What’s in a number?

The words of a local group of playwrights, which is celebrating a decade as a collective, will soon come alive on stage.

Dramatists in Dotage will present Age is Just a Number! — a reading of six short plays by Kevin Longfield, Jenny Gates, Bruce Sarbit, Armin Wiebe, Brian Richardson, and Sue Proctor. Lynne Martin is also a member of the group.

There will be two events, which will be held at the Gargoyle Theatre, which is located at 585 Ellice Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 4 — doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. — and Sunday, Oct. 5 — doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the show starts at 2 p.m.

According to a release, the group — which was formed in 2015 — collaborates in the creation, writing and sharing of ideas, words and stories with a variety of audiences, and played a key role in the development of plays that have been professionally produced, won contests, and received honourable mentions.

Kicking their way to nationals

Winnipeg Phoenix FC’s U15 Girls will be representing Manitoba at Canada Soccer’s 2025 National Championships next month.

This is in the wake of going undefeated and earning first place at the Manitoba Soccer Association’s provincial championships, winning 8-2 in the final against Bonivital Flames. Now, the girls are training hard before they fly off to Charlottetown, P.E.I. to take on opposing teams hailing from all over the country in the Girls U15 Cup.

Avery Mochnacz, who plays right back, described the development as “kind of a shock,” adding that she and many of her fellow players — who have essentially grown up together, on the field — have been dreaming of this moment since they were little.

“It’ll be a really good experience for all of us,” the 14-year-old said.

Drawing for others

Those looking to participate in Orange Shirt Day — now recognized as National Day for Truth & Reconciliation — on Sept. 30, but unsure about where to purchase an orange shirt to show their solidarity, are being called upon to support a local artist and not-for-profit organization.

Rossbrook House is currently selling new orange shirts depicting art by 18-year-old Trinity Apetagon, who works at the 24/7 youth space located at 658 Ross Ave. The shirt design was inspired by the building and people who occupy it, she said, as well as what National Day for Truth & Reconciliation represents, at its core. All funds collected from the shirts will go towards supporting Rossbrook’s programming directed at supporting vulnerable children in the inner city.

“When I was creating it, I thought of Indigenous culture and how Indigenous culture is important with Rossbrook’s values,” Apetagon, who is Indigenous, said. “I actually got the Medicine Wheel symbol from this artwork that’s basically on the ceiling, hanging from it. They have the colors of the Medicine Wheel. And I put it in a heart to symbolize community and love.”

The design also depicts an Indigenous youth, which could be interpreted as a boy or a girl, as well as a survivor of residential schools, or even a youth attending Rossbrook, Apetagon said.

Back to Ottawa for fall session

Along with being an honour and a privilege, it has been an exciting first few months as the Member of Parliament for Elmwood-Transcona.

We have had many face-to-face meetings with local residents, small businesses, and community organizations. I would like to give a special shout out to Habitat for Humanity, as I was honoured to join them for a day building new homes for deserving families in our area. I am so proud to contribute to an organization that makes a real difference for families in the riding.

As we are set to head back to Ottawa for the next session of Parliament, we are committed to keeping constituents informed on what is happening in the House of Commons. We as Conservatives will have a clear focus on delivering results for Canadians. Our current priorities are:

• Protecting jobs for hardworking Canadians;

A haunting classic comes to life

A local theatre company is getting a jump on Halloween season.

Hood & Dagger Productions will open its second season by staging an adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s classic, The Haunting of Hill House, Oct. 23 to 26 at the Martial-Caron Theatre at Université de Saint-Boniface (200 De La Cathedrale Ave.).

“Stephen King has said The Haunting of Hill House is the best haunted house story of the 20th century — and he would know,” said Crystal Hood, executive director.

“Halloween is my favourite holiday, so I was very excited at the chance to be a part of a spooky play just in time for it,” said Kyle Boch, who will play the part of Arthur in the upcoming production. “I had not heard of The Haunting of Hill House or Shirley Jackson before, though having seen the last two productions of Hood and Dagger’s, I was confident it would be good. Sure enough, I have been quickly drawn in by its gothic charm.”

Meet Amaya

Hi! I’m Amaya!

I’m a spunky and active girl who loves playing tug a war and catch, but I like to take it slow in the mornings if you sleep in.

I am fully housetrained and I love my crate — I go in it for naps on my own and when my foster mom isn’t home. I also really like to spend time training and learning new things, so I probably would benefit from an experienced dog owner.

I live with a cat, and wouldn’t mind living with one who is dog savvy. I have a bit too much energy around kids and I still need a lot of supervision. Kids older than 12 would be best.

New Art from the Attic pre-auction to be held on Sept. 26

Local art lovers now have even more opportunities to add to their collections while supporting a great cause.

That’s because the non-profit Grands ‘n’ More Winnipeg — which is busy preparing to hold its annual Art from the Attic event on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Vital Centre (1225 St. Mary’s Rd.) — is debuting another fundraising initiative this year.

The group is excited to showcase some of the art collected for this year’s campaign at an Art from the Attic pre-auction event, which will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, also at the mall, near the former Bay store. Viewing will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the auction will start at 7 p.m. The auction will consist of 25 lots, some of which will contain one more than piece of donated art.

According to a statement, a list of the auction pieces is available at grandsnmore.com, and creations include works by artists known locally and internationally in a range of genres and sizes. Pieces include works by Wanda Koop, William Kurelek and Marilyn Settle.

Taking pride in their trees

The efforts of the Windsor Park Residents’ Association, and its partners, continues to take root.

In Collaboration with the City of Winnipeg, the southeast Winnipeg-based group planted 27 trees in the neighbourhood last month – 22 trees in Westmount Park and five in Vincent Massey Park.

And now, to keep the momentum going, organizers are planning a tree planting demonstration and tree raffle in collaboration with Green Drop, when visitors will the chance to win a six-to-eight-foot tall tree. The event will be on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Westmount Park (419 Westmount Dr.).

Amber Gauthier, the association’s president, said the recent tree planting event went well, and she’s hoping the upcoming event will engage area residents.

A new academic year and our commitment to student success

As the crisp fall air returns to Manitoba, so too does the energy and anticipation of a new academic year. Whether you’re a young learner stepping into a school for the first time, a high school student reuniting with classmates, or a post-secondary scholar embarking on your next adventure, this moment is filled with promise. As your MLA, I am so proud of how our community values education and how our provincial government continues to invest in the success of every student.

Last year marked the launch of the universal nutrition program in Manitoba’s K-12 schools, a milestone that is already making a difference. We know that a child who is well-fed is better able to learn, grow, and reach their potential. By ensuring every student can begin their day nourished and ready to thrive, we are removing barriers to learning and giving every child an equal start. The universal nutrition program is more than a meal; it is a promise that no student will be held back by hunger.

For those setting their sights on higher education, Manitoba is expanding opportunities in meaningful ways. Now, students can access federal bursaries without being required to take out a student loan. This change empowers even more Manitobans to pursue their post-secondary dreams. Combined with Manitoba’s own interest-free loans, bursaries and supports, these programs are opening doors for all who seek to learn, regardless of their financial background. Education should be accessible, and these initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.

As we celebrate the return to school, let’s remember that learning is a journey we take together. In Southdale and across Manitoba, we’re building classrooms and campuses where every student is welcomed, supported, and encouraged to flourish. I am excited to cheer you on, this year and every year.

Starting the school year together

As summer winds down and students return to classrooms across Manitoba, I want to wish everyone a safe and smooth start to the school year. This time is always one of transition, filled with excitement, nerves, and for many families, a fair share of stress.

This year, it feels especially important to remind our children, and ourselves, about the power of empathy. Not every student returns to school from the same summer experience. Some families in our province are still recovering from the devastating impacts of the recent state of emergency. Many remain displaced, and our school divisions, both here in Kildonan-River East and across Manitoba, are working hard to ensure every child has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.

Schools are among the safest and most stabilizing spaces for our children. But we also know back to school brings challenges, especially when it comes to finding quality, affordable childcare. At our recent community barbecue, I reconnected with a family I had first met last year who were struggling to secure daycare for their children. They told me they had finally found a solution that worked, and it was a reminder that progress is possible. Another young person came up to me at the barbecue, and I recognized her from a tour at the legislature. Her class had written me a letter, and when I saw her again, it reminded me why I do this work.

Over the past two years, I’ve been asked many times why I chose public service. The answer is simple. It is the small, meaningful connections with neighbours that make it worthwhile. Whether it’s a child recognizing me from reading at their school or a young person I met during a class visit to the legislature, these moments ground me in the importance of showing up and listening.

Helping people take charge

In its 30th year, Taking Charge, a local non-profit based out of 276 Colony St., remains a stable resource for single parents and women — as well as their children — as they navigate education, parenthood and everyday life.

Established in 1995, Taking Charge is a two-year program which helps those who didn’t receive their GED return to education and graduate with their mature diploma, done with the help of Booth University College (290 Vaughan St.). Alongside its certified adult learning centre — which covers the bases up until Grade 12, when participants move to Booth — the non-profit will help with personal development, goal setting, and self-confidence, as well as covering topics such as applying for grants, registration forms, and career research.

Even more, Taking Charge’s big selling feature outside of the classroom is a nursery and daycare where the children of participants can play, be taken care of and fed warm meals while their parents grow and thrive, as well as a resource that helps the parents connect with other daycares — especially those that accept subsidies — once their time with the organization is done.

In 2024, the Taking Charge served 109 participants, cared for 110 children, and served 240 lunches, according to its annual report. As well, 67 per cent of graduates went on to enroll in post-secondary.

The bison are back

Students at the University of Manitoba were welcomed back with open arms on Sept. 2 through the University of Manitoba Student Union’s Bison Bash party, which featured vendors, food trucks and activities for those returning to campus.

Although most of the festivities were moved inside due to cold weather, the party remained full of students ready to begin their fall term.