers to their thoroughfares and this seems to offer up little in the way of a historic legacy.

Our city is much more colourful and full of remembered history and character.

Recently, a proposal to rename a North End park after a dedicated, long-time city councillor was postponed so that those involved in the matter could consider all options available. Perhaps the decision will have been made by the time this hits print but it is, nevertheless, good to know a little about the current name of the park in question. It is a name it has held for just over a century.

Swinging open the doors to Winnipeg’s history

“I meant to do my work today — But a brown bird sang in the apple tree, and a butterfly flitted across the field, and all the leaves were calling me.”

Englishman Richard Le Gallienne penned these words. Elton John set them to music. And at last, here in Winnipeg, the geese have returned and the robins too. The lilacs are budding, the grass is getting greener and the sun has decided to warm the earth.

Our long winter has been especially bleak this year but spring, as always, brings its own remedy for weary souls.

If you like to get out and about in the outdoors and at the same time explore beautiful, historic and unique buildings, then Doors Open Winnipeg is a wonderful springtime opportunity for you.

Nurse Attrill — an icon of Bannerman Avenue

Many people have likely never heard of Alfreda Jean Attrill, who used to live on Bannerman Avenue, but she was a lady who was quite well known and cherished in her day.

She was the first Winnipeg nurse to enlist in the First World War, just one day after the declaration of war on Aug. 5, 1914. And she received many medals and awards for her many years of service, both during and after the war.

“She was a well-loved neighbour,” says Arlene Jones, who lives across the street from 90 Bannerman Ave., where Attrill lived for many years.

Joyce Harris, who also lives on the street and knew Attrill well, agrees.

West K home to historical monument

One of the oldest historical markers in Western Canada sits unobtrusively in a tiny park on the corner of Main Street and Rupertsland Boulevard in West Kildonan, awaiting a long overdue makeover first announced in 2011.

The stone monument, weathered by over a century’s worth of brutal winters, sun, rain and fumes, commemorates the Battle of Seven Oaks fought near that location in 1816.Said to have been made of “native Selkirk stone” the marker was erected and unveiled on June 19, 1891 by the Historical and Scientific Society of Manitoba, now known as the Manitoba Historical Society.

When Sir John Schultz unveiled the memorial he commented on the historic ‘highway,’ now Main Street, that ran alongside it.

“Over it has passed discoverer, courier, missionary, arctic voyageur, chief, warrior and medicine man, governor, factor, judge, councillor and commander; along it have been carried wampum and tomahawk, message of peace and of war.”

Ukrainian community rallies against human trafficking

As a young girl of 11 or 12, Marichka had to leave home. Her parents were alcoholics. Forced to survive on the streets she was eventually taken in and looked after by the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate.

Other young girls are not so fortunate. Orphaned and alone in Ukraine, they become prime targets for human trafficking, a problem in many countries throughout the world.

Organizers of a recent breakfast fundraiser held in Winnipeg to combat this problem believe there are over 150,000 homeless children in Ukraine.

Sister Janice Soluk of SSMI was the guest speaker at the fundraiser held in late January. She believes the figures are actually higher.

Lite up a Life for those living with ALS

The ALS Society of Manitoba is hoping Manitobans will reach out and help ‘Lite up a Life’ this holiday season and so provide some hope to those suffering from ALS.

My husband recently lost a good friend to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, as it is sometimes known.

Norm grew up in St. Eustache, Man., and he and my husband went to school together in Elie. Although Norm lived most of his life in St. Eustache, he moved with his wife and three children to Dryden, Ont., in 1998 to work.

Those who knew him said Norm was always a hard worker who treasured his family and his friends. He loved camping, hunting and simply being in the outdoors.

Famous women writers from the North End

Much has been written of the many famous and accomplished people hailing  from Winnipeg’s North End. But many may not know that some of Canada’s most famous and respected female writers came out of or lived in the North End during the first half of the 20th century.

Adele Wiseman grew up on Burrows Avenue. Her parents were Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Poland. In The Worst of Times, The Best of Times, by Harry and Mildred Gutkin (also North Enders), Wiseman describes her home during the early 1930s as a “pretty little house, and the street was nice in those days, with a tree-shaded boulevard running down the centre.”

Wiseman became close to Margaret Laurence when the newly-married Laurence moved with her husband Jack into the second floor of a house across the street from the Wisemans, a house owned by Anne and Bill Ross.

James King’s biography of Laurence says that she moved into 515 Burrows Ave. in 1947. Both young women were in their 20s at the time and, according to King, talked at length about their ambitions to become writers.

Garden City students make waves against cancer

Garden City Collegiate students paddled their way to victory recently during the Manitoba School Dragon Boat Challenge, pulling in $2,000 for their school.

A sea of students decked out in colourful T-shirts moved good-naturedly all day in and out of vividly coloured, long, slender boats rigged with mythical Chinese dragon heads brightening an otherwise cloudy, rainy day at the Manitoba Water Ski and Wakeboard Park in Winnipeg.

 “It was fun and a good workout,” said one Garden City student, of the event held in early June.

Schools from across the province participated in many races throughout the all-day event. “Both the Manitoba Paddling Association and the Canadian Cancer Society (Manitoba Division) are partners in the event,” said Jason MacInnes, director of charity and events with the MPA.

Point Douglas gem offers glimpse of pioneer life

In the days before automobiles, the railway, telephones and now emails, the only form of long-distance communication available to the early settlers was the mail.

Even that was not reliable, for mail was often moved via the Hudson’s Bay Company and it was not unusual for mail from England, for example, to be at least six months old upon arrival.In February of 1855, Ross House was designated as the first post office at Red River and, marvelously, it can still be seen today at its present location in Joe Zuken Heritage Park in Point Douglas.

“It is a small historic house museum and a gem in Winnipeg’s history,” says Jennifer Bisch, chief program officer and curator of Dalnavert and Ross House museums.

Bisch adds that it is “one of the last remaining architectural examples of Red River frame construction left in Winnipeg.”

Neighbourhood treasures worth touring

Spring has finally arrived to energize the prairies and what better time is there for walking or driving around the city, exploring its hidden treasures.

The 10th annual Doors Open Winnipeg, presented by Heritage Winnipeg, will take place on Sat., May 25 and Sun., May 26. The event will feature more than 80 historic museums, churches and other intriguing buildings throughout Winnipeg and marvelously, it is free.Close to home, in The Times area, there are many local landmarks well worth checking out.

Each has its own story to tell about our values, our history, and our neighbourhood.

In the Old Kildonan area, McBeth House at 31 McBeth St. in Rivergrove is worth having a look at, as is the old Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery at 2373 Main St. close by. The church is the oldest Presbyterian church in Western Canada and the cemetery contains many of the families of the early Selkirk Settlers.