Yes, this will be a year filled with hope

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/02/2021 (855 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In December, when my son predicted that “January isn’t going to look any different than 2020,” I had to think twice about what to say and when to say it in a New Year’s message to my loyal readers.

Then I went for a walk in Crescentwood and saw a ray of hope.  On the front lawn of a home facing Harrow Street is a neon reminder that we can have hope for positive outcomes.

Hope was looking a bit elusive the last time we met, but now, with optimism for democracy in the air, non-essential items allowed at the checkout and vaccines on order, it seems the right time to say Happy New Year!

It’s also time to say thanks to you for reading, to all those who appeared in my column in 2020 and to give you some updates. Last year began with 25 Million Stitches and an interview with Darlene Payne who put Winnipeg on the map with the international refugee awareness campaign. Not only did readers participate one stitch at a time, there is now a proposal to have the California museum in charge of the project bring the panorama to the Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg. Stay tuned…

Women’s issues highlighted by Jane Ursel’s work on domestic violence and Donna  Chow’s efforts on behalf of women’s health continue to serve our communities well.  The lights are still on at the Hydro Museum and everything old is new again at Selim’s Antiques. The Little Art Library on Grosvenor Avenue operates in all kinds of weather as a showcase for art produced during the pandemic. Whodunit Mystery Bookstore never lost its curbside appeal as voracious readers from across they city supported the independent bookseller by safely distancing in lineups to get books of all genres.

As the days grow longer, the countdown gets shorter to when music lovers can once again enjoy outdoor concerts at the Red Haus on Dorchester Avenue. Soon shovels will be in the ground at the First Universalist Unitarian Church of Winnipeg on Wellington Crescent to grow even more rows for Winnipeg Harvest. The Village Green English Dancers are Zooming to their favourite tunes and awaiting the time when they can once again dance in person.   

Dana Letke and Diana Thornycroft at Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art continue to hire facilitators to offer an amazing array of workshops and support for women and nonbinary artists.                           

Hope and gratitude go hand in hand and we have much to be grateful for in Crescentwood.

I’ll continue to bring you stories emanating from the heart of the city and may 2021 be good to you.

Here’s hoping…

Heather Emberley is a community correspondent for Crescentwood. Email her at heather.emberley@gmail.com if you have a story suggestion.