The Selkirk Settler Times wishes all dads a very Happy Father’s Day.
Interlake fans impress Blue Bombers head coach
When asked about his personal thoughts on Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans who live in Interlake region of Manitoba, Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said he is quite impressed.
“I’m always impressed by how people travel to games and the support we get,” O’Shea said, who played 16 seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts. “It is different being out west than it is in Ontario. I haven’t stopped seeing that. The number of licence plates you see and the number of Bomber flags.”
Selkirk mayor Larry Johannson told the Selkirk Settler Times just how excited he is for a 2021 season not matter how that will look with respect to fans being in the stands at Investors Group Field. He also talked about the strong fan base from the Selkirk and surround area.
“I think this is terrific. Of course this has been a tough time for us,” Johannson said in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even if it’s not a full stadium.”
Johannson said he attends as many Bombers home games as he schedule will accommodate and he also noted his four sons are all season ticket holders.
It has been almost a decade ago since Selkirk Transit teamed up with the local Boston Pizza to provide fans with the opportunity to attend Bomber games via one of the city’s transit buses. Bomber fan meet up at Boston Pizza in Selkirk through a park ‘n ride concept and one of the city’s transit buses brings fans to Investors Group Field in Winnipeg. The purchase price of a ticket to ride on the transit bus also includes a personal pizza from BP with the chance of also winning prizes.
“It’s a fantastic atmosphere. When ever we went, we always took the bus,” Johannson said. “We went to the Grey Cup (2015) on the bus. Kyle and I went. We went and we met people there. It was such a good time. I can’t say enough about it.”
O’Shea also brought attention to a Blue Bombers marketing campaign from a few years ago when the Bombers sold flags that represented not only different neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, but also various communities throughout Manitoba.
“What I really enjoyed was a few years ago when they started that flag program. There were flags printed up for all over Manitoba and you can get a flag. I still like looking at the bottom of our website where the pictures scroll by and there’s all sorts of people displaying and proudly display their Bomber flag and where they’re representing. What neighbourhood they’re representing and what area they’re re representing. It is a source of pride and it certainty doesn’t go unnoticed by our players,” he said.
2021 CFL Season
O’Shea recently told a group of reporters during a media conference call via Zoom on June 18 that the 2021 will be a great lesson in resiliency and flexibility. He also explained that the doesn’t see any challenges that won’t be overcome by any team during the upcoming season.
“Things come up during the season and you need to be able to adapt very quickly. I fully expect our guys to do that and we have a bunch of pros,” O’shea said.
The Bombers head coach is more than ready to get the 2021 season underway. O’Shea said there have been a number of occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic where he thought the season close to getting underway, but now there is a definite start date.
“As soon as they say go, it’s like being a one arm juggler,” O’Shea said.
Opening season to the 2021 Canadian Football League season is slated for Aug. 5.
According to O’Shea, the play book for the Blue & Gold has been ready for the approximately the past 500 to 600 days and he is more than ready for Winnipeg to take to the field in the nine-team league.
“I think it’s been a trying time, especially for the players. I can’t wait to get them back in a distanced locker room, but I can’t wait for them to lay eyes on each other and just rekindle those relationships. It’s going to be a lot of fun to observe all of that,” O’Shea added. “I’m sure it’s going to be a very emotional time.”
The Bombers open the 2021 season at home against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Investors Group Field on Aug. 5.
Selkirk’s Canada Day celebration going virtual
Just because current Public Health Orders restrict citizens to gather in groups, doesn’t mean the city is going to give up on providing one heck of a Canada Day Concert.
The city will be streaming their Waterfront Concert Series all summer long on Facebook Live, including their Virtual Canada Day Concert Celebration on July 1 at 3 p.m. where local artists will be performing in different locations across the city.
“Last year when we were still grappling with COVID-times, we held out until the last possible second to cancel our annual Canada Day Celebration. That left us with almost no time to have a Plan B,” said the city’s Culture Coordinator Ellie Longbottom.
“This year we knew there would be no way we could host a large concert like that, so we’re improvising. We wanted to hold a celebration we knew we could control, and we’re excited we can still showcase local talent and celebrate Canada Day in some capacity.”
It’s been a tough year for performers, and Mayor Larry Johannson says he’s really happy we’re making every effort to showcase their talents.
“Canada Day is always one of my favourite days of the year. Everyone is always smiling, happy to be out with their friends and family and the entertainment is always top-notch,” said Johannson.
“I couldn’t be more proud, not only showing people we’re making every effort to provide some sort of celebration for them, but to show the performers that we really care about them too. It’s been a tough year for them and I’m really excited to see them perform once again.”
While citizens will be familiar with entertainers performing on the Waterfront, they’ll also be in for some cool visuals as they’ll also see backdrops of different locations around Selkirk.
“We have people performing at places like on the boats at the Marine Museum, and in front of the Water Tower. It’s going to stream on Facebook Live, but it won’t be live per say,” said Selkirk’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator Riley Aisman, who’s helping with the production of the virtual event.
“We’ll be recording the performances ahead of time and creating a really cool online show that people can tune into. We’ll also be interacting with citizens live on Facebook Live during the performances, and we’ll be giving away some free stuff during the event. We’ve never done anything like this and we’re super excited to showcase local talent.”
The city’s Strategic Plan calls for the city to provide the best possible recreation opportunities for Selkirk residents. The city has learned that no matter what time of year, people will still tune into online events if the interest is high.
“We did a couple online events over the year, like Quiz Nights, live craft nights and bedtime story readings, and the reactions of all of them have been overwhelmingly positive,” said Longbottom.
“We got great viewership on all the online events we’ve done, so there’s definitely an appetite for this. I think anything that gives people a reason to celebrate or do something new, they’re going to eat it up.”
The city will move their entire Waterfront Concert Series virtually. But as Longbottom says, things can change very quickly.
“Who knows, maybe in a month or two we’ll be able to gather again, and we can have everyone back at the Waterfront and celebrate.”
The city has created a Facebook Event that you can join. This will notify you when the event goes live.
The city is also giving away a #GetOutside Camping Prize Pack worth over $1300 during the event that you can win just by saying you’re going online. Head to City of Selkirk’s Facebook page for full details on how you can enter.
My suggestion as how to best respond to COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories
Over the past several weeks in this column, I have been looking at how there has been a raftload of conspiracy theories being bandied about in Christian circles, during this Coronavirus Pandemic. Today, I want to conclude by recommending a course of action as to how you, as a Christian, should respond to all of these theories.
First, let me speak from my own perspective. Personally, I try to stay away from listening to conspiracy theories because I find they tend to cause me to become a very suspicious person. Hearing about all the skulldudgery that some say is accompanying this pandemic forces my mind to go into some very negative places.
Now, I do not want to bury my head in the sand either, butI have found that, instead of paying attention to these, it is far better for my spiritual life if I rather follow scripture’s command: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things” (not conspiracies) Philippians 4:8. Like they used to say in the early days of computer programming, “Garbage in; garbage out.” When you always look on the gloomy side of life, it is hard to live the life of joy and rejoicing we are commanded: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.
Secondly, the best way to deal with all that is going on is to be prayerfully watching for the second coming of Christ. Back last March, when the pandemic first broke out my 17 year old grandson, Evan, asked me,“Grandpa, is this going to be the end of the world?” I said to him, “Evan, it could be or maybe it won’t be. I don’t honestly know…” and I quoted Matthew 24:36: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Jesus’ return could be before this day is over or it might not be for 100 years; we just don’t know. Indeed, as Jesus clearly stated, “No man knows the day nor the hour…” And so it’s fruitless to try to speculate for just that reason.
What we do know is that we are to do everything in our power to be ready whenever the Second Coming does happen. We are to watch for His return. Jesus instructed us: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” Matthew 25:13.
Not only are we to vigilantly watch for the return of Christ, but as we do, we are to continue to live holy lives. “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” 2 Peter 3:11-12. Take every opportunity to say no to sin.
I conclude with a statement that one of the girls in our church made in her monthly ministry report to our church board. She put it this way: “Don’t just stay safe, stay sane folks!”
That, in my opinion, is good counsel.
Selkirk Comp athlete earns award
The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association, with support from Manitoba’s Credit Unions, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020-2021 Manitoba’s Credit Unions Scholar Athlete Awards. These $1,000 scholarships are awarded to four graduating high school student athletes who maintained a minimum 85% average and competed in at least two interscholastic sports. Other criteria included school, community involvement, volunteer, and citizenship activities.
In this COVID-19 pandemic year, recognizing the extenuating hardships students have had to overcome, and in their continued support of student athletes across our province, this year Manitoba’s Credit Unions will also award an additional $400 scholarship to each nominee.
The four student athletes awarded $1,000 scholarships were:
Annika Goodbrandson of Lord Selkirk Regional – participated in volleyball, basketball, soccer, track & field, cross country, and badminton. In 2021, Annika was named the winner of the Lena Wenke Courage Award by Basketball Manitoba. Over her high school career Annika has received numerous sport awards at her school such as Athlete of the Year, a sportsmanship award, and numerous player of the game awards in basketball. She placed in the top ten in shot put at the Provincial Track & Field Championships, and first place in shot put, javelin and discus at the KPAC Zone Championships in 2019. Annika is an honour roll with distinction student with an academic average of 95%. She is also a member of her school’s student council, volunteers at Winnipeg Harvest, Selkirk Christmas Hampers and Santa for Seniors, is a youth facilitator at the Nuclear Peace Summit, a Special Olympics leader, and an Ethics Bowl student representative. Annika also has participated in summer basketball camps as an instructor and helped deliver a truckload of food to the Selkirk Food Bank.
Annika states: “The privilege of playing on high school teams has brought me a great sense of identity, growth, pride, joy and development as an athlete and as a person. Sports build one’s character, and it can also expose it. Being on a team makes you realize that it’s not just the single athlete who can make or break your team’s success, but rather the collective effort of all team members; this life lesson can be used in other settings once we leave high school. The importance of high school sport is often overlooked and underappreciated, simply due to the once easy access to sports through the school year; it is not until its gone, do you truly see what value sports had in your life.”
Lindsey Gundrum of Prairie Mountain High School – holds an academic average of 93% while participating in cross country, volleyball, basketball, fast pitch, curling, badminton, and track & field.
Lindsey is the president of the school’s student council and is co-editor of the yearbook. She is a six-year member of the Swan Lake Leo’s, a club that puts on fundraising events that give back to the community and is currently the club’s president. Lindsey has also been a part of her church choir and has helped put on several softball clinics. In her high school sport career Lindsey has been a part of her school’s Zone banner winning volleyball, cross country, basketball, curling, badminton, and fast pitch teams. She was a provincial finalist in volleyball, cross country, basketball, curling, badminton, and track & field and a provincial champion in track & field.
Lindsey states: “This past year, the importance of high school sport has become very apparent to me by its recent absence in my life. It wasn’t until pandemic restrictions prohibited me from participating in sports that I realized just how beneficial they are. Sports keep you motivated and help you maintain a sharp mind. I notice that the excellence that I strive for on the court/field/ice/track extends to how I approach my studies as well. Also, constant strategizing in sports helps improve problem-solving which is very helpful with academics. High school sport improves other life skills. Good communication and teamwork are some of the most important skills that you acquire from sport. Not only do these skills help you build solid friendships but are required to be successful in many careers. I am thankful for the benefits that I have received through high school sports, as they have accounted for my academic success and have ultimately made me a better person.”
Luke Janzen of Linden Christian School – participates in volleyball, basketball, badminton, soccer, and hockey. He was awarded the Ron Meyers Leadership Award by Basketball Manitoba in 2021. Over his high school athletic career, he has been the captain of his basketball team, Athlete of the Year at his school, co-captain of his volleyball team, has received the outstanding contribution to athletics award from his school, and has been a provincial club volleyball champion. Luke maintains an academic average of 93% and had been a member of the school’s honour roll with distinction throughout his high school years. He is the student body president, participated on an outreach trip with Impact Missions to Guatemala, coaches JV volleyball, and organizes fundraising events at the school.
Luke states: “Sports are a huge part of our modern society; it brings people and cultures together. In sports there is a community, a place where you feel you belong. School sports strengthen the community of the school in so many ways. School sports teams are where you strengthen personal friendships and make new ones. In addition to providing the opportunity to improve your physical fitness, athletic ability, and an opportunity to compete in interscholastic competition, high school sports also teach meaningful lessons of hard work, discipline, cooperation, and leadership. I am so thankful for every minute I have spent in the gym, at the rink and on the pitch. I have missed those days desperately this year. The only positive I can see from that is I now truly appreciate the importance of school sports. It is such a big part of school life.”
Paige Wright of Warren Collegiate Institute – maintains and academic average of 96.6% while participating in volleyball, basketball, badminton, and track & field. She was a member of her school’s Zone Championship volleyball team, Provincial Championship basketball team, named a Provincial All-Star twice, and was awarded the Players Choice Award. She was a Zone banner winner in badminton by bringing home the gold with her partner and she played a role in her school winning an AA Provincial Championship Track & Field banner. Paige is also involved in school activities that help raise funds, plan spirit week, and is a member of the yearbook committee. She volunteers for school intramurals, score keeping and helps coach JV volleyball. Paige is also busy outside of school as she volunteers for numerous community activities, the food bank and works part-time at an assisted living home.
Paige states: “Why would someone dedicate countless hours to playing a sport? The answer is simple, love. Moreover, my passion for sports has influenced my life tremendously, strengthening my work ethic, and most importantly, developing my identity as a student athlete. Sports is an essential aspect of high school, as it teaches you many practical life skills such as time management, leadership, and responsibility. It also introduces you to some of your closest friends and role models. I have encountered several like-minded individuals creating friendships that will last a lifetime. Without sports, I would have never grown close with some of those friends, and I cannot imagine my life without them. Friendships have made it evident that high school sports improve athletes’ mental health.”
CFL gearing up for opening kick off
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be back in action this summer along with all Canadian Football League teams.
The CFL announced on June 14 that the league’s Board of Governors voted unanimously on a 14-game regular season with opening kick off taking place Aug. 5.
“This is an exciting day for Canadian football and for Canada itself,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie told media on June 14. “I want to thank our fans, players, coaches, and partners for their incredible support and patience as we’ve worked together towards this day. This is great news for everyone who loves our game and our country.”
The 2021 season will culminate with the 108th Grey Cup in Hamilton on Dec. 12.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Schedule:
Week 1
- Thu Aug 5 7:30 PM CST HAM @ WPG
Week 2
- Fri Aug 13 7:30 PM CST TOR @ WPG
Week 3
- Sat Aug 21 3:00 PM CST WPG @ TOR
Week 4
- Sun Aug 29 6:00 PM CST CGY @ WPG
Week 5
- Sun Sept 5 5:00 PM CST WPG @ SSK
Week 6
- Sat Sept 11 3:00 PM CST SSK @ WPG
Week 7
- Sat Sept 18 8:45 PM CST WPG @ EDM
Week 9
- Fri Oct 1 9:00 PM CST WPG @ BC
Week 10
- Fri Oct 8 7:30 PM CST EDM @ WPG
Week 11
- Fri Oct 15 8:00 PM CST WPG @ EDM
Week 12
- Sat Oct 23 6:00 PM CST BC @ WPG
Week 14
- Sat Nov 6 6:00 PM CST MTL @ WPG
Week 15
- Sat Nov 13 3:00 PM CST WPG @ MTL
Week 16
- Sat Nov 20 6:00 PM CST WPG @ CGY
108th Grey Cup
- Sun Dec 12 5:00 PM CST
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Municipal Leaders from the Interlake Region discuss federal pandemic supports with Minister Carr
Winnipeg, MB—The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the
Prairies, met with 14 mayors and reeves from the Interlake Region to discuss Budget 2021 and the Government of Canada’s plans to stimulate local economies and improve the quality of life for all Manitobans.
This includes over $72.5 million provided to 136 communities in Manitoba through the Gas
Tax Fund in 2020-2021, which allowed municipalities to plan important infrastructure projects, while creating jobs in their communities.
Throughout the pandemic, municipal leaders in Manitoba and across Canada have been at the forefront,leading their communities and connecting their citizens with the support they need. During the meeting, they discussed pandemic support packages, including the Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support programs, which helped more than 9,000 Manitoba businesses with rent, mortgage, and other expenses, and new initiatives, like the Canada Recovery Hiring Program proposed in Budget 2021, which will help offset a portion of the extra costs that employers take on as businesses reopen.
Minister Carr also highlighted the creation of a new Prairie Economic Development Agency that will include a 70 percent increase in funding and more resources dedicated to enabling and facilitating the Western Canadian economy.
The Government of Canada is committed to working directly with municipalities on our shared priorities as we plan a recovery that is more inclusive and puts Canada on a path for future prosperity.
Quotes:
“With more people getting vaccinated every day, we are able to turn our attention to what Canada’s future will look like. We know recovery is going to look different in every region and will require different programming that responds to local needs. Discussions like these will help ensure federal policies reflect the unique needs of Manitobans so we can build a recovery that works for our province.”
-The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre
“The Interlake Caucus was pleased to meet with Minister Carr and discuss issues of importance to our region as we begin the road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank the federal government for their support for municipalities through programs like the Gas Tax Fund and their ongoing commitment to engaging with municipalities.”
-His Worship Larry Johannson, Mayor of Selkirk and Chair of the Manitoba Interlake Caucus
Obituary: Gladys (Doreen) Olson
Gladys (Doreen) Olson: 1926 to 2021
On the morning of Sunday, June 6, 2021, Doreen passed away comfortably with her daughter, Sandra, at her side.
Doreen was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Dorothy Olson, her brother, Murray, Stanly, Percy, and her sisters, Gwen, Ollie, and Mildred. Doreen, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend will leave a huge void in all our lives.
The memory of Doreen will live on in her daughters, Sandra (Irv) Koch, Heather (Duncan) Matheson, Lois (Marcel) Ongenae, son, Sandford (Pam) Stiff, and daughter-in-law, Brenda Stiff. Doreen will be especially missed by her nine grandchildren, which include Keely Koch, Kurt Koch, Kayla Matheson and Braydn Matheson, Jeremy Ongenae, Ryan Ongenae and Laura Ongenae. As well as Sean and Phillip. Doreen will also be missed by her 13 great-grandchildren.
Surviving sisters, Connie (Don) Teed and Beebe (Paul) Fedoruk will have to cope with the loss of another loved one.
Doreen worked hard her entire life. Mom was a strong, independent woman, who single-handedly raised her four children in Ontario and then back to her home province of Manitoba.
Doreen loved to dance, play cards and travel. In her retirement years she volunteered as a companion to seniors. She was also an active member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in West St. Paul and the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, (over 50 years) until here health began to limit her lifestyle.
Thank you to the staff at Misericordia. Interim care and Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home for caring for our mother with kindness, respect and dignity.
Mom has a “special angels” at both of these facilities – “you know who you are”.
Kisses were mom’s constant request. We would also like to express our thanks to Dr. Kerr Graham for his compassionate direction of care for our mom.
Cremation has taken place and we hope to celebrate Doreen’s 95 years as soon as COVID-19 restrictions have been eased.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doreen’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Statement from Premier Brian Pallister on the residential school tragedy at Kamloops
I was deeply saddened to learn of the horrifying discovery of a mass grave at the site of a former residential school in British Columbia. This discovery reminds us all of the tragedy of the residential school system.
The flags at the Manitoba Legislative Building and Memorial Park have been lowered and the Legislative Building will be lit in orange to honour the 215 children whose lives were lost, and all survivors, their families and all those who never made it home.
We must all remain committed to righting this historic wrong and to ensure that it is never allowed to happen again.
Don’t be fooled by clever summer marketing
Confessions of a Fitness Trainer…
For many of us, the recent heat wave brings out thoughts of sun, sand, and frozen treats.
However, it also seems to bring out the worst in the health & fitness industry. ‘Get bikini ready’ ‘Suns out Guns out’, and ‘Shape up for Summer’ programs are unveiled, all preying on our insecurities of having to uncover due to the heat.
Whether it’s the simple act of baring our arms or legs in tank tops and shorts or the thought of being seen and judged in a bathing suit at the pool or beach, these sneaky marketing tactics can contribute to many people feeling ashamed and inadequate.
The marketing efforts target each gender differently but with the same message: before you go to the beach or pool daring to wear a bathing suit or leave the house in shorts and a tank top, that you should first do everything you can to ‘improve’ how you look so you can feel comfortable and worthy of enjoying summer and the multitude of activities the hot weather has to offer.
This marketing strategy has nothing to do with your well-being and is purely designed to profit the companies that sell the products and services promising to get you one step closer to the fairy tale beach body.
The more we buy into the messaging that one must look a certain way before they can enjoy summer, the worse it will be. Most people know that diets don’t work and yet the diet industry makes billions of dollars every year. Rather than continuing to trust these schemes, the solution is actually quite simple. Stop buying ‘firming lotion’ and ‘skinny water’ or the 21 day summer slim-down program and whatever other gimmicky item that targets your supposed imperfections. Focus instead on sustainable fitness and nutrition habits.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that there are a multitude of factors that contribute to the shape of a person’s body such as activity habits, sleep habits, nutrition, gender, access to health and wellness services, age, chronic illness or injuries, and genetics (of which we have zero control).
In essence, every body is a beach body and everyone should be able to enjoy summer without shame.
Tips of the day
- Accept that bodies are all built differently
- Ignore any messaging that suggests only certain bodies are worthy of enjoying summer
- Strive to be the best version of yourself
Kathryn McKenzie – B.H.Kin, B.Ed
Certified Kinesiologist, Sport Conditioning Specialist & Personal Trainer
Author, Pizza Lover & Owner of Surefire Fitness
