Free Press Community Review: West

A long-awaited blessing

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

On May 24, Treaty One Development Corp. celebrated a milestone in what will eventually be a $1.2 billion economic development with a reclamation ceremony blessing what is now the reserve-status Naawi-Oodena, once Kapyong Barracks, off Kenaston Boulevard. It was the first event of any type held on the site.

The 161-acre parcel of land is set to be developed into a community filled with residential areas, sporting and education facilities, recreational spaces, businesses, and affordable housing — a joint effort of Treaty One and the Canada Lands Company, a federal development agency. Construction is set to begin in fall of 2023.

“The city does need it, no doubt in my mind,” said Dennis Meeches, former chief of Long Plain First Nation. “We do need a project of this length and this scale to help with the growth of the Indigenous community.”

The ceremony – which began at 9:30 a.m. and finished shortly after noon – was celebrated with gifts, music, speeches, food, and a tent and a teepee protecting guests from that day’s strong winds. A time capsule was also buried and will remain underground for the next century.

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Laughing in the ruins

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Laughing in the ruins

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

Shakespeare in the Ruins returns for a healthy 30th season on-site at the ruins in Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park in St. Norbert — a home that artistic director Rodrigo Beilfuss describes as historic as the plays it harbours.

For the three-decade milestone, SIR is bringing back a show it hasn’t produced in Winnipeg since 1997, Twelfth Night.

“It’s one of (Shakespeare’s) most popular comedies, but it hasn’t been done in the ruins since ’97, which is really strange,” Beilfuss said. “But that’s what we’re doing now, and I really think that comedy, joy, laughter is what we need right now, given everything we’re going through.”

The play, directed by Christopher Brauer, aims to introduce the audience to a Shakespeare play that’s wry, raunchy, and hilarious. The romantic romp follows the coming-of-age of Viola, played by Anaka Sandhu, and love-hungry Orsino, played by Darren Martens, two “rogue youths” caught off-guard by a chaotic crusade of love.

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File Photo

Shakespeare in the Ruins has graced St. Norbert for 30 years

Assiniboine School is ‘steeped in history’

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Assiniboine School is ‘steeped in history’

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

École Assiniboine School turned 100 in 2022. A later, the French immersion elementary school in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division is finally able to celebrate.

On the evening of June 2 (5 to 8 p.m.) and in the afternoon of June 3 (1 to 5 p.m.), the school is presenting a free, hybrid indoor/outdoor party to celebrate the tight-knit community it has helped found over the past century.

The building will be decorated with a plaque to demonstrate its historic importance in the community, to be displayed, and a student-produced mosaic art piece, currently hidden in the front entranceway of the building, will be unveiled to those in attendance.

The mosaic artwork features a variety of different pieces and symbols put together by the students, said principal Jean Burnett.

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Photo by Emma Honeybun

Principal Jean Burnett (left) and school teacher Karen Burgoyne (right) described the École Assiniboine School as “bursting at the seams,” with over 300 kids in attendance.

‘A comedy of errors’

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

‘A comedy of errors’

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

The whole world’s a stage, and Winnipeg Mennonite Theatre is bringing it home with its latest production.

From June 1 to 4, the long-running community theatre group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will bring J. B. Priestley’s When We Are Married, a British farce, to the stage at the Université de Saint-Boniface’s salle Martial-Caron (200 Ave. de la Cathedrale).

Set in the early 20th century, When We Are Married concerns three upwardly mobile British couples who were all married on the same day by the same pastor in the same church who learn, on their 25th anniversaries, that the pastor had not, in fact, legally married any of them.

“It’s a comedy of errors,” explained director Luis Reis, who has been involved with the Winnipeg Mennonite Theatre with his wife Monica for 35 years.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Supplied photo by Karren Janzen

The Winnipeg Mennonite Theatre is preparing to stage J. B. Priestley’s classic farce When We Are Married. Pictured: (back row, from left) Jeff Madden, Rick Scherger (front row, from left) Carolyn Schaan, Monica Reis, and Erna Peters are among those taking centre stage in the upcoming production, which runs June 1 to 4.

Let’s save historic Winnipeg

Julia Fernie Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Preview

Let’s save historic Winnipeg

Julia Fernie Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

There once stood a broad, spacious home with crystal chandeliers, blooming gardens and a staircase straight out of Titanic. A long, mandala-like pathway welcomed your presence, shaded by thick flourishing shrubbery. Built in 1909 and designed by C.C. Chisholm, this staple of Winnipeg, facing Munson Park, was 514 Wellington Cres.

It served many generations, and was going to continue, but in 2016, it was sold to a developer who wished to replace it with condominiums. Winnipeggers pushed back, desperate to save this vital piece of history, but despite their best efforts, there was nothing they could do. Since 2020, there is now a pile of ash and rubble where a great house stood, the ghost of the house and its past fading, slowly being forgotten.

House at 1188 Wellington Cres., 1015 Wellington Cres., and others have also been victims of the bulldozers. One could argue they were old and rotting but, really, these important places of history have been sabotaged by greedy developers looking to earn fast money. “Demolition by neglect” is a phrase on the rise, because, looking into the causes of these teardowns, most of these structures were improperly heated or cooled for long periods of time. When an application to demolish a house for no good reason has been rejected, it is simpler to neglect the property.

It has been estimated that 25 per cent of solid waste in landfills comes from house demolitions. Not only is tearing down our beloved history often an act of sabotage or stripping us of culture, it is not environmentally friendly. Machinery used to demolish a home contributes to global warming and creates excess waste that does not have the opportunity to be recycled. Most demolitions are of single-family homes, and each demolition sends more than 50 tonnes of waste to the landfill. That is 50 tonnes of valuable history that is going down the drain.

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Free Press file photo

The Gordon House, at 514 Wellington Cres., was demolished in November 2020.

Red River ecological corridor needed

Jon Gerrard 3 minute read Preview

Red River ecological corridor needed

Jon Gerrard 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

Establishing and providing stewardship for ecological or wildlife corridors is a critical part of what needs to be done in Manitoba in the next few years.

Protecting islands of habitat is not enough, we need to provide corridors so that wildlife, including birds and mammals, have paths to join islands together. Such ecological corridors are also important as areas where habitat can be enhanced and trees can be planted as a way to address climate change and to decrease the risk of flooding (land which is treed holds water on the land longer so that floods are less likely).

For the last two years I have been involved in looking at the potential for an ecological corridor along the Little Saskatchewan River from Riding Mountain National Park to the Assiniboine River. Establishing an ecological corridor and providing stewardship for it is very different from establishing a provincial or national park. A large proportion of the land along the Little Saskatchewan River is privately owned and farmed. There are two First Nations along the Little Saskatchewan River and Métis have hunted along the river for many decades. An ecological corridor in this circumstance requires consultation with local landowners, municipalities, the First Nations, Métis and the local watershed district. It will also need to involve people in decision-making and it will require funding. Fortunately, the federal government has already announced funding for ecological corridors across Canada.

In conversation with River Heights residents, I have found interest in an ecological corridor along the Red River from the U.S. Border to Lake Winnipeg. On May 7, I hosted a forum to further explore the idea.

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Supplied photo

River Heights MLA Jon Gerrard hosted a forum May 7 on the possiblity of designating an ecological corridor along the Red River.

Arbor Day in bloom this weekend

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Arbor Day in bloom this weekend

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

Trees Winnipeg is celebrating the world-wide Arbor Day with a free, local event that will bloom, with activity and entertainment on Saturday, June 3.

The not-for-profit charity, founded in 1992 and dedicated to conserving Winnipeg’s trees and urban forest, is holding the celebration at Crescent Drive Park (781 Crescent Dr.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a zipline, wood carvers creating sculptures on-site, a log-crossing station where guests can safely jump from swaying tree to tree, and educational booths along the site’s pavilion. Guests will also be able to go on “tree tours,” which will give them the opportunity to climb a tree without the fear of falling down.

A variety of not-for-profits will also have booths on hands, said event organizer Jodi Vinet, offering information on a variety of outdoorsy topics such as pest control and gardening.

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Supplied photo

Like in previous years, wood carvers will be able to demonstrate their skills in-person for guests

Edge of glory

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Edge of glory

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

With sure, confident form, aspiring Royal Winnipeg Ballet dancers are preparing to grace the stage of the RWB Founders’ Studio theatre to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned.

On the Edge is an annual compilation of original dances meant to highlight the talent of participants in the Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant program, which is a two-year, post-secondary training program for dancers making the transition from students to professional dancers.

The show, which runs June 7 to 9, will feature 16 dancers who will perform excerpts from the Russian ballet Fairy Doll and La Bayadère, by French choreographer Marius Petipa. It will also feature new works choreographed by RWB School choreographer Gabriela Rehak, RWB School instructor Maritel Centurion, Lesley Telford, guest choreographer Portia Adams, and Myles Mackesy, one of the dancers in the Aspirant programs.

Similar to the recent RWB professional division’s show, Spotlight, which ran May 26-27, On the Edge will feature dancers who hope to grace the RWB stage in coming years.

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Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

Photo by Emma Honeybun

Camilla Hood and Aidan Vaudreuil Wakeham perform an excerpt from La Esmeralda.

Failure to act leads to increase in HIV rate

Uzoma Asagwara 2 minute read Preview

Failure to act leads to increase in HIV rate

Uzoma Asagwara 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

The Manitoba HIV Program Report shows that the number of people living with HIV in the province grew from 111 to 169, or 52 per cent, between 2018 and 2021. This alarming rise in HIV rates in Manitoba is an issue that demands immediate attention and action. The government’s inaction, however, has only exacerbated the situation, leading to severe consequences for individuals, our communities, and the health-care system as a whole.

Despite clear evidence of escalating HIV transmission rates, the government has failed to implement comprehensive prevention and education programs. This lack of action has perpetuated misinformation, stigma, and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS, hindering efforts to promote awareness and encourage safe practices. Rising HIV rates and record-breaking overdoses year after year have still not been enough for this government to take action or implement supervised consumption sites. By neglecting the urgent need for robust healthcare services, accessible testing, and harm reduction strategies, the government has allowed the rates of transmission to skyrocket.

Furthermore, the insufficient funding allocated to HIV/AIDS initiatives in Manitoba has severely affected organizations who are working tirelessly to combat the crisis, all combined with the years that the government had spent damaging our health-care system leading to catastrophe in the pandemic. This lack of support has disrupted the availability of essential services, such as counselling, treatment, and support networks, leaving individuals living with HIV vulnerable and isolated.

The government’s failure to prioritize the fight against HIV is a disregard for the health and well-being of its citizens. Urgent measures must be taken to reverse this trend, including increased funding for prevention programs, harm-reduction efforts including supervised consumption sites, widespread outreach and comprehensive health education in schools.

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Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

The Manitoba HIV Program Report shows that the number of people living with HIV in the province grew from 111 to 169, or 52 per cent, between 2018 and 2021. This alarming rise in HIV rates in Manitoba is an issue that demands immediate attention and action. The government’s inaction, however, has only exacerbated the situation, leading to severe consequences for individuals, our communities, and the health-care system as a whole.

Despite clear evidence of escalating HIV transmission rates, the government has failed to implement comprehensive prevention and education programs. This lack of action has perpetuated misinformation, stigma, and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS, hindering efforts to promote awareness and encourage safe practices. Rising HIV rates and record-breaking overdoses year after year have still not been enough for this government to take action or implement supervised consumption sites. By neglecting the urgent need for robust healthcare services, accessible testing, and harm reduction strategies, the government has allowed the rates of transmission to skyrocket.

Furthermore, the insufficient funding allocated to HIV/AIDS initiatives in Manitoba has severely affected organizations who are working tirelessly to combat the crisis, all combined with the years that the government had spent damaging our health-care system leading to catastrophe in the pandemic. This lack of support has disrupted the availability of essential services, such as counselling, treatment, and support networks, leaving individuals living with HIV vulnerable and isolated.

The government’s failure to prioritize the fight against HIV is a disregard for the health and well-being of its citizens. Urgent measures must be taken to reverse this trend, including increased funding for prevention programs, harm-reduction efforts including supervised consumption sites, widespread outreach and comprehensive health education in schools.

Support for kids, not billionaires

Wab Kinew 2 minute read Preview

Support for kids, not billionaires

Wab Kinew 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

It’s graduation season. And this year I’m thrilled to join the ranks of proud parents who will be watching their children graduate, as my oldest son graduates high school.

As a parent myself, I know that kids in Manitoba deserve the best. They deserve small class sizes and a teacher who can give each student the one-on-one attention they need. They deserve a classroom with educational assistants and resources, plus warm meals for those who need them.

Unfortunately, Brian Pallister and Premier Stefanson have been cutting education funding for years. And we recently learned they have a secret plan to cut school funding for thousands of kids if they are elected this fall. The Progressive Conservative government’s new funding model for public schools will mean millions of dollars more in cuts to classrooms. Under the new model, the PCs would cut $11 million from Seven Oaks School Division, $10 million from Louis Riel School Division, $8.5 million from St. James-Assiniboia School Division, $4.5 million from Pembina Trails School Division, and over $2 million from Winnipeg School Division. These cuts mean fewer teachers and EAs, more students crammed into classrooms, and less support for parents and families.

The PCs can’t be trusted on education. Instead of investing in our schools, they’re handing out cheques to hugely successful out-of-province companies like Loblaws, which have been making your groceries more expensive. And Manitobans still remember Bill 64, the PC’s failed education bill which would have consolidated school divisions in our province under one centralized authority. Fortunately, Manitobans said no to Bill 64, and together we were able to stop it from passing.

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Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

It’s graduation season. And this year I’m thrilled to join the ranks of proud parents who will be watching their children graduate, as my oldest son graduates high school.

As a parent myself, I know that kids in Manitoba deserve the best. They deserve small class sizes and a teacher who can give each student the one-on-one attention they need. They deserve a classroom with educational assistants and resources, plus warm meals for those who need them.

Unfortunately, Brian Pallister and Premier Stefanson have been cutting education funding for years. And we recently learned they have a secret plan to cut school funding for thousands of kids if they are elected this fall. The Progressive Conservative government’s new funding model for public schools will mean millions of dollars more in cuts to classrooms. Under the new model, the PCs would cut $11 million from Seven Oaks School Division, $10 million from Louis Riel School Division, $8.5 million from St. James-Assiniboia School Division, $4.5 million from Pembina Trails School Division, and over $2 million from Winnipeg School Division. These cuts mean fewer teachers and EAs, more students crammed into classrooms, and less support for parents and families.

The PCs can’t be trusted on education. Instead of investing in our schools, they’re handing out cheques to hugely successful out-of-province companies like Loblaws, which have been making your groceries more expensive. And Manitobans still remember Bill 64, the PC’s failed education bill which would have consolidated school divisions in our province under one centralized authority. Fortunately, Manitobans said no to Bill 64, and together we were able to stop it from passing.

Sports ‘Halls of Dreams’

T. Kent Morgan 3 minute read Preview

Sports ‘Halls of Dreams’

T. Kent Morgan 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CDT

Do readers have any idea how many halls of fame and honour rolls connected to individual sports we have in our province?

To find out, Memories of Sport suggests visiting the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum gallery at 145 Pacific Ave. in Winnipeg.

The Sports Hall has mounted a new exhibition titled Fields….(Rinks, Courts and Lanes) of Dreams that features artifacts and displays from 10 different halls of fame that have committed to maintaining the heritage of their sports. The material complements the Sports HOF memorabilia related to inducted individuals and teams displayed the museum’s regular “decades” exhibits, which remain in place. Visitors can take a stroll through Manitoba’s sports history Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Self-guided tours are free. Group tours for up to 20 people must be booked in advance at a cost of $5 per person.

The 10 sports featured in the exhibition are baseball, basketball, curling, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, softball and 10-pin bowling. In addition, Sports Hall of Fame curator Andrea Reichert has filled two display cases with items from the Hall’s collection for figure skating, judo, ringette, running, soccer, tennis and volleyball, along with Special Olympics and high school and Indigenous sport.

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Supplied ph0to

The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum has mounted a new exhibition titled Fields…(Rinks, Courts and Lanes) of Dreams.

Reduce your exposure to market volatility

Christine Ibbotson 3 minute read Preview

Reduce your exposure to market volatility

Christine Ibbotson 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Dear Money Lady,

I am concerned about my financial adviser and the volatility he has had me in for years. I am now 79 and wonder if this should be changed. My investments are mainly in equities: TFSA 83 per cent; RRIF 72 per cent; and US RRIF 99 per cent. I have questioned him before and have done well over the years but now I feel I need another opinion.

Thanks,

Sue

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Dreamstime

To maximize your retirement income, you will want to reduce the amount your investments are exposed to market volatility by moving from equities into more secure holdings.

Celebrating our cultural diversity

Nick Barnes 4 minute read Preview

Celebrating our cultural diversity

Nick Barnes 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Whyte Ridge’s Celebration of Cultural Diversity on April 30 was arguably one of the largest community events of the past 20 years.

The Whyte Ridge Community Centre, Henry G. Izatt Middle School and its parents’ council, and Pembina Active Living 55-plus jointly planned the celebration over the past six months. It evolved from previous successful events organized by the WRCC and PAL 55-plus at the community centre but, given space constraints, the decision was made to host it at the middle school this year, thus including another pillar of the community.

Rather than filling the community centre with 50 people for two hours, the H.G. Izatt gymnasium and adjacent classrooms were filled with more than 800 people over a four-hour period — people of all ages, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, sharing food, entertainment, conversation, and lots of smiles.

Tyler Mags from Virgin Radio was the Master of Ceremonies. Opening remarks from key organizers Shahin Shooshtari (WRCC Diversity Director), and Sandra Sukhan (Past President PAL 55+) were followed by a Message of Gratitude and welcome to Treaty 1 from Ms. Marlene Carriere, an Elder from Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Welcomes were also provided by local federal MP, Terry Duguid, provincial MLA Obby Kahn, and City Councillor Janice Lukes.

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Photo by Nick Barnes

Fort Whyte MLA Obby Khan (third from right) visits the Malaysia booth at the Celebration of Cultural Diversity held at Henry G. Izatt Middle School in Whyte Ridge on April 30.

There’s something about London

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Preview

There’s something about London

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

London has always captivated me. One of the largest and most significant cities in the world, I have always imagined it to be fascinating and full of fancy tales. On a recent trip to the U.K., I discovered a lot of interesting things about the city.

For starters, I didn’t know it was originally called Londinium. The name dates back to 43 A.D., when ancient Romans founded a shipping port and trading site in the marshy valley of the River Thames. They established a settlement, constructed a bridge across the waterway, and the town became a hub of trade and commerce.

Less than 20 years later, this entire first town would be burned to the ground during battle. In centuries to follow, Londinium would be rebuilt, burned down again, rebuilt again, and regularly attacked by marauding groups of raiders and invaders. By the eighth century, still enduring after various forms of destruction, it’s name had been shortened to ‘London’.

The city became more permanent in 960 A.D., when Benedictine monks built a house of worship near the riverbank. One hundred years later, King Edward I built his royal palace on a nearby tract of land, and expanded the monastery. He commissioned the construction of a Romanesque stone church, which would become the original Westminster Abbey. In the middle of the 1200s, King Henry III had it rebuilt into the Gothic style we are familiar with today, with the new cathedral officially dedicated in 1269.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Photo by RoseAnna Schick

The Tower of London is a historic castle and fortress, and one of England’s most compelling ancient monuments.

This Rogue will be worth it

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Preview

This Rogue will be worth it

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Hi, I’m Rogue!

I love car rides, dog parks and anything to do with people or playing with other doggies.

I still need some work on my leash, as sometimes when I see something exciting, like a bird or squirrel, I pull. I know how to wait for my food and best of all I’m a really big girl who knows not to jump on new people.

I love all kinds of food – banana, cucumber, cantaloupe, honeydew, carrots — and I really like plain Timbits. I am very smart and food-motivated and, with a bit more training, I think I’d be a pretty amazing best friend.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

This is Rogue, this week’s featured pet from Manitoba Mutts.

Peg City Car Co-op launches fleet of new vehicles

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Preview

Peg City Car Co-op launches fleet of new vehicles

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

Peg City Car Co-op is making a big splash throughout the central part of the city.

On May 17, the car-sharing co-operative launched its new “free floating” car-share program with an event at City Hall.

In the coming weeks, members can book one of 35 new “FLO” vehicles throughout the downtown core and beyond for short trips with a few clicks on a smartphone.

“The introduction of one-way car-sharing is a game-changer for Winnipeg,” CEO Philip Mikulec said in a statement.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum nomination deadline May 31

Staff reporter 1 minute read Preview

Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum nomination deadline May 31

Staff reporter 1 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

There’s still time to nominate a prospective Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum entrant for this year.

According to Golf Manitoba, the organization is “dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the sport of golf” in the province.

Applications are currently being accepted into the hall, and individuals or teams can be nominated.

The application deadline is May 31. Visit www.manitobagolfhalloffame.com for more information.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

There’s still time to nominate a prospective Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum entrant for this year.

According to Golf Manitoba, the organization is “dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the sport of golf” in the province.

Applications are currently being accepted into the hall, and individuals or teams can be nominated.

The application deadline is May 31. Visit www.manitobagolfhalloffame.com for more information.

‘United by the spoken word’

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Preview

‘United by the spoken word’

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

As the world continues to re-emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, one upcoming event will speak to the importance of re-igniting the passion of employees and re-establishing workplace culture.

The inaugural Elevate MB half-day conference will take place at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park (145 Locomotive Dr.) on Friday, May 26 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Organized by the Prairie Shield Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, the event is intended to help leaders explore solutions and strategies designed to shift post-pandemic paradigms, said Anders Boulanger, the chapter’s president and a key event organizer.

Boulanger, a professional speaker who lives in St. Boniface, said returning to the workplace after the pandemic has presented challenges for many organizations and their teams; whether it’s working from home, or making the transition back into the office, many businesses are struggling with employee engagement and poor workplace culture.

“We wanted to put on an event to recognize that many people are still coming out of the pandemic slowly, and we wanted to bring together three speakers with different perspectives and experience,” he said.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Anders Boulanger is the president of the Prairie Shield Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, which will hold its inaugural Elevate MB half-day conference on May 26.

Have gloves, will travel

Troy Westwood 2 minute read Preview

Have gloves, will travel

Troy Westwood 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Massimo Dos Santos is a 15-year-old Grade 9 student at Westwood Collegiate who lives and breathes ‘the beautiful game’.

“I have played soccer since I was six or seven years old. I am a (goalkeeper) and from very early on, keeper was my position,” he said. “What I enjoy about playing keeper is making big saves for my team and helping to keep us in games or helping us to win games. The hype of big games and big saves is a lot of fun. I really enjoy sharing those times and that level of emotion with my team.”

Massimo plays for Winnipeg South End United U15 team.

“Our team and coaches are a good group of guys,” he said, then singled out one coach in particular who has supported and helped him.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Supplied photo

Massimo Dos Santos, photographed outside the stadium of Estoril FC in Lisbon, Portugal.

Don’t ‘wing’ your wedding vows…

Carolyne Braid 3 minute read Preview

Don’t ‘wing’ your wedding vows…

Carolyne Braid 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Nuptial couples have been moving away from more traditional weddings and choosing to create something that is uniquely their own. Shawna Peterson of Weddingbella shares some quick tips for both couples and guests on how to navigate these new waters.

“Some of the biggest faux pas I have seen at weddings are when couples attempt to ‘wing’ their vows,” Shawna said. “Whether they’ve forgotten them at home, thought they had time to prepare them the day of or wanted their vows to be an impromptu disclosure of sentiment, this has generally not gone over well during the ceremony. With the spotlight directly on the couple, our natural reaction is to freeze up.”

She recommends that you prepare ahead of time and practise, so you can share your promises with ease on your big day.

Another trend is having a family or friend act as your officiant.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Supplied photo

Shawna Peterson of Weddingbella officiates a wedding.

IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s set for May 27

Staff reporter 1 minute read Preview

IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s set for May 27

Staff reporter 1 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

It’s nearly time to get walking for a good cause.

The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, May 27 at Assiniboine Park.

According to the society’s website, check-in will be at 10 a.m., and the warm-up will be at 10:45 a.m. The walk will start at 11 a.m., and lunch will be at 11:45 a.m.

Go online at alzheimer.mb.ca for more information.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Supplied photo

Two participants in last year’s IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s are pictured in this file photo. This year’s event is the second in-person walk since 2020.

How kidney disease affects nutrition

Lisa Lagasse 3 minute read Preview

How kidney disease affects nutrition

Lisa Lagasse 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Patients diagnosed with kidney disease are often instructed to follow a special diet. The kidneys function as the body’s filter removing toxins that build up in our system. When they lose function, these toxins accumulate, making patients ill and sometimes even causing death.

There are five stages of kidney disease. At stages 1 and 2, no restrictions are necessary except to eat healthier and control weight. By the time a patient is at stages 3-5, and having dialysis, dietary restrictions are often required, depending on appetite and weight. Potassium, phosphorus, sodium and fluids may need to be adjusted based on the patient’s status. Potassium is a mineral found in many foods and beverages which affects heart and muscle function. When kidneys work properly, potassium is kept in check in our bloodstream. In kidney failure, potassium builds up and can cause heart irregularities ,or stop your heart.

Examples of high potassium foods include processed meats and foods; bananas, oranges, melons, tomatoes, dried fruits, lentils and pulses, chocolate and whole grains. New studies have shown that processed foods have the most significant impact on potassium levels because they are more easily absorbed. Phosphorus is another mineral that can build up usually in the skin, blood vessels and organs. Too much phosphorus can affect circulation, bone health and itching.

Phosphorus is found in many foods, but dairy items contain high amounts, so these products are often limited in kidney diets. Again, phosphorus found in additives used in processed foods is more readily absorbed, like potassium, and therefore such foods must be avoided. Many patients will be on phosphate binders, such as calcium carbonate, to draw phosphorus out of their food.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Dreamstime

Chronic kidney disease can be treated medically, accompanied by dietary adaptations.

Unique run reaches 100-event milestone

Kirby Gilman 3 minute read Preview

Unique run reaches 100-event milestone

Kirby Gilman 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Winnipeg’s Churchill Parkway ‘parkrun’ celebrated its 100th run recently — a milestone for the event, that started here in July 2019 and is one of the over 2,000 weekly parkruns held in 22 countries across six continents.

After the 100th parkrun, first-timers and regulars stayed to enjoy hot chocolate, veggies and fruit, and cookies, which Dennis Cunningham, parkrun event director, admitted was the most popular snack.

Cunningham said he was one of five Winnipeggers who collaborated to bring parkrun here. His first experience with parkrun came on a family vacation in the United Kingdom. Rick Harrison’s parkrun connection was made through an online running group. Like Cunningham, Harrison regularly volunteersat Churchill Parkway, taking on various tasks, including timing. Others who helped with the startup had attended parkruns as far away as Australia.

Registering online for a free parkrun barcode gives runners and walkers access to parkruns anywhere. Like all parkruns, Winnipeg’s is held every Saturday at 9 a.m. The five-kilometre course uses the scenic Churchill Parkway between the Red River and Churchill Drive. Runners, walkers, young and old, and those with dogs and strollers all take part. The start area is where Ashland Street meets Churchill Drive.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Photo by Kirby Gilman

Runners and walkers enjoy Churchill Parkway ‘parkruns’ every Saturday at 9 a.m

High schoolers to compete in big science fairs

Terry Duguid 3 minute read Preview

High schoolers to compete in big science fairs

Terry Duguid 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Two students from Fort Richmond Collegiate in South Winnipeg are representing their community at national and international science competitions this month.

16-year-old Keerthan Kamala Krishnamoorthy will represent Team Canada at the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, held in Dallas, Tex. He is one of eight students selected by Youth Science Canada to represent the nation at this world-renowned competition.

Keerthan’s project – called “Detection of Harmful Microorganisms in Drinking Water using Deep Learning” – aims to make safe drinking water more accessible. In his research proposal, Keerthan plans to make a mobile phone app that can take a photo of water, analyze the photo, and determine if it is safe to drink. The app requires the use of a paper microscope to magnify the water sample, which Keerthan says is inexpensive and widely accessible around the world.

Another Fort Richmond student, 12th grader Annika Paliwal, is heading to Edmonton to represent Team Bison Manitoba at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, hosted by Youth Science Canada.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Supplied photo

Dr. Anju Bajaj and students at the Bison Regional Science Fair, held last month at Holy Cross School.

Dye-ing to meet you

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Dye-ing to meet you

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Textile artist Ash Alberg is working with students at Sargent Park School to introduce them to the use of natural dyes in art, their own clothes, and in different cultures.

“It’s something really tangible that kids can do that gives them some power over things,” explained Alberg, who uses they/them pronouns.

With the help of the Manitoba Arts Council’s Artists in Schools program, Alberg is working with three different Manitoba schools — Sargent Park, Falcon Beach School in Falcon Beach and Valleyview Centennial School in Brandon.

“Giving kids knowledge at a very young age and doing it in a way that’s fun for them — that’s very tactile I think,” Alberg said. “It’s able to address big things in a fun (and) accessible way for kids, for sure.”

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Supplied photo

Ash Alberg’s students are able to learn, create, and bring their own materials home.

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