Cindy Murdoch

A hub for Transcona seniors

The Transcona Council for Seniors was established in 1993 and its primary role is to assist seniors to remain living in the community as long as possible.

Go dry this February

Although January is almost over, there is still time to decide if you would want to participate in an upcoming fundraising campaign for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Controversy over The Night Before Christmas

Although A Visit from St. Nicholas, better known as The Night Before Christmas, is one of the oldest and most recognized Christmas poems ever written, the controversy behind the story remains largely unknown.

Protect yourself from scammers

Protect yourself from scammers

Managing grief as an estate executor

It was just over a year ago that I found myself acting as executor of my uncle’s estate. Although the required paperwork could be tedious and stressful at times, dealing with my uncle’s home and its contents proved to be the most difficult part of the process for me.

Remembering a Canadian hero

Terrance Stanley Fox, better known as Terry Fox, was born in Winnipeg on July 28, 1958. He lived in Transcona as a young child, and his family moved to British Columbia when he was eight years old.

May is Pet Cancer Awareness month

Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation is the first and only registered charity in Canada dedicated to helping guardians and their families who are dealing with pet cancer.

The foundation was launched in memory of Kali, a seven-year-old golden retriever who was diagnosed with a blood-borne cancer in 2003. Kali’s family was devastated by the news and struggled to find information about her type of cancer as well as the care and treatment options that were available.

The stress of having an ill pet can be overwhelming. Given their own experience, Kali’s family created Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation to help educate and support other pet owners dealing with the same situation.

The vision of Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation is that no one faces pet cancer alone and its mission is to provide the resources and emotional supports needed to navigate pet cancer.

The origin of April Fool’s Day

April Fool’s Day has been celebrated for centuries in different cultures all around the world. Taking place April 1, April Fool’s Day is usually marked by individuals playing practical jokes on others and then shouting “April fool” to reveal the prank.

In anticipation of being duped, come people emain on high alert throughout the day, while others look forward to successfully executing the best pranka. In addition to jokes played on us by family and friends, radio and television stations, as well as newspapers, have also been known to participate in well-planned and elaborate April Fool’s Day hoaxes.

One of the earliest references to playing practical jokes on April 1, dates back to 1561 when a Flemish writer by the name of Eduard de Dene published a poem about a man who sent his servant on absurd errands all day long, supposedly to help prepare for a wedding feast.

Although the exact origin of April Fool’s Day remains a mystery, there are a number of interesting speculations that date back hundreds of years.

Daydreaming can be good for mental health

Daydreams are a series of pleasant thoughts about something you would prefer to be doing at the time or something you would like to do in the future. Daydreaming allows your mind time to drift away to something pleasurable and can be described as a fantasy a person has while awake.What I find myself daydreaming about most is travel. Although I would love to escape the cold this winter we are still not feeling comfortable booking a trip, given the current COVID-19 pandemic. A few of our friends have recently gone on vacation, however, so for the time being we are living vicariously through photos they have sent us and sharing memories of our previous travels.Like many others, I was quite upset about not being able to take a winter vacation last year, given the travel restrictions that were in place. I also lost my desire to plan any future vacations, given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 virus. However, as time has passed, I have missed travelling so much that I have caught myself frequently daydreaming about sandy beaches and European architecture. At one point, I began to wonder if daydreaming about travel was only going to make me miss it even more and perhaps affect my emotional well-being.Researching the topic, I was happy to learn that daydreaming has benefits and is actually considered good for a person’s overall mental health. Daydreaming is said to be similar to a state of low-level hypnosis and can lessen an individual’s level of stress and anxiety. Daydreaming can increase creativity as your thoughts travel through different parts of your brain, collecting pieces of information. While your mind wanders, solutions or better ways of doing things will sometimes also become quite clear. In addition, daydreaming can also improve a persons working memory, which is your mind’s ability to store and recall information.                                                                                                        Although daydreaming can distract people from what is going on around them, it is OK to allow your mind some time to wander so that it can come back to focus with renewed strength and energy.Thinking for pleasure can also lead to increased happiness. Hope and the anticipation of a positive outcome affect happiness, and are both a consequence of daydreaming.                                                          Finally, if your daydreams focus on planning or the steps involved in achieving a goal, studies have shown they can actually help individuals to better prepare for the future. Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca 

Daydreams are a series of pleasant thoughts about something you would prefer to be doing at the time or something you would like to do in the future. Daydreaming allows your mind time to drift away to something pleasurable and can be described as a fantasy a person has while awake.

What I find myself daydreaming about most is travel. Although I would love to escape the cold this winter we are still not feeling comfortable booking a trip, given the current COVID-19 pandemic. A few of our friends have recently gone on vacation, however, so for the time being we are living vicariously through photos they have sent us and sharing memories of our previous travels.

Paleo Platery offers healthy food choices

Transcona residents Pamela and Conrad Doerksen recently celebrated a successful first year as new business owners. Pamela, an educator by profession, made the decision last year to trade in the classroom for the kitchen. In December, 2020, Pamela and Conrad opened Paleo Platery after realizing a need for food products tailored to individuals with food allergies and food sensitivities.  In 2017 Pamela was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Uneasy about all of the possible side effects of recommended medications, Pamela started a search for alternatives.  The answer came in the form of a change in diet, which became the starting point for the creation of Paleo Platery.A paleo diet consists of whole foods similar to what our early ancestors used to eat. Food products offered at Paleo Platery are free of gluten, grains, dairy, seed oils, soy and corn. The menu items also do not contain refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, eggs, legumes or nuts. All products are prepared in a commercial kitchen in order to avoid cross -contamination.Paleo Platery offers a variety of foods, including Individual meals, breakfast items and desserts. All products are sold frozen and are ready to heat and serve.Although there are other food items on the market catering to people on restricted diets, Pamela said that no other products eliminate all of the ingredients that Paleo Platery does. Pamela has spent a significant amount of time researching ingredients that can be used as substitutes in order to make food that tastes comparable to what people are used to eating. For example, zucchini noodles replace lasagne noodles and sweet potatoes become the base for enchilada tortillas. Pamela has found that a combination of local and imported ingredients work best.Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.caTranscona residents Pamela and Conrad Doerksen recently celebrated a successful first year as new business owners. Pamela, an educator by profession, made the decision last year to trade in the classroom for the kitchen. 

In December, 2020, Pamela and Conrad opened Paleo Platery after realizing a need for food products tailored to individuals with food allergies and food sensitivities.  

In 2017 Pamela was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Uneasy about all of the possible side effects of recommended medications, Pamela started a search for alternatives.  The answer came in the form of a change in diet, which became the starting point for the creation of Paleo Platery.

A paleo diet consists of whole foods similar to what our early ancestors used to eat. Food products offered at Paleo Platery are free of gluten, grains, dairy, seed oils, soy and corn. The menu items also do not contain refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, eggs, legumes or nuts. All products are prepared in a commercial kitchen in order to avoid cross -contamination.

God winks in mysterious ways

Have you ever had something happen in your life that seemed to be a coincidence, but was beyond belief? I have, but until recently, never knew that there was a term used to describe such an experience. A “godwink” can be defined as an event or personal experience, often identified as a coincidence so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as an answer to a wish or a prayer. I was first introduced to the term when watching a Hallmark Christmas movie on television. Squire Rushnell, an American author, inspirational speaker and television producer is credited with coining the term over 20 years ago. Rushnell believed that when God ‘winks’ at you he is changing your life for the better by sending signs of hope and encouragement. Those who don’t believe in God can replace the reference to reflect their own personal beliefs. Godwink moments can present themselves in the form of small messages or major events, at any time in a person’s life. A number of years ago, my partner and I were out in Transcona when we came upon a house for sale. We looked at the home and thought it would be perfect for us. Unfortunately, we did not act quickly enough and it sold. A year or so later, I picked up the Real Estate News on a whim and was shocked to see the same home back on the market. We immediately made an offer and the house became ours. When I was a young woman, a friend of mine was given the gift of a St. Christopher’s medallion by her boyfriend, Fred. Fred believed the medallion would keep Dana safe. Dana and Fred subsequently married and Dana never took off the medallion. Unfortunately, after more than 30 years, the necklace was lost and that same week Fred received a terminal health diagnosis. Dana searched everywhere, and requested the help of others to find her necklace. It was never found and thought to be lost forever. The week prior to Fred’s death, he purchased Dana another St. Christopher’s medallion. Two years passed before Dana made the difficult decision to sell her family home. Before leaving for the last time, she did one final sweep of the basement floor and noticed something glistening in the pan full of dust and debris, reach in and pulled out her long-lost necklace, which she took as a sign of reassurance that it was OK to move on.  Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

Have you ever had something happen in your life that seemed to be a coincidence, but was beyond belief?

 I have, but until recently, never knew that there was a term used to describe such an experience. A “godwink” can be defined as an event or personal experience, often identified as a coincidence so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as an answer to a wish or a prayer. 

I was first introduced to the term when watching a Hallmark Christmas movie on television. Squire Rushnell, an American author, inspirational speaker and television producer is credited with coining the term over 20 years ago. Rushnell believed that when God ‘winks’ at you he is changing your life for the better by sending signs of hope and encouragement. Those who don’t believe in God can replace the reference to reflect their own personal beliefs. Godwink moments can present themselves in the form of small messages or major events, at any time in a person’s life. 

Habitat to build its largest development yet

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization that is planning to build the largest housing development in the charity’s history in Transcona.  With the use of volunteers and community partners, Habitat for Humanity works with people from all walks of life to build safe, decent and affordable housing for purchase by low-income working families. The homes can be purchased with no money down and will have an interest-free mortgage.On Oct. 29, Habitat for Humanity broke ground in the 900 block of Pandora Avenue West in a ceremony celebrating its plan to build 55 new townhomes. The development will consist of 11 buildings with five townhomes in each and is expected to take three years to complete. The previous landowners sold the property to Habitat as they felt it would be better utilized for a community of families than commercial buildings.Michelle Pereira, Habitat for Humanity’s vice-president of marketing, communications and philanthropy reported that the Habitat townhomes will have zero greenhouse gas emissions and will be highly energy efficient. The homes will be powered by Manitoba-made renewable energy and will not use oil or gas.  Habitat for Humanity partners with families who do not qualify for traditional mortgages and are ready for the responsibility of home ownership. Family selection is based on three principles: need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat.There are a number of eligibility criteria that must be met by families interested in owning a home. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and their present housing must either be too expensive, too small, substandard or unsafe.  Families must also contribute “sweat equity” of 500 hours by either assisting with home building or by helping in one of their ReStores. Preference is given to families with young children.Families can review all of the eligibility criteria on the Habitat for Humanity website and can sign up to receive email updates about upcoming intake sessions for the home ownership program.  Those who wish to help support Habitat for Humanity may do so in a number of different ways. Donations of new and gently used home furnishings, appliances and renovation materials can be made at any of the ReStores and curb side pickup is available. All donations to the ReStore qualify for tax receipts based on the estimated resale value in the store. Financial donations can be made via the Habitat website.  Individuals can also volunteer their time working in one of the ReStores or on a build site. Applications for volunteer builders will start again next spring.For further information on Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat.mb.caCindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization that is planning to build the largest housing development in the charity’s history in Transcona.  

With the use of volunteers and community partners, Habitat for Humanity works with people from all walks of life to build safe, decent and affordable housing for purchase by low-income working families. The homes can be purchased with no money down and will have an interest-free mortgage.

On Oct. 29, Habitat for Humanity broke ground in the 900 block of Pandora Avenue West in a ceremony celebrating its plan to build 55 new townhomes. The development will consist of 11 buildings with five townhomes in each and is expected to take three years to complete. 

What’s behind black cat superstitions?

In addition to a pillow case full of candy, my childhood memories of Halloween include all things scary, creepy and spooky.It was only as an adult that I began to wonder about the association between black cats and Halloween and why black cats were also said to bring about bad luck. With Halloween fast approaching and images of ghosts, witches and black cats all around us, I decided to seek out the answers.It was said that the superstitions originated in Europe and date back thousands of years. In support of this claim, I came upon a story dating back to the Middle Ages that offered an explanation. On a moonless night, a father and son were walking in the woods when a black cat crossed their path. They pelted the cat with rocks until the animal fled into the home of a woman, who was accused of being a witch.  The next day, the father and son saw the woman and said she was limping and appeared bruised. Their assumption was that the witch had been able to turn herself into a black cat at night in order to prowl the streets incognito, wreaking havoc and avoiding detection.This belief is said to have spread and, to this day, black cats continue to be associated with witches and are a symbol of Halloween, a holiday that revolves around things dark and mystical. Being a cat lover myself, I was pleased to read that not all cultures believe in such superstitions and actually view black cats in a positive light. In Scotland, if a strange black cat crosses your path, it is believed to bring prosperity, while in Japan, black cats are said to bring good luck. In Ancient Egypt, black cats were divine beings, treasuring and openly worshipped.A black cat was once seen as an ideal wedding gift in parts of the United Kingdom, as they were believed to bring good luck and happiness to the bride. According to folklore, anyone who owns a black cat in Asia or the U.K is expected to be lucky in life, while in France, something magical was about to happen for anyone who encountered a black cat.Logically speaking and all superstitions aside, there can be no inherent evil associated with the colour of a cat’s fur and it is unfortunate that black cats have been given a bad rap!Be safe and have a Happy Halloween!Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

In addition to a pillow case full of candy, my childhood memories of Halloween include all things scary, creepy and spooky.

It was only as an adult that I began to wonder about the association between black cats and Halloween and why black cats were also said to bring about bad luck. With Halloween fast approaching and images of ghosts, witches and black cats all around us, I decided to seek out the answers.

It was said that the superstitions originated in Europe and date back thousands of years. In support of this claim, I came upon a story dating back to the Middle Ages that offered an explanation. 

Help support the Animal Food Bank

During times of financial stress, it can become difficult for some to adequately provide for their beloved family pets.  The Animal Food Bank is a registered non-profit organization that aims to help low-income families in order to prevent their animals from having to go into a shelter or pet rescue.  Nicole Wilks, founder of the Animal Food Bank Foundation, was born and raised in Transcona. She started the foundation in 2019 while living in Kelowna and launched the program in Winnipeg in February 2020.According to Nicole, the Animal Food Bank supplies food to over 300 cats and 100 dogs per month. Requests for support are usually filled in the order they are received, with over 3,000 pounds of food given to pets each month.The Animal Food Bank is currently in desperate need of food, especially for cats. Treats and pet supplies such as leashes, beds and toys are also welcome.  The Pet Valu store located at 1750 Plessis Rd. is the only drop-off location for the Animal Food Bank in Transcona. Lorraine, the store owner, says she is proud to be able to support the program and assist pets in need.On March 31, the Animal Food Bank launched the AFB Pet Club, offering a monthly membership for fee of $4.99. All revenue generated from the membership fees goes directly to the operation of the foundation. For the price of the membership, AFB Pet Club provides its members with access to exclusive deals, coupons and products.In addition to becoming a Pet Club member or donating directly on the website, there are a number of other ways in which to support the Animal Food Bank. Those wanting to help can either stop by Pet Valu or call the store and purchase a gift card for the food bank to use. People can also purchase food and leave it in the donation bin at the store. Any new or partially used bag that you may have at home can also be dropped off directly at the store.The Animal Food Bank primarily provides support to cats and dogs, but it also assists other pets, such as turtles, bunnies, hamsters and fish.Nicole also wanted to share that the foundation offers more to families than simply assisting them with food. The Animal Food Bank also provides pet owners with access to help with interview skills, resume writing, pet nutrition and animal first aid, as the goal of the program is to one day eliminate the need for such a food bank. For more information on the Animal Food Bank please refer to animalfoodbank.org.  Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

During times of financial stress, it can become difficult for some to adequately provide for their beloved family pets.  

The Animal Food Bank is a registered non-profit organization that aims to help low-income families in order to prevent their animals from having to go into a shelter or pet rescue.  

Nicole Wilks, founder of the Animal Food Bank Foundation, was born and raised in Transcona. She started the foundation in 2019 while living in Kelowna and launched the program in Winnipeg in February 2020.

Preparing for retirement

Every August I usually take a few weeks of vacation from work. This summer, however, things will be different. For the first time since I was a teenager, I will have the entire summer off. I retired three weeks ago after having worked full time as a social worker for the past 34 years. I chose my retirement date four-and-a-half years ago, and at that point, a countdown of days began. What I looked forward to the most, in anticipation of my retirement, was having more time to do things I enjoy and that are important to me. I have never second-guessed my decision.  It is still somewhat surreal that I am actually retired, as the years have gone by so fast. I began my career at a young age and now here I am, joining the club of fellow retirees and starting a new chapter in my life.Of the co-workers who retired before me, a few expressed being worried about not having enough to keep them busy, while others said that they were concerned about their finances. For some, the thought of not having daily interactions with people was causing them some anxiety. ‘Experts’ say that being prepared can take away the stress of retirement and allow you to better enjoy the freedom that not working has to offer.Although many people love the thought of being able to retire, there are a number of things to consider before making such a big decision, and planning ahead is key.  In order to avoid becoming bored, it is important to give some thought to how you plan to spend your days. Many of us have things that we have always wanted to do but could never seem to find the time. With retirement comes the opportunity to do more of the hobbies that you enjoy, try a new activity or engage in some type of volunteer work.Preparing for retirement should include financial planning in order to reduce any financial worries. Putting money aside for your retirement and paying off your debts may not seem important when you are younger, but you will be glad you did when the time comes. Consulting with a financial adviser may also be helpful. Social isolation can be a very real consequence of not working. In order to avoid feelings of loneliness, it is necessary to make an effort to maintain contact with others.  Remaining connected and having things to look forward to are very important for a person’s overall emotional well-being. Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

Every August I usually take a few weeks of vacation from work. This summer, however, things will be different. For the first time since I was a teenager, I will have the entire summer off. I retired three weeks ago after having worked full time as a social worker for the past 34 years. 

I chose my retirement date four-and-a-half years ago, and at that point, a countdown of days began. What I looked forward to the most, in anticipation of my retirement, was having more time to do things I enjoy and that are important to me. I have never second-guessed my decision.  

It is still somewhat surreal that I am actually retired, as the years have gone by so fast. I began my career at a young age and now here I am, joining the club of fellow retirees and starting a new chapter in my life.

Perks of being a pet owner

After a long day at work, I look forward to coming home to spend time with our cats.  Often greeting me at the door, they welcome me home and instantly bring me joy.  For animal lovers such as myself, it is nice to know that there are many benefits to owning a pet in addition to the enjoyment that they bring us.  Research has identified that pet ownership can have emotional as well as health benefits to individuals and families. Whether your pet has fur, feathers or scales, the advantages of owning a pet can be similar.  Pets provide us with unconditional love and taking care of an animal can give an individual a sense of purpose and self-worth. Having your pet depend on you creates a feeling of being needed and wanted. Several times throughout the day my cats will initiate a cuddle and can be heard meowing, as if they’re attempting to tell me something. I find myself responding as if talking to a young child. Interactions such as these are a testament to the fact that owning a pet can bring pleasure and happiness.   Pets provide their owners with companionship and can actually help reduce depression. For those individuals who live alone, the benefits of sharing your home with a pet can have a significant impact in preventing loneliness.  Playing with a pet is enjoyable as the antics of our animals frequently bring smiles to our face or make us laugh. Playing with animals can also elevate a person’s levels of serotonin and dopamine which can help us relax.  Having a pet can also increase opportunities for socialization. When walking a dog or spending time at a dog park you will be able to meet other pet owners and have the opportunity to engage in conversation. Connecting with other animal lovers while shopping for pet supplies or taking an obedience class is also an option.  Touching or stroking an animal can relax people when they are feeling anxious or stressed and can actually help to lower one’s blood pressure. Even watching fish in an aquarium can reduce muscle tension and lower your pulse rate.  Taking care of a pet as well as playing with them also results in increased movement, while taking a dog for a walk provides us with exercise, too. As we all know, the health benefits of being physically active are numerous.Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

After a long day at work, I look forward to coming home to spend time with our cats.  Often greeting me at the door, they welcome me home and instantly bring me joy.  

For animal lovers such as myself, it is nice to know that there are many benefits to owning a pet in addition to the enjoyment that they bring us.  

Research has identified that pet ownership can have emotional as well as health benefits to individuals and families. Whether your pet has fur, feathers or scales, the advantages of owning a pet can be similar.  

Omis Hamper and Pantry needs donations

Omis Hamper and Pantry Inc. is a new, Transcona based business that makes hampers to help low-income families celebrate birthdays and holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Omis is a non-profit organization and a registered charity that began operation in January, 2021.  Founder and director Nicole Thiessen said creating a business to help low-income parents celebrate special occasions had been a dream of hers for over 20 years. The concept was based on Nicole’s personal situation and her desire to help others. She spoke openly about the fact that she used to be a low-income mom and said she knows how difficult it can be to provide for special occasions. “Everyone deserves a celebration,” Nicole said.The mission statement of their organization states that Omis Hamper and Pantry Inc. enables love, kindness and compassion and that every person is equally valued. Nicole has a team of volunteers who review all the referrals they receive to determine eligibility for a hamper, taking into consideration income as well as the number of children in a home.Volunteer co-ordinator Tracy Allen Settee plays a vital role in the business, organizing volunteers and assisting with many other duties. Omis currently has seven volunteers but is looking to increase that number.  Because the hampers it produces are made for a variety of occasions, Omis welcomes goods appropriate for babies and children as well as adults. In addition to food, they are in need of formula, diapers, new toys and clothing. Second-hand items can also be donated as long as they are in excellent condition. To assist families with celebrating birthdays for children, donations of specific items such as cakes mixes, candles and party decorations are needed. Every birthday hamper includes a toothbrush and toothpaste so donations of these items are also required. For Christmas hampers, new and unopened gift items appropriate for children and adults of all ages are also welcome. We must not forget our furry family members at Christmas time, so food and gifts for pets are also appreciated.Omis Hamper and Pantry has storage facilities and is set up to accept donations of perishable as well as frozen goods, with the greatest need being chickens and turkeys.  For large donations, Omis will provide tax receipts for individuals as well as businesses. Should you wish to donate items, refer a family or volunteer your time, Omis Hamper and Pantry Inc. can be contacted by telephone at 431-335-7473 or via e-mail at director@omispantry.orgCindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

Omis Hamper and Pantry Inc. is a new, Transcona based business that makes hampers to help low-income families celebrate birthdays and holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Omis is a non-profit organization and a registered charity that began operation in January, 2021.  

Founder and director Nicole Thiessen said creating a business to help low-income parents celebrate special occasions had been a dream of hers for over 20 years. 

Nachelle’s Cakes is the cat’s meow

At 4 a.m., when most people are still sleeping, Leslie St-Amant and her husband George are up bakingLeslie and George own and operate Nachelle’s Cakes, a local family business that has been selling baked goods since Oct. 4, 2010.  The couple are residents of Transcona and have a fully licensed shop on their property at 1218 Kildare Ave East.Nachelle’s Cakes offer a variety of baked goods including cupcakes, cookies, cannoli and cream and fruit horns. They also have assorted squares and dainties, chocolate covered Oreos and strawberries.  Everything is baked fresh to order.Excited to share news of their new partnership, Leslie explained that Nachelle’s Cakes supplies all of the baked goods for Annie’s Attic. Located at 1560 Main St, the newly opened Annie’s Attic is a thrift store and cat café. All of the pastries are fresh from the oven and delivered to the store daily.Annie’s Attic is a non-profit organization and a branch of D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre that functions as a cat adoption centre. Funds raised from sales at the thrift store go directly to D’Arcy’s ARC and help with the care of rescued cats and dogs.    Since the store’s opening on Jan. 21, Annie’s Attic has adopted out a number of lovable cats in need of a new home.Annie’s Attic is such a “cool idea” said Leslie. When they were approached to partner with D’Arcy’s ARC, Leslie and George jumped at the idea.  “It is a labour of love, and the fact that we can help the animals is all the more reason for us to be involved,” she said. Nachelle’s Cakes also sponsors the cat café, with a portion of its sales going to support the animals’ care. Leslie and George also sell helium balloons at their store and all the proceeds go to D’Arcy’s ARC.Orders from Nachelle’s Cakes are available for pick up at Annie’s Attic. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon. to Sat.If more convenient, local residents can pick up their baked goods in Transcona.  Staff from Annie’s Attic welcomes visitors to stop by to enjoy a tasty treat from Nachelle’s Cakes, check out the second-hand treasures and spend time with the adorable cats.  For more information on Nachelle’s Cakes, visit www.nachellescakes.com. Orders can be made via e-mail or by calling 204-254-5113.  Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

At 4 a.m., when most people are still sleeping, Leslie St-Amant and her husband George are up baking

Leslie and George own and operate Nachelle’s Cakes, a local family business that has been selling baked goods since Oct. 4, 2010.  The couple are residents of Transcona and have a fully licensed shop on their property at 1218 Kildare Ave East.

Nachelle’s Cakes offer a variety of baked goods including cupcakes, cookies, cannoli and cream and fruit horns. They also have assorted squares and dainties, chocolate covered Oreos and strawberries.  

Transcona community help Dal’s

Over the past several months, COVID-19 has impacted many small businesses and local restaurants. Some have had to close while others are struggling to keep their doors open. With a desire to help, Roger, a Manitoba farmer, reached out to a local radio station for assistance. Residing just outside of Winnipeg, Roger and his wife have always enjoyed coming into the city to dine. This past December, Roger contacted QX104 FM, saying he wanted to donate $5,000 in support of local restaurants to support Winnipeg restaurants. His kind gesture became the impetus for QX’s Help Save Your Favourite Local Restaurant contest.   QX104 morning show hosts Randy Parker and Brody Jackson asked their listeners to decide which establishments should receive the funds. Listeners were asked to submit names of favourite restaurants that they felt could use the support. The five restaurants with the most nominations would then share the donation. The top five restaurants were announced  on Jan. 4 and Transcona’s Dal’s Restaurant & Lounge was one of the winners, earning $1,000.Giorgo Kodalonis and his father Pano, are the owners of Dal’s and have been in business for 25 years. Giorgo said he listens to QX104 and, although he was aware of the contest, he was taken off guard when he started to receive texts from friends and customers saying Dal’s was one of the winners.“It was overwhelming to hear the news that our restaurant had been chosen,” he said, thanking customers for their loyalty.  Roger and his wife personally delivered the donation to Giorgo and his family, along with QX104 staff. Located at 122-701 Regent Ave. W., Dal’s is geared toward families and well-known for its pizza, ribs, fried chicken and Pano’s famous salad dressing. With a rating of four out of five stars on Trip Advisor, Dal’s has been a community favourite for many years.Dal’s is currently open for pickup and delivery from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays. It also offers catering services.  Giorgo wanted to say thanks to Roger and his family for their generosity and to share his appreciation for the staff at QX104 FM. He said he’s very fortunate that he and his family can do what they enjoy and wanted to send out an a big thank you to the community of Transcona for its continued support. Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

Over the past several months, COVID-19 has impacted many small businesses and local restaurants. Some have had to close while others are struggling to keep their doors open. With a desire to help, Roger, a Manitoba farmer, reached out to a local radio station for assistance. 

Residing just outside of Winnipeg, Roger and his wife have always enjoyed coming into the city to dine. This past December, Roger contacted QX104 FM, saying he wanted to donate $5,000 in support of local restaurants to support Winnipeg restaurants. His kind gesture became the impetus for QX’s Help Save Your Favourite Local Restaurant contest.   

QX104 morning show hosts Randy Parker and Brody Jackson asked their listeners to decide which establishments should receive the funds. Listeners were asked to submit names of favourite restaurants that they felt could use the support. The five restaurants with the most nominations would then share the donation.

New Dynacare Laboratory open in Transcona

I first heard of plans to open a second Dynacare laboratory in Transcona several months ago. The new, so=called “super site,” would be the fifth location of its type in Winnipeg.  A building was secured and the new Dynacare Laboratory and Health Services Centre at 3-1581 Regent Ave. West, first opened its doors for business on Nov. 6, 2020.  Keeping in mind the importance of convenience for Transcona residents, the proposed site of the new laboratory was given careful consideration. Mark Bernhardt, spokesperson for Dynacare, shared that the new Crossroads location was chosen because it is on a major bus route and was within a few kilometres of the other laboratory in Transcona. The need for additional medical services in Transcona was deemed necessary given the lengthy wait times at the only laboratory in the area, at 701 Regent Ave. W. According to Mark, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated the need. Although this location remains open, the new super site has its benefits.  It offers extended hours and is open six days a week: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon. to Fri.; and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. With the safety of everyone in mind, the newly designed and modern super site has plexiglass shields between the seats in the waiting room.In order to increase efficiency, the new laboratory was also designed to accommodate more people at once, helping reduce wait times. In addition to doing lab work including bloodwork, urinalysis and specimen testing, the site can also do electrocardiograms, if requested by a medical professional. The super site also has access to a variety of national testing services, such as genetic testing.  (Testing for COVID-19 is not available at either location.)It is also possible to check in online at all Dynacare locations and wait at home while your spot in line is saved. Although you will not be given an appointment, an estimated time for your arrival will appear on the map.  Given the benefits of the super site model, Dynacare plans to open another location in the south end of Winnipeg later this year. The new Crossroads supersite offers “improved customer service”, according to Mark, who, as a representative of Dynacare, wanted to encourage Transcona residents to attend the new location as the need arises.   Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca 

I first heard of plans to open a second Dynacare laboratory in Transcona several months ago. The new, so-called “super site,” would be the fifth location of its type in Winnipeg.  

A building was secured and the new Dynacare Laboratory and Health Services Centre at 3-1581 Regent Ave. West, first opened its doors for business on Nov. 6, 2020.  

The joy of trimming the tree for Christmas

The idea of decorating a tree for Christmas is reported to have originated in Germany and dates back to the 16th century. Fruit and nuts are said to have been some of the first items to adorn trees at Christmas. Over time, the tradition of hanging items on a tree for the season was brought indoors. As the custom became more popular and years passed, the items used to decorate trees expanded to include candles, wafers and roses made of coloured paper. Pastries, cut into shapes of angels, flowers, hearts and stars were also used as ornaments. By the late 1800s, glass balls were all the rage.Getting together with family and friends to trim the Christmas tree is a tradition loved by many. Over the centuries, ornaments chosen to decorate trees have continued to evolve and it is not unusual for families to have more than one Christmas tree in their home, decorated in different themes.     Hand-made decorations, items purchased to celebrate special occasions or ornaments passed down through the generations can have great sentimental value and, as time passes, become cherished family heirlooms. Treasured ornaments or decorations can bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye, as they bring back thoughts of loved ones or a special time in one’s life.  Personally, I have a few ornaments that I purchased while travelling many years ago and the fond memories that come to mind make my time away seem like just yesterday.  I also have Christmas decorations that belonged to my grandparents. Whenever I look at these ornaments I am filled with nostalgia. Memories of my childhood and the time spent with my family bring joy to my heart. As special as these ornaments are to me, I can feel my excitement building as I unpack the box and take time to find the perfect place on the tree for each and every one. The emotions that such small items can evoke give people the gift of going back in time, adding to the magic of Christmas.Perhaps this holiday season you can consider the idea of giving the gift of an ornament to that special someone and create a memory, for Christmases yet to come. Stay safe and have a merry Christmas!Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca

The idea of decorating a tree for Christmas is reported to have originated in Germany and dates back to the 16th century. Fruit and nuts are said to have been some of the first items to adorn trees at Christmas. Over time, the tradition of hanging items on a tree for the season was brought indoors. 

As the custom became more popular and years passed, the items used to decorate trees expanded to include candles, wafers and roses made of coloured paper. Pastries, cut into shapes of angels, flowers, hearts and stars were also used as ornaments. By the late 1800s, glass balls were all the rage.

Getting together with family and friends to trim the Christmas tree is a tradition loved by many. Over the centuries, ornaments chosen to decorate trees have continued to evolve and it is not unusual for families to have more than one Christmas tree in their home, decorated in different themes.