Janine LeGal

Are we forgetting to celebrate being alive?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself how much of your life is spent smiling, laughing or, dare I say, being joyful?

New rink for Riverview CC

Riverview Community Centre is celebrating a brand-new, permanent outdoor ice rink this month, a perfect place to work off the stress of the day with a night of skating or hockey.

Thickening the canopy

Trees, one of nature’s most beautiful wonders, are powerful forces, offering a long list of benefits. From reducing noise and air pollution, preventing soil erosion, protecting against wind and snow, providing shelter for wildlife and sanctuary for humans, to improving mental health and beautifying neighbourhoods, parks and green spaces, trees are invaluable.

It’s true that wisdom can come with age

It’s hard to believe the end of the year is upon us, isn’t it? Somehow time floats away and we don’t notice it until it’s too late – to do something, to call or visit someone, or to tell someone we care about them. Over the last year I’ve had the honour of writing stories for the Winnipeg Free Press Passages section. It’s a place for tributes about people who have contributed in significant ways to making our communities stronger. Writing those stories has affected me in profound ways. Interviewing loved ones of those who’ve passed, often unexpectedly, many of them not yet in their golden years, continues to teach me to cherish time.

The vital importance of making time for people

I came to know Sathya when we lived in Lord Roberts. She lived in Riverview, on the other side of Osborne Street, a few blocks away from us. Like me, she was a lover of plant-based foods and cared very much about our neighbourhood. Over about five years and through many online conversations I learned of some of her struggles with accessing good food and health-care services on her limited budget. She had been diagnosed with ALS in 2006.

We are all capable of amazing things

Autumn is already here. Holidays are done for now, for most people. It’s back to school and a return to productivity, routines, schedules and worries about catching the flu or worse. In all of that, it’s good when we find something or someone to inspire us, to remind us that we can do great things even with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The joy of shopping at Jardins St-Léon Gardens

Early morning on the first day of August, the people came to saunter and to shop. It was the perfect holiday Monday, warm but not too warm, bright, sunny and relaxed. It’s just a few minutes away from our home but every time we tried to get to Jardins St-Léon Gardens in the past few months, it was packed, so we’d put it off for another time. Even though getting up super-early on a holiday is not one of my favourite things, this was a good time and a good place to be.

In the summer time, when the weather is hot…

CENTRAL PARK

A perfect place for nutritious comfort food

Having a pleasant experience at a neighbourhood restaurant used to be something many of us did all the time without giving it a second thought. But with the last two years the way they’ve been, well, some of us feel like we’re just now returning to the world. I’m one of those, not having gone out much at all during the worst of the pandemic, so every meal out feels like a reason to celebrate.

Living in central St. Boniface means we are within walking distance of a variety of eating establishments, which we are only now fully discovering. On this weekday morning I was meeting someone for breakfast at the Marion Street Eatery. located inside the Marion Hotel. It was a windy, cold and grey day in late spring, with snowflakes still flying about. But the Eatery was warm and cozy and almost packed; the atmosphere was welcoming. As a long-time, gluten-sensitive vegan, it’s not easy to find menu items I can eat with my dietary restrictions, so I’d called ahead and been told there’d be something for me.

I have a three-set rule to live by when it comes to food. It has to look, smell and taste delicious and this little gem of a place exceeded in all three areas.

My eating companion had waffles with syrupy maple sauce, whipped cream and bacon, which she seemed to wolf down with great gusto. My dish took a while longer to finish but only because I had ordered the Boho, which featured a chickpea omelette with an array of mushrooms, kale, pistachio, smashed avocado, sweet sriracha lime, and pickled red onion. For those not gluten-sensitive, it comes with battered cauliflower. The generous portion was hearty and filling. I tried to savour every delicious bite. I have a deep appreciation for chefs who understand vegan food and this one certainly does. As it was a Friday morning I decided to splurge and wash it down with a mimosa. Decadent was my word for that morning.

A new discovery, just down the street

The sun shines brightly as I write this, and the last of the snow has finally melted in our north-facing yard. Spring had a late arrival, but aren’t we all glad it’s finally here?

It was my partner Derek’s birthday last month and in keeping with our commitment to exploring different restaurants in our neighbourhood we experienced, at long last, Nola. Located at the southeast corner of Tache and Marion, and just a short walk from our home, Nola did not disappoint. For a special occasion it had to be good and it was that and much more.

The ambience is modern and elegant without being intimidating, the space: warm and open. In the early ’80s I lived in one of the upstairs apartments above what was then a Chinese restaurant, I think. I loved living there, as it always felt like being in the heart of St. Boniface. The building has been beautifully renovated since, at least a few times, I’m sure. Forty years ago I appreciated the proximity to the many nearby conveniences and I still do. Now it has the added charm and designation of being a treasured historic building.

The service was excellent and the food, well, this is where we tasted some of the best and newest flavour combinations. Dishes at Nola are meant to be shared. However, with one meat eater and one vegan in this couple, we couldn’t share everything, but we did make some amazing discoveries. Derek devoured the butcher’s steak plate with fermented black bean and honey marinade, fried Brussels sprouts and grilled asparagus. The amazing revelation there is that he normally hates Brussels sprouts. As the vegan in the family, I thoroughly enjoyed the roasted cauliflower steak and lentils that came with sautéed kale and tamarind gravy. We shared the Brussels sprout winter salad, which surprised even the server after we’d told her that Derek would never consume anything Brussels sprout-related. But this time he did, and he enjoyed it immensely. The salad was a work of art, with layers of roasted yams, grilled onion, radicchio, squash puree, pickled cranberry, sunflower seeds and maple balsamic vinaigrette. As someone who creates and consumes large amounts of all kinds of salad, this was like no other salad I’d ever had and it truly was divinely delicious.

‘A sturdy house, with a big heart’

Crescentwood has been home to writer and creator Debbie Schnitzer for a long time. After living beside 1071 McMillan Ave. for 15 years, she moved into and has lived at that address for the past 22 years.

“I had long admired it, especially the fact that it had a main floor bathroom and an addition that could be used for a bedroom. My husband was chronically ill and required at-home dialysis and this space was perfect for him. We did not have main-floor space in our own house that could accommodate his needs and so when this one went on the market, we were thrilled to be able to purchase it,” Schnitzer explained.

The character home, thought to be about 110 years old, is a two-and-a-half-storey, four-bathroom, three-bedroom house with an open front porch, an enclosed three-season back porch, a kitchen with a gas stove from France and a basement playroom for Schnitzer’s grandchildren, with a laundry room attached.

“It has such lovely, untouched wood trim, old hardwood floors well worn, teak counters and floor in the kitchen (amazingly designed by the former owners) — it is such a sturdy house, with a big heart, accepting of all the colours I’ve experimented with, playful in its spirit, I think. As an old house (something like me), it can express itself within a range of things that wear out, break, or give way… I am deeply unhandy so I rely on the expertise of strangers to put parts of her back together again as needs be,” Schnitzer added.

Pasquale’s Ristorante is a neighbourhood gem

My partner and I celebrate two years of living in central St. Boniface this month. For much of that time the pandemic was in full force, so being at home was the thing to do. I often thought about how lucky we were to have a home and one that, although extremely small, offers us all of the comforts we need. We downsized considerably from our four-bedroom rental in Lord Roberts to move into a one-bedroom apartment on the top floor of a duplex, selling a few things but giving away much more. In a way, it was the best place to be during such a stressful time. It was comfortable and safe. We came to know a few of our neighbours and that’s been a real benefit.

We spent a lot of time in our little shared backyard, puttering, growing vegetables and flowers and, when we could, visiting with friends outdoors and enjoying barbecues. Although we’re close to conveniences such as grocery stores and restaurants, our street is relatively quiet, with the only notable sounds being those of children playing, birds singing and squirrels chattering.

But with so many things closed over the last two years, we haven’t had the chance to explore our new neighbourhood. Now that businesses are open again, we’re making it a priority to start to discover the gems within walking distance in our neighbourhood.

We experienced one of those gems on the first Saturday in April when we made a reservation with friends for dinner at Pasquale’s Ristorante and Pizzeria at 109 Marion St. The family-owned restaurant has been an iconic Winnipeg eatery since 1977, moving to St. Boniface from its Osborne location in 1996. For over a quarter of a century, patrons have been enjoying traditional Italian food at this location, so it was time to check it out and I’m so glad we did.

A unique oasis on the Red

For over 30 years, a house located on Kildonan Drive next to the Red River in East Kildonan has been home to Peggy Brooke and her husband Chris. It’s a home they share with their two beloved cats, Winnifred and Dorothy. The retired couple also has one daughter, Everly, who likewise lives in their cherished neighbourhood.

Unlike most buyers purchasing a new home, Brooke and her family had the rare opportunity to learn a lot about the origins of their new but historic place of residence. When buying it, over three decades ago, they were given an album in which pictures and stories about the original owner had been collected, offering them a step-by-step look at the building, and thereby the history of the house.

Peggy Brooke cites a Mr. Wilson as the home’s original builder, who began clearing the site and digging the foundation in 1932, aided by literal horse power.

“The stone foundation and fireplace were built with rocks from all over Canada and the front room is a log cabin,” Brooke explained. “The family lived in the basement while Mr. Wilson took almost 20 years to complete the house. He worked as he had the money and (they were) mortgage-free. When the flood in 1950 came, the family finally moved upstairs.

Behind the yellow door

The house with a sunshine yellow door at 240 Des Meurons St. in St. Boniface wasn’t always a house. The structure built in 1903 was originally a three-storey apartment building. At some point in the 1980s, the space was transformed into a single-family dwelling.

For the last 19 years the historic property has been home to Nicole Mastaler, her husband Guy and their daughters, Madison and Ava.

The family had been living in a smaller St. Boniface home but needed more space to accommodate a growing home business. During their search for a bigger house, their realtor encouraged the Mastalers to have a look at a property, which wasn’t quite what they were expecting. They were initially hesitant to even go in and look.

“Our realtor says ‘You have to see it, you have to go in, it’s a unique place.’ We walked in and it was instant. I had to have this place. It was immediate,” Nicole remembers. While exploring the basement, Guy, who runs an upholstery business, came upon some unexpected challenges.

Counting down the days until spring

I have to admit I’ve been doing my share of complaining about the extreme cold and excessive snow this winter. Though I generally like winter, this particular season has been most challenging. Maybe it’s because I’m older. Or maybe it’s because I slipped and fell down our front steps and 10 days later still have a bruise the size of a gallery painting on my backside. I’m not sure. But lately I’ve been asking myself more frequently why I live here. I recently received an email from a friend who lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the average daily high in February is 31 C. He stayed with us for three months a few years ago while he attended English classes, and we continue to exchange perspectives on life in our respective countries. I’ve been sending him photos of our winter wonderland. Here’s an excerpt from his thoughts about living in a hot climate: “In Rio, I have been struggling with this unusual humid summer. The temperatures are high but the feeling is even worse with the high levels of humidity in the air. Sometimes, I feel suffocated. Every now and then, I resort to a shopping mall near my house for air conditioning. All I need is winter. By the way, the amount of snow in your front yard is impressive, for one can barely see the street. Thanks for the picture, though. I wish we had here a bit of the chilling wind that you have over there. If we only could swap…” Funny thing how we often seem to want what we don’t have and how those things always seem more appealing than the things we do have. I try to find the bright side, though. There’s often one somewhere. As I write this a friend texted to let me know there was yet another blizzard warning coming our way. That’s not the bright side. But it made me realize how excited I am about the next season. So I’m counting the days to spring, oh yes I am. The cold provides an opportunity to have a new season to look forward to. I’m eagerly awaiting backyard barbecues, swapping stories with neighbours over the fence, sitting on the front steps and greeting people walking their dogs in the neighbourhood. I look forward to sauntering over to the local coffee shop and restaurants without worry of the bitterly cold winter winds, the slick ice underneath the layers of snow, or the long list of pandemic restrictions. Spring is almost here. I think it’s safe to say that all of us are going to be appreciating it in a big way this year. As for my Brazilian friend, I don’t know that he really wants to swap climates. He’s planning to come visit us this year, but surprisingly, not in winter. Janine LeGal is a community correspondent for St. Boniface.  

I have to admit I’ve been doing my share of complaining about the extreme cold and excessive snow this winter. Though I generally like winter, this particular season has been most challenging. Maybe it’s because I’m older. Or maybe it’s because I slipped and fell down our front steps and 10 days later still have a bruise the size of a gallery painting on my backside. I’m not sure. But lately I’ve been asking myself more frequently why I live here. 

I recently received an email from a friend who lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the average daily high in February is 31 C. He stayed with us for three months a few years ago while he attended English classes, and we continue to exchange perspectives on life in our respective countries. I’ve been sending him photos of our winter wonderland. Here’s an excerpt from his thoughts about living in a hot climate: 

The magic of La Maison Gabrielle-Roy

Gabrielle Roy was an award-winning Canadian author, novelist and teacher from St. Boniface, Man., and a major figure in French Canadian literature. Born in 1909, the youngest of 11 children took to writing early on and produced a tremendous body of work before she died in 1983 Quebec at the age of 74.

The celebrated author spent all of her youth and the first years of her adult life in the home which still stands at 375 Rue Deschambault. Through multiple transformations over the years, La Maison Gabrielle-Roy, now a heritage site and museum, pays homage to Roy by showcasing her birthplace, promoting her work and encouraging French writing and artistic expression in Manitoba. Executive director Sébastien Gaillard fully appreciates the history of the building and the literary work of Gabrielle Roy.

“All our artifacts date from 1910 to 1920. The house reflects this era inside and out,” he said.  “Built in 1905, the birthplace of Gabrielle Roy is a very important and recurring symbol in the work of the notorious French-Canadian author. Her books and the descriptions we find there allow us to mentally recreate the home of the time of Gabrielle Roy.”

According to historical documents, Léon Roy, Gabrielle’s father, acquired, for approximately $600, a large piece of land which he subdivided into five lots around 1903. He sold four and kept the fifth, at the corner of Rue Des Meurons and Deschambault, to create his home. Construction began in 1904 and the Roy family moved in August, 1905. The house cost $3,200 to build.

We could all use more feel-good stories

It’s not easy trudging through heavy, knee-deep snow. It feels almost like a metaphor for life during a pandemic. It was a memorable snowfall we had, ensuring a particularly white Christmas. The snow was light and pretty but it was everywhere, and deep. Long before city crews could get out to start clearing, my partner was scraping, shoveling and snow-blowing not only our walkway, sidewalk and parking spot, but the entire block of our street, front and back. He spent well over three hours doing it while it was brutally cold. When I reminded him that there was more snow in the forecast, a snowfall warning in fact, he replied, “That’s OK, I’ll go back out and do it all over again.”I was really moved by his genuine interest in making life easier for others in our central St. Boniface neighbourhood, not for any kind of recognition or reward, but just because he enjoys helping out and making a difference.I posted about it on social media, which generated a significant response from readers wishing they were our neighbours, others thanking him, and yet others sharing their own stories of their own local heroes. I was taken aback by how much attention my little story about my partner clearing the snow had attracted. It got me thinking once again about how in the last two years we’ve become a little more aware of what matters most and how each of us can make a little difference to ease others’ hardships in what continues to be a challenging time for all of us.While visiting a family member in hospital a few weeks ago, we approached the front desk on the way out. The nurses seemed to be braced for complaints or worse. But we weren’t there to complain. We stopped to thank them; I mean really thank them - hand-on-heart, tears-in-eyes kind of gratitude. The conditions in which they’re working are at times unimaginable. The nurses were so thankful for the message we shared with them. I can think of few things more important than the work of those looking after our loved ones. Whether it’s clearing snow, sending a message to someone who’s been alone or isolated or saying thank you, there’s something all of us can do to brighten another’s day. Amidst all of the depressing news there are stories of our own heroes making a difference, and it’s important to be reminded that they exist and to let them know that they are appreciated. I think it’s safe to say we can all use a few more feel-good stories. All it takes is some thoughtfulness and a generous helping of gratitude. Janine LeGal is a community correspondent for St. Boniface. 

It’s not easy trudging through heavy, knee-deep snow. It feels almost like a metaphor for life during a pandemic.

 It was a memorable snowfall we had, ensuring a particularly white Christmas. The snow was light and pretty but it was everywhere, and deep. Long before city crews could get out to start clearing, my partner was scraping, shoveling and snow-blowing not only our walkway, sidewalk and parking spot, but the entire block of our street, front and back. He spent well over three hours doing it while it was brutally cold. When I reminded him that there was more snow in the forecast, a snowfall warning in fact, he replied, “That’s OK, I’ll go back out and do it all over again.”

I was really moved by his genuine interest in making life easier for others in our central St. Boniface neighbourhood, not for any kind of recognition or reward, but just because he enjoys helping out and making a difference.

The ‘purple house’ of East Kildonan

There’s a purple house in East Kildonan that for many years has come to be known not only for its vibrant exterior colour but for its historical charm, lush garden, and accompanying stories. Attracting attention from passersby, neighbourhood children, and others from different areas wanting to view the often talked about structure, the landmark house at 115 Linden Ave. celebrates its 100th birthday this year.

Laurie Goetz, mother, grandmother, and thrift store manager is the proud owner of the much-loved purple house.

Goetz first noticed the house for sale in 1990. Pregnant with her second child and envisioning it as her ‘forever home’, she and her then-husband made an offer of $82,500.

“I felt certain it was to be ours, only to lose the bid to a family with the same offer but with a possession date one month sooner,” Goetz said. “I was devastated. We had looked at many other homes in the area, but none could match its character and uniqueness.”

Tomorrow isn’t promised, so live today

What a year it’s been. Twelve months of uncertainty and worrisome headline news. Most, if not all, of us have been impacted either directly or indirectly by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And nobody really knows when it will end. But we are still here. Waking up every morning and forging ahead with our days, doing the best we can.

It’s easy enough to make a long list of some of the harsh and heart-breaking consequences of the pandemic. But it’s the end of the year so I thought instead I’d focus on the positive side of things. I heard Canadian actor/singer Tom Jackson in an interview last week. He said, “the one thing that this world needs more than anything else is joy.” His words really resonated for me. I think we forget sometimes that we are meant to experience joy, that joy exists all around us and is available to us in so many forms, and at all times.

I know I’m not alone when I say that this last year has been a time of reflection like no other. I’ve reviewed my priorities, cleaned house, if you will, taken inventory of what matters most to me and tried my best to focus on that and forget about the rest. The pandemic has left many vulnerable, has reminded us that nothing is to be taken for granted. Quality of life has come centre stage and I think that’s a good thing.

I took my first flight in two years to visit friends in Vancouver last month. The west coast air never felt so good, the rain never felt so refreshing, and every minute with friends was cherished more than ever. Five days there felt like five hours. It all happened so fast but I’m sure glad it happened.

The epitome of home as hub

If there was one word to describe the house at 181 Canora St. in Wolseley it might be ‘hospitality’ — because it is a place of friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers.

John David Pankratz and Jan Schmidt have made the 115-year-old house their home for 21 years and, in that time, have welcomed and hosted countless friends, family members, neighbours, guests, and tenants from around the world.

Built in 1906, the house sits on a street named after the Canadian Northern Railway.

The couple bought the house after their return from living and working in Africa for three years.

Welcome to our winter wonderland

A lot of snow has fallen over the last few days in the city and in the province. Social media has been buzzing with snow activity, in photos, videos, memes and commentary. I found myself wanting to contribute to the barrage of that myself so I’ve been actively snapping countless photos of falling snow, snow-covered windows, frosty trees, snowflakes, our snow-packed birdfeeder, yard and street and just about anything else that has snow in or on it.

Seasoned Winnipeggers have been reporting on how much snowfall has occurred, how much is on its way… many commenting on its beauty, and a few with annual complaints about the coming cold winter months.

Winter can be a harsh time on the Canadian prairies. The cold is challenging. The conditions are difficult. We rightfully worry about those without adequate housing and hope they’ll find warmth and safety. We agonize about driving on snow-packed roads and wish for no accidents or injuries. Many of us go into hibernation mode, returning to our little cocoons, with warm blankets, hot beverages and escape into our favourite books, hobbies, and movies.

 And then there are the children. On our street in central St. Boniface there are several children who enjoy playing outside year-round. I’ve often referred to seeing what I like to call Norman Rockwell paintings just outside our windows. The American painter and illustrator was famous for taking everyday moments and recreating them in his works, which had broad popular appeal.

Fraser homestead a North Kildonan treasure

As a teenager, when Chris Von Schindler had some extra cash she would treat herself to an issue of Victoria Magazine, a publication that showcased charming older homes. She dreamed of having a stately character house to decorate. In spring 2012, she and her husband found that house.

“We had at that point lived in Wolseley for nearly 20 years, loved it and had no intention of leaving. Enter two giant rescue dogs that needed a bigger yard than the homes Wolseley could provide. My husband had grown up in the North Kildonan area and was aware of the Fraser’s Grove community.”

When the house came up for sale, the couple made arrangements to view it with Von Schindler’s mother-in-law, to ensure there was sufficient space for her should the day come when she needed live-in support.

“We toured this beautiful but well lived-in home together and agreed that it was a special find. It wasn’t until we climbed to the third-floor art studio that I knew that I was home. As an artist myself, who has always lived in smaller quarters, I had always dreamt of a creative space all of my own. We looked at each other and knew that this was home,” Von Schindler said.

Enjoying the gift of live music – in St. B

On the last Saturday in September I went out for an evening of fun for the first time in what felt like a million years.

That same afternoon, there’d been a St-BoniFest music festival at Coronation Park. Organized by local musician Justin Lacroix with the help of volunteers, the event featured an impressive line-up of musicians.  Also that same day, at Le Patio 340, CaRaVaN Open Mic + Open Stage marked its 10th anniversary of weekly events for artists of multiple disciplines to gather and perform to an audience.  

It was warm and sunny, a few days after harvest moon, as my partner and I walked over to Deen’s Caribbean Restaurant on Marion Street for an evening of food and live music. Upon arrival we were greeted by familiar, friendly faces filling up the patio quickly, a perfect space for people to gather and enjoy a band. It felt so good to be in the presence of musical instruments, a sound system, and real-life musicians again.  

There we were treated to the musical force of Manitoba-born treasure, songwriter, entertainer and multi-instrumentalist Dan Frechette, now based in California, along with one of his bands, the Dylanaires. It was a full house with folksy, bluesy good energy, and everyone was just plain happy.