
Tony Zerucha
East Kildonan community correspondent
Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan.
Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
Recent articles by Tony Zerucha
Dance, dance, dance
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 3, 2023Where hockey culture is building community
4 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 3, 2023Local artists set to show and sell
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 3, 2023Preserving Tiger Pride
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023No Child Alone dinner celebrates good works
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023Keep your homes, business safe
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023Music to any music lover’s ears
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023Where every gamer knows your name…
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023Our future will be secure
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023Rotary Club’s ChickenFest helps send kids to camp
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023Play ball… hockey!
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2023Textile shop becomes hub for Ukrainian refugees
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Mar. 29, 2023Met schools create thought-provoking theatre
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Mar. 29, 2023Online fraud is on the rise – protect yourself
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023Sweets to Go will keep you coming back
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023Volker Hanke knows his fish
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023Honouring the tattoo tradition
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023On the fast track to success
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023A heartfelt thank you
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023Smart-saving company earns TIME accolade
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022Warm clothes still needed for refugees
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022Thank you, Manitoba!
Donate unwanted warm clothing this fall
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022Build your credit rating while renting
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’…
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022Camp Manitou adds lake, biking trails
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022Karma Yoga helps support Main Street Project
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022You can take the boy out of Winnipeg…
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jul. 6, 2022Don’t take refugee stories for granted
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 25, 2022Be careful with your information online
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022Grandpa’s backyard a family hub
6 minute read Preview Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022Hoping that holiday travel plans will hold
5 minute read Preview Monday, Dec. 20, 2021Help others help themselves with Kiva
6 minute read Preview Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021Paunovic stars in first NFT movie
6 minute read Preview Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021New linebacker comes into his own for Rifles
3 minute read Preview Monday, Sep. 27, 2021School sports help kids develop as people
3 minute read Preview Friday, Sep. 24, 2021Get ready to rip old documents at Shred Fest
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Sep. 22, 2021Artist’s new show celebrates celebrations
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Sep. 15, 2021Outdoor classroom at Phoenix School open this fall
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Sep. 15, 2021It’s taken a few years and plenty of work to get to this point, but students and staff at Phoenix School will finally be able to enjoy their outdoor classroom this fall.
The story dates back to 2018, when staff members discussed the idea with the Phoenix Parent Council. That led to the formation of a committee of parents, teachers and a representative from Headingley’s Bright Beginnings Educare, which used space in Phoenix School. The kids at the K to Grade 5 school were also involved with the planning, as staff talked with them about what they would like to see in the space. That feedback was included in a wish list that was included in packages provided to landscape architects.
In September 2019, the committee received a $5,000 grant from Community Futures White Horse Plains
that was used to produce architectural drawings of the space. That helped families and staff see what they were working towards and made it easier to complete other grant applications.
Oak Bluff student lands Danzker scholarship
2 minute read Preview Wednesday, Sep. 15, 2021Portage la Prairie excited for new hospital
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Sep. 15, 2021Recipe for success
6 minute read Preview Friday, Aug. 27, 2021A guardian falls
4 minute read Preview Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021“Be kind, rewind…”
7 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 16, 2021Johnson wins trifecta at Rossmere
4 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 16, 2021Oliphant heads for national senior tourney
5 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 16, 2021New rec co-ordinator sees great opportunities
5 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 16, 2021Riverview T-shirts a hit in the neighbourhood
2 minute read Preview Friday, Aug. 13, 2021Fibre optic internet moving closer to reality
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021Fort la Reine fundraising gets a boost
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021New traffic control makes pedestrians safer
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021Get ready to get active at Fraser’s Grove
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021Texaco/Eagle Creek drainage project almost done
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021A $1.6 million project to improve the RM of East St. Paul’s biggest drainage system is almost complete, Mayor Shelley Hart said.
In August 2020 the RM received a $1.3 million grant for work on the Texaco/Eagle Creek drainage system (it funded the remaining $300,000).
At the time Hart credited municipal staff for enablng the municipality to capitalize on a large grant that had a very short application window.
It’s a significant project, as the equivalent of 1,800 dump trucks of material were excavated from the ponds along the system. The sludge, which Hart said was six feet deep in some places, was a combination of decomposed vegetation, sand, gravel and mud driven into the water during storms and runoff.
Bill 37 confusing for municipalities
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021While the Conservative government’s controversial Bill 37 has been passed, municipal governments across Manitoba have many concerns which remain.
The Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act is a provincial effort to modernize planning and permitting processes while reducing bureaucracy.
One of its provisions is a process whereby developers and individuals who have had plans rejected by a municipality will allowed to appeal to a provincial body beyond municipal control.
The new procedure has municipalities fearing loss of control over local development decisions, which could be made by a body with limited knowledge, at best, of that municipality’s best interests.
R.M. of Portage la Prairie by-election is Aug. 4
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021Keep kids busy with craft and film classes
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021Portage Legion looks forward to re-opening
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021Hungry and on the road? Try these spots
5 minute read Preview Friday, Jul. 30, 2021Visual artist regroups, grows during pandemic
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 26, 2021Artist Karen Cornelius has lived all over the world and enjoyed some unique experiences. They have all influenced her art, so it’s no surprise the COVID-19 pandemic has too.
Cornelius’ art was recently featured in the online virtual exhibition Fading in and Out of Glory www.kunstmatrix.com. The show featured mixed media drawings inspired by the emotional rollercoaster caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In several ways, the exhibit allowed Cornelius to continue her evolution as artist and creator, and hers has been an interesting path.
Born in the United States, she grew up in the Congo and attended high school in Kenya. After returning stateside for university, where she earned a degree from Philadelphia’s Moore College of Art, she moved to Ottawa before settling in Winnipeg.
A fusion of food, ambience and service
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021Mobile vet takes stress out of animal care
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021Studying the psychological toll of COVID-19
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021Winnipeg South Wolves ready to play ball
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 13, 2021‘There to help anyone who needs it’
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 13, 2021Hitting all the right notes
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 13, 2021Animal Food Bank needs your help
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 6, 2021Aqua Essence breaks ground on its own pool
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 6, 2021Be careful when using QR codes
6 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 6, 2021Cyclist seeks second world record
6 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 5, 2021Run, walk or bike to combat human trafficking
4 minute read Preview Saturday, Jul. 3, 2021Breaking down language bias in computers
7 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 30, 2021Memorialized in music
16 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 30, 2021Rifles load up with Crusaders
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 22, 2021East St. Paul Farmers Market open for business
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 22, 2021Football players eager to start junior careers
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 22, 2021Elmwood High plans fitting grad farewell
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 22, 2021Every child matters
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 16, 2021Mural to be covered by Aug. 1
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 16, 2021Legions can’t wait for restrictions to ease
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 16, 2021Bakery owners celebrate successful first year
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 9, 2021Seniors organizations keep in touch with clients
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 9, 2021Schools plan for alternate grad ceremonies
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 9, 2021Golf courses adapt to another ‘new normal’
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Jun. 9, 2021Matt Jonsson Memorial Skatepark closer to becoming reality
3 minute read Preview Friday, May. 21, 2021New app will filter social media for you
6 minute read Preview Friday, May. 7, 2021Last whistle for Assiniboine Valley Railway?
3 minute read Preview Thursday, May. 6, 2021Consultation has not been meaningful, residents say
6 minute read Preview Tuesday, Apr. 27, 2021If you build it, they will come…
4 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2021Banks acting to better protect seniors
6 minute read Preview Monday, Apr. 19, 2021Banks across Canada are taking new steps to better serve senior citizens while also protecting them from financial fraud.The Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors is a set of principles banks have adopted to provide optimal banking services to senior citizens. It came into effect Jan. 1Rick Lowes, RBC vice-president of retirement strategy, said the code is meant to guide bank personnel who directly serve senior citizens. Banks are to provide regular training to staff so they understand issues facing seniors including fraud and elder abuse. In RBC’s case, it has resource libraries for seniors with materials discussing how best to protect themselves from financial harm; a separate portal exists with updated materials for staff.Since the fall of 2019 ,RBC customers aged 60 and older have doubled the number of e-transfers they have sent and increased their digital payments by 46 per cent. Since March 2020, people aged 70 and older have increased their use of mobile banking by 33 per cent and their rate of online banking by 15 per cent. Lowes expects many of those behaviours to remain once restrictions lift.Lowes is the seniors champion at RBC, meaning it’s his job to make sure the bank follows through on its pledges to Canadian seniors. He said there is plenty that properly-trained personnel can do to making banking a better experience for seniors, including giving them first priority in call centres, watching for signs of elder abuse and fraud, and calling and emailing seniors on a regular basis to see if they need any help with their finances. Staff should also know, for example, the differences between a joint banking account and power of attorney. RBC does all of this, Lowes added.There are many basic steps people of all ages can take to protect themselves from scams, Lowes said. People should never be pressured to act on emotion or feel forced to give out banking information or approval for a purchase. If you do happen to give out some personal banking information, you should call your bank immediately and get help. If a person calls claiming to be from a bank and you don’t recognize them, get their name, look up the actual number of the bank, call it and ask for that person. Never click on emails or texts from unknown numbers and addresses and always delete them from your phones and email accounts.You should also be careful what you do on social media. Check your privacy settings to make sure you are not sharing your information with the general public. Be wary of contacting companies via their social media pages, as scammers have become quite adept at mimicking legitimate social media pages and actual websites. They trick people into giving out financial information over fake sites and then scam them directly or sell it on the dark web.Finally, do not accept friendship requests from people you don’t know as once you do they will see the information you share online.Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
Banks across Canada are taking new steps to better serve senior citizens while also protecting them from financial fraud.
The Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors is a set of principles banks have adopted to provide optimal banking services to senior citizens. It came into effect Jan. 1
Rick Lowes, RBC vice-president of retirement strategy, said the code is meant to guide bank personnel who directly serve senior citizens. Banks are to provide regular training to staff so they understand issues facing seniors including fraud and elder abuse. In RBC’s case, it has resource libraries for seniors with materials discussing how best to protect themselves from financial harm; a separate portal exists with updated materials for staff.
100 years of Red River swinging
3 minute read Preview Friday, Apr. 16, 2021Main Street Slice serves up goodness with style
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Apr. 15, 2021Great Winnipeg Bear Hunt returns for seconds
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Apr. 14, 202190 years of good works for Goodwill
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Mar. 30, 2021Super Lube honours our health care heroes
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Mar. 30, 2021Petrusia Perogy promotes Ukrainian education
4 minute read Preview Friday, Mar. 12, 2021Headed for bigger things
6 minute read Preview Friday, Feb. 12, 2021St. Alphonsus School celebrates centennial
5 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 15, 2021Just some of the lessons of 2020
5 minute read Preview Friday, Dec. 18, 2020I think we can all agree 2020 has been a year of disruption and change. As I look back on 2020 I can see a few lessons I have hopefully learned that will make me wiser in the years ahead.The first is to watch what you say and where you say it. I’m normally not one to shy away from an argument but I have learned to pick my spots a little better. Between conspiracy theories about the American election, the causes of the pandemic, possible cures and the effectiveness of a vaccine, I have never seen people more tense and combative. In a few weaker moments, I allowed myself to get dragged into some Facebook debates on some of these topics. Predictably, most quickly went sideways, as it was hard to find middle ground. If they weren’t about a healthy exchange of ideas, they weren’t productive and ultimately pointless. Between that and then seeing Netflix documentary the Social Dilemma, I cancelled my Facebook account and haven’t missed it one bit.Such discussions are harder to avoid in real life, of course, so I have learned to avoid certain topics on email or at the park when I walk my dog. When those topics come up in our socially distanced group I walk ahead or fall behind because I don’t want to spoil the walk.The next lesson I’ve learned is that if you’re going to shop online for groceries and pick them up curbside, be prepared for disappointment. At the pandemic’s height I understood the scarcity of toilet paper, but coffee cream? Who hoards Coffee Mate French Vanilla in the one-litre bottle? We’re lucky if we get our order every fourth try. We have also been told they were out of meat and laundry detergent and there were no substitutes available. No meat or laundry detergent in the entire big blue store? We also frequently get items we’ve never ordered but my wife and I treat it like a mystery grab bag. Who knew grocery shopping could be this exciting?The final lesson comes courtesy of a friend of mine who learned the hard way to double-check her grocery order before clicking “OK”. She thought she had ordered eight bananas but she actually ordered eight bunches of bananas. Karen’s still baking. Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
I think we can all agree 2020 has been a year of disruption and change. As I look back on 2020 I can see a few lessons I have hopefully learned that will make me wiser in the years ahead.
The first is to watch what you say and where you say it. I’m normally not one to shy away from an argument but I have learned to pick my spots a little better. Between conspiracy theories about the American election, the causes of the pandemic, possible cures and the effectiveness of a vaccine, I have never seen people more tense and combative.
In a few weaker moments, I allowed myself to get dragged into some Facebook debates on some of these topics. Predictably, most quickly went sideways, as it was hard to find middle ground. If they weren’t about a healthy exchange of ideas, they weren’t productive and ultimately pointless. Between that and then seeing Netflix documentary the Social Dilemma, I cancelled my Facebook account and haven’t missed it one bit.
Community clubs in holding patterns
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020Shrugging Doctor has cure for seasonal blues
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020Psst, wanna own a piece of a star athlete?
5 minute read Preview Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020Occasionally in this space I bore everyone with tales from my career as a financial writer. While I didn’t initially intend on writing about the sector I somehow fell into it and I’m glad I did.I’ve been covering what is called alternative finance for close to a decade and have been fortunate to speak with many people leading the way in unique uses of artificial intelligence, biometrics, peer-to-peer lending and cryptocurrency. Some have made it their life’s work to use that technology to benefit the world’s neediest people.One interesting development has been that the average person can now invest in almost anything you can imagine. A week doesn’t go by when I don’t get a pitch to talk to someone involved in selling something you didn’t know you could buy.Have you ever wanted to invest in a professional athlete? Well, you can. One company has recruited several NFL football players who agree to sell a percentage of their future earnings from salaries and endorsements for an upfront sum now. A total of $X million is available to invest in and you can buy shares. You have to know your stuff, as you are betting the player doesn’t get hurt or prematurely decline or get caught in some scandal that kills his endorsement potential and your share value. The vision for this company was to have a fully functioning stock market whereby shares in athletes and entertainers could be bought and sold.How about music royalties? I recently spoke to an entrepreneur in Luxembourg who started a company called ANote, which allows people to invest in song catalogues. You can register for the site, check out each artist’s song catalogue and even view its financial performance over years. There is often a pattern to such things, the man told me, and if you understand it you can earn a decent return.Have you ever wanted to own a painting by Monet? That’s possible, too. Several platforms have emerged that enable you to buy a fraction of a piece of art. Unless you pony up for a big chunk of it, you’ll never get to hang it next to your bowling trophies but it sure makes for a good pub story. Plus it’s a good investment. Art galleries are selling fractions of select works to generate revenues as they struggle during the pandemic.Rare wine? Classic cars? Old baseball cards? You can get a piece of them, too, if you know where to look. Digital and blockchain technology are what make it possible. Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
Occasionally in this space I bore everyone with tales from my career as a financial writer. While I didn’t initially intend on writing about the sector I somehow fell into it and I’m glad I did.
I’ve been covering what is called alternative finance for close to a decade and have been fortunate to speak with many people leading the way in unique uses of artificial intelligence, biometrics, peer-to-peer lending and cryptocurrency. Some have made it their life’s work to use that technology to benefit the world’s neediest people.
One interesting development has been that the average person can now invest in almost anything you can imagine. A week doesn’t go by when I don’t get a pitch to talk to someone involved in selling something you didn’t know you could buy.
Our future will be in good hands
5 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 6, 2020Throughout this spring and summer I spoke with many students about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their final year of high school.They entered it looking forward to 10 months of togetherness before heading out into the world. There would be dances, fashion shows, games and plenty of impromptu events that would make lifelong memories.The first half went according to plan until spring break and students got what at the time they believed was an extended three-week holiday. They approached that with an open mind and took it in stride.It soon came clear that things wouldn’t be getting back to normal anytime soon. Students, especially those from rural areas, missed their friends, and some even said they missed their teachers. School trips were cancelled. Grade 12 athletes had their final year of school sports taken away from them.They began to wonder if they would have a graduation season, if they would have a chance to wear the dresses and tuxedoes they had specially picked out for graduation dances. The few school events that did take place before the pandemic began to take on extra meaning, as kids realized they could be the last time they celebrated things together.Over time, these young people will see those last few chaotic months will not erase years of memories and friendships. Collectively, they made their mark in the time they did have together. I spoke with students who created support groups for their classmates living with mental health issues. One created a group for fellow males to talk about issues many boys don’t normally feel comfortable talking about. Because of stories like this, I know out future is in good handsAs it became clear graduation ceremonies would not look the same and that students at larger schools would not be able to gather as a group, many were disappointed but they could see what was happening in the world and didn’t feel sorry for themselves.They saw teachers and principals — already maxed out from quickly adjusting to online learning — working extra to give them a graduation of some type. In one case, a school booked a wedding tent and held 14 ceremonies over two days, complete with speeches, decorations and photographs. Another booked a studio where it recorded entrances and comments from each student and then spliced them together to make it appear as it the entire group was throwing caps in the air as one.While the 2019-20 school year didn’t turn out as anyone imagined last September, it taught us all lessons we may not have otherwise learned. Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
Throughout this spring and summer I spoke with many students about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their final year of high school.
They entered it looking forward to 10 months of togetherness before heading out into the world. There would be dances, fashion shows, games and plenty of impromptu events that would make lifelong memories.
The first half went according to plan until spring break and students got what at the time they believed was an extended three-week holiday. They approached that with an open mind and took it in stride.
Japan Karate Association returns to old home
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020Nothing replaces hard work for young entrepreneur
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020Meet ‘the Hobbit of Victor Street’
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020A 25-year musical odyssey
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020Rifles players lament lost season
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020Station 8 Cafe will be no more
5 minute read Preview Friday, Sep. 25, 2020Now that we are more than six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we can all say our lives have changed in a few ways. We see family and friends less often. Perhaps we do more shopping online or have our groceries delivered to our cars in the store parking lot instead of going in.Many changes have been significant. Some have lost their lives to COVID-19. Others have seen their loved ones die without getting to say goodbye or to properly grieve at a funeral. There have been job losses and business closures. Their effects will be felt in some cases forever.Along with those major changes have come many little ones which also impact people’s lives. They may not get noticed by many but will be felt by the people who do notice them.One is the closure of the Station 8 Cafe on Talbot Avenue. Held in what was once an old firehall and now one of the buildings in the Riverwood Church Community campus, Station 8 Cafe ran on Friday nights up until the pandemic caused it to shut its doors. It was envisioned as a place where the community could come and listen to music, play games, enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich, or visit with the neighbours.There was an eclectic lineup of entertainment. Once per month the improv group Crosseyed Rascals would perform, taking suggestions from the audience and incorporating them into their act. Another monthly staple was a board games evening, where people could stop in, grab a game, buy a coffee and enjoy the evening.Some good concerts were held in a space musicians said was great. Country, folk, jazz and rock musicians entertained crowds large and small. One funk/jazz ensemble packed the house every time. Karaoke evenings were also lots of fun.Those packed houses were few and far between, and yes the crowds were often small, but Station 8 Cafe will still be missed. Several people from Elmwood were regulars, and we looked forward to seeing them each Friday. Friendships formed and we knew we would always be able to buy a coffee, sit back and share our weeks with each other.The space is due to be renovated with a kitchen and other amenities, but for now at least it looks like Station 8 Cafe is no more. Its success cannot be measured purely by numbers but on more emotional level where it made its mark Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
Now that we are more than six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we can all say our lives have changed in a few ways. We see family and friends less often. Perhaps we do more shopping online or have our groceries delivered to our cars in the store parking lot instead of going in.
Many changes have been significant. Some have lost their lives to COVID-19. Others have seen their loved ones die without getting to say goodbye or to properly grieve at a funeral. There have been job losses and business closures. Their effects will be felt in some cases forever.
Along with those major changes have come many little ones which also impact people’s lives. They may not get noticed by many but will be felt by the people who do notice them.
Harte Trail Studio Tour goes virtual this year
6 minute read Preview Friday, Sep. 25, 2020Keeping players engaged
21 minute read Preview Friday, Aug. 28, 2020
For the first time in 44 years, Geordie Wilson’s fall will not be filled with football and it took a pandemic to keep him off the field.Wilson is the head coach of the Canadian Junior Football League’s Winnipeg Rifles, whose 2020 season is cancelled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though he completely agrees with the decision, that doesn’t soften the blow for a man who has devoted his life to the game.Two factors contributed to the cancellation, with the obvious one being the chance of spreading the virus between players and to the more vulnerable people in their circles. The risk was simply too great.The second is money. Many teams in the Rifles’ home Prairie Football Conference (PFC) get much of their operating revenue from partnerships with CFL teams. With the CFL season gone, so are the revenue streams.“You knew it was coming for a couple of months but it still sucks,” Wilson said.Wilson kept in regular contact with his players throughout the process so they heard the news from him. He said they were disappointed but not surprised.The challenge now is to keep players engaged until the 2021 season, a task made harder since players cannot yet gather as a full team. Players can train in smaller groups at local gyms and that will have to do for now.Should things subside in the new year, Wilson hopes to begin to gather players together for bonding activities and smaller practices. He hopes they return because the Rifles would have had a strong 2020 season and an even better 2021 because the roster is full of fourth and fifth-year players, veterans who could play at the level of the traditional powerhouses from Saskatchewan.Those players who should have been playing their fifth year in 2020 will get a reprieve and be allowed to play their fifth year in 2021 as long as they are on a roster by Aug. 31, Wilson said. The PFC has also passed a motion which will allow some younger players a chance to play a fifth season when that time comes. It awaits consideration at a national level.“I feel bad for the fifth-year players,” Wilson said. “They’re the backbone of our program. You want their careers to finish playing and not sitting at home.”Most players plan on returning, but Wilson knows they are at an age where life can intervene. Some will be graduating from university and others starting apprenticeships. Wilson is realistic in expecting some to not come back on the other side of the pandemic.“We’re going to lose some kids simply because their lives have changed,” Wilson admitted.Normally Wilson’s fall is full of practices, meetings, video and coaching and he loves it all. Football people are great people, from the volunteers and coaches to the players and their families.“I miss being around them,” Wilson said. Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.comFor the first time in 44 years, Geordie Wilson’s fall will not be filled with football and it took a pandemic to keep him off the field.
Wilson is the head coach of the Canadian Junior Football League’s Winnipeg Rifles, whose 2020 season is cancelled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though he completely agrees with the decision, that doesn’t soften the blow for a man who has devoted his life to the game.
Two factors contributed to the cancellation, with the obvious one being the chance of spreading the virus between players and to the more vulnerable people in their circles. The risk was simply too great.
Golf business rebounds at Transcona CC
5 minute read Preview Friday, Aug. 21, 2020East St. Paul to use speed display boards
2 minute read Preview Friday, Aug. 21, 2020Rossmere managing well through pandemic
6 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 17, 2020Masks to be required on school buses this fall
5 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 17, 2020Actor looks forward to teaching challenge
4 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 17, 2020East Kildonan was once a city of its own
6 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 17, 2020Tickets now required for some church services
5 minute read Preview Monday, Aug. 17, 2020Video King continues to reign
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020Loewen sets another Guinness world record
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020Miss Teenage Canada hopeful aims to help others
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020Kicking its way through COVID-19
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020RM of Springfield to CNR: ‘See you in court’
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020Waterways program aids Indigenous youth
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020Romanian pavilion takes to Instagram
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020Bergen Cutoff Park gets a facelift
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020Imagining a new Elmwood streetscape
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020Pandemic scams abound, expert warns
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020Local students earn mayor’s scholarships
2 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 27, 2020Henderson Highway Legion is up and running
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 27, 2020Volunteens help fellow students in need
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 27, 2020‘Bravo’ to these young composers
4 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 27, 2020Breaking records and helping Kenyan orphans
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 27, 2020Top soccer prospect headed to Calgary
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 20, 2020Fringeless and frustrated
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 20, 2020MMF celebrates Manitoba 150
1 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 20, 2020River East Church thrives on Zoom
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 20, 2020Northeast news in brief
2 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 20, 2020Lee’s on de Vries to remain at Henderson Highway LegionThe hearty breakfasts and delicious beef dinners at the Henderson Highway Legion Branch 215 will continue for at least the next three years after the board extended the restaurant lease of
Lee’s on de Vries through June 30, 2020.Branch president Gord Machej said Lees has operated at the Legion, located at 3600 de Vries Ave., for the past 13 years.
“They’re a big part of what happens around here,” Machej said. “Lots of people come and eat here.”
Lee’s on de Vries is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday dinner hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
Mmm, mmm…. goodies!
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 20, 2020Seniors’ group restores several services
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 13, 2020Computers for those who need them
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 13, 2020Miles Mac grads attend backyard formal
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jul. 13, 2020Anyone for beer and wings?
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020Terry Sawchuk Arena to reopen this fall
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020Melville honoured for her museum work
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020Anyone for beer and wings?
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020Calvin Christian creates special grad sendoff
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020From East St. Paul to… Lima, Peru
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020Coral aquariums mimic the real world
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020Browaty looks forward to new role
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020Municipalities express concerns over Bill 48
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2020Helping Harvest with a set of wheels
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2020Wellness message earns prestigious award
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2020Life’s a Beach at volleyball hotspot
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2020Local runners to join U of M track team
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2020Ukrainian students celebrated
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2020Doornbos chooses to play close to family
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2020Miles Mac student wins Winnipeg Ice mask contest mask con
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2020Mennonite Brethren adapted quickly to digital world
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2020Elmwood Legion facing uncertain future
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2020Giving back brings its rewards
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2020Banners carry inspiring messages
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2020Well-being campaign launched for Holy Family Home
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 15, 2020Prairie Crocus Thrift Shop to support addiction centre
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 15, 2020Udoh steps up to USports with U of M
4 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 15, 2020Transcona soccer star hopes to pay it forward
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 15, 2020Making the grade at The Rink Academy
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 15, 2020Some northeast summer camps are set to run
2 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Volleyball star aims for perfect balance
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Diff’rent strokes ahead for Transcona rower
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Miles Mac hoops star opts for Providence College
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Moar will play basketball for Providence
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 8, 2020riverwoodchurchcenter.com/registrations/events/411473
2 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Pro sports chaplain says he’s as busy as ever
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Transcona archer aimed for South Dakota school
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 8, 2020Slo-Pitch National develops return-to-play plans
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 2, 2020King’s School sold to French school division
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 2, 2020Northeast food banks say numbers are normal
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 2, 2020Festival of Banners to be judged on Facebook
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jun. 2, 2020Elmwood alums keep on fundraising
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 27, 2020East St. Paul news in brief
4 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 27, 2020Northeast news in brief
4 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 27, 2020Income tax preparation for seniors still availableTranscona Council for Seniors is sponsoring a drop-off income tax program through Access Transcona.
The program is available to anyone who qualifies, regardless of where they live. If you are single and your income is $35,000 or less, or married and your combined income is $45,000 or less they can do your taxes for free.
Phone 204-938-5555. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s tax deadline has been extended to Mon., June 1.
Happy Days, Hi Neighbour festivals cancelledTwo popular community festivals have been added to the list of cancellations stemming from the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The elm’s alive with the sound of bells
3 minute read Preview Wednesday, May. 27, 2020Kildonan Drive opened up to cyclists, pedestrians
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 19, 2020North Kildonan residents got some welcome news during this time of social distancing when the City of Winnipeg added Kildonan Drive to its usual list of active transportation routes.
Until May 29, pedestrians and cyclists can more safely walk and ride on Kildonan Drive from Helmsdale Avenue to Rossmere Crescent and between Larchdale Crescent and Irving Place every day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Motorists can still use Kildonan Drive as an access road, they must turn on the next available block.
“As the global pandemic continues to have an effect on our residents, I’m pleased to see an expansion of active transportation routes that can better facilitate physical distancing,” Winnipeg mayor Brian Bowman said in a release.
Fraser’s Grove once touted as U of M site
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 19, 2020Elmwood High wins $20,000 in green contest
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 19, 2020You can take boy out of Transcona…
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 19, 2020East St. Paul wants to ensure fair oversight
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 19, 2020A true lens master
3 minute read Preview Monday, May. 11, 2020Oliphant to be the ‘young gun’ on senior circuit
3 minute read Preview Monday, May. 11, 2020Join in with the noisy neighbours
2 minute read Preview Monday, May. 11, 2020Regent Avenue icon needs sprucing up
2 minute read Preview Monday, May. 11, 2020This circle keeps growing and growing
3 minute read Preview Monday, May. 11, 2020Athletes in Action sports camps hope to operate
3 minute read Preview Monday, May. 11, 2020Unlucky 13th summer season for Buhler Park
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020RETSD likely to defer grad until fall
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020Plenty of support available for Transcona seniors
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020Northeast news in brief
4 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020Local hoopsters shine bright
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020Local football stars honoured by CJFL
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020East Kildonan’s Kent soars on speedskating oval
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020Skating coach earns provincial honours
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020Celebrating a low-key silver anniversary
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020East St. Paul windows shine with positivity
2 minute read Preview Tuesday, May. 5, 2020The Rural Municipality of East St. Paul’s recreation department has come up with a plan to keep everyone busy while injecting some much-needed happiness into the community during these unique times.
The department’s Positive Panes contest encourages people to decorate their front windows with special creations so their neighbours have exciting things to look for when they walk by, recreation programmer Tyne Mills said.
Mills said she saw similar initiatives on social media and decided to try it in East St. Paul.“I thought it would be a good idea to do it as a community engagement activity,” she explained.
Mills said Positive Panes began at the beginning of April. It will continue until at least June 1. One lucky entrant will win a gift certificate to a local business for participating.
Mikoluff makes his name in Mexican football
4 minute read Preview Monday, Apr. 13, 2020Know when to hold ’em and fold ’em
6 minute read Preview Friday, Mar. 13, 2020Be vigilant at dog park
6 minute read Preview Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020EK kicker turns pro in Mexican football league
4 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 17, 2020Battling poor health with better nutrition
6 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 22, 2019Gardening tips from neighbourhood experts
6 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019Steski boys a chip off the old curling rock
6 minute read Preview Friday, Sep. 27, 2019Benches shouldn’t be left to deteriorate
6 minute read Preview Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019Finding one’s purpose can drive success
6 minute read Preview Friday, Jul. 5, 2019Holy Eucharist parish celebrating centennial
3 minute read Preview Friday, Jun. 7, 2019Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Parish is celebrating its centennial in style with a very busy weekend of events in late June. Everyone is invited to the church, located at 505 Munroe Ave. at the intersection with Watt St.Things kick off early on Thurs., June 20 at 6 p.m. with divine liturgy, a procession with blessed sacrament, benediction and homily, followed by a time of fellowship. Return at the same time on Friday for Moleben, a service of intercession and supplication. Also included is the presentation Our Saints and the Holy Eucharist. On Saturday at 9:00 a.m. join them for divine liturgy and Panakhyda, which is a service in memory of the deceased. Following the service, stay for the presentation Honouring our pioneers, and looking to the future from a historical perspective. Come hungry, because lunch will be served immediately afterwards.On Sunday Hierarchical Divine Liturgy takes place at 1:30 p.m. before the weekend ends in style with a gala banquet across the street at the Holy Eucharist Parish Centre. The dinner begins at 4 p.m. call Bernice at 204-669-2068 of the church office at 204-667-8866 for tickets, which are $75 for adults and $25 for people 11 and younger.My mom reports her perogy group has been busy rolling and pinching hundreds of tasty perogies for the celebrations. They are the best perogies in town and you are guaranteed to leave happy. And full.If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting the church, now is the perfect time to get a peek at the beautiful murals and stained glass windows throughout the church. It’s a beautiful facility.For more information on all events, visit www.HolyEucharist.info Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Parish is celebrating its centennial in style with a very busy weekend of events in late June.
Everyone is invited to the church, located at 505 Munroe Ave. at the intersection with Watt St.
Things kick off early on Thurs., June 20 at 6 p.m. with divine liturgy, a procession with blessed sacrament, benediction and homily, followed by a time of fellowship. Return at the same time on Friday for Moleben, a service of intercession and supplication. Also included is the presentation Our Saints and the Holy Eucharist.
Make your wishes known
5 minute read Preview Friday, May. 10, 2019I was happy to see the Province of Manitoba has moved its organ donation registry online. Instead of signing a card that can easily be misplaced, people can visit signupforlife.ca and make their wishes known.More than 11,000 Manitobans signed up to be organ donors in 2018, those numbers getting a bump after it became known that Humboldt Broncos player Logan Boulet signed up to be an organ donor shortly before he died in that tragic accident. Yet with the number of Manitobans willing to be organ donors at 37,000, that means only 2.8 percent of Manitobans have made the pledge.If you are on the fence about signing up, visit a dialysis clinic and then imagine yourself or a loved one hooked up to one of those machines for a few hours a day, multiple times every week. My wife had that experience, going to Seven Oaks Hospital until we could set up a dialysis system at home. While we were fortunate that our daughter agreed to donate a kidney to her mom, other people aren’t as lucky. I often think back to some of the people I met at the dialysis clinic who were resigned to the reality they would have to do this for the rest of their lives. One lady I met had to take a Handi Transit bus from across town several times per week. She was the first one on the bus, meaning she was the last one off at the end of the day. She went for dialysis, waited for her fellow patients and took the bus home again. Each treatment day was an eight-hour experience. For her it was essentially a job.A good friend of mine also needed a transplant but could not find a suitable donor in his family. So he waited. And waited. Three times per week after work he took dialysis treatments at St. Boniface Hospital and hoped for a call.The call eventually came. A young man died in a motorcycle accident. He had signed his organ donor card and made his wishes known to his loved ones.The next few moments must be surreal. Many people already have a bag packed because they have to leave for a hospital on short notice. They are excited because their lives will soon get better, but they acknowledge this is only possible because tragedy struck another. While one family rejoices, another mourns.That reality, the process of dialysis, the education on diet and lifestyle changes, and all of the different drugs one has to take both before and after surgery, are reminders to never take that life-saving gift for granted. Be assured the recipient will take good care of it.So if you are thinking about becoming an organ donor, visit signupforlife.ca It only takes a few moments. And be sure to make sure your family knows your wishes. Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
I was happy to see the Province of Manitoba has moved its organ donation registry online.
Instead of signing a card that can easily be misplaced, people can visit signupforlife.ca and make their wishes known.
More than 11,000 Manitobans signed up to be organ donors in 2018, those numbers getting a bump after it became known that Humboldt Broncos player Logan Boulet signed up to be an organ donor shortly before he died in that tragic accident. Yet with the number of Manitobans willing to be organ donors at 37,000, that means only 2.8 percent of Manitobans have made the pledge.
Keep ’em laughin’ — and give back
5 minute read Preview Friday, Apr. 12, 2019Former Bombers lineman will be missed
5 minute read Preview Friday, Mar. 15, 2019Buckeyes class of ’89 plans reunion
5 minute read Preview Friday, Feb. 15, 2019Enjoying our own little winter wonderland
4 minute read Preview Friday, Jan. 18, 2019Good neighbours are invaluable
6 minute read Preview Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018New Polson principal loves school’s spirit
5 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 23, 2018Holodomor remembered in the city
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018Business and life advice from a rock legend
5 minute read Preview Friday, Oct. 26, 2018Turkey trot to raise money for kitchen
5 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 27, 2018Hockey season brings thoughts of “Uncle” Ted
6 minute read Preview Friday, Aug. 31, 2018The new, online age of coupons
6 minute read Preview Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018Coupons sure have come a long way from when I was a kid. Back then I remember Mom grabbing the paper twice per week, making sure Dad was done with it (sometimes he wasn’t, but it didn’t matter) and taking the scissors to it as she clipped the coupons.She was a master at it, with an accordion file labelled by category. Those she didn’t use she traded with friends or at the library, while others she held onto until double coupon days when the store sometimes paid her to take things away. Mom kept track of every penny she saved, and it was usually enough to cover the entire cost of our summer vacation.If mom was doing that now she’d have to master technology. While paper coupons still exist, they are rapidly being replaced by electronic offers. Retailers of all types track your data. The news of shopping malls using facial recognition technology isn’t a surprise — tech companies have been doing that for years. Early efforts focused on attracting people to kiosks where they entered their name and some basic information and received that day’s offers.It’s more sophisticated now. Sign up for apps, and via technology already in your phone, the store will know when you are approaching it. Based on your age and shopping history you can be presented with offers catered to your preferences. Companies are developing that facial recognition technology so you don’t even have to wait in line — it identifies your face, and upon leaving the store, your account is charged for the items in your possession. Imagine walking the aisles of your grocery store and receiving notifications of what’s on sale or on deals “just for you” only a few feet away. Load your cart, and in some cases walk right out of the store without waiting in line at checkout. That sure would be nice at Costco.Heard of the “Internet of Things?” One of its features is connecting your car to the web, and if you opt in, you can even be presented with sales pitches while driving. Perhaps the app knows you favour a particular gasoline brand. Seeing your tank is below half, the technology can alert you to the nearest station in the area, while attempting to persuade you with a free snack.Don’t know what you are going to do with those reward points? I have spoken to more than one company developing the technology allowing you to trade them for other points you may be able to use, much like a stock exchange.It’s a world of difference from tearing apart the old paper or Chatelaine. Is it intrusive? Many think so, but as younger generations grow up not knowing anything different, they will become used to making it work for them. Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
Coupons sure have come a long way from when I was a kid.
Back then I remember Mom grabbing the paper twice per week, making sure Dad was done with it (sometimes he wasn’t, but it didn’t matter) and taking the scissors to it as she clipped the coupons.
She was a master at it, with an accordion file labelled by category. Those she didn’t use she traded with friends or at the library, while others she held onto until double coupon days when the store sometimes paid her to take things away. Mom kept track of every penny she saved, and it was usually enough to cover the entire cost of our summer vacation.
Collecting memories while travelling
5 minute read Preview Friday, Jul. 13, 2018Paying tribute to childhood coaches
3 minute read Preview Monday, Jun. 11, 2018
I recently came back from my annual trip to North Carolina, where I help my nephew celebrate his birthday. It’s a highlight of my year, made better by the fact he has chosen to play baseball and I get to watch him for a few games.I recently came back from my annual trip to North Carolina, where I help my nephew celebrate his birthday. It’s a highlight of my year, made better by the fact he has chosen to play baseball and I get to watch him for a few games.
My brother’s been “coaching” for the past few years, which, when the players are nine to 11 years old, is a bit like herding cats. But they’re starting to focus a bit better now and my brother can teach them some actual skills.
Finding Freedom offers addictions healing
3 minute read Preview Friday, May. 11, 2018Broncos tragedy touches chaplain to local teams
3 minute read Preview Friday, Apr. 20, 2018Cutting a rug for Special Olympics
2 minute read Preview Thursday, Mar. 15, 2018Canucks ready to fly in the playoffs
3 minute read Preview Monday, Feb. 26, 2018Ah, the memories of Benderski’s Self Serve
3 minute read Preview Friday, Feb. 16, 2018Every time I drive down Watt Street between Munroe and Johnson avenues memories of my childhood come flooding back.
My two babas lived on the 500 block of Washington Avenue, doors away from aunts, uncles and a host of cousins who seemingly owned every second house. I’d often visit, either for a sleepover or for a few hours in the afternoon, when my mom had to run errands.
A highlight was the walk down the back lane to Benderski’s Self Serve on Watt and Jamison Avenue. Even though there were only a few cramped aisles, you always came out of there with everything you needed, which I guess wasn’t that hard when all you came for were cookies, candy, those little glass bottles of Coke and some lunch meat.
But the place was special. George Benderski worked the front and greeted everyone by name in either Ukrainian or English. You’d start down the first aisle to the back meat counter, where you asked Norman what was good that day and took a selection or two in your basket after he wrapped it in thick brown paper.
Canford Sports Centre made the winters shorter
3 minute read Preview Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018For two decades beginning in my teens I spent every winter playing and refereeing sponge hockey at Canford Sports Centre.
It was originally located at an old community club on Ham Street just north of Grassie and Lagimodiere Boulevards before moving behind the Cavalier Hotel.
Even though the Cavalier had the added benefit of a pub and Burger Factory within walking distance, the old location was Canford at its best. Eight rinks went four hours Mondays to Thursdays, nine hours on Saturdays and a good 12 on Sundays. At its peak more than 250 teams and 2,500 players were registered.
As a referee you had to get there early for your shift because the last one in got the dreaded Rink One — an extra large sheet right off the highway. If there was a cold wind, you caught it on Rink One. One of Canford’s quirks was that referees, like the players, didn’t wear skates, so you had to hustle if you wanted to stay in position, or act the part if you didn’t. You had to pace yourself, especially on Super Sundays when a few of us diehards did 12 games in a row.
Seeing Winnipeg in a whole new way
2 minute read Preview Friday, Nov. 24, 2017In cybersecurity, common sense counts for a lot
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017One of my side hustles when I’m not writing about all things North and East Kildonan is Bankless Times, a website a group of friends and I created to cover how technology is radically changing how we invest, spend and even create money.
Topics we cover include crowdfunding, the role of mobile technology in finance, and cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
My work takes me to industry conferences all around the world where I attend sessions and interview companies developing cutting edge technologies. I am writing this on the way home from Money20/20, an annual four-day conference in Las Vegas that attracts more than 11,000 people.
A hot topic this year was cybersecurity and the growing number of data breaches at companies like Equifax, Yahoo! and Target. In my conversations with people developing products to protect us online, they shared several facts you may not be aware of.
Writer-in-residence a mentor to others
3 minute read Preview Friday, Oct. 6, 2017Good Earth, great java
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017Grands ‘n’ More book launch Nov. 4
1 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017A movement which sees Canadian grandmothers raise money and provide support for their sisters in Africa is being celebrated in a new book, which is itself being celebrated on Nov. 4 at McNally Robinson in the Grant Park Mall.
Hosted by Grands ‘n’ More, Powered by Love: A Grandmothers’ Movement to end AIDS in Africa will officially launch at 7 p.m.. Guest speakers will include author Joanna Henry, grandmothers from Africa, and representatives of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. There is no charge to attend.
As the AIDS pandemic devastates Africa, grandmothers have played a crucial role in keeping families together. Canadian grandmothers learned of their plight and have raised more than $25 million to support them via the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.
Powered by Love describes Henry’s trip with photographer Alexis MacDonald to eight countries where they interviewed hundreds of grandmothers, including Barack Obama’s grandmother Sarah Obama.
Books ‘n’ Biscuits Sale Oct. 28
1 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017Everyone is invited to Harrow United Church (955 Mulvey Ave.) on Sat., Oct. 28 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for its annual Books ‘n’ Biscuits sale. Pick up a few favourites while sipping on a cup of tea and enjoying a variety of homemade biscuits and scones.
In addition to books, John Russell’s flavoured honey and Paul Faurschou’s pure honey are also available.
Donations of books are greatly appreciated. No encyclopedias or magazines please.
Learn about Ukrainian language patterns at the U of M
1 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017The public is invited to the University of Manitoba to learn more about the language patterns of families from the Ukraine who immigrate to Canada on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
Taking place in the Great Hall at St. Andrew’s College (29 Dysart Rd.) Linguistic choices of Ukrainian immigrant families in Canada is a presentation by Nataliya Kharchenko, a doctoral student in the University of Manitoba’s faculty of education. She will focus on the heritage language maintenance among immigrant families from the Ukraine.
The evening is sponsored by the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies, St. Andrew’s College, and the University of Manitoba’s Department of German and Slavic Studies.
New launch sure to float your boat
2 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017Those enjoying Winnipeg’s rivers have a new place to float their boat after the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba officially launched Crescent Drive Park canoe and kayak launch site on Sept. 4.
Located at 781 Crescent Dr., the launch should make it easier for more people to make use of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, municipal relations minister Jeff Wharton said.
“By increasing river access this project encourages active transportation and recreational use of our rivers. Supporting local infrastructure that builds active and healthy communities makes our province a better place to live, work and play.”
It is also a great addition to the existing active transportation network, Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry councillor Jenny Gerbasi said.
Improvements made to St. Norbert parks
1 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017Janice Lukes spent the last Saturday of September enjoying some improvements to parks in her South Winnipeg - St. Norbert ward.
She began at Kirkbridge Park, which received $307,000 worth of work to its 3,400 square metres of asphalt pathways. New park benches and distance marker signs were also added, with a new picnic shelter and trees scheduled for next spring.
“Kirkbridge Park is a very popular greenspace, one that is used frequently for a wide range of activities such as walking, soccer and baseball,” Lukes said. “The new park enhancements will help to improve accessibility for residents and visitors who wish to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle in the neighbourhood.”
Lukes then visited Grandmont and Ducharme parks, which saw 1,500 square metres of new asphalt and 1,775 metres of new limestone paths. Park benches were also installed, with the entire project costing $153,000.
Merlyn to stage classic fairy tale
2 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017Progress made on illegal rooming houses
8 minute read Preview Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017Cheap laughs at Winnipeg Comedy Showcase
4 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 28, 2017New forms of expression
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 28, 2017Rue des Trappistes construction open house
2 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 28, 2017Concerned citizens in the St. Norbert area got a clearer picture of the disruption they will face from a looming road construction project at an open house Sept. 27. Municipal staff and consultants were present to discuss aspects of the project with attendees and to answer their questions.
The project involves the reconstruction of a section of Rue des Trappistes around the Westendorf Coulee. The culvert crossing at the Westendorf Coulee has collapsed at several spots and needs to be replaced. The project is estimated to cost $2 million.
Road stabilization work began last spring, with a preliminary design produced in the fall. For most of 2017 utility relocations have been completed while the project’s design was refined.
“In 2016, a sinkhole developed under Rue des Trappistes at the culvert which required immediate stabilizing with the addition of several cubic metres of fill and ongoing monitoring to ensure that conditions remain safe,” the City of Winnipeg said in a statement on its website.
ITC event a knockout
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 28, 2017The return of Mindy and Marge
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Plett fills net
1 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Bisons golfers continue to impress
2 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017The University of Manitoba Bisons golf teams continue to shine early in the 2017 fall season.
The men’s team had another successful trip to the United States on the weekend of Sept. 15-18. They began by finishing in a tie for first at the Saint John’s Fall Invitational in Sartell, Minn., with a two-day team score of +17. Devon Schade and Steve Young finished tied for fourth at +3, while Jack Werhun (+6), Josh Neufeld (+8) and Jeff Bleue (+9) also finished in the Top 25 of a 100-golfer field.
The Herd then thundered into Jamestown, N.D. for the Jimmie Fall Classic Sept. 17-18. One foursome finished in first with a +7, while a second quartet placed fourth with a +37. Aaron McIntyre tied for first overall with a 75-69-144 total. Spencer Norrie was two strokes behind, while Bobby McNair’s pair of 74s earned him a tie for sixth.
McIntyre’s showing earned him Smitty’s Bison Sports male athlete of the week honours for the week ending Sept. 17. The Miles Macdonell Collegiate grad has continued to move up leader boards, beginning with a 40th-place finish at the opening UJ Fall Kick-Off on Aug. 30 and improving to a tie for 10th at the Concordia Fall Invitational the following weekend.
Blazers women ready to run, run, run
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Blazers’ soccer team aims to ignite
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Grateful for War Amps’ support
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017CMU women’s v-ball team looks to repeat
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Kelvin to finally get new centre
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Like a kid in a toy shop
2 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017College athletic conference grows in stature
3 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Plucky puppets at Gas Station Theatre
1 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Smoluk named to Westland board
2 minute read Preview Thursday, Sep. 21, 2017Media production professional Adam Smoluk has been appointed to the board of the Westland Foundation, a volunteer-based organization raising funds to help youth from the inner city attend post-secondary education.
He joins president John Prystanski, vice-president Bev Harasymuk, secretary Ian Clunie, treasurer Allen Harasymuk and members Kathe Meseman and Walter Silicz.
“I am deeply honoured to serve with such a distinguished group of Winnipeggers that have built this outstanding foundation,” Smoluk, currently a program manager at Film Training Manitoba, said in a release. “I look forward to supporting Westland’s excellent mission to help inner Winnipeg youth achieve their important educational goals.”
Smoluk earned a scholarship to Oxford University’s British American Drama Academy and was the youngest person ever selected to the National Screen Institute of Canada’s Features First program for media production professionals. Additional scholarships allowed him to study at the Banff Centre, the Rotman School of Management, and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program.