Free Press Community Review: East

Photo by Sheldon Birnie
(From left) Brandon Sherby, Emma-Leigh Provido-Aleonar, Hannah Fernandez, and Daniel Ajuwon are Grade 12 students from Transcona Collegiate. The group recently took part in Made to Move Communities, a global competition focused on creating mobility solutions to support people and communities in times of natural disaster. The team won the Americas’ jurisdiction before going to compete globally.

Taking on the world

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

You never know where a good idea can take you.

Hannah Fernandez, Brandon Sherby, Emma-Leigh Provido-Aleonar, and Daniel Ajuwon are Grade 12 students at Transcona Collegiate. The four recently competed against students from across North and South America in the Made to Move Communities competition — including 26 classmates in their English language arts class — before winning the Americas’ jurisdiction.

“We thought we’d be doing novel studies or some essays, but this was an inquiry project over the span of a month,” Fernandez said. “When we were chosen, we were shocked. We didn’t really want to win! We wanted another group to win so we could focus on exams. But our presentation was good.”

From there, the team went on compete in the global competition, where the group had a chance to watch the Greek team’s presentation live online.

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Free Press Community Review: East

Photo by Sheldon Birnie
Denis Gautron, the first principal at École Julie-Riel, and Jeannette Beaudry, the school’s first kindergarten teacher, opened a time capsule on May 13 which had been placed behind a stone in the wall during the school’s first year of operation (1996-97).

‘C’est spécial’

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

‘C’est spécial’

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

Students, staff, and the school community at École Julie-Riel recently took a journey to the past.

On May 13, a time capsule that was placed behind a brick marked ‘1995’ next to the front doors of the school during the 1996-97 school year was opened during a widely attended ceremony at the school, located at 316 Ashworth St.

“C’est special,” principal Lyette Carrière said at the beginning of the event. “It’s special.’

From the school’s initial staff of 30, 15 former staff members were on hand for the special ceremony, including the school’s first principal, Denis Gautron. Students from the entire school watched the ceremony, which was conducted in French, in their classrooms via Teams, while Gautron and Jeannette Beaudry, the school’s first kindergarten teacher, pulled the capsule from the wall and opened it before a small crowd assembled outside.

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Community Correspondents

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Barb Taylor and Gary Garbutt are facing Garbutt’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis with the support of family and the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba.

Gary’s Groupies gather for Alzheimer’s walk

Tanya Misseghers 3 minute read Preview

Gary’s Groupies gather for Alzheimer’s walk

Tanya Misseghers 3 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

When two people truly love and care about one another, nothing – not even a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease — can get in their way.

Gary Garbutt and Barb Taylor, River Park South residents in their 80s and together for 35 years, are spokespeople for the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba. With their family, they are participating in the May 30 Walk for Alzheimer’s in Assiniboine Park.

Gary’s Groupies, as they call themselves, will join hundreds of others raising funds for local programs and services that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their loved ones in Manitoba.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, 20,300 Manitobans are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to climb to more than 39,000 by 2050. Every day, nine people are diagnosed with the disease in Manitoba.

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Free Press Community Review: East

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Gary Garbutt at the 2025 Alzheimer’s Walk.

Sea of support

Rylee Gerrard STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Sea of support

Rylee Gerrard STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis often brings on a wave of emotion. Desolation, distress, diffidence. But Manitobans living with dementia, and their families, can expect a blue wave of supportive people waiting to be the community, camaraderie, and compassion needed at an uncertain time.

The 2026 Walk for Alzheimer’s is happening on Saturday, May 30 at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park — and the blue shirts worn by participants will seemingly flood the park.

“I came around the corner, and was stunned at the amount of blue shirts,” said Erin Crawford, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, of her first Walk for Alzheimer’s experience.

“We hear often (that living with Alzheimer’s) can be isolating and lonely. One beautiful thing about the walk is we’re all here together,” Crawford said.

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Community Correspondents

Photo by Colin Corneau/LRSD
Music students pictured at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé in spring 2025.

Celebrating Music Month in LRSD

Peter Bjornson 3 minute read Preview

Celebrating Music Month in LRSD

Peter Bjornson 3 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Manitoba has a rich history of producing nationally and internationally recognized musicians, and today it continues to foster a vibrant, diverse, and celebrated music community. That journey often starts in our schools.

Through visits across the division, I have enjoyed getting acquainted with staff, students, and school communities, and seeing first-hand the variety of music education opportunities available. From the developmental foundations of Orff to guitar programs and jazz ensembles, our students are supported in exploring their interests and developing their talents.

We are fortunate to have very hard-working, dedicated, and inspiring music educators who have developed outstanding programs, as research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of music education.

“Music really does help to bring out the best in young people. It nourishes self-esteem, keeps them engaged, and creates a respectful community,” Norman Mould and Ingrid Whyte wrote in the spring 2011 issue of EdCan Network.

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Free Press Community Review: East

City news in brief — week of May 20, 2026

FP Community Review staff 3 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Winnipeg

Book Sale supports Winnipeg Public Library

Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library are hosting an annual fundraising book sale at Pembina Curling Club (1341 Pembina Hwy) on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days.

Wander through a selection of gently-used books in a variety of non-fiction and fiction genres. In addition to books, there will also be DVDs, CDs, and LPs at the sale.

Free Press Community Review: East

East edition news in brief — week of May 20, 2026

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Elmwood

Glenelm art show to take place May 24

The Glenelm Neighbourhood Association and Next Door Neighbour Studio are hosting the Glenelm Community Art Show on Sunday, May 24.

Registration for artists is open until Wednesday, May 20. Painting, photography, sculpting or any other artistic endevour are welcome, though smaller pieces are preferred owing to the space of the studio, with one-piece-maximum per artist accepted.

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Community Correspondents

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Correspondent John Hindle, pictured here near the Seine River, has been impressed by the environmental stewardship of the grassroots non-profit Save Our Seine.

In praise of Save Our Seine

John Hindle 3 minute read Preview

In praise of Save Our Seine

John Hindle 3 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

The Seine River is a winding tributary of the Red River, and I was surprised to learn that it is Winnipeg’s second-longest river, flowing for just over 26 kilometres within city limits (its full length is approximately 150 kilometres).

I have personally enjoyed the benefits of the Seine, as I live nearby and many people have told me their stories of how special the area is and has been – now and in the past. Just the other day we saw a beaver leisurely playing in the river.

My friend, Bill Nash, told me his cherished childhood memory of the Seine. Close to 70 years ago, when St. Anne’s Road was not much more than a dike, Bill’s family would take horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter on the Seine, to and from what is now Niakwa Country Club. There was very little housing between St. Anne’s and the river back then. The memories are special to him, and just one reason why saving and maintaining the Seine River has been and is a valued project.

In the 1980s, the river was in trouble. Imagine a garbage dump with a river running through it. People used the area to dispose of anything they did not want. The river ran dry some years. Forgotten was its importance to Manitoba’s history. Louis Riel and his family lived along the Seine River. Something needed to be done.

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Community Correspondents

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Ginette Lavack assumed office as the member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface–Saint-Vital on April 28, 2025.

Has it really been a year?

Ginette Lavack 3 minute read Preview

Has it really been a year?

Ginette Lavack 3 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

The markers of time sometimes arrive like familiar landmarks on a long Canadian highway drive, appearing suddenly on the horizon before flashing past the window. When we’re focused on the road directly ahead – the meetings, deadlines, errands, and responsibilities of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger journey and just how far we’ve travelled.

Then all at once: “Oh, wow, are we here already?”

That was exactly the feeling I had a few weeks ago when I realized a full year has passed since the last federal election and the beginning of my journey as a member of Parliament.

It’s been a remarkably busy and consequential year. Canada, like much of the world, continues to navigate economic uncertainty, global instability, and rapid change. Through it all, our federal government has remained focused on making sure Canadians can weather those pressures while continuing to build strong, resilient communities for the future.

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Community Correspondents

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St. Boniface city councillor Matt Allard joined the Southdale Residents Group on April 26 for a neighbourhood spring cleanup.

Annual spring cleanup is underway

Matt Allard 3 minute read Preview

Annual spring cleanup is underway

Matt Allard 3 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Spring has come, and this is the time of year for community cleanups.

The annual melting of snow leaves behind litter that was buried over the winter. I recently attended community cleanups in Windsor Park and Southdale that were hosted by Winakwa Community Centre and the Southdale Residents Group, respectively. In addition to the cleanup work being done by committed volunteer residents, the gatherings were a time to simply get together as a community.

Equipment such as gloves and garbage pickup sticks and bags were provided. Each small group of volunteers was assigned to cover a certain area and, depending on the number of people working together, it often didn’t take much time for an area to be covered. In the end, multiple bags of mostly small litter items were picked up and sent to landfill. Cigarette butts and torn pieces of disposable coffee cups may not seem like much on their own, but they add up to multiple bags once collected.

Dozens of community cleanups take place all over the city each year, but there are two more in the St. Boniface ward coming up very soon if you’re interested in participating.

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Community Correspondents

Calendrier communautaire 233-ALLÔ

Calendrier communautaire 2 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

20 mai • Clinique mobile de Service Manitoba • Hôpital de Saint-Boniface

21 et 28 mai • Pétanque • Club Belge

21 mai • Clinique mobile de Service Manitoba • Bibliothèque de Saint-Boniface

22 et 29 mai • Atelier céramique création de cupcake • CCFM

Free Press Community Review: East

Supplied photo by J. Carey Lauder Photography
Asher Kettner, 12, won the senior division (12 to 17 years of age) at the 37th annual Young Magicians of Manitoba Showcase of Magic on May 2. Kettner is pictured with world famous escape artist Dean Gunnarson, who presented him with The Bill Brace Magical Achievement Award.

Abracadabra!

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 5 minute read Preview

Abracadabra!

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Magicians may never reveal their secrets, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take pride in their work.

Asher Kettner recently won the senior division at the 37th annual Young Magicians of Manitoba Showcase of Magic. The stage magic competition for youth ages 7 to 17, was held in Winnipeg on May 2. A student at Westdale School in Charleswood, the 12-year-old was also awarded a gold star for his sleight-of-hand performance.

“Just doing it in general is fun, but winning makes you feel like what you do is good and people really care,” Kettner said. “That it’s really important and making something, you know. It’s fun to be rewarded. It’s hard, lots of practise.”

But Asher isn’t the only young magician in his family. His brother Ben, nine, is also an accomplished magician. In March, the pair took home top honours in the Young Magicians of Manitoba’s up-close magic competition in the junior (for seven-to-nine year olds) and senior (12 to 17) categories.

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Free Press Community Review: East

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Little Opera Company’s artistic director Spencer Duncanson is pictured here. The company will perform Life, Love, and Longing — A Musical Cabaret on June 5 and 6 shows at the First Unitarian Universalist Church.

Crossing the bridge between opera and musical theatre

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Crossing the bridge between opera and musical theatre

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

It’s billed as a musical cabaret “that dances on the line between opera and musical theatre,” and that’s exactly what the Little Opera Company’s performances of Life, Love, and Longing — A Musical Cabaret will do.

The June 5 and 6 shows at the First Unitarian Universalist Church will feature the talents of Winnipeg vocalists Donnalynn Grills; Margot Harding; Sloan Smith; Joanna Loepp Thiessen; Nolan Kehler; Matt Pauls; and Raymond Sokalski; accompanied by pianist Cary Denby.

“We’re hoping to celebrate the relationship between musical theatre and opera,” said Little Opera Company’s artistic director Spencer Duncanson.

“So many people think these are at opposite ends of the spectrum … but the bridge has been crossed many, many times by opera and musical theatre performers. They have something in common, as they are both using music to move things along emotionally,” said Duncanson, noting how opera has a history of being performed in pubs, which may not necessarily be well known.

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Columns

How could you resist these two?

Winnipeg Pet Rescue 2 minute read Preview

How could you resist these two?

Winnipeg Pet Rescue 2 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

Meet Papaya. Papaya is a 10-week-old, large-breed cross who may be just the perfect match for you. She is the last of her litter to find her forever home and is hoping she doesn’t have much longer to wait.

Are you ready to fall in love? This precious pup is hoping an active, fun-loving family will come scoop her up. She is a sweet, snuggly, bouncing ball of joy – what more could you want? Let’s see if Papaya could steal your heart.

☐ ☐ ☐

Andrew is a five-year-old, domestic short-hair cat looking for a safe place for a fresh start.

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Free Press Community Review: East

Sports news in brief – week of May 20, 2026

– FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Preview

Sports news in brief – week of May 20, 2026

– FP Community Review staff 2 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

Lawn bowling season kicks off

Bowls Manitoba will host its third annual season-opening fours tournament at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 23 at the Dakota Lawn Bowling Centre, 1212 Dakota St.

Played on an artificial green, the tournament will bring together club members with former provincial champions and other leading players.

Clubs from Brandon, Gimli and Winnipeg, including Tuxedo, St. John’s, Norwood and St. James, have each provided two teams of three players. To make a foursome, each team will be assigned a skip who has competed at the provincial and/or national level. Games will be 10 ends, with each player delivering two bowls. All teams are guaranteed three games.

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Free Press Community Review: East

Photo by Ryan Desjarlais
The letters ‘PV’ on the valley wall are a nice backdrop to the fifth hole at Pleasant Valley.

A pleasant round in the valley

Ryan Desjarlais 6 minute read Preview

A pleasant round in the valley

Ryan Desjarlais 6 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

I try to focus on rural nine-hole courses in this space. Last fall, while closing down the cottage at Pelican Lake, the weather was almost summer-like – 20 degrees, clear skies, and no wind. A call for a break from closing-up duty led me to one of my two favourite childhood golf courses (the first being Roland).

While playing, I noticed that holes 4 and 5 had had some recent modifications – which is a good excuse to write about the course. So, at the south end of Pelican Lake lies Pleasant Valley Golf Club.

The club is surrounded by a busy cottage area. There is a small clubhouse and restaurant, and a small driving net to warm up in. There is a large practice green, and a very large fleet of motorized golf carts. This impressive fleet allows the club to host many tournaments throughout the season. In 2009, Pleasant Valley course was being picked as one of Canada’s best public courses by Score magazine.

These days, Pleasant Valley is an 18-hole course, having expanded into the valley face decades ago. The back nine is a story in its own right, but the first nine still draws players from all over Manitoba for folks wanting challenging play. Today, I will discuss just the front nine.

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