The night before Christmas – 2025 version

’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the world;

Not a creature was stirring, except viewers around TVs curled,

Wars still raged the world over;

The people helter skelter ran for cover,

Meet the monarch whisperer

A multi-talented resident at Dakota House, Helen Hogue, was once featured in several nature magazines for her former prize-winning gardens in St. James. Finding out she still grooms monarchs right in her present suite intrigued me.

No, she’s not raising royalty – these are monarch butterflies.

I’ve known since grade school there are four stages in a butterfly’s life – egg, larva, pupa or chrysalis, and adult. In plain language, the larvae are worms.

Calling them caterpillars, Helen’s way, did not help me. How could anyone tolerate having worms crawling around free-range in one’s own dwelling!? When she mentioned she’d raised a total of 1,621 butterflies in her St. James sunroom, I shuddered.

Sharing culture through music

Maryka Chabluk is trying to explain why she is moved to help Ukrainian children living 8,000 kilometres away.

“I honestly feel that I am called to it. It’s inspiration that I get when I see a need for children to be more engaged in learning about their roots,” said the Ukrainian Canadian educator, singer, songwriter, and book editor.

Chabluk first published and printed Maryka’s Treasures: Ukrainian and English Sing-along Activity Book back in 2022, when thousands of Ukrainian families fled their home country following the Russian invasion and arrived in Canada. The book was included in backpacks given to newcomers who arrived with children.

“Originally, I created the songs and the books for Canadian children to give them an opportunity to learn Ukrainian vocabulary,” Chabluk explained. “Now they serve an important purpose in helping Ukrainian-speaking children and their families learn more English.”

Seven Oaks Epic Fall pickleball tournament a smashing success

The Seven Oaks Education Foundation held its first Seven Oaks Epic Fall pickleball tournament at Collège Garden City Collegiate last month.

Avrum and Cheryl Senensky successful managed 192 players and over 30 volunteers during the weekend event, which raised over $10,000 in scholarship funds for the foundation. The Seven Oaks Education Foundation, in association with the Seven Oaks School Division, awards scholarships annually to students graduating from the Seven Oaks School Division.

— Staff

Rockwood School kids claim their corner

Congratulations to teacher Ranchelle Opena and the kids in grades 1 and 2 at Rockwood School who earned $250 worth of school supplies for the work they did cleaning up Harrow Park in Fort Rouge during Recycle Everywhere’s first Claim Your Corner challenge this fall.

Across the province, students collected 102 bags of garbage and 44 bags of recyclables.

— Staff

Always grousing about the weather

So, it is late November as I write this column and there is not a flake of snow on the ground.

Even the decorated planters at my front door are snowless — well, if truth be told, that has nothing to do with the weather and all to do with the pesky red squirrel who decided to use my ‘fake snow’ for nesting. Each day it has found its way up the stairs and helped itself to some of the snow but, unlike the bird feeders in our backyard, it will soon be disappointed, as the snow will not be replenished. With the cold, I guess I don’t really blame it.

Enough about the squirrel. Let’s talk weather. Please tell me the following confessions don’t single me out as the only person who does these things:

• I like to put the Christmas lights up in October because it is milder and easier on my fingers. I also admit to enjoying them as soon as we have turned the page on Halloween;

A season of reflection, service and community

As the legislature returns to session, I’m proud to celebrate two years of representing our incredible community. The past few months in McPhillips have been especially busy and inspiring, and I’m thrilled to share some of the moments that truly stood out.

I’m excited about the announcements made in the throne speech, which outlines our government’s goals for the upcoming year. Over the past two years, you’ve shared your hopes and concerns, and I was proud to see many of those reflected in our government’s vision. The speech from the throne isn’t just a roadmap. It’s confirmation of our shared values and the work we’ve all done together. I look forward to helping bring these commitments to life and continuing to advocate for the needs of McPhillips in the Legislature.

Earlier this month, I was honoured to attend the annual West St. Paul Remembrance Day Ceremony, where I laid a wreath in remembrance of those who served for our country. I had the privilege of speaking with a local veteran from McPhillips at the event. His stories and reflections reminded me of the deep courage and commitment shown by our Canadian armed forces. It was a moving experience, and I’m grateful to all who helped organize this important event and to everyone who came out to pay their respects.

It’s always a pleasure connecting with folks across McPhillips and hearing what matters most to you. Whether it’s affordability, healthcare, education, or keeping our neighbourhoods safe, your ideas and concerns continue to shape the work I do every day.

Putting care and safety first

Every day I hear from families, front-line workers, and community leaders in Concordia who are worried about the effects of meth and addiction on our streets, in our neighbourhoods, and in our health-care system. They’re clear about what’s needed — real action, rooted in care, safety, and recovery. That’s exactly what our NDP government is delivering.

That’s why we pushed to pass Bill 48 — a compassionate and forward-thinking law that gives Manitoba a new way to respond when someone is in a state of severe drug intoxication or meth psychosis. For the first time, we’ll have the ability to bring people in crisis to a space where they can sober up and get the help they need. Instead of punishment, we’re making sure people get the protection and support they need to choose a healthier path away from addictions and toward a better future.

We are now moving forward with a detox facility at 190 Disraeli Fwy., staffed by health professionals who understand addiction and trauma. Instead of ending up in jail cells or emergency rooms, people will have access to care, monitoring, and a path toward recovery.

Bill 48 is part of a broader commitment to supporting mental health and addiction treatment across the province. Our government is increasing treatment capacity, expanding community-based supports, and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous organizations, health-care providers, and local leaders.

Calendrier communautaire 233-ALLÔ

19 au 29 novembre • Théâtre

Bonnes Bonnes • Théâtre Cercle Molière

19 novembre • AGA des Ami.e.s du carré civique de Saint-Boniface • Maison des artistes

20 novembre • Journée nationale de l’enfant • FPFM

20 novembre • Atelier

Planifier sa carrière • En ligne

Show and Tell offers glimpse into the past

As part of our Remembrance Day reflections, it is appropriate a pilgrimage of remembrance, made by Tom Crew, be shared with the community.

At the Community Show and Tell event at Charleswood Library on Nov. 1, co-sponsored by the Charleswood Historic Society and the library, Tom provided a vivid picture of his pilgrimage of remembrance to historic sites across Europe, where battles were fought and millions of soldiers died. At the same time, he explained how that pilgrimage led to his involvement in a project that would memorialize some of them.

A recipient of the King Charles III coronation medal for his work with the Royal Canadian Legion, Tom explained how his grandfather and father, who served in the first and second World Wars, respectively, were the driving force behind his commitment to create a memorial honouring soldiers who had died in those wars.

Following the First World War, Tom’s grandfather was instrumental in forming the British Empire Services League, which would later become the Royal Canadian Legion. Both Tom and his father were members of the Legion, and Tom said his father convinced him to make a pilgrimage of remembrance. This trip was the catalyst for the project to refurbish the deteriorating Sherman tank which was donated to the Charleswood Legion by the Fort Garry Horse regiment in 1970 and planted the seed for what was to become the Tank Memorial Wall.

Reflecting on the meaning of sacrifice

With Remembrance Day just behind us, I hope you were able to take part in your local ceremony. This is an important day, when we must honour those who have fallen and who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of Canada. A day when we ought to reflect upon remembering the hardships before us, be thankful for what we have now, and think about our place in the world.

We ought to take a moment to say thank you to those who donned the uniform and who fought for something greater than self. To say thank you for standing up for Canada in her darkest hours and protecting the world from harm.

We ought to also take a moment and reflect upon what that means today. We are very fortunate to live in a country like Canada. A land that has lived in relative peace. We should not just remember the lessons of the past, but we should also understand the world we live in and not become complacent in it. The world is becoming a more volatile place. With aggressive nations invading their neighbours, and others posturing to do the same, the threats in this world still exist and are real. We must be a nation that is prepared, that is capable, and that can stand up when duty calls.

It is important to take a moment of silence to think about the hardships of the past, the sacrifices made to get us where we are today, our place in the world right now, and how we can all make Canada and this world a better and safer place.

Safer, healthier communities

Across Manitoba, there’s a growing sense of hope as we come together to build communities that are safer, healthier, and more connected. Whether it’s supporting families, first responders, or investing in shared spaces, our NDP government is focused on creating a province where everyone feels secure and supported.

To protect those who protect us, we’re working with the federal government to strengthen the justice system. The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act introduces tougher bail conditions and sentencing measures, specifically targeting violent and repeat offenders. It also increases penalties for crimes against first responders and takes aim at organized crime — ensuring our communities are safer for everyone.

We’re also modernizing how we care for Manitobans affected by substance use. Bill 48: The Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act replaces outdated legislation from 1987. Despite delays from the Opposition, this bill ensures individuals affected by meth, opioids, and other substances receive safe, compassionate care for up to 72 hours. By prioritizing support over criminalization, we’re making our streets safer and helping connect folks to the supports they need.

Safety begins at home. That’s why we’ve reopened applications for the Manitoba security rebate program. This initiative offers up to $300 to help homeowners upgrade security features like cameras, alarms, and reinforced doors and windows — making it easier for Manitobans to feel safe where they live.

Kildonan Ladies Golf League commemorated

On Friday, Oct 24, city councillors Ross Eadie (Mynarski) and Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) joined the Kildonan Ladies Golf League to celebrate the installation of a commemorative bench and engraved plaque in their honour on the 16th hole at Kildonan Park Golf Course.

The league proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of laughter, and a shared love of the game.

“We are so grateful for this meaningful gesture, it represents the spirit of friendship that has always defined our club,” said Cathy Horbas, who, with Diane Sawyer, organized league’s season-long anniversary celebrations.

Pictured are (from left): Coun. Eadie, Coun. Sharma, Rosalie Grant, Esther Hershfield, Beverly Levtak, Sue Kostiuk, Moira Settee, Diane Sawyer and Cathy Horbas.

A wonderful summer connecting with you

As the leaves turn and the Llegislature resumes its fall session, I want to take the opportunity to reflect on what made this summer meaningful. For me, the season is special because it offers the chance to step away from the formalities of governing and to spend time where it matters most — in Point Douglas connecting with you.

Over the past few months, my team and I have been out every day, knocking on doors across our community. If you live in Point Douglas, there’s a good chance you saw us on your street, asking about the issues that matter most to you and your loved ones. These conversations guide my work, and listening to your concerns and priorities is the foundation of everything I do as your representative.

Beyond door-knocking, we hosted coffee houses and barbecues at several 55-plus residences and had the privilege of sitting down with our elders to listen and learn. These gatherings provided meaningful opportunities to hear stories of wisdom earned through decades of experience and important perspectives on creating a Point Douglas that is accessible and safe for everyone. Thank you to the residents and staff who welcomed us and to all the elders who shared their thoughts, experience, and vision for a stronger, more connected community.

This summer was filled with celebrations and milestones. I attended numerous graduations – from elementary and middle schools to high schools and adult learning centres – where I had the great honour of presenting the Claudette Osborne-Tyo Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers award to students in Point Douglas. This award is deeply personal to me, as it honours the memory of my sister Claudette, who went missing from Point Douglas 17 years ago. It recognizes students who show leadership and resilience in overcoming barriers. Seeing these young people succeed is truly inspiring.