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The Point
Community News North & South Point Douglas ♦ Explore Life in The Point! |
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Last updated Mar 08/10
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Musings and Meanderings Little snippets of things seen and heard in the 'hood; thoughts and observations worth sharing, and general ramblings. Had a nice or funny moment? Share it!
Feb 8/10 - We here on Lusted Ave have the cleanest sidewalks in the neighbourhood, thanks to our good neighbour Phil Johnson and his trusty snowplow. Phil is out every day after it snows and he clears not only his own sidewalk, but everyone else's as well. Our mail-lady Sue loves delivering on our block, thanks to Phil. In the pictures above you'll see Phil and his
five-year-old son Shane, operator-in-training. Phil hopes that everyone will
help out their neighbours when they can. I can tell you, everyone on our street
appreciates his good deeds. Thank you, Phil! Feb 8/10 - Received this email from Nancy Dyck, acting Principal of Norquay School, on the efforts of the children to collect pennies to aid a school in Haiti: Drum roll please…..while it took a while to count and roll it all….our little school that CAN has raised $169.15 for the “Haiti Re-Build a School” efforts….for those not in attendance at the meeting we will be opening a bank account and keeping track of funds raised towards this effort. I will be topping up their amount so that it equals our enrolment of 200 so that we have met the ‘every student gives a $’ challenge as our baseline entry….we are still collecting and we will do a silver collection at some of our events too! Nancy Bateman Dyck If you would like to help the kids by bringing in your pennies or spare change, please do! I did! Dec 29/09 - I have spent the past three wonderful afternoons down on the riverbank behind the community centre, surrounded by as many as 17 kids at once, all screaming and laughing as they careened down the hill on sleds, krazy karpets or whatever else they could find to slide down on.
I was kept busy endlessly tucking mittens into sleeves, re-tying scarves, and making sure that everyone took turns on the 'good sled'. Oh, and picking burs off toques when the kids flew into the bushes. All this started with a spontaneous collecting of Calypso and her sister Klea and the boys next door (five of them) to go take advantage of a sunny day and lots of long-awaited snow. After our sliding adventures of the first day, it was hot chocolate and grilled cheese sandwiches for eight, at Calypso's grandmama's house. Couldn't do it the second day, as hot chocolate for 17 just wasn't in the cards. Today while we were there, (13 kids this time) a lady passed by and said she'd seen us there the day before. She said it made her so happy to see us all out there having fun, that she felt like coming back with a round of hotdogs for everyone. We all would have loved that. She told me she lived alone and is very lonely at times. I invited her to come out and join us, as we're going to try to do it every day. I hope she brings hot chocolate!
This was a tough little guy wearing an army fatigue jacket. He looked longingly at them for a heartbeat, then snatched them up gratefully and pulled them on, declaring "I don't care if they're pink. I'm freezing!" He yelled out a big thank you! and launched himself down the hill again. Tomorrow will be Day 4, and I'm sure we'll draw another crowd. The kids come in twos and threes, approaching cautiously because they don't know who's there, don't know if it's safe. Once they see that an adult is there and that everyone is having fun and getting along, they relax and throw themselves headlong into the fray. I'm looking forward to tomorrow! Come out and join us, and if you feel like bringing hot chocolate, or extra mitts and scarves, even better. You'll have lots of fun. Dec 09/09 - Something happened
recently that could only have happened in this community, and it reminded me yet
again why I love it here. My grandbaby Calypso goes to Norquay School, Grade 2,
in Ms. Martin's class. This month the school's newsletter featured a beautiful
Christmas tree in the centerfold with the photos of all the children in
Calypso's class. All except Calypso's, that is. Due to a little fiddling with a
sparkle effect in the graphics program, the person putting the newsletter
accidentally bumped Calypso's picture off the tree, and didn't notice that she
had done so. They were so upset when they heard of the oversight that they personally apologized to Calypso, and within a day or two, there was a brand new newsletter, with Calypso's picture right at the tippy-top of the Christmas tree. She lit up like a Christmas tree herself, when she saw it, and so did her mom and dad. Not only did Calypso get a copy for herself, her whole class got a copy as well. She felt like a very special little girl. Our family would like to thank Ms. Dyck and Ms. Martin from the bottom of our hearts for their kindness. I've often heard it said that Norquay School is the heart of the community. Time and again, it's proven to be a school with a heart. October 29/09 - Where does the time
go!? Obviously, it gets away from me :) In the spirit of 'Be Here Now' and taking the time to find balance in my life, I've resolved to walk my two dogs every day, rain or shine, and get away from the computer. So today, for over an hour, Mocha and Mellow and I revelled in a riverside romp in the rain and the falling leaves. There were smells to be smelled, squirrels to be chased, trails to be followed and wonderful fresh air to be inhaled. Out of the city and into the forest in mere minutes! There were cyclists sharing the path with us, other folks walking their dogs, and strollers out to enjoy our beautiful river walk. There were friendly greetings all around as we passed along our way, though none of us knew each other. After we left the river walk, we headed up along Rover, and as we went, I looked along the clean, quiet streets at the well-kept yards and homes that clearly show the pride that we take in our community. I hope lots of you will come out to our annual spring clean-up, and that we'll all do our part in the meantime to make sure there's not too much to clean up. For my part, the next time I walk my dogs, I'll be bringing a bag with me to pick up litter along the way. It doesn't take much to make a difference. If you'd like to make an even bigger difference and become more active in making our great community even greater, please consider coming out to the next meeting of the Point Douglas Residents Committee. All community members are welcome to attend, and the Board meeting is open to the public. Another important meeting that everyone should be aware of concerns the plan to turn the old Sharon Home into a drug rehabilitation centre, which is currently called the Magnus Centre. There has been much controversy about this project and much confusion and misinformation, as well. Whether you're for it or against it, here's your opportunity to speak your piece and hear what the powers-that-be have to say about what's going on. Please come out to the meeting, as we will all be affected by decisions made about this facility. August 17/09 - Well, by now you've noticed that the website wasn't updated as often as usual in July, so brace yourself, this is gonna be a long one :) I wasn't on vacation - far from it! We moved house ,just a block away from where we were, so glad to say we're still in the 'hood. Can't imagine living anywhere else! I'm very happy to say my son and daughter-in-law have moved into the neighbourhood as well. We're still unpacking and setting up house and reno'ing (yes, that's a word!) and enjoying getting to know our new neighbours. The folks on this street are as warm and welcoming as those on Granville. I have to say, though, that the thing I miss most about Granville St. (besides my little house) is being right across the street from Norquay Community Centre. I've seen such a wonderful change in the Centre in the last couple of years, and this summer has been absolutely the best. The Centre has been a-buzz, day and night, with little kids, big kids and grown-ups coming and going, lots of laughter and happy play, excitement for the kids, peace and harmony for all. The Splash Park is just as wonderful as it was last year. It's so great to see all the kids there and all the folks who bring them. Shrieks of laughter, lots of splashing, everyone settling in for a nice long visit. No one is a stranger for long at the Splash Park. When it's raining, Rita, Denis, Val and their great crew of Parks & Rec kids from the city keep the kids happy and entertained indoors. The Check It Out! Reading Zone comes every second Thursday to the Centre, with books and activities for kids and adults, and is always busy. Here's your chance to get a library card if you don't already have one. The Graffiti Art Program (GAP) run by the Graffiti Gallery has a lot going on for the kids both artistically and musically, with regular programming year-round at the community centre. I had the pleasure to take in part of a performance by the kids as they put on a talent show, and there was a lot of talent there. The kids clearly had worked hard and were deserving of the applause and very proud of themselves. It would have been great to see more adults there. The community centre is working on getting the word out for their events, so watch for notices. Drop in to the Centre and say hello, maybe even volunteer. Click here to check out their page on our site - you'll be impressed with the schedule of activities and events going on there. They need volunteers, and mentors for the kids so if you have a big heart and a little time, please get involved. I did. By the way, if you think the community centre is just for kids - well, mostly it is. But they're looking at adult programming, based on what people said they wanted in last year's survey. They will soon be putting out a list of potential activities and seeing how much demand there is for them. The catch is, programs can't be approved unless people are pre-registered for them (City of Winnipeg rules), so if you want it, sign up for it! Aside from the move, there's something that's been keeping me very busy. I'm launching a new career, conducting inner-city surveys in other communities, just as we did in Point Douglas last year. That survey was so successful (thanks to so many of you folks) that I've been asked to start my own company to conduct the same survey research for other communities and organizations. The company is called Point Research Inc. and when it's up and running in the next couple of months, I WILL be looking for employees. Will keep you posted. So that's how my summer is going. How about yours? Have anything you'd like to share? August 16/09 - Hey Neighbour, you love your music, BUT we don't! - If a polite request to turn down the volume, does not work one resident came up with a non-violent method:-
How to stop your neighbors from playing loud music way
too loud.
Hey, I have neighbors that live across the street and like to play loud thumpy music all day and night. I say enough of that! I have a way better sound system and a CD player, so .....
Welcome to the Point
Douglas Music Appreciation Society.
Nothing but the best classical and opera tunes played full
blast to shut them down.
It took all of ten seconds of classical music to
shut down the house across the street. It only took one-third of the
potential volume (I was a bit disappointed frankly)
I could tell they really liked the classical music because
they had to shut their music down to appreciate the music I was playing.
I would suggest to all the other members that they share the wealth that is good classical music with rest of the 'hood. July 4, 2009 - I have noticed that something strange and yet wonderful seems to have taken over our community this summer. I have never seen more families and just plain friendly people walking around in our hood. Anytime I take a walk this summer or am in my front yard people walking by say good afternoon or good evening Several conversations have taken place with neighbors who have noticed this as well. One said at first it reminded them of the movie Truman…. But without the fake stuff. I have noticed that it does almost feel like we live in a small town, and then you hit Main Street – oh, now you are in Winnipeg. Tonight while I was out in my front yard, a lady from down the street walked by and said hello, and we got to talking about the new feel of the neighborhood. She thought that one of the reasons that it had occurred was because of the community survey done last summer. She thought it really got people thinking about their community, and their part in it, and all of us working together. When I moved here eight years ago I was very apprehensive about this area. I lived on Roslyn road and that was my community. Since then I have grown to love our community and all the positive changes that have happened. I’ve just bought a house in Point Douglas; I love the ‘hood that much now. This is the community I knew it could become. This is why I love Point Douglas. Jeff June 29, 2009 - just now. a young mom pushing a stroller with a little one in it past the community centre. little guy tagging along beside pipes up "you are the best mommy in the world cuz you always make sure i eat". she just smiled.... I melted overhearing that. This is the Point Douglas that i see. J.S. June 6/09 - Hauled a lot of stuff and treasures over to the Norquay Community Centre and took part in the flea market there today. Had a wonderful time, made some new friends and $32.25! Rita made a huge and delicious tray of lasagna for all the volunteers. Met a fellow who'd just moved into the neighbourhood from "up north' and he says being here is the best experience he's had. Loves the community and feels very welcome. He's going to stay. On that note, I'm happy to say that more folks are staying in our community and more new folks are moving in. There were quite a number of houses for sale in the last 8 months and most of them have been sold. Likewise, most of the houses that were listed for rent in the Rental Properties Registry now have folks living in them. Looks like everyone wants to live here. We need more houses, I'd say. Or some nice apartments for those who have no talent for yard work :) June 5/09 - 'Round about midnight, sitting with two dear friends in a back yard, fire pit a raging inferno, roasting slices of Metro Meats kielbasa over the fire (North End scallops), knocking back a few Kokanee to wash them down. One friend gets up to leave, I give him a great big hug, beer in one hand, kielbasa in the other. He says, "Now that's a North End girl!" I couldn't have been more proud :) June 3/09 - Lots of policemen walking around in the neighbourhood today. People thought there was a big bust going down, and that would have been ok, but even better - they were walking around and just talking to people, taking the time to listen to them and get to know them a little. It was great to talk to them, and they were very impressed with the spirit of the people here. Folks I talked to today said they enjoyed the experience and hope to see the officers around again. May 22/09 - I went to my very first
pow wow today, at Norquay School. What a thrill
While the festivities were in full swing, a group of teenagers walked by and stopped to watch. They were volunteers with the United Way Day of Caring crew who'd come to clean up along the river bank. They weren't from here, and it was clear that they were surprised and delighted by what they were witnessing. The very best part, though, was when all the kids and lots of the grown-ups got up and danced. When the rain started out in the school yard, they just pretended they were doing a rain dance! See more photos of this event. May 14/09 - Shortage of Downtown Parking?? -
Nothing to do with Point
May 6/09 - Lovely chat over the fence with little old lady who comes by to feed treats to my dogs (no more chicken bones, please!) She told me she really misses her dogs, but has 7 birds, which she cleverly keeps in the basement so that they won't know it's daytime and start chirping at sunrise. She gave me some good gardening tips, especially about fencing off your young tomato plants, because the neighbourhood cats seem to like green tomatoes. Go figure. May 6/09 - Seen in Ms Forbes' Grade 1/2 class at Norquay School - a girl tripped while carrying a full pencil case and the contents spilled all over the floor. Imagine my surprise when not only did the other kids not laugh at her, but at a signal from Ms. Forbes, several of the other children jumped up to help her. The kids responded as if this was clearly a matter of routine for them. It's just what you do. What a wonderful example of caring community, and what a wonderful teacher is Ms. Forbes! May 5/09 - While out for a walk this evening, May 5, I saw a couple wearing Mexican-style sombrero hats, sitting at a table in their garden, toasting each other, about to eat dinner. Must have been celebrating Sinquo de Mayo - RG, Hallet Street April 29/09 - Someone has very cleverly woven long skinny branches from a bush into their chain link fence, making what is usually a severe, institutional-looking fence into something whimsical and delightful. It put a smile on my face to see it. What a nice thing to do! April 28/09 - In the space of the one block it takes me to walk to the daycare at Norquay School, I happily observed the following:
April 25/09 - Heard on CBC that all 68 community centres in the city are in for a windfall of cash. Can't wait to see how that translates into benefits for our community centre! Speaking of the community centre, someone complained to me that the centre was never open on the weekends, which is crazy in a neighbourhood that has so little for kids to do. I asked Rita about that, and the simple truth is, if people want the centre to be open longer hours and offer more programs, then they need to step up to the plate and volunteer! Denis, Rita and Val need a day off just like anyone else. If you want things to change, you need to help make that change happen. Here's your chance. Check out the Norquay Community Centre page on our website and take a look at the Volunteer Opportunities link. Give them a call, send them an email, they'd love to hear from you. April 25/09 - The day started with snow and ended with sunshine, and people coming out onto their front steps. I got to talk to Leona, 90 years old, on my block,. She spoke to me as I was passing by. She saw my leg brace and we got to talking about the falls we'd taken. She'd fared better than I did. She talked about how she gets out and walks, winter and summer, to stay healthy and see what's going on in the neighbourhood. She's been here since 1950. I'm just a kid, to her, and the new kid on the block, at that. April 14/09 - Seen in passing - two young women walking down main st holding up big cardboard signs that said "Free Hugs!" and hugging everyone they passed. A young man followed close behind them passing out free apples. I got a hug and felt wonderful! They left in their wake a lot of happy people with big smiles on their faces and apples in their hands. Had a nice or funny moment? Share it! Explore Life in The Point! |
done about it but I hoped that perhaps the graphics person could print off one
copy for her with her picture in it. I spoke to Nancy Dyck, the acting
principal, and to Ms. Martin to see if this could be done. 
