So long to 2022

This is my last article of the year and I will welcome 2022 out the door. The good news is I am still here, even though COVID tried to change that in the summer when I was very sick for a month. Thankfully, I am now back to full strength.

• Dakota Collegiate – I attended Dakota Collegiate not long after it opened. A month or so ago I received an invite to come to the school during homecoming games for the football teams. I was blown away by the size of the crowd and the energy permeating the facility. The stands were filled and people lined up along the sidelines. The games were exciting and Dakota had a talented football team this year, eventually losing to St. Paul in the AAA high school championship game at IG Field.

Students sold T-shirts and ran a canteen at the homecoming games. The large cheerleading squad performed, the pep band played, and a very engaging PA announcer all added to the ambience. To think for 50 years that land at the rear of the school sat mostly idle and unused. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing such positive energy to the school and community

• Jack Countryman – My 86-year-old friend, Jack, continues to walk the streets of Winnipeg and is thrilled to be learning new skills and opportunities. He is sharing his ideas, his voice, and musical talents on YouTube and tells me all the time how many views he has received on various videos. You can find his videos at Jack Countryman–25th Century and his autobiography, titled Jack, at McNally Robinson.

• Urban Stable – Last month I wrote about the barn dance I attended in support of Urban Stable. That article was only published online, owing to election coverage. Since then, I have had the chance to watch a lesson being delivered at the stable. It was impressive. I’m not around horses much, and soon realized how big they are when you are up close. The connections between the young people and the horses were evident and heart-warming. What a great program. Find out more at www.urbanstable.ca

• Bridge – It had been a while since I played or taught duplicate bridge in-person, but on Nov. 19 I delivered a five-hour course called Learn How to Play Bridge, which teaches the basics and hopefully encourages new or returning players to get involved in the game. Bridge is a social game and good for your brain. Bridge Manitoba plans to conduct two or three of these sessions during the upcoming year. For more information email me or visit www.bridgemanitoba.org

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. I love the lights and the positive energy at this time of year. And I will welcome 2023 with open arms!

John Hindle
Community Correspondent — St. Vital

John Hindle is a community correspondent for St. Vital. Email him at john@johnhindle.com

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