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Last updated:  Feb 5, 2012  

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Just Plain Folks - Our Photo Gallery


Some of the events and great people in our neighbourhood, in stories and photos. If you know someone who should be here or if you'd like to be in the spotlight yourself, contact us. Don't be shy, we'd love to get to know you!


Entries are in chronological order

David Delorme  Nathan Rogers at The Edge  Iron Cops Fun Run  Ogilvie Mill Implosion
Big kid in the Bouncer Pow Wow at Norquay School  Community Gardens Governor General Michaëlle Jean's Visit
Austin Street Festival Norquay Community Centre's new play structure is a hit    

David Delorme, seen here with two of his dogs, Ruby and Simba, is one of the more colourful characters that adds his unique talents, life experience and adventures to the character of our community. The photos below show David and his pals indulging in a favourite sport, called bikejoring. Yes, the dogs are pulling the bike.  He also does the same thing on skis during the winter, and then it's called skijoring. He gets a lot of double takes when he's flying down the street at full tilt, or hurtling over the river trails.

David was instrumental in starting the West Broadway community gardens and is looking forward to being involved in our own upcoming community gardening projects.

   
Cruising down Granville Street for a visit   Whoa! All excited to see Mocha and Mellow! Nearly a nasty accident   Dave gets a grip on the situation
         
     
Ready to launch!   Riding off into the sunset    

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Magic at The Edge
Nathan Rogers played to a full and extremely enthusiastic house. He worked his magic on the crowd, with a presence almost too large for the stage. The music was thrilling, the sound was excellent, the venue was wonderful and the excitement spilled out into the street. I'm sure everyone driving by on Main Street wished they could stop and be part of the scene. We were all swept away by the energy of the evening. There were lots of Point folks in the audience, some of whom (including me) were discovering The Edge for the first time. Will definitely be back for more.


IRON COPS FUN RUN -- April 19/09 was anything but a quiet Sunday morning at Dr. Shaver Park at Rover and Barber. Police cruisers and numerous other vehicles were parked on the edge of Rover, tables were set up to hold vats of water and juice, and volunteers checked for their assignments. Around 8 am a huge crowd of children and youth surged toward the park, walking behind a yellow banner.

The occasion was the second annual Iron Cops Fun Run, a joint effort of the Winnipeg Police Service, the Point Douglas Residents Committee, and the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sports Achievement Centre (WASAC). Over 250 young people, clad in bright orange t-shirts, were joined by Mayor Sam Katz, Police Chief Keith McCaskill, WASAC Executive Director Kevin Chief, and a variety of other participants for the 5 km run.

According to PDRC chair Sel Burrows the run is staged to build trust and understanding between the inner city community and the Winnipeg Police Service. Another goal is healthy fun, which was certainly evident on this wonderful Sunday morning.

       
       
 
         

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April 29/10  - Iron Cops Run a Huge Success!

The 3rd Annual Iron Cops Fun Run was held in April, 2010, and our seniors volunteer group from the North Point Douglas Seniors Association (NPDSA) was out in full force to help make the event the great success that it was. Mayoral candidate Judy Wasylicia-Leis, Chief of Police Keith McCaskill, and Kevin Chief of  WASAC were among the many avid runners who laced up their sneakers for the big event.

Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who came out very early to be marshals and helpers at the  3rd annual fun run with the two chiefs; Keith McCaskill, our chief of police, and Kevin Chief who runs WASAC (Winnipeg Aboriginal Sports Achievement Centre).

WASAC had its kids out in full force wearing their bright orange T-shirts. The majority of the marshals were seniors so it was an inter-generational event.

The music for the event was lively and loud, so who do you call when it is the cops cranking out the music early Sunday morning?

The photos were taken by the police photographer.

 

 

 

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Ogilvie Mill Implosion

Photos sent in by Angel Peterson, taken from the corner of Angus and Sutherland. Thanks, Angel!

   
       
 

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Val Himkowski, who volunteers at the Norquay Community Centre, joins Calypso Budge on Calypso's inflatable
bouncer. Val was dubious, at first, but soon threw herself into it. Literally!

   
Val is having Wa-a-a-y too much fun. Struggling to get her 'sea legs', while Calypso flips out in the background. Looks in need of rescuing, I think!
   
Calypso is airborne, Val not so much!

Are we having fun yet???

Calypso's fancy tricks. Val pays close attention.
   
Val's fancy backflip. She MEANT to do that!   The fun never stops!   I see a bouncer in the Community Centre's future!

   

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Pow Wow at Norquay School, May 22/09 - a great turnout, lots of good food, friendship and excitement. And lots of great dancers!
   
The singers and drummers warming up   Spreading their wings   Calypso waits her turn to dance again
   
         
    Everyone had a wonderful time, and even when the rain clouds came, no one was deterred. The kids kept right on dancing and pretended they were doing a rain dance!
Sharing a proud heritage        

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Community Gardens on Euclid Ave and Granville St

   
Raised garden beds being built on the Euclid site.        
     
         
   
This community garden graces a former empty lot on Granville street on which there was previously only a burned-out old house. The owner was kind enough to allow the gardeners to use the lot.   Jeremy Johnson accompanied me as I took photos of the garden across from the community centre on Granville Street.   A new sign proudly displays the names of the groups involved in the Community Gardens for this summer.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean Visits North Point Douglas:

The Governor General, with a little help from her friends, plants a tree in the park named in her honour.
(Photo courtesy of Victor Sawelo)

On August 25, 2010, Ms. Jean, on a final swing to the city in her remaining vice-regal days, returned to spend much of her time this week in the Point Douglas neighbourhood that is evidently near to her heart. The relationship dates to a plaintive letter in 2007 from school kids in the crime-ridden enclave that has, of its own grit, rehabilitated the Point as a place fit to live. Ms. Jean can take no credit for the tough, shrewd work of residents to wrestle back their playgrounds, school yards and streets from the plague of drug dealers and street gangs. She told residents, in fact, that their work has led her to launch a foundation to support similar projects among youth across the country.

Her attentiveness, though, was singularly inspiring to the children and the activists worthy of eminent recognition. Her visits served to say that Canada took note of their struggle.

Such doting recognition holds intangible value, and across Canada there are many ordinary Canadians who will remember Ms. Jean, set to leave Rideau Hall next month, for her gallant love of the land and people.

Her sojourns into the country's isolated and small communities, its community clubs and the places where children play, in addition to the international forays, set a fine example for her predecessor and those who follow. 

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 28, 2010
 

Our Community Works -- Together!

The wonderful celebration held on this day could not have happened without the combined efforts and contributions of our community organizations and many individual volunteers. The Point would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge these volunteers and thank them for making the day such a great success.

Among the contributing community organizations were:

  • The Graffiti Gallery
  • The North Point Douglas Women's Centre
  • The Point Douglas Residents Committee
  • The Norquay Community Centre
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Winnipeg
  • The Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre
  • Mount Carmel Clinic

The community would also like to thank all three levels of government, the Winnipeg Police Service, and the Governor General's office for their generous contributions and support of this very important community event. It was a wonderful example of co-operation and teamwork, quickly and efficiently conducted by all parties, and we are very grateful.

The photos below were submitted by Victor Sawelo of the Ross House Museum. If you have photos of the event that you would like to share, please contact us and we will put them up for you.

The Governor General speaks to the crowd at the Youth Talk, a town-hall gathering where all, young and old, could speak their minds, and many did. The Governor General spoke of her admiration for the residents of the community, recognizing their courage, especially that of the youth. She congratulated us for our successes and encouraged us to continue our efforts, saying that we are a model for others.  
The crowd spills out after the Youth Talk, to chat among themselves before the ceremonies begin.

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Everyone pitched in to help make it a great day! Sel Burrows, past Chair of the Point Douglas Residents Committee, speaks to a member of the media. Sel was one of the people who helped transform the community after the Governor-General's visit in 2007.
Rob Galston, our local historian Adrian Stoness (top left), community volunteer and photographer, takes his place among the media cameramen. Everyone's a shutterbug today!

Michaelle Jean speaks to the crowd during the ceremony naming the green space at Norquay Community Centre in her honour. top

Martin Landy, resident and one of many volunteers, checks his to-do list as part of the production team. Kerry Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development (centre) and City Councillor Mike Pagtakhan (foreground) watch the ceremony.
The sign is unveiled. Hon. George Hickes speaks to the crowd. An oak tree is planted to commemorate the day. The Governor General had lots of help to do the job. Among the onlookers are (left to right) George Hickes, Premier Greg Selinger, Mayor Sam Katz, and Roanna Hepburn, Chair of the PDRC.  

Tyson Cormack and Judy Wasylycia-Leis. Tyson was the production manager for this grand event, and volunteers in many ways in the community.
 

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The wonderful Sierra Noble graces the stage. She was a favourite with the crowd. The Governor General joins the crowd to take in the entertainment. David Delorme and the lovely Ruby (with her ears perked toward the music) enjoy the show.
David shares a laugh with Elaine Bishop of the North Point Douglas Women's Centre. Ruby takes a break. The face-painting table, manned by volunteers from the Graffiti Gallery, was a big hit with all the kids. This was one of a variety of fun activities provided by the Gallery for the kids. Spiderman for a day!

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Sel enjoys a chat with Winnipeg's finest. Likely one of the more pleasant consultations he's had with them in recent years. We have a lot to smile about these days. Irene Brown, one of the founding members of the Women's Centre, chats with George Hickes. This may look like Santa Claus on summer vacation, but it's actually our own Barry Hammond, long-time resident and community activist, and one of many to thank for the positive changes in our community. Barry IS Santa Claus every Christmas.

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1st Annual Austin Street Festival!

Approximately 400 people gathered at the First Annual Austin Street Festival 'Spirit in the Sky' which was held on Austin Street from Lorne to Lisgar on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 from 4 - 8 p.m. 

Austin Street was transformed into a gala event which included:

  • an opening ceremony from Buffalo Gals spiritual drum group;

  • a barbecue with great food from local establishments;

  • street games for children;

  • Cops in the dunk tank

  • Cuffs - The Bear, the mascot of the Winnipeg Police Service;

  • the Blue Bombers.

  • super entertainment from: Little Hawk V.I.P. Why clowns from 'Laughter without Borders' DJ Swift DJ Rock; and

The Austin Street Festival was sponsored by North Point Douglas Women's Centre Safety and Youth Outreach; Point Douglas Resident's Committee; North End Community Renewal Corporation; Health In Common; Winnipeg Police Service; and, approximately 50 donors.

- Linda Williams, Safety Coordinator, North Point Douglas Women's Centre

 

       



Local Kids Celebrate Norquay Community Centre's New Play Structure

The play structure at Norquay Community Centre is in full swing! (pun intended)

Late October, 2010 - Even though there was snow on the ground and on the play structure, it didn't stop the kids from thoroughly enjoying themselves. The snow on the ground soon became the first snowman of the season. It's a sure thing that they will be playing on the structure all winter long.

A neighbour on Granville Street, hearing the shrieks of laughter, came out to say that it was music to his ears. He said he's been waiting 12 years to hear that sound.

He offered his congratulations and thanks to the folks at the community centre who worked so hard to get the play structure for the kids.

There'll be lots of action and excitement at the community centre throughout the winter, with hockey teams, basketball and more.

And the Splash Park will be open again before we know it! 

 
Klea Budge zooms down the slide Klea and her sister, Calypso and the Flight of the Bumble Bee  Ride 'em Cowboy - Christopher Johnson, rodeo rider in the making
My Little Pony On top of the world The more, the merrier!


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