
Louise Hedman
Transcona community correspondent
Louise Hedman is a community correspondent for Transcona.
Recent articles by Louise Hedman
Angels are all winners on this journey
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 3, 2023Angels bring home ringette gold
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023We have not forgotten
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022Resisting adulthood
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022New Transcona business opening soon
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022Beware the Instagram hackers
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 1, 2022The stories are everywhere; tales of how people are duped into succumbing to scams or fraud, whether through online romance sites, Instagram, Facebook, multiple emails in your inbox or those annoying phone calls for those who still have land line phones (and many who don’t).
For the most part people are savvy to the fraudsters and either hang up or block them. But the hackers seem to be getting more sophisticated, and they are so good at pulling at people’s heartstrings or circumventing their better judgment. It appears our best strategy may just be to trust no one, and thus take no risk. We can no longer have a land-line phone without screening every call. No one under the age of 50 will ever answer it anyway.
Lately there have been numerous reports of Instagram accounts being hacked and taken over by who knows who and then being used to solicit the account’s followers to purchase bitcoin or other fabulous things for sale. The hackers will send requests through Messenger accounts and offer a convincing story that the account holder is making the request. Most people will double-check through other means but not always — and that’s how they get you. A recent CBC news story told of an account whose hackers even used the account-holder’s personal photos to promote adult content.
When your account is hacked, you can try to change the password or get multiple access codes to re-enter, but these methods often do not work, and it is truly impossible to contact Meta to have it corrected. You can email them every day to no avail. When they respond they will tell you they are too busy to help you at this time and instruct you try again later. Meanwhile, your name and your account are being used as a fraudulent tool to fool people into believing you are soliciting things that don’t fit the profile of your account or promoting that doesn’t represent your beliefs or values.
The true meaning of ‘team’
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 20, 2022An expression of frustration
6 minute read Preview Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022Enjoy our winter wonderland
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022Transcona says farewell to an old friend
6 minute read Preview Friday, Oct. 8, 2021Preserving our history
4 minute read Preview Saturday, Sep. 4, 2021South Transcona CC offers plenty
6 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021Development raises questions with residents
6 minute read Preview Friday, Feb. 19, 2021Finding hope for 2021 in little and big things
6 minute read Preview Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020As we near the end of the year, we are all hopeful that 2021 will offer optimism for a near-normal existence. Although some countries have experienced devastating health issues and rampant disease, never before has the entire world been in a pandemic at the same time. As I look around me I wonder what other people are thinking as they go about their meeting their basic needs — are they coping with life as we now know it, are they suffering from depression or is there no difference in their lives. All are wearing masks, most keep their distance and most are abiding by the rules set out to protect us. Sadness, loneliness and depression are on the rise and I can clearly see why. It is more apparent than ever that most people need other people to feel alive and to function in society. Family members suddenly become closer now that we cannot see them anymore. All those disagreements seem trivial now. A funny thing happened in Transcona recently. There was a tremendous buzz over the new Wendy’s restaurant located at the corner of Regent Avenue East and Plessis Road. It was almost as if someone important was coming to town. Everywhere you went people were talking about it.“When it will ?” was the common question. The lot on which it sits has sat empty for many, many years, concrete overrun with weeds and an old chain link fence leaning to the left. I tried to understand the hype and began to think it must represent a glimmer of hope in these terrible times. People have been going about their daily routines with nothing to look forward to and this was a little thing that made them feel good. On opening day the traffic jams began, a line of cars looped around the building and onto the street with at least a one-hour wait before they could leave. People didn’t care; they were just thrilled there was somewhere they could visit with Frosties flying, burgers grilling and bank accounts dwindling. In the end they were happy, and Transcona welcomes Wendy’s back to the neighborhood. The New Year will be great. There is hope on the horizon with vaccines rolling out and case numbers falling. Winter has been kind so far and spring is not that far away. If we can all just hang in there, as the old cat poster use to say, we can make it through. To all you young people out there, we feel for you, this is not nice and we can see how you are affected. Try to think of it as just a blip in time that will eventually move forward and never be spoken of again. The lesson you can take away is that friends are super-important and shouldn’t be taken for granted because you need each other, now more than ever. Your parents are also way more important than your friends because they made you and love you to the moon and back. So although home life can be stressful right now, be nice to everyone. Happy holidays to all. Louise Hedman is a community correspondent for Transcona.
As we near the end of the year, we are all hopeful that 2021 will offer optimism for a near-normal existence.
Although some countries have experienced devastating health issues and rampant disease, never before has the entire world been in a pandemic at the same time.
As I look around me I wonder what other people are thinking as they go about their meeting their basic needs — are they coping with life as we now know it, are they suffering from depression or is there no difference in their lives. All are wearing masks, most keep their distance and most are abiding by the rules set out to protect us.
South Transcona’s ‘path to nowhere’
6 minute read Preview Friday, Oct. 2, 2020Taking stock of modern life
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020Spring is just around the corner, honest…
4 minute read Preview Thursday, Apr. 16, 2020This moment is our real-life movie
5 minute read Preview Friday, Mar. 20, 2020The next few weeks will be a true testament of love, hate, tolerance, forgiveness, relationships and survival. Families will be forced to spend way more time together than they ever dreamed of — at home, close to each other, actually talking and figuring out how to make the most of the endless amount of free time. OK... some of that may not happen — but one can hope. However, families may find themselves enjoying each other’s company and having some fun and laughs. Life is usually so busy we often don’t stop to really see each other, to appreciate what we have or who we are sharing our everyday lives with. Even though this whole coronavirus thing is freaking everyone out, this time can also help humanity analyze our whole approach to existence and realize what we need to change. Will we become involved to prevent a recurrence in the future, or is that beyond our scope as individuals? Will governments review food safety practices going forward, or will this become a new reality? Will relationships change as a result of social distancing and a dependence on online information? Will those distant connections be enough to fulfill our social needs? Kids are over the moon with joy, their faces stuck in their phones as they strive to keep connected with their friends and carry on with online learning. But this is where the online restriction tools available from the phone providers may come in handy. They may not say it, but young people are looking to us for direction and reassurance. How can we direct if we have never experienced anything like this before? Calmness, humor and love are what come to mind at this point. There are already many posts about people coming together to remain sane and keep connected. I feel there will be endless good news stories that will overshadow the bad. The sad story is there are many people who are not computer-literate or have no means of connecting to the outside world other than a TV or the good, old-fashioned landline telephone. These are the people who will become isolated and alone if an effort isn’t made to include them. Make an effort to check on your neighbours or friends who fit this bill. We are now in the middle of an uncharted world experiment; this is our real-life movie.How it will end, nobody knows. But we should all come out of it educated, closer to our loved ones and still have the ability to love.That’s a good thing. Louise Hedman is a community correspondent for Transcona.
The next few weeks will be a true testament of love, hate, tolerance, forgiveness, relationships and survival.
Families will be forced to spend way more time together than they ever dreamed of — at home, close to each other, actually talking and figuring out how to make the most of the endless amount of free time.
OK... some of that may not happen — but one can hope.
Lighten up when watching kids play
5 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 24, 202015 minutes of feel-good stories each week
3 minute read Preview Monday, Dec. 23, 2019Every time I pick up the daily newspaper or click on a news app certain feelings are evoked. More often than not, it’s not a nice feeling. No warm fuzziness or words that might bring a smile to my face. More like feelings of anger, sadness and hopelessness.Our city is in the midst of financial change, our province has a few issues, as well. I won’t even talk about the world.But then there’s that little paper published by Canstar Community News that shows up once a week, tucked within the flyers, that provides at least 15 minutes of good feelings. You can read the entire paper and rarely find a story that makes you feel bad. It’s filled with positive stories about our communities and the people living in them. Our neighbours and friends are actually out there having fun, participating in a variety of sports and bringing home the medals. Members of our communities are singing, laughing, creating and doing great things for one another. If someone is ill, they rally around to support financially or otherwise. If people are down and out, they will serve meals or knit some socks. You name it and our neighbours will attempt it. Although it’s good to keep up on the world around you it’s even better to take the time to read the stories that evoke the good feelings we all have inside us to help us make it through the day.Happy holidays everyone!Louise Hedman is a community correspondent for Transcona.
Every time I pick up the daily newspaper or click on a news app certain feelings are evoked. More often than not, it’s not a nice feeling. No warm fuzziness or words that might bring a smile to my face. More like feelings of anger, sadness and hopelessness.
Our city is in the midst of financial change, our province has a few issues, as well. I won’t even talk about the world.
But then there’s that little paper published by Canstar Community News that shows up once a week, tucked within the flyers, that provides at least 15 minutes of good feelings. You can read the entire paper and rarely find a story that makes you feel bad. It’s filled with positive stories about our communities and the people living in them. Our neighbours and friends are actually out there having fun, participating in a variety of sports and bringing home the medals.
Best Western Premier a welcome addition
5 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 29, 2019Be sure to exercise your right to vote
5 minute read Preview Friday, Oct. 4, 2019Thoughts on aging and the passion of youth
4 minute read Preview Friday, Sep. 6, 2019Celebrating all that Transcona is and was
6 minute read Preview Friday, Jul. 12, 2019Keeping an eye out for the neighbourhood
5 minute read Preview Friday, Mar. 22, 2019A home is one of the largest investments a person or family will make in their lifetime.They commit to a mortgage and take pride in their purchase. It is considered a safe and happy place where they will raise a family, create memories, make new friends and, in some cases, live their entire lives. When people choose a neighbourhood to live in they carefully consider schools, shopping, recreation and employment. When neighbourhoods begin to change due to aging infrastructure, declining interest in worship or various other reasons, developers begin to explore the possibilities.There are those developers who carefully plan their next steps within a neighbourhood and who design projects that fit in without disturbing the vibe, so to speak. Others design for maximum profit without regard for the people who have invested everything into their areas.I have lived in the Transcona area for many years and I have seen it evolve from a small-town feel, where everyone knows everyone else, to a place that is changing rapidly. I am beginning to see small empty lots filled with homes that don’t match the surrounding houses and towering complexes overshadowing the neighbourhood’s original one-storey homes. Most people are passive and don’t pay much attention when something new is proposed, while others will stand up to make themselves heard. In my daily travels I see multiple new complexes that have been approved by the City of Winnipeg that do not allow sufficient parking spaces per unit. The new norm is 1.2 spaces per unit, which means residents of these new complexes park on surrounding streets. Residents who are unwilling neighbors to these complexes now have difficulty finding spots in front of their own homes for an additional vehicle or visiting friends or relatives. Something else that has been overlooked is building height. Some units being proposed are three or more storeys high (35 feet), adjacent to homes that are 14 feet tall, on average. Homeowners will no longer have privacy in their own yards and, in certain circumstances, will no longer experience sunlight through the windows or in their yards. All of these things ultimately affect the value of our properties and not always for the better. Many neighbourhoods have been in the news lately, protesting these very scenarios.Should we be allowing those we elected to office and the committees making the decisions to continue with these approvals, or should we be standing up for the little things we enjoy in the biggest investments of our lives? It’s your call. Louise Hedman is a community correspondent for Transcona.
A home is one of the largest investments a person or family will make in their lifetime.
They commit to a mortgage and take pride in their purchase. It is considered a safe and happy place where they will raise a family, create memories, make new friends and, in some cases, live their entire lives.
When people choose a neighbourhood to live in they carefully consider schools, shopping, recreation and employment.
Ah, the joy of pets and parenting
5 minute read Preview Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019When someone you love asks you if your family can add a pet as an addition to your family, just say no! There’s always that thing that kids do when they ask a parent the all-important question: First they put their little hand in yours and give you a hug “just because” — then they look you in the eye, lower their voices and say, “Mom, can we get a cat, (or dog, fish, hamster, guinea pig, tea cup pig, hedgehog, horse, donkey or a rabbit)? It’s the way they do it that melts your heart and lowers your defences. The batting of the eyelashes, the cutesy voice and, of course, the promises. They will use that word more than they ever have or will in the next 15 years. “I promise I will take care of it, I promise I will feed it, I promise I will play with it,” and, most important of all, “I promise I will clean up its poop.” So what do we do? We agree, knowing that they may or may not live up to all the promises. It’s like we are conducting an experiment on our children to see if they are able to keep promises. I’d love to hear the stats on exactly how many families have had a positive result on this test. Once the pet arrives in your home, it’s a big deal for about two months and then the poor little thing starts to get lonely.The reminders start to come weekly, then daily. The pet may start to act out to get attention. It may chew your furniture, your hockey jerseys and anything paper-like. It will mark its territory on your precious things. In the end, someone other than the promiser will have to do all the necessary tasks involved with caring for the pet and each and every time they are performing the task the same thought will resurface:“I will never do this again.”The funniest thing is the kids keep on trying. Every few months they will say “can we get a dog? I love dogs, I will take care of it, and I will do everything.”That’s when the look will come out, they know exactly what it means but they don’t care, they will continue to test us to see when we are ready to crack again. Joey is a blue dwarf rabbit who is loved.Louise Hedman is a community correspondent for Transcona.
When someone you love asks you if your family can add a pet as an addition to your family, just say no!
There’s always that thing that kids do when they ask a parent the all-important question: First they put their little hand in yours and give you a hug “just because” — then they look you in the eye, lower their voices and say, “Mom, can we get a cat, (or dog, fish, hamster, guinea pig, tea cup pig, hedgehog, horse, donkey or a rabbit)?
It’s the way they do it that melts your heart and lowers your defences. The batting of the eyelashes, the cutesy voice and, of course, the promises. They will use that word more than they ever have or will in the next 15 years.
The thrill of being a movie stuntman
6 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 25, 2019Live life to the fullest — every day
4 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 30, 2018The Painter’s Cafe is a creative haven
4 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 2, 2018The passing of a Transcona institution
5 minute read Preview Friday, Oct. 5, 2018If it seems too good to be true, it is
5 minute read Preview Friday, Sep. 7, 2018A different kind of grief
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jun. 15, 2018When you lose someone through death, the experience is never nice but in some way you know it’s final.
When you lose the company of a good friend, you experience a feeling of loss combined with the hope that someday there will be reconciliation.
When you lose a child’s partner due to a relationship breakdown, well... how can you describe it? If you were unsure of the relationship from the start you may be experiencing joy but, at the same time, trying to ease the pain for your child.
If you really cared for the departed boyfriend or girlfriend you may feel like you’ve lost a close friend or loved one. With each situation there will be a different outcome.
An ode to the Humboldt Broncos
2 minute read Preview Friday, Apr. 20, 2018Winnipeg Gold wins silver at Winter Games
3 minute read Preview Friday, Mar. 23, 2018Remember when life seemed simpler?
3 minute read Preview Friday, Feb. 23, 2018Dreaming of my next winter break…
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 26, 2018The secret gem
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018Online threats stir up fear and doubt
3 minute read Preview Friday, Dec. 1, 2017Fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. There are many spinoffs and numerous feelings associated with this word such as anxiety, apprehension and distress.
I initially thought that recent online threats were a new thing in our part of these country but after a quick internet search I now realize it has been going on for quite a while.
I’m referring to the crazy threats posted online via Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube — threats which indicate that a person or person(s) is or are going to “shoot up” a specific school and, in some cases,people inside the school. Such threats are seen by hundreds of people within minutes and they’re quickly shared to hundreds more.
The first reaction a parent has upon seeing one of these is instant fear, accompanied by a sick feeling to the stomach.
Keeping memories alive in Transcona
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017Only love will bring us together
3 minute read Preview Friday, Oct. 6, 2017Local filmmaker full of drive and energy
3 minute read Preview Friday, Aug. 11, 2017The ups and downs of Ultimate Frisbee
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jul. 14, 2017Are you ready for Trans + FORM?
2 minute read Preview Friday, Jun. 16, 2017High school graduation is in the air
3 minute read Preview Friday, May. 19, 2017They grow up so fast and before you know it, they are about to graduate from high school.
That’s when the big question comes from all directions — “what do you want to be?” Everyone wants to know whether young people of 17 or 18 have made a decision that will either propel them into more years of education or directly into the world of work.
Most of the kids I have asked don’t know what they want to do after high school; they have a couple ideas in their heads but nothing solid.
Some may continue on with university or post-secondary school hoping to find something of interest that they will stick with in working world. Others will work in the retail sector for now and hope to figure it out later.
Prairie voles are natural artists
3 minute read Preview Friday, Apr. 21, 2017Want to help your community? Join a board
3 minute read Preview Friday, Mar. 24, 2017Have you ever had the desire to help out in your community and wondered how you could make it happen?
Well, spring usually brings out the annual general meeting in everyone. You can volunteer to join the board of directors of an organization that shares similar interests as yourself.
This will allow you to be up front and centre and give back to your community at the same time. It’s a great way to be more involved in the behind-the-scenes decisions as well as be hands-on at any events the organization may host.
A person must be either appointed or elected to a position and organizations are usually looking for individuals with specific skills or experience that fit their mission statements. You will not be paid for being on a board but your time will be much appreciated and you will gain valuable life experience.
So you wanna start a high school hockey team?
3 minute read Preview Friday, Feb. 24, 2017For years, myself and other parents involved in community club sports have wondered how inter-school sports work.
The Manitoba High Schools’ Athletics Association plans, supervises and administers inter-school sports activities for the province and guides the operation of fair and equitable sporting events for the high schools. The province is divided into 15 zones, each with its own president. Some 190 schools are members of this association, and its multi-page handbook, which is quite an interesting read, can be found at: www.mhsaa.ca/files/2016-2017-handbook.pdf
The River East Transcona School Division is a member of the Kilcona Peguis Athletic Conference and works in conjunction with the MHSAA. Schools must apply to become eligible to join the association and pay yearly fees once accepted. Some of the sports offered in high school programs include volleyball, badminton, golf, basketball, football, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, track and field, hockey, curling, fast pitch softball and cross-country skiing.
The junior or middle school level also offers inter-school sports programming as well, but works with other associations such as Athletics Manitoba, Volleyball Manitoba and Sport Manitoba, which offer a variety of programs and partner options.
Exam season is upon us – are you ready?
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 27, 2017If you could stop time, would you?
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jan. 2, 2017Transcona’s special, secret place
3 minute read Preview Friday, Dec. 2, 2016A much-anticipated space to play
3 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 4, 20161st Transcona Scouts are 65 years strong
3 minute read Preview Friday, Oct. 7, 2016Meet the Dragon Boxers: Our team, our passion
3 minute read Preview Friday, Sep. 9, 2016Searching for an elusive train
2 minute read Preview Friday, Aug. 12, 2016The story behind one small cemetery
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jul. 15, 2016There is a new four-lane roadway being built directly north of Kildonan Place which will become a regular route for many in order to avoid using Regent Avenue.
Just north of this roadway there is a small fenced-in green space where 113 people have been laid to rest. This space is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Western Canada and is called The Children of Israel Cemetery.
I was curious to learn where the people came from who were resting there and why that particular location was chosen. What I found out was quite interesting.
In the spring of 1882, approximately 400 Jewish refugees left the Austrian Galician city of Borody bound for Winnipeg. When they arrived they received help from the small existing community of Jewish people with food, interpreters and immigration sheds for shelter. About 150 of the men became involved in the construction of the CPR, laying track as far west as Moose Jaw, Sask. When the recession came, jobs were hard to find and they were forced to live in the primitive immigration sheds.
Does anyone remember Uncle Ben’s beer?
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jun. 17, 2016Aboriginal mentorship program aids literacy
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 24, 2016I recently learned of an interesting mentoring program which is a collaborative effort between one of our local high schools and an elementary school.
The program was conceived by the Aboriginal Academic Achievement committees of Harold Hatcher Elementary School and Murdoch MacKay Collegiate, vice-principals from both schools, several teachers and literary coaches.
The program connects 11 high school students from Murdoch MacKay with 19 elementary students from Harold Hatcher. Most of the participants or families have self-identified as Aboriginal upon registration or are interested in promoting positive culture and identity. The mandate of the mentorship program is to promote Aboriginal culture and understanding, strengthen literacy skills in high school and elementary school and to build a connection between high school role models and younger students.
The program began in October 2015, with a Feast Day hosted by Murdoch MacKay which was attended by students, selected staff and families of the students.
Ah yes, it’s road trip time again
3 minute read Preview Monday, Apr. 25, 2016A birdwatcher’s winter wonderland
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 29, 2016Memories that will never fade
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 22, 2016As I turn the pages of the photo albums and reminisce about the good old days, when I was young and carefree, part of me wants desperately to go back to that exact point in time where there was no fear, no worries, and no responsibility.
When I tell the young people around me to enjoy each and every day they have being young, they just don’t get it. Only when they have lived a few more years, finished school, chosen a career and experienced the good and bad, will they truly understand.
I don’t recall my Mom ever telling me not to want to grow up too fast, or maybe I never told her I wanted too?
I was probably enjoying all the fun stuff we were doing to ever notice. Too bad we can’t stay 11 forever.
The lows (and highs) of being a sports parent
2 minute read Preview Friday, Dec. 4, 2015Reading the old-fashioned way
3 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 6, 2015Such a long time for such a short road
2 minute read Preview Monday, Sep. 14, 2015The race is on… now who’s running?
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015Surviving your child’s teenage years
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 20, 2015Oh, to have a father
2 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 15, 2015Every year when Father’s Day rolls around, I find myself observing all the people who have active fathers in their lives and wonder what it would have been like.
I watch as they share special moments with their kids, how they teach them those unusual things that mom just can’t do, the special way they tuck them into bed and how proud they are of their kids.
It must be such a great thing for a kid to experience. For those little ones who don’t get to experience a father, the next best thing is mom.
I haven’t shown my appreciation for anyone on Father’s Day for over 40 years but the day brings back all the memories of the great things my mom did for us to make up for us not having a dad. She did anything and everything she could to make sure we had food, clothing and a semi-normal home to live in. She sacrificed herself because she had no other choice. She had two jobs in a time where most women stayed home with the kids and didn’t earn any money.
Transcona reacted well to litter news
3 minute read Preview Monday, May. 25, 2015Running a household really is work
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2015A Canada Winter Games experience
4 minute read Preview Monday, Mar. 2, 2015Bullying makes no sense at all
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015Bullying is a really nasty thing. I am pretty sure most people have experienced it in some form or another and it’s particularly painful when you’re a child. It has led to suicide and should be considered a silent killer.
I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject and am only speaking from experience. Some of you may have no idea what I am talking about, which makes you very fortunate.
I recently learned of a fabulous movement which began in Calgary, Alta., called Friends First Ringette. Friends First is a team-based campaign, inspired by Hazel Skinner, which teaches young women to be kind, support one another and “pay it forward.”
Athletes on a team are encouraged to explore what makes them unique and know that diversity brings strength to a team. Female athletes are taught that they are “unique, beautiful, confident and supportive.” Recognizing and encouraging these qualities provides a safe environment in which young women can explore their full potentials.
The real place to experience calm
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015Our family has finally experienced Disney World for the first time. After hearing so many positive stories from many friends, we were really pumped to go.
After weaving our way through traffic, lineups, lots and lots of people and the occasional police-filled parking lot, we came to realize that maybe the place is just not for us. Don’t get me wrong — the parks are beautiful, every detail is on the mark — we just didn’t care for the mayhem of it all. Our entire group of 13 family members respected each other for the most part and there were no major incidents. One if the neatest things to see was Spanish moss hanging from most of the trees.
It was the second leg of our journey that was a revelation. Clearwater, Fla., was where we should have been all along.
A sunny 30 C day gives a person the most heavenly feeling. Once you get through some small traffic jams it’s all coasting after that. Walking is the best mode of transportation to the beach, shopping and eating. The sunsets are spectacular.
Competition can bring out worst in us
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014Competition can be defined as a contest for a prize, honour or advantage. It’s interesting to observe how our fellow human beings react when faced with competition in their lives.
Here are just some of the behavioral traits I have witnessed:
In the workplace: cheating (in way too many forms), dishonesty, backstabbing, nepotism and many other forms of frowned-upon behaviour.
In sports: performance-enhancement drugs, mental, physical and verbal abuse, nepotism, favoritism, bribery and just plain nastiness.
Showing love for the summer season
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014How do you think you come across?
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 22, 2014How did plastic flamingoes land here?
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 25, 2014It’s spring at last… it’s spring at last…
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2014How is the Plessis underpass going?
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2014Transcona teen is Paralympics ambassador
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2014Ah, yes… the good old days of childhood
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014I grew up in Transcona, on the edge, when Redonda Street was gravel and there were really deep ditches.
The wide open spaces seemed endless to me. A lot of the kids from the street would go on day-long adventures together. We would ask our moms to pack a lunch and we’d jump on our bikes and head out on the long journey. Our little legs would pedal those bikes all the way down the gravel roads until we arrived at horse pond. It seemed like it took hours and we were so tired.
We would find branches and poke around the edges until we saw something interesting and, of course, frogs were the main priority. The boys would bring them home and treat them with the greatest care. We would break off bull rushes, mush them all up and scatter the fluff into the air. It was great. The longest journeys were all the way down Kildare Avenue to the floodway, starting at Redonda Street. This road seemed like the longest gravel road in the world. There were no houses there, just wide open fields and an occasional bush section.
When we reached the big hill and got to the top, we all just stood there are looked down. Then we did what we shouldn’t have, and got on our bikes and rode really fast down the hill until we reached the water. Wow that was fun. Luckily no one wiped out. We spent a long time there, just hanging out, throwing rocks.
Cherish the richness of Transcona wildlife
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014Are you aware of all the wildlife around you?
I am pretty sure some of you know there are many wild animals that live amongst us. Yes, even in urban areas there are many forms of wildlife that co-exist with us on a daily basis. We all know about the deer and the little brown rabbits (those darned rabbits) but you may not realize there are coyotes, raccoons, owls, falcons, hawks, jackrabbits, skunks, ground hogs, foxes, many types of birds and that one really big buck.
No, I am not going to tell you guys where that buck lives, all I can say is I may have seen him bedding down on Dugald Road, behind the District 4 station.
We also can’t forget that cougar sighting. Wasn’t that just last weekend?
A little appreciation goes a long way
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013Transcona community pulls together
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013The week of Oct 24 to 30 was horrific for one Transcona family and their close-knit community. Brad Little, a very special person in the community, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 24. The community of Transcona, as well Brad’s family and friends, jumped into action and planned a celebration of life service for Oct. 30 at East End Arena.
Everything seemed to have fallen into place until another unexpected event occurred — the morning of the celebration, a vehicle in a police chase smashed into the exact spot where the arena’s ice-making machinery is housed. Nearby homes were evacuated and everything inside the building was exposed to ammonia. All the preparations were ruined.
This is when the true definition of community, dedication and overwhelming support became evident.
Within hours, friends, family and even casual acquaintances worked together to quickly arrange a new venue for the memorial.
Not complaining about underpass project
1 minute read Preview Wednesday, Sep. 4, 2013Re: “Plessis closure will require sacrifice” Letters, The Herald, Aug. 21
Editor,I think my interview in the Herald (“Plessis Road Closure already affecting family” Aug. 7) may have been misconstrued by some that I am complaining about the underpass project. Nothing could be further from the truth, as we have lobbied harder than anyone to have this long overdue project advanced (as Councillor Wyatt would attest to).Another point is that it would have been nice to have a temporary road in place rather than completely shutting down Plessis Road. Similar accommodations were made to keep one lane of Disraeli Freeway open for the East Kildonan residents.It would have also been a nice gesture for CN Rail to contribute to the project by shortening the length of the trains during the construction period.My intent during the interview was just to open a dialogue on how the closure of Plessis Road, for the projected year and a half, impacts residents, particularly those in south Transcona who are still suffering from the closure of the public access to CN’s midway several years back.Louise HedmanSouth Transcona