Making Plans for Housing • 29% of Respondents Said They Don’T Think the Paper Comes out Often Enough

West Central STREETS - January/February, 2001 1

JAN./FEB., 2001 VOL. 6, NO. 3 FREE

The STREETS Survey says ... ur thanks to the 72 people responded to the West Central OSTREETS survey. 54 of the respondents lived in West Central, 20 worked there and 10 did not live or work in West Central. The Publishing Committee will be sifting through the whole thing looking for themes to help plan for the future. Just because the survey is over doesn’t mean you can no longer give feedback about the paper. You can do that anytime. One person who did the survey wrote “Where are the letters?” This is a good question. The paper has always encouraged people writing in with responses to anything in the paper, whether you agree or disagree or just want to add something. But it doesn’t often happen. Most things in life, and certainly in this community are not just this way or that way, black or white. Letters are a way to express different points of view on issues raised in STREETS. So we continue to welcome letters. One thing to remember though is that STREETS won’t print anything which we believe to be discriminatory. A boarded up house on Langside, brightened up by the Housing Committee of the Spence Here’s a sample of the survey responses: Neighbourhood Association. Photo by Martin Pasieczka • The parts of the paper most read were Street Happenings (83%) and the Opinion Page (69%). Least read were the Exchange Page (46%) and the Answers Column (54%). Making plans for housing • 29% of respondents said they don’t think the paper comes out often enough. one year. The Coordinator’s role will be to get by Robin Falk 78% of respondents said they had found out about a input from all different sectors of the • f you’ve walked down Langside or Furby community—home owners, tenants, landlords, community program/resource/activity/event, and 48% said they in the last year, I’m sure you’ve noticed business owners etc.—as an important part of had learned something new about an issue, policy or Ihammers swinging as numerous developing the plan. organization important to them in STREETS. renovation projects have been taking place. The money is available for a variety of • 8% of respondents had been listed in the Exchange Page The face of our neighbourhood is changing. housing projects so the community will need and 11% had done paid work as a result of STREETS. And the work has only just begun. to determine which models would be most • 26% said they had made a new Through programs like Neighbourhoods effective here and how they would be connection with another person in “My opinion Alive! and the Winnipeg Housing and prioritized. The options could include things the community because of STREETS. Homelessness Initiative, like owner-occupied, of ‘we’ has there is a significant We want to make rental, rent-to-own and • 50% knew someone who had a amount of money land trusts, for example. story, poem, art or photo in STREETS. improved coming available for the sure that (the money) Part of setting priorities • 77% of respondents said they feel Spence community. The would be to decide a part of the West Central community because of message we are hearing is used the way this which streets to start on, • On a scale of 1 to 5, 48% of STREETS” from funders is “think or even more respondents rated the paper as 5 (very big”. There is a fair community wants specifically, which good), and 29% as 4. amount of money blocks. available and we want to make sure that it is The Coordinator will be responsible for • Some of the written comments made by respondents: used the way this community wants. Who can some of the implementation of the plan as different points of view on an issue are important to have... argue with that? well as the development of it. He or she will avoid ads by candidates who otherwise don’t support the If it sounds too good to be true, there is a also support the work of on-going housing paper... have more information about spiritual aspects... have catch, and here it is. Before this projects, partnerships and committees already more political commentary... advertize upcoming events neighbourhood can access the available underway. more... have more personal profiles... have police reports and resources, the funders are asking that a As well as collecting feedback from a broad police advice columns... have more success stories... concrete housing plan be developed, outlining based cross section of the community, the • And finally, this comment: “My opinion of ‘we’ has what ‘Spence’ would like to see done in the Coordinator will also hold regular community improved because of STREETS” area of housing over the next five years. That meetings to share information as the project way, when groups submit funding proposals, goes along. the funders can take a look at the plan to see if If you have any ideas, comments or the project is community supported. The point questions please contact the Spence is that there are many possibilities for Neighbourhood Association at 783-5000 or This issue’s focus street is: worthwhile projects but it is very important drop in at the 2nd floor of MERC, 430 that the community supports these ideas, and Langside Street. that they are well thought out. Notre Dame Avenue Recently, the Spence Neighbourhood Robin Falk lives on Sherbrook Street. She works for the Spence Neighbourhood Association got $30,000 through the Winnipeg Next issue (March/April): Furby Street Housing and Homelessness Initiative to hire a Association. Housing Coordinator who will put together Turn to page nine for the job listing for the Please phone or drop by with any story ideas Housing Coordinator position. this Housing Plan. It will be developed over Deadline: March 5, 2001 2 January/February, 2001 - West Central STREETS

Welcome to the opinion page January/February issue of West Central STREETS Foot Patrol Officers STREETS is a non-profit community paper based in the community bounded by Notre Dame, Carlton, Portage and Arlington. by Rose Marie L. Rose Its purpose is to give voice to the interests, struggles and strengths of Rumours circulate from time to time that the Winnipeg Police Service may be considering people in the community. disbanding Community Policing and Foot Patrols. Rose Marie Rose wrote the following in For publication, the viewpoints and stories of people who live in the response to this. community, take precedence over those of people from groups who A Community Foot Patrol officer is a long title for a trusted person in uniform who watches have an interest in but do not live in the community, such as some over us. They seem to forget their stringent training and blend into our streets, our hopes and agencies, churches and businesses. Their role is primarily to support and facilitate the participation of local residents in STREETS. our dreams. All submissions may be edited for length and style. You come to recognize them when you see them—walking in a neighbourhood that they may not be familiar with. Hopefully you exchange a few cheerful words with them. Decisions about any honoraria for contributors are made by the Publishing Committee. Contributors who work but do not live in the Have you thought about what the neighbourhood would be like without them? community do not receive honoraria. Sometimes I wonder what the Officers really think and feel about us. I suppose some us are West Central STREETS will not knowingly print anything which is a great source of amusement to them. Maybe they feel sorry for the drunks, the prostitutes, unjustly discriminatory. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the ones who seem to have no future, no hope, no dreams. I wonder what they think and feel the views of the Publishing Committee. when they go home. What have their hearts and eyes experienced that some of us will never know? We should be developing a partnership of citizens and police officers working together for a safer community—Citizen Foot Patrols and the Police Foot Patrols working together, doing People who donate $25.00 or more get STREETS mailed to them a job. for a year. Phone for details re: tax receipt. We are so fortunate we do not live under a police or military state, like some countries. Circulation: 7,500 Our communities belong to us. We have some control over how we direct our energies in Next issue: March/April 2001 the community. This is what differentiates us from nations oppressed with dictatorship. Community Policing and Foot Patrol Officers are an important part of this. Phone: 944-4542 Next time you see a Foot Patrol Officer, thank God that we have them, and breathe a little Fax: 775-1670 easier. c/o 102-583 Ellice Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1Z7 Rose Marie L. Rose lives on Toronto Street.

Publishing Committee: Geoff Dueck Thiessen, Cheryl Martens, Lynne Somerville, tid-bits Holly Steele, Joe Wapemoose, Erika Wiebe

Neighbourhood Sectors represented - Still seeking - Anyone knowing the Coordinating Editor/Photography: The Spence Neighbourhood Association has a whereabouts of John Sparling, winner of the Erika Wiebe new Board of Directors as of the first Annual Streets Writing Contest in the adult story Community Development Worker, General Meeting last November 15. Anyone category, please contact the Streets office - Winnipeg Child and Family Services who lives, works or volunteers within Spence 944-4542. is a member of the Association. There are 12 people on the Board including representatives Contributors: from each of the eight sectors which make up Anonymous, Joan Blatz, Geoff Dueck Thiessen, David Henry, Spence (see map). They were elected by the Chayce Kolyn, Monique Lavallee, Jessica Jill Losorata, Francis Mara, members from that sector. Their role is to Lydia Penner, Roland Penner, Rose Marie L.Rose, Mitch Rygiel, represent the residents of their sector, at the Holly Steele, Joe Wapemoose Board. The sector representatives are: • Northwest - Tyler Wiebe Bulk Distribution: • North Central - Roy Toews John Guiboche • Northeast - Norm Jenkins • West - vacant at present Door-To-Door Distribution: • Central - Graeme Hughes Hollie and Tyson Matwick, Al McCaughan, Del Michel, John Olson, • East - Daniele Davis Bob Patterson, Lorraine Paul, Joe Richard, Lynne Somerville, Venus, • Southwest - Gabriel Wendt Alexis and Aleeson Sta. Brigida, Brenda, Shayla, Andrea and • Southeast - Randy Kotyk Whitney Starr, Eleanore Ulasy, Val Vosper, Joe Wapemoose, If you want to get in touch with your Doris Weigel, Doug and Lydia Wilson, Mona Wonnacott representative, call the SNA at 783-5000. 15 years of service - After 15 years Ted Chell retired at the end of December as pastor Design and Pre-Press: of First English Lutheran Church on Maryland. David Henry Some initiatives started during his time ph: 943-4316 include the Saturday Thrift Store, the Wednesday Aboriginal Worship Circle, the Printer: Thursday afternoon Seniors Club, the Vietnamese community gatherings at the Brandon Sun church and the Food Distribution program. Asked to comment on his years at the church, Ted said that he met many good people, learned to appreciate the challenges faced by Major Funder: people in regard to housing and other Bill and Shirley Loewen resources, and came to love the community. He continues to attend the Seniors Club. A selection process has begun for a new pastor. West Central STREETS - January/February, 2001 3 more opinion street sense

MTS has asked for approval to Tough on Crime! increase local residential phone by Joan Blatz 5. How does getting ‘tougher on crime’ rates by $6 per month. What do you address the root causes? It is true that even Safety in our communities is important to all when things are going well for people, they think about that? of us. When this issue is raised, many people can still choose to do wrong. But for many rally round. Anytime someone is calling for us people things aren’t going so well - poverty, (asked at St.Matthews/Maryland to get ‘tougher on crime’, I invite people in illiteracy, fetal alcohol syndrome, mental Community Ministry) our community to ask some important health problems, racism, violence in our questions. homes and neighbourhoods, addiction etc. John Bartlett - Outrageous. That’s 1. What does a person mean when they Problems such as these don’t make it right for about 6% of the existing phone rates. It’s want to get ‘tougher on crime’? If they mean someone to commit a crime. But if we used about the equivalent of 48 eggs a month, longer and tougher sentences, then here are more of our resources to build hope by that some people would go without for some more questions for your consideration. addressing some of these issues, perhaps we’d their kids. It doesn’t matter to me though. 2. Prison might punish an offender but does see crime rates fall. One example here - we I’m single and I don’t like eggs. it really help him/her take responsibility? Few have heard many stories of racism victims will see reimbursement for their experienced by people of Aboriginal descent. losses if an offender goes to prison. An Although they are only 2% of the Canadian offender often doesn’t have to face the harm population, they make up 15% of Federal they have done to the victim and the offenders (68% of incarcerations in Manitoba community while they are in prison. Prison in 1998). Racism and poverty seem to go hand Lionel Key - That’s too much. It’s too has a violent life all its own and often in hand with a disproportionately high high a price for low income people. I’ve offenders remain more focused on the harm representation in prison. got a phone but I don’t pay for it. It’s my they face inside then on the Many people who want girlfriend’s mom’s. It would be a big harm they did to get there. Racism and poverty seem longer, ‘tougher’ sentences problem for me, if I had to pay for it. But 3. And what about the to go hand in hand with a view alternatives to prison people who don’t have a phone have victims? Will their needs be as just being ‘soft’ on places like this where they can come and met? Will they feel safer? disproportionately high crime. Are these use the phone. Longer sentences may help representation in prison. alternatives really ‘soft’? I to make some victims feel extend an invitation to safer for a while and satisfy a need to punish readers to explore this on their own. Ask the someone who has hurt us. But when that RCMP who support Family Group Charles Savill - I certainly don’t person comes back into our community, will Conferencing. Explore a Corrections system approve of an increase of one dollar, let they have learned more responsibility or will which has been using more community based alone six dollars. It’s been increasing for their prison experience have made them more sentences. Ask Hollow Water residents who the last three or four years and each time bitter? Will we be safer? Recidivism (re- chose a community approach to dealing with it’s a source of groaning for us low offending) rates are high and would seem to high risk offenders. Ask participants of incomers. For one thing, a phone is a show that prison does little to stop people Mediation Services here in Winnipeg. Ask source of communication in emergencies. from lashing out again. residents of Norway House about their I think the $25.62 you’re paying now is 4. What about the added cost of longer sentencing circles. So many more alternatives too much. sentences? We spend an average of $42000 a to mention, so many more questions to ask. year for Provincial custody and $52000 a year I’d love to hear responses from readers— for Federal custody of one offender. Could that their ideas, questions and experiences. Irene Rainey - I’m really upset, because money be used in better ways such as Ekosani—thanks for reading mine. a phone is a necessity in the current reimbursement to victims, treatment for both Joan Blatz lives on McGee Street. She works reality, just for basic safety. Far too many victims and offenders, development of for ‘Circles of Support’ a program of the people already can’t afford it. This will economic and educational options etc.? Mennonite Central Committee, working with mean that some that have a phone now high risk offenders. will probably loose it. letters Heather Robbins - My concern is with senior citizens. My mother is a widow . Dear Streets, always answers the phone with “Yellow...is a Canada pension is her only income. She’s primary colour”. in a Nursing Home and most of her I have been meaning to write for months Keep up the interesting paper. income goes to her care. The phone is now so here goes. I am still enjoying All the best, her life line to her friends and family. She tremendously reading Streets every time it Tanya Lester has to have it, and therefore she goes reaches my mailbox out here in Lotus Land. without a lot of other things. This will What a great newspaper! I am going to start Tanya Lester is a former Simcoe Street resident and one of the founders of West mean that she has to go without even passing it around at the internet café from more, or eventually go without a phone. which I am writing this. Central Streets. She and her son Luke now live on Salt Spring Island, BC. Here I am involved in a Salt Spring Hours barter system and I am now one of six women Brenda Scarrott - $6, that’s a pack of who run a business called The Bodyworks smokes. I have an 8 inch scar on my arm Collective. I offer tea cup reading and reiki West Central STREETS and am on long term disability as a result there. It is a magical space with great energy. welcomes letters on any subject of a home invasion which might not have Also (I hope Joe will appreciate this) I am or responding to anything in the happened if I would have had a phone to one of the calendar girls who posed nude for a call for help. At the time I couldn’t afford calendar (no, it’s not one of those) that has paper. If you agree, disagree or it. And welfare only pays for your phone sold 11000 copies—a fund raiser to buy back just want to add something—write if you have a medical condition which is land which will other wise be clearcut. a letter, phone or drop by. life threatening. Luke is 4 inches taller than me now (5’8") and is a real little comedian. For example, he 4 January/February, 2001 - West Central STREETS new neighbours In pursuit of a bus pass by Francis Mara Thanks a bunch. I was quite mad, but not as mad as a few days later when I learned that Have you ever tried to get help from the the Ministry of Family Services is concerned Family Services Employment and Income that the free bus passes available through the Assistance branch? It is quite an experience. Employment and Income Assistance office are Let me tell you of mine. greatly under-utilized. How come? I work on a casual basis, which means some I’ll tell you how come—the people at the months are good but some may be lean. Family Services won’t give them out without a November was lean for me. I needed a bus protracted and demeaning ordeal. And just pass for December. Without it, I am think how many bus tickets are wasted on grounded. No way to get to work or job trips to Rorie Street, to say nothing of my interviews. But, I had no money. I said to time, which could have been spent in more myself “Hey, do not despair. Family Services creative ways. will give you one”. Meanwhile, the Ministry is scratching their So I went there. First to the office on York heads about unused bus passes. Avenue. They sent me to Rorie Street—the There is a conclusion to this story. Michael (top), Dylan and Meghan Bodner Intake office. I explained my situation and said December 11—I have seen my Intake moved to Simcoe Street in December. all I need is a bus pass for December. Just a counselor. I could not have been luckier. The one-time shot. I’ll be ok in January. The lady Where did you come from? nicest lady, Larisa, God bless her heart, has at the counter said “No problem, just bring a taken my case. She was going to help me with Meghan: Before this we lived in Elmwood. Before that we letter from your employer re: your hourly more than just a bus pass. On December 12 I lived in Osborne Village. Before that we lived in Calgary, and wage and how many hours you work”. Fine, was awarded with a cheque for $384.60. That prior to that we lived on Home Street. And before that, Mike I’ll be back. That was Monday, November 27. included transportation, help with rent and lived in his dad’s basement. I was back on November 29 some utilities. Mike: We’ve been pretty nomadic for the last couple of years. with the required papers at The free bus passes I have shared my story I was raised in North Kildonan which is a little different from the appointed time. I was told available through the with my employment the West Central area. The first difference would be that in to come back the next counselor at EPW North Kildonan, when we were home we wouldn’t keep our morning for the orientation Employment and Income (Employment Projects for doors locked and our alarm system on. People stole things but session with a reassurance of Assistance office are Winnipeg), who was it was never anything of consequence—a dented garbage can, the bus pass right after that. shocked about the unused the ash tray from my car. But the lifestyle adjustment of living Well, you could have told me greatly under-utilized. bus passes. She will now downtown hasn’t been any great hassle to us. It’s just common that on Monday—but OK, I’ll How come? encourage her clients to ask sense. In fact the conveniences far outweigh the be here tomorrow. for one if they are on income disadvantages. November 30. I am back at 8:45 for an assistance. What made you decide to live in the ‘west central’ area? orientation session, hanging on to every word As for the front counter staff on the Rorie Meghan: It’s cheap. Buying a house here was affordable. We as a good citizen. Afterwards, I went to the Street, they could improve their process and wanted to find a way to make our monthly cost of living quite counter to see someone about the bus passes. communication skills. My case could have a bit lower, so that we wouldn’t have to worry about saving up This time, not OK: easily been handled much faster with fewer for tuition and stuff. And renting was just getting stupidly high. Her: “You have to see a counselor first, and trips to the Intake office. The only place we could actually afford to buy a house was the earliest available time is on December And to the counselors at York Avenue—tell either here or the north end, which was too far from anything 11.” your clients that bus passes are available. up our alley. Me: “How am I going to commute until Don’t give them only to those who ask for Mike: Portage Avenue acts as sort of a dividing line and a lot then?” them. of people we know rent on the south side. But the housing Her: “We will give you a block of 10 As for the Ministry—why don’t you let all prices there make it impossible to own your own home. tickets.” employment agencies know that their clients What do you think of the neighbourhood so far? Me: “I make easily four bus trips during the on Income Assistance can ask for a bus pass. Meghan: Colourful. And it’s close to everything. I grew up in day. I go about looking for work and other How about some posters, memos or other Thompson and Transcona, which is about as remote as you can business. In the afternoon I go to work. I’ll go types of publicity (Do you want to hire me to get. I always had this appreciation for the core area and wanted through ten tickets long before Dec.11. What spread the word? I come cheap). to live as close to downtown as possible. As soon as I do I do when I run out?” That’s the way I see it. discovered the West End Cultural Centre when I was about 15 Her: “You have to find some other way. Ten Francis Mara lives on Flora Avenue. and started volunteering there, I got a good sense of the tickets have to be enough for you.” neighbourhood. I learned early on not to walk around the neighbourhood by myself at night. I’ve always been pretty comfortable here and my impression of it hasn’t really changed since moving here. I’m still comfortable. Mike: We moved here in December and the Winnipeg A battle unwinds ... temperatures at that time kept us from experiencing our neighbours in the fullest and most vibrant sense. But the by David Henry Turning onto Spence, a small battle was houses are so close together here that you can’t avoid your unwinding. Two officers on bicycles were neighbours. It was in mid-summer, just after sunset. A riding up the road. One swerved towards a Meghan: Yeah, we already know both our neighbours’ first friend was dropping me off at home, but I man near a parked car, turning abruptly names. I’ve visited the lady on one side and the fellow that needed cigarettes. I asked to be let off at the away—but stopping to hold the man against lives on the other side gives me all kinds of advice, in a very 7-11 at Spence and Sargent. the car. It was a noticeably familiar act. well meaning way. Very friendly neighbours on our street - a We were heading east on Ellice, coming to a As we passed, I could see the man’s lot friendlier than in Elmwood. stop at the light on Sherbrooke. In the next expression of alarm turn to hurt—emotional instant, a young guy barreled across the Mike: I read gas meters and I’ve had the delight of going into hurt. Further up, a cruiser was parked sharply intersection—driving his bike straight at the towards the curb. almost everybody’s house in the core area. I can say that no already stopped car in the lane to our right. matter how bad the area looks on the outside, there are There were few other people. Nothing more He swerved at the last second, almost striking wonderful people everywhere. There’s always going to be to see. I was dropped at the corner on the car. He charged a second time, the light exceptions to that, and it’s not necessarily the ones whose Sargent, crossed on foot, and got my smokes. changed, and we all drove quickly away. My I returned down Spence, along the same houses are falling apart. It’s a matter of accepting people for friend and I immediately began an animated who they are and keeping a small space for yourself. block, on the way home. It’s a well-treed and discussion—”Did you see the anger?” I asked. beautiful street, by my standard. A bit dark at West Central STREETS - January/February, 2001 5 street answers

Topic: Consensus in decision making

At the first AGM of the Spence Neighbourhood Association last November, there was lots of discussion as people mulled over the details of the new constitution. One of the things discussed was the meaning of ‘consensus’. Mediation Services uses ‘consensus’ in how they run things. Their experience is offered here as a contribution to the discussion. Answers by: Dorothy Barg Neufeld, Staff Coordinator and Chris Freeman, Mediator/Trainer at Mediation Services, a Community Resource for Conflict Resolution. Q. How would you define ‘consensus’? A. Consensus is a process by which the interests of all group members are sought out and considered and the group attempts to find a solution that everyone can support. We recognize four levels of support: i.Yes, I support the decision; ii.I can live with the decision although I’m not enthusiastic; iii. I need to register my concerns but I will not block the decision MLA Jean Friesen with her new purchase painted by Nathaniel Bunn or advocate against it and I defer to the wisdom of the group; Photo by Yvonne Naismith iv. I don’t agree and I feel the need to stand in the way of this decision. The first three mean a decision is accepted. But if even one person is at level four, the decision is not accepted. (The important thing is the process at the front end. If it has A great big painting of been followed faithfully, it will usually result in a recommendation that everyone can support.) ‘the Great One’ The process of building consensus should be determined by each group that is going to use it and may depend on the type A giant painting of Wayne Gretzky will soon MERC would enjoy it and that keeping it there of decision that needs to be made. be hanging on the wall at MERC. would be a way to commemorate the first of Q. How is ‘consensus’ used at Mediation Services? The artist is Nathaniel Bunn who says he is this kind of Art Show at MERC. more than just a Gretzky fan. ‘The Great One’ Asked how he feels about his painting going A. We are always learning and refining our process. But at also inspires him as an artist. The face of up on the wall at MERC, Nathaniel says “It’s this point, this is an example of how we would use it. If we Gretzky was so familiar to him that he felt he amazing because it will be there for as long as needed to hire a new staff person, all the present staff would wanted to put it on canvas. “And it turned out the building stands and the public will always be affected by that decision. But not everyone can be in the swell”, he says. be able to see it there”. interviews. So staff pick a representative group from the staff The Gretzky painting was part of Nathaniel’s And there may soon be more local art on team, who will do the interviews. The group gets input from exhibit at ‘Art from the Heart’ an art show and display at MERC. Pino Pisano, Facility the all staff members about what is important to them in this sale for low income artists which took place Supervisor at MERC said the donation of decision. The group does the interviews, keeping the interests at MERC last November. That’s where MLA Nathaniel’s piece has inspired him to try to of staff in mind. They make a recommendation and bring it Jean Friesen caught sight of it and to the get more paintings adorning the walls of the back to the whole staff team to make a decision. delight of Nathaniel, bought it. centre. As a second example, two of us wrote this for the Answers Jean says at first it didn’t click that it was Postscript: Since the Art Show, Nathaniel Column, and then passed it to several other people to get input Gretzky in the painting. She bought it more has been commissioned to paint two more before sending it to Streets. because of the striking colours and its “strong ‘Gretzkys’. He does his painting at the Graffiti graphic presence”. To keep it in the Q. Why have you chosen to use ‘consensus’ in your decision Gallery on Higgins, spending time there just making? What are the advantages? community, Jean has donated the painting to about every day. He also does some native MERC where it will soon be hanging under the art. A. As an organization MS values the principles of non-violent clock in the gym. Jean thought the kids at restorative justice. We are committed to working in ways that value diversity, a collaborative team approach and each person’s perspective. Working by consensus allows everyone to have more power and responsibility to shape the organization than may be possible in a hierarchical structure. The advantages are that it promotes equal ownership in ... on a residential street making decisions and a higher level of support for decisions, it night for most people. More forest-like, if Past all of this I kept wondering, “Who incorporates minority viewpoints, it creates and strengthens compared to suburban streets. started the thing with the bikes? Who passed community and at its best, it encourages healthy disagreement A young father let his kids into a car, turning it on?” The young guy was heading away from and diversity of veiwpoints it into a game. They laughed, trying to get to Spence. Had he seen the police on bikes Q. What are some of the disadvantages/problems in the “best” seats. charging someone else? Had he been stopped operating in a consensus model? this way himself? I couldn’t imagine the bike Someone approached me for a smoke. I lit it A. It takes time to hear and process everyone’s point of view. cop learning the trick from a kid, then playing for him. He asked if I wanted to buy T&Rs. I That can feel cumbersome. You need good leadership to felt obliged to tell him that ‘the heat’ had just “kick the cat” and venting anger at the next person he saw. support people in speaking out and finding a voice. And if been all over the street. He didn’t understand, consensus is not carefully defined, it can be unfocused and I walked up a backlane, across a parking lot, so I explained that I meant ‘the cops’ and I unwieldy. was going to keep walking. Which I did. then west down Ellice. A young woman asked Two women struggled to close a gate behind me for a light. A very young woman. In her them, before walking down the street. A eyes, illuminated by a Bic lighter, was that couple sat on their steps. Two guys with same hurt and anger. beers stopped laughing as I walked by the David Henry lives on Langside Street. yard. It was all very quiet. 6 January/February, 2001 - West Central STREETS focus on Notre Dame ... The man behind the new name for Notre Dame Park by Roland Penner Jacob Penner (1880-1965) acob Penner, recently honoured by the City of Winnipeg which re-named Notre Dame Park the JJacob Penner Park was one of Winnipeg’s best known and most loved radical politicians. First elected as an alderman in 1933, representing Ward 3 (Winnipeg’s famous “North End”), he served with one 2-year interruption until his retirement in 1962. Assuming office at the height of the Great Depression when unemployment reached levels close to 40%, Jacob Penner—‘Jake’ to the people he represented—fought tooth and nail, day and night to assist the unemployed and their families, trying to cope with the dreaded and demeaning ‘relief’ system, essentially a rigid voucher system. His home became one of Winnipeg’s first ‘drop-in centres’ Notre Dame Park was renamed Jacob Penner Park in a ceremony which recognized the life-long where people in trouble could come for help. And contributions of its new namesake Jake was fearless in dealing with bureaucrats who, as in one of thousands of instances, tried to deny winter in the newly-opened Rosery Florist in Winnipeg. scheme, and a national unemployment insurance fuel to a family during a cold January, when their By asking around at the James Street Labour scheme. vouchers ran out and, with infants in the house, they Temple, trade unionists put him in contact with In 1907 Jake met a young radical feminist, Rose had no heat. some of Winnipeg’s early socialists and Jake joined Shapak, at a reception for the famous American Jacob Penner was the eldest of nine children born with them in the Socialist Party of anarchist and feminist, Emma near Ekatrinaslav in the Unkraine to a prosperous Canada. Later, as a member of the Goldman. They married in 1912 land owning Mennonite family. Jake was able to Retail Clerks Union in 1919 (he was and had five children, four of attain a college education in land surveying, forestry then employed by Eatons) he was an whom are still living and one of and, additionally, as a teacher. active participant whom, Roland Penner, was ‘Jake’ ... fought tooth and nail, in the Winnipeg elected to the Manitoba Legislature At the age of sixteen, while at General Strike. for the NDP in 1981, serving in college, he came into contact day and night, to assist the In 1921 the many posts including Attorney- with radical students who were unemployed and their families General and Minister of Education. members of the underground trying to cope with the dreaded impact of the Russian Social Democratic Party, Russian Jake and Rose are buried together led by Lenin; and he joined with and demeaning ‘relief’ system Revolution and in Brookside Cemetary. On their them in studying Marxism. the teachings of tombstone, as their epitaph, are Lenin, led to a split in the radical carved the following words taken For a number of reasons, one of which was the socialist movement between social from one of the most famous family’s concern that, because of his radical democrats, who later participated in the songs of the International Workers activities Jake would be exiled to Siberia by the formation of the CCF, and the much of the World, ‘the wobblies’: Czarist regime, the whole family moved to Winnipeg more radical communists, of which in 1904. They bought a large house on Sherbrook “For they have a glowing dream” group Jake was an active member. And it was as a The next lines of the song are: Street just, as it happens, around the corner from well-known and leading communist, that he “Of how fair this world will seem what is now Jacob Penner Park. While the family participated in municipal politics, running for the operated a bed and breakfast establishment for When each man can live his life, Labour Election Committee. He was first elected in Secure and free!” Mennonite farmers coming to Winnipeg to shop or 1933. on business, Jake found his first job as a teacher, And that is what inspired Jacob Penner for all of his teaching in a German language one-room public As an alderman, in addition to fighting for the long and wonderful life. school in Gretna, Manitoba. But, anxious to make rights of the unemployed, he became a pioneer in the contact with fellow radicals, he left that job after a fight for public housing, recreation facilities for The writer, Roland Penner is the son of Jake Penner year and in 1905 became one of the first employees young people, a nationally supported old age pension and Rose Shapak.

sprinkled Mary’s name all over the map. The English often use ‘Mary’ directly in their place names, as in A bit about ‘Notre Dame’ the State of Maryland or Mariapolis, a town in Manitoba. A Spanish example is seen in El Pueblo de contributed by Joe Wapemoose Notre Dame, ‘Our Lady’ in French, is one of the Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles—The Town most favoured place names used by French settlers of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels. In short, L.A.. otre Dame Avenue is named in honour of Mary, worldwide. Notre Dame de Paris, a twelfth century Notre Dame was also the name of a sixteenth Nthe mother of Jesus. Winnipeg has two Notre cathedral is one of the most famous. Another is century physician and astrologer, Michel de Dames, one Avenue and Rue Notre Dame in old Notre Dame University in Indiana, founded in 1842. Notredame, better known to us as Nostradamus. His St.Boniface. Devout French, Spanish and English Catholics predictions are still studied by some to this day. West Central STREETS - January/February, 2001 7

More than just living by Mitch Rygiel My dad worked intermittently for the CNR. (Later I worked there too) We didn’t have a lot y parents moved to Notre Dame Avenue of money. Mom liked living close to Min 1942. The house had been built in downtown so she could go shopping at 1894, at that time, outside of the city limits. I Eatons. I had to go with her and lug the stuff was 7 years old when we moved. My wife and back. We couldn’t afford to take the bus. I are still in the same house—almost 60 years. Today we have welfare. Then it was called We’ve got five kids, so we did more than just ‘relief’. I got boots one time that were live in that house! supposed to last a year. They were made of Back then, Notre Dame was a nice four lane pressed cardboard. But they only lasted 6 with a wide grassy divider in the middle. months and I remember my mother crying, There were a lot of trees and electric trolley trying to get money for boots from ‘relief’. buses. Horses would come by with trailers to They were heartless in those days. I think it pick up the garbage and was partly because we take it to what is now Horses would come by with weren’t English. Westwood Park. I used to trailers to pick up the garbage On our street there was go down there with my Fairfield Mills, bike. Rats as big as cats and take it to what is now Honeysuckle Bakery, would chase us. I used to Westwood Park Betty’s Beauty Parlour, play with them. Salisbury House, Sair’s There were a lot of houses around us on Pharmacy and a Safeway store at Beverley. We Florists in the Emily, Pearl, Winnipeg and Bannatyne with went to school at Somerset School which later mostly English, Scottish and French families. became Sacre Couer. The Health Sciences We were German Polish, so in a way we Centre built an apartment block right next to family didn’t fit in. The French and English families our house. Mom was not happy, because she oy’s Florist, on Notre Dame, has been in the family for 40 despised each other but they tolerated us. All couldn’t see the sunrise anymore. The Ryears. Owned until 10 years ago by Ron Kaita (and his of us were white, but still there were tensions. Women’s Hospital was put up just down the brother Roy—hence the name), the place is now operated by street in 1950. All our kids were born there. his son Michael. But Ron still helps out, as he was on the day There was a lot of military presence on that our camera caught him there. Notre Dame during the war years, because of Carpaquet Barrack, which later became Previously the building housed a restaurant—‘The Stork Labatt’s Brewery. Jeeps with guns and a Luncheonette’, a reference to the Womens Hospital across the convoy of trucks full of German prisoners street. When the restaurant went bankrupt, Ron and Roy would come down Notre Dame. They bought the building and started the florist. would yell and swear at us. They had big red balls on their backs. My dad said that was so when they ran away, you’d know where to shoot. I remember all the people on the streets, celebrating when the war was over. Later we were hearing about the atomic bomb. All these new words were coming into the language—radiation, atomic... I didn’t like what I heard. My friend Paul and I used to lay in the grass at Notre Dame Park and look at the sky and clouds, much bluer and whiter than they are now. We could look right at the sun in those days - today you don’t dare. Mitch and Adele Rygiel live in the only Last year they re-named Notre Dame Park remaining house on the West Central stretch to Penner Park. I don’t know why they of Notre Dame. would name it after someone who was a City Councillor in the North End. Our house (duplex) was one of three houses In 1960 we got married and moved into the on Notre Dame. The rest was empty lots. You other side of the duplex from my parents. My could rent space for a dollar a year to make a mother died in 1965 of a heart attack. She garden. They brought horses in and plowed died in the back seat before we got to the the land. In time came the Winnipeg General Frequently asked question: hospital one block Hospital and then the away. We were Health Sciences Centre. I remember my mother crying, thinking of buying a They had the first option to What is that small house but because my buy so you couldn’t sell it trying to get money for boots from ‘relief’. They were dad was alone, we to anyone but them. stayed. My dad also castle on Notre Dame? Slow but steady the heartless in those days. I died at home. He used houses were bought out. think it was partly because to say we were lucky he ‘castle building’ at 706 Notre Dame is owned by There was a Real Estate because we had the TShirley Timm-Rudolph, City Councillor for Transcona company that claimed to we weren’t English. hospital, Bardal’s ward. She says she bought the building about 10 years ago be working in the interest Funeral Home and and renovated it into this unique design, intending to open a of the hospital but I think they were working Brookside cemetery all close by. When both small business there. It was going to be a combination gift in their own interest—buying land from us for my parents passed away, Bardal’s stopped in store, candy shop and ice cream parlour. But she never found cheap and then selling it to the hospital. They front of the house—the final salute. the time to make this idea a reality, so the building has been offered my dad $26000 for the house. He said, vacant and is up for sale. Asking price for this 800 square foot “Come back when you come up with Adele Rygiel was featured in a previous building is $39000.00. something sensible”. I don’t know what the issue of STREETS. She has volunteered for The word in the neighbourhood is that the building has been rest of the houses were sold for because almost 30 years in her children’s schools, vacant for decades, long before Ms. Timm-Rudolph bought it. nobody would talk about it. It was sad to see clubs etc.. She is still a Crossing Guard for It used to be a house. the neighbourhood going down. Wellington School. 8 January/February, 2001 - West Central STREETS

Ashamed Small Change A few poems by Monique Lavallee by Anonymous To warm your heart and soul on a I grew up with alcoholics A penny for all your thoughts My brothers, my sisters A nickel for all your dreams. cold winter’s night We’re all the same. A dime for all the times you listened, I’m not ashamed A quarter to hear you scream. I like whiskey, beer and wine A fifty cent piece for all your laughter, They all make me feel so fine. A loony for some of your luck. Environment I’m not ashamed A toonie is what a kiss costs from me... by Chayce Kolyn I just yell, come on over Now you owe me nine cents from a buck! Let’s tie one over, but I The writer lives on Kennedy Street. Keep the environment clean Sure feel it the next day. Let the grass grow green I’m not ashamed Let the crisp air blow Down and out Let the shiny sun glow Not a dime to my name Let the fresh flowers bloom How did I ever get this way Don’t let the earth go...BOOM Poem for West Central I wish I had someone to blame by Holly Steele Chayce Kolyn lives on Home Street. Please forgive me, Lord I feel so ASHAMED. “Lock your windows Shut your doors Monique Lavallee used to live on Langside. Pull the shades up tight You’ll find hookers, drugs and drunkards Don’t go out at night.” Invisible Woman They tell me this, yet by Geoff Dueck Thiessen Imagine when I walk along my street lamp post saves her from a fall by Jessica Jill Losorata I see kids and adults laughing, she hangs suspended there Imagine a world and folks I’d like to meet. the green light beckons With a sky so high People come together here, and we resume our busy path It’s sitting with the clouds. to talk of their concern laughing faces Could it be true To strengthen the community, do not see her tears Would it be true from each we all can learn. no lulls in conversations A world that would be...too perfect. As we talk about our stories give audience to her moans Imagine a world and our lives, we slowly see she tries to follow us With a cold black colour That my life is much like yours a lurching vessel in an impossible storm With howling everywhere and you’re a lot like me. With hearts so cold the vortex which consumes her Some see the streets as dangerous; pain so deep it’s nothing to us And jumping moons, A world that has been lost. the pimps, the crime, the drugs i kick aside with practiced ease Imagine a world Some see the streets as friendly, and she is alone again always With blue and black skies giving laughter, joy and hugs. shielded faces gazing past her Sitting with clouds and a moon When we see our neighbourhood watching for the change With hearts so warm from many points of view choosing not to see her And dreams so near You reach out your hand to me, a beacon of our guilt A world that belongs to us. and I reach out to you. Geoff Dueck Thiessen lives on McGee. Jessica Jill Losorata lives on Maryland Street. Holly Steele lives on Agnes Street.

Panhandler by Lydia Penner Of the Poor Young man by Joe Wapemoose looking so old slouched against red brick “The poor are with us always” face unshaven for more than one wartime, That’s what a teacher said your dark face barely forms the words So if you’re poor don’t worry asking me for some change. ‘Cause if you’re rich you’re DEAD! I am with my young one, Dead to finer feelings clean clothes, Dead to other’s woes wallet full (or so it seems) Dead to love and kindness and I barely break pace. (That’s often how it goes) BIZ No—I answer habitually, Poor folks like us don’t worry like your habitual question. If someone needs a boost (Though with calculated regularity, The moneyed? Their worst nightmares I give change to the likes of you. Oft times come home to roost But this time I say no, Roosting on their shoulders based on the inconvenient location At work or while they play of my wallet.) Stealing night time slumber It is only hours later, And their peace by day here, after running, For poverty’s a builder dancing round and round my rage, But money oft divides that I hear your dark face speak, We ‘poor folks’ own a future this time the wall’s inside me. Dependent on no tides Can you spare some change? Cash? We ‘poor’ may have it Is there mercy? But if all we have is pelf Will some light rays pierce We are the most accursed this darkness? ‘Cause all we have is self! I wish now I’d taken the trouble. Joe Wapemoose lives on Ellice Avenue. Wherever you are young man, This poem was inspired by the God go with you. Western Canada Poor People’s Conference Lydia Penner lives on Beverley Street. held in Winnipeg in October 2000 West Central STREETS - January/February, 2001 9

existing women’s resources in • Pregnancy Distress Family Community ‘west central’ and in conjunction Support Services Inc. is looking with the project Steering for volunteers who enjoy Committee, organizing activities/ interacting with parents and workshops/events with and for children aged birth to 6 years local women. The positions are and have good communication Exchange one year term positions with the skills, to co-facilitate a Program possibility of extension. for Early Parenting Support in If you live in the community, you can use this page for FREE. Preference for the jobs will be Charleswood, the Sinclair Park given to residents of ‘west area, and in West Broadway. Phone 944-4542 or drop by at 102-583 Ellice by March 7 for a central’. Please submit resumes Four hours a week. Phone Traci listing in the March/April 2001 issue. to 102-583 Ellice Avenue R3B or Stephen at 772-9091. Training 1Z7 by February 9, 2001. provided. A skills listing is not a recommendation. It is up to the people • Spence Neighbourhood • Volunteers needed to help out doing the hiring to check for any qualifications they see as Association is seeking a full time with the Kids Program at necessary. But please phone STREETS about your experience Housing Coordinator who will St.Matthews Maryland facilitate the development of a Community Garden Project, with the Exchange—good or bad. 944-4542 housing plan, support on-going Mondays from 3:30-6. Call Liz at housing projects, act as a 774-3957. Skills for Hire: • Linda, at Vision Quest Learning resource to residents on housing, • Holly Steele is available to tutor Skills on Ellice, teaches literacy, maintain a housing data base, in high school math, writing and GED preparation, ESL and Life develop new housing initiatives Donations Needed: Skills, one to one or in groups. editing (any level), and and develop volunteer capacity. • United Church Halfway Homes Phone 783-2564. Philosophy. Phone 774-8270. Preference will be given to Inc. needs donations of • Douglas Wilson available for • Darren on Sherbrook Street does people who are familiar with the computers and printers in snow removal with a snow Plumbing, including rotto neighbourhood, developing inner working order, for use by blower, at reasonable rates. rooting, installing hot water city housing programs, working Halfway House residents. Phone Leave messages at 774-3957. tanks and water softeners, in a capacity focused model, 783-6332. replacing pipes and washers and working with non-profit groups • Badly needed: good used • Certified computer and network much more. Phone 783-1444. in low income neighbourhoods furniture and winter outer wear technician willing to barter for and connecting government • SSCOPE Inc, offers snow and boots. Also accepting services or answer computer programs to the community. removal, housekeeping, yard donations of household articles, questions over the phone. Police Submit resumes by January 29 to care, moving, hauling and more. kitchen utensils, bed linens and check and references available Shannon Watson, Spence Phone 987-6300. towels. Drop off at Spence Street upon request. Call today: 7pc- Neighbourhood Association, 430 Thrift Store, Monday to Saturday chef or 772-2433. Email: • Marie Garcia on Beverley Street Langside Street R3B 2T5, 10am to 4pm or call 783-9281. [email protected] has extensive experience in child fax:986-7092. • Certified Reflexologist, plus ear care and house cleaning. Phone 786-6616. candling and foot care. Phone Volunteers Needed: Messages: Pauline Silva at 783-0963. • Roy on Beverley Street does • Taking Charge! Inc. is looking for • No thank-yous, congratulations, • Experienced meat cutter (24 appliance repairs and general volunteers to assist in the birthday/anniversary greetings, years) available for small or handiman services. Phone 786- daycare and in the Executive etc. in this issue. medium sized meat markets. 1210. Closet, as well as other areas. Phone Larry at 943-7930. • Licensed Practical Nurse on Training provided. Transportation assistance • Problems or questions about Beverley Street will provide available. Contact Aileen at 925- computers? Let a professional baths for seniors in their homes 1688 or check the web site at take care of it. Call Chito at 772- and/or provide escorts to and www.takingcharge.org. 6327. from medical appointments. Phone Cheryl at 783-9199. • Pramaila Bahal makes jewellery - necklaces, bracelets, earrings • Simcoe Street resident does and more out of beads, leather, carpentry, renovations and silver etc.. Phone 942-2716. eavestroughing including replacement, repair, soffits, • Quality Cleaning. References fascia and siding. Phone 783- available. Phone 775-6648. 7937. • E-mail Editing for students and • Ben White does interior and businesses. Only .02 a word. exterior painting and general Contact Kevin at 956-7836 or labour. Phone 774-3957 OR 284- www.virtualediting.com or 0249. email: [email protected] • Darlene Wiebe on Simcoe Street, serving seniors with care, • Barry P. Monette is a Spiritual companionship and house Energy Guide who does cleaning. Phone 783-7937. teachings and ceremonies related to the Medicine Circle, Sacred • Ranjith Kahatapitiya is available Path Card, Medicine Card, Sweat as an Advertising Consultant. Lodges and more. Offerings start Phone 772-1479. at $60 per ceremony. Phone 783- • Val will deliver flyers. Phone 5656. 774-5818. • Discount Top Soil and Snow Removal, specializing in rooftop and general snow removal, Jobs: moving, landscaping, yard • The Community Empowerment maintenance, picking up Project for Women is hiring two unwanted furniture, scrap metal half time Coordinators. Duties etc.. Phone 772-3097. will include networking with 10 January/February, 2001 - West Central STREETS

Councillor HHHARVEYARVEYARVEY SS MITHMITHMITH CKUW is the FM radio station at the INNER Daniel McIntyre Ward University of Winnipeg. We broadcast at 95.9 MHz with 450 CITY watts of power. The station operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with all VOICES OFFICE: the programming being done by dedicated volunteers. Mondays 5pm 986-5951 CKUW has a diverse schedule with Fridays 10am over half of our schedule featuring Jazz, Real people, stories, and HOME: Hip-Hop, Classical and experimental issues from Winnipeg’s 772-6434 music. inner city. Our programming is different every day Community radio by and of the week—so pick up our for the downtown programming guide or call us if you community. I AM HERE have any questions. Office: 204 786 9782 On-Air: 204 774 6877 TO SERVE YOU [email protected]

David Henry adrenalin rush web publishing & graphics services Are you a community-based Y2.001K sale prices: Pick one! Progressive non-profits pick two! organization dealing with $2001 - Website design* • Top quality NKS! ph: 943-4316 poverty issues? $200 - Web maintenance* • Speedy service THA www.mts.net/~dh56 Fully booked Ask about THE BIG DEAL! * some restrictions apply • Low prices through May West Central STREETS - January/February, 2001 11

Spence Street Thrift Shop A Community Service of Assiniboine Pregnancy Distress Family Support Services Inc. 555 Spence Street Happy New Year to all our customers! Daily Unadvertised Specials Low, Low Prices Blouses $1.50 Pick up your Frequent Buyer Card at the Shop Fall/Winter Hours: Monday 12:00 - 4:00 Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 4:00

ST. MATTHEW’S ANGLICAN Jean Friesen, MLA for Wolseley CHURCH (including Sherbrook, 641 St. Matthew’s at Maryland Phone: 774-1846 West Broadway & West End) Community Ministry: 774-3957

Constituency Office: Sunday Services are at 10:30am (Holy Communion) 201 - 222 Furby Street Sunday School and Nursery at the same time. (Crossways-in-Common) Everyone is welcome Rev. Canon Peter Flynn, Rector Regular office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1:00–4:00 p.m. Pat Martin, MP Winnipeg Centre

If you need help in your dealings with the “Courage my friends; provincial government, its agencies, or any it’s not too late to other matter, please call: build a better world.” 775-8575 —Tommy Douglas Legislative Phone: 945-8077 892 Sargent Avenue R3E 0C7 Phone: 984-1675

RESOURCE CONSERVATION MANITOBA Let’s not throw away a chance to reduce landfilling. ✔ Recycling for apartment dwellers A Non-Profit Centre for Applied Sustainability Call your Councillor and ✔ Composting education 925-3777 [email protected] ✔ FREE yard waste removal say “I want less waste!” www.resourceconservation.mb.ca ✔ Fee for excess waste reduces landfill costs for all taxpayers 12 January/February, 2001 - West Central STREETS STREET happenings

Are you interested in improving Winnipeg Education Centre offers Mark these dates on your calendar! your fence? Do you live from Information Sessions for people Agnes to Balmoral between interested in the Bachelor of Portage and Notre Dame? Is so, Social Work (February 2 at noon) grants of up to $450 are and Bachelor of Education Writing Workshops available through the Spence (February 6 at 4pm) programs for Neighbourhood Association. For the 2001-2002 academic year. No experience required, just an interest in writing more information call 783-5000. WEC is at 15 Chester Street. a Programs offered are for people ♦ Thursday, February 8 at 7pm at the Magnus 21 years of age or older who have inner city or similar Eliason Recreation Centre, 430 Langside St. Coming soon - the Grand Opening experience and are in need of Instructor: Holly Steele of the House of Opportunity at academic supports. Phone 668- Theme: Bring your own writing (poems or 561 Ellice which is a satellite of 8160 for more information. stories) to share with the group Opportunities for Employment, (or just come anyway) and will help people get a connected to employment ♦ Thursday, April 19 at 7pm - place, instructor opportunities. Watch for posters University of Winnipeg Open and theme yet to be determined about the opening. Phone 925- House 2001, Tuesday February ♦ Wednesday, October 10 at 7pm - place, 3595 for more information. 13, 10am-2pm and 5pm-8pm. instructor and theme yet to be determined a Highschool students, parents and ♦ adult learners welcome. For Monday, December 3 at 7pm - place, more information call 786-9064. instructor and theme yet to be determined 27th Annual Alcoholics Anonymous Winter Conference, a January 25-28 at the International Watch for details in upcoming issues of STREETS. Inn, 1808 Wellington at Berry Any ideas for instructors and themes are welcome. Street. Dance on Saturday at 10pm. Registration-$15. Speakers Phone 944-4542 if you plan to come or have any questions. from across Canada and the $$ from Neighbourhoods Alive!- States. ‘Spence’ residents and groups are invited to submit funding All welcome a proposals to Neighbourhoods Alive! The projects should benefit Words and Music Coffee House, the neighbourhood, involve the 7:30pm Thursday January 18 and neighbourhood in planning and February 15 at St.Luke’s Parish implementation and be supported Hall, Stradbrook and Nassau. by the Spence Neighbourhood Spence Community Potluck West End Seniors Centre at 644 The January one features Scott Association membership. Projects Supper on Tuesday, January 30 at Burnell Street offers a Noon Nolan, Patrick O’Connell, Alissa can come from the 8 individual 6:00pm at the Magnus Eliason Meal Program, Mondays, York and Bill Harrar. The sectors or the larger Recreation Centre, 430 Langside Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meals February one features Keith Dyck neighbourhood. Housing renewal Street. Bring some food and include soup, main course, and an open Mic to celebrate projects are not part of this fund. share in a meal with neighbours. dessert and tea/coffee. $3.50 for Freedom to Read week. For a proposal format and process Phone 783-5000 for more info. members and $4 for non- Refreshments and door prizes. members. Call 772-9581 to or help with developing proposals, a register in advance. a phone the Neighbourhood Association at 783-5000 or drop The Spence Neighbourhood a Mom’s Circle Thursday afternoons by, 2nd floor of MERC, 430 Association Housing Committee from 1-3pm at Magnus Eliason Langside Street. (Neighbourhoods is developing a community West End Seniors Centre at 644 Recreation Centre, 430 Langside Alive! is a project of the Provincial housing plan. We need input and Burnell Street offers a variety of Street. Take a break. Meet other Government). participation from residents. classes including Latin American moms. Child care provided. For Housing projects are to be Dance, Exercise to Music, more informaiton phone Barbara a submitted to the committee by Painting/Drawing, Swing Dance, at Klinic, 784-4024. January 26. They will be Line Dance, Tai Chi, Paper Tole Gathering for members of the presented to the community for and Clogging. Phone 772-9581 a Spence Neighbourhood Council input on February 5 at 7pm at for more information. Tuesday, February 27 at 5:30pm at Personal Empowerment Program, MERC, 430 Langside Street Magnus Eliason Recreation a a 14 week, half day a week Centre, 430 Langside Street. All program for consumers of the Chili supper plus a presentation of welcome. Phone 783-5000 for Wellington School Adult Literacy, mental health system, offering the first Neighbouhoods Alive! more information. including upgrading, GED and information, skill development projects. All welcome. Child care a computer skills, is accepting new and practice. Interested people provided. Phone 783-5000 or 944- students. ‘Tickles and Treasures’, are asked to attend an 4542 for more information Community Empowerment Project a family literacy program, is Orientation Meeting on (Spence Neighbourhood Council for Women presents a Valentines also accepting new families. Wednesday February 7 at MERC, members includes anyone who Day Party on Monday February Child care and snacks are 430 Langside Street from 2-4pm. lives, works or volunteers in 12 from 1-3pm at MERC, 430 provided. Contact Lucy at 774- Call 982-6100 for more Spence). Langside Street. Crafts, music, 8085. information. goodies, nail painting... Child care provided. Phone 783-5000 a a for more information. Reading Circle for children, at Anger Management Program for a Magnus Eliason Recreation Men at John Howard Society 583 Centre, 430 Langside, Tuesdays Ellice Avenue. 10 weeks, s New time for ‘Inner City Voices’ from 4:30-6pm in the Multi Mondays from 5:30-7:30. Next For a listing in the March/ show on CKUW 95.9 fm, Purpose Room. Run by Frontier group starts in March. Phone April 2001 issue, phone Mondays from 5–5:30, repeats College. For more info phone Sandy at 775-1514 for more Fridays at 10am. Rhonda Wazny at 253-7993. information. 944-4542 by March 7.