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A young player tries to put a basketball through a hoop at a past WMBA Hoopfest. This year’s event, the first Posthumus Family Hoopfest, runs April 4 at the Sport for Life Centre.

Minor basketball association honours local hero

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

The Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association will honour the memory of one of its own by introducing children to the sport he loved.

On April 4, the WMBA will play host to the inaugural Posthumus Family Hoopfest at Sport Manitoba’s Sport for Life Centre (145 Pacific Ave.) from 3 to 8 p.m. The event — which the WMBA runs annually — has been renamed to celebrate the memory of Chad Posthumus, the homegrown Winnipeg Sea Bears star who died on Nov. 20, 2024 at just 33 years old, following complications from surgery after he suffered a brain aneurysm.

The 6-10, 275-pound forward was widely regarded as one of the best basketball players to come from Manitoba, thanks to a 10-year professional career that took him to more than 25 countries. He played high-school ball for the River East Kodiaks and began his college career at the University of British Columbia before joining a U.S. junior college and then playing NCAA Division 1 basketball for Morehead State in Kentucky. He was the first player signed by the Winnipeg Sea Bears when the team joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2023, and playing for the local pro team made him an icon in local sports and basketball circles.

WMBA president Mike Ruta said the Posthumus Family Hoopfest will be held in the facility’s three gymnasiums and will feature skills stations, games and prizes. The dunking station will be hosted by the Posthumus family and will feature a life-size poster of Chad for kids to pose with. Players will also be able to test their three-point shots and their power dribbling skills. Free T-shirts will be handed out.

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Olympiens skate faster, higher, stronger

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Olympiens skate faster, higher, stronger

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

The Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens girls’ hockey team is top of the tree.

The team recently won the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League’s Division 1 championship, beating the Glenlawn Lions 2-1 in the all-St. Vital best-of-three final series.

The Olympiens lost the first game 4-1 on March 18, levelled things with a 3-2 win on March 20, and won the decisive game 2-0 on March 21. All games were held at Seven Oaks Arena.

The team’s head coach, Melissa Boulanger, said CJS was super-focused going into Game 2, knowing it was a make-or-break situation.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Olympiens skate faster, higher, stronger

Trojans win AAAA varsity girls basketball title

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Preview

Trojans win AAAA varsity girls basketball title

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

The Vincent Massey Trojans won the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s AAAA varsity girls provincial basketball championship on March 24, with a decisive, 76-44 victory over the Dakota Lancers at the Investors Group Athletic Centre on the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus.

Massey played full-court defence all night, limiting the ability of Dakota guards Taylor Schepp and Kelly Quinn to either shoot or distribute the ball. At the offensive end of the court, the tournament’s most valuable player, Lilly Vande Graaf, scored 19 points for the Trojans, with Emma Yard adding 17 and Uloma Isinguzo supplying 14 points and 11 rebounds. Jennifer Edwards had 12 points, seven rebounds and three steals to aid the winning cause.

The Lancers’ Emilie McLean had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Avneet Kainth of the Maples Marauders was the recipient of the tournament’s players’ choice award. Tournament all-stars were Clara Anderson of the Miles Macdonell Buckeyes, Jenelle Deato of the Garden City Gophers, Vincent Massey’s Edwards and Dakota’s McLean and Schepp.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

The tournament’s star players show off their awards (from left): Vincent Massey’s Lilly Vande Graaf (MVP); Dakota’s Taylor Schepp (all-star) and Emilie McLean (all-star); Avneet Kainth of Maples Collegiate (players’ choice award winner); Vincent Massey’s Jennifer Edwards (all-star); Miles Mac’s Clara Anderson (all-star); and Garden City’s Jenelle Deato (all-star).

From a little bit punk to a whole lotta love

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

From a little bit punk to a whole lotta love

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Two key organizers of a local photography festival are sharply focused on increasing its reach and impact.

The month-long Flash Photographic Festival launched its 10th anniversary edition on April 1, and will run until April 30.

Flash’s mission is to promote professional and amateur photographic artists in Manitoba, to educate visitors and participants in photographic history and to share examples of photographic processes past and present, both film and digital. It also aims to promote the work of artists who identify as Indigenous, female, BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+.

The festival was founded a decade ago by photographer Leif Norman, who also serves as executive director, to promote photographic artists and engage with people through a concentration of shows across a whole month, while providing as few barriers as possible for the artists.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Supplied photo by Diana Thorneycroft
Leif Norman, the founder and executive director of the Flash Photographic Festival, is pictured recently. This year’s edition of the month-long festival is marking its 10th anniversary.

Spring is for Pollock’s

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Spring is for Pollock’s

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

As spring begins to trickle into view, seasonal businesses are beginning to poke their heads out of the snow and back into the lives of the people who use them. In some cases, their services go a lot further than simply the products they sell.

Pollock’s Hardware Co-operative is a 103-year-old “North End staple,” which, beyond being the only hardware department store in the North End, offers a variety of community events, programming and opportunities for those in the surrounding community .

The building, a stark, classic warehouse sitting on Main Street near St. John’s Park, is well-known to most in the area. And while it is hardware store — full of handy tools, paints, and memorabilia from local vendors — it’s also a community hub — down to its very design.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Less beard means more for the cause

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Preview

Less beard means more for the cause

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

On March 26, River Park South resident Larry Baillie teamed up with First Impressions Hair Team (t1631-D St. Mary’s Rd. ), to raise money for the Victoria Hospital Foundations Shave-The-Date fundraising appeal.

Baillie, who entered the shop sporting a full, healthy beard, was shaven clean by master stylist Jen Joyal to help raise funds for and awareness of the foundation, which supported him during a hospital stay last year.

It was the second time Baillie has shaved his beard for a good cause, the first time being in memory of his father, who died after contracting COVID-19 in November 2020.

At press time, he had raised nearly $300 for the foundation, but donations can still be made online: thevicfoundation.ca/larry-donation-form

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Doing the dance of love

Janine LeGal Special to FP Community Review 4 minute read Preview

Doing the dance of love

Janine LeGal Special to FP Community Review 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Heather Witherden is passionate about expressing herself. The mother of three sons is a standup comedian who’s performed at numerous venues and events around town, including the Fringe Festival. She’s also channeled her passion for performance into doing comedy burlesque.

At 56, Witherden knows how to have fun on stage while also being sexy and entertaining. The energy she exudes is heartily received by audiences. Her commitment to her craft is so contagious, she’s managed to bring not only her friends but also her family into the local burlesque scene. Her brother regularly shows up to support her at events, her kids have helped with ideas, and her husband — a former military pilot — performed a piece with her earlier this year, much to the delight of those in attendance.

Witherden will be the MC of the Spring Fling Burlesque Fusion Cabaret: A Celebration of Love on April 6 at the Park Theatre, presented by M. Funk Dance Productions and Prairie Diva. The evening of glamour and charm will feature performances by Prairie Diva dance classes and a variety of other local artists, including classic burlesque performers, singers and aerial hoop performers.

“The joy is really prevalent,” Witherden said of the atmosphere at burlesque events. “It’s palpable, you’ve got all these people backstage. They’re all so nervous — there’s a real buzz that happens. It is fun. There’s a camaraderie, coming together to do something and make something. It’s quite welcoming.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Photo by Rangda Films
Meagan Funk is the owner and direct of Prairie Diva M. Funk Dance Productions, which is presenting the Spring Fling Burlesque Fusion Cabaret.

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West edition news in brief – week of April 2, 2025

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Fort Garry

Fort Garry C.C. to hold AGM April 8

Fort Garry Community Centre will hold its annual general meeting on Tuesday April, 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the centre’s Victoria site at 80 Derek St.

Snacks and light refreshments will be provided, and those in attendance will be entered into a door prize draw, organizers say.

East edition news in brief – week of March 26, 2025

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Super-Spike set for summer

Maple Grove Rugby Park will once again play host to the Super-Spike volleyball tournament this summer.

The event will be held Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 at Maple Grove (190 Frobisher Rd.).

Super-Spike combines Western Canada’s largest outdoor volleyball tournament with a weekend-long concert series. This year’s mainstage headliners will be Virginia to Vegas and Preston Pablo. The event will also include appearances by local acts including Encore, Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds, Daniel Desorcy, and Always Dale. Different DJs will perform throughout the event.

Varsity basketball champs crowned in all categories

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Preview

Varsity basketball champs crowned in all categories

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

The Manitoba High School Athletic Association’s AAA, AA and A varsity boys and girls basketball champions were crowned on the weekend of March 21 and 22 at venues around the province.

The John Taylor Pipers took the AAA varsity girls title with a 54-39 win over the Sanford Sabres on March 22 at John Taylor Collegiate. John Taylor’s Yar Mach was named the tournament’s most valuable player, and Amber Friesen (Westwood), Halle Penner (Sanford), Ryan McKinley (Sanford), Cierra Courchene (John Taylor) and Laci Schmidt (John Taylor) were tournament all-stars.

The AAA varsity boys’ crown was won by Brandon’s Neelin Spartans, who defeated Winkler’s Garden Valley Zodiacs, 76-70, at Westwood Collegiate on March 22. Neelin’s Ethan Olson was the tournament MVP and Natnael Ghebremeskel (Linden Christian), Elijah Maple-Stevens (Lorette), Owen Falk (Neeling), Alfredo Enns (Garden Valley) and Ethan Wiebe (Garden Valley) were tournament all-stars.

In AA varsity girls’ action, the Warren Wildcats took home the championship banner, beating the Souris Sabres 52-36 on March 22 in The Pas. On the boys’ side, Les Roys de Gabrielle-Roy defeated the Immanuel Christian Falcons, 85-65.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

MHSAA photo
The John Taylor Pipers won the MHSAA AAA varsity girls basketball championship, playing on their home court on March 22.

Vestiges of The Bay’s retail empire will still be seen on Winnipeg’s streets

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read Preview

Vestiges of The Bay’s retail empire will still be seen on Winnipeg’s streets

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

The Hudson’s Bay Company will soon disappear from Canada’s retail landscape but here in Winnipeg signs of the once mighty empire will be seen on our streets for decades to come.

The oldest vestige of the company found in the city is one of the rear gates of Upper Fort Garry, a trading and administrative post established in 1822.

The Bay left the fort for its first modern department store at Main Street and York Avenue in 1881. Within a matter of months, many of the fort’s walls and interior buildings were removed to straighten out road access to the Main Street Bridge across the Assiniboine River.

All that remained of the fort by the end of the decade was a single gate. It was donated by The Bay to the city in 1897 for use as a park and is now part of Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Vestiges of The Bay’s retail empire will still be seen on Winnipeg’s streets

Canada’s cosmopolitan coastal gem

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Preview

Canada’s cosmopolitan coastal gem

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Vancouver is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s also one of my favourite cities in all of Canada. It offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure, framed by stunning coastlines and impressive mountain ranges. Whether you like urban places or outdoor spaces, Vancouver really does have something for everyone.

The crown jewel of the city is Stanley Park – 1,000 acres of greenspace on the edge of downtown, with spectacular views. The seawall surrounding it on three sides is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, and a popular spot for walkers, runners and cyclists. Inside the park are lush gardens, old-growth trees, and horse-drawn carriage tours. Learn about dolphins, beluga whales, harbour seals, sea otters, and more, at the Vancouver Aquarium. Nearby are nine totem poles carved from western red cedar, and reflecting the region’s First Peoples. Stanley Park is the traditional territory of the Coast Salish First Nations including the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, and artifacts have been uncovered here that are more than 3,000 years old.

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia is a great place to delve into First Nations’ history, with a world-renowned collection of art and artifacts. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of this region, how they lived and traded, and their relationship with the land. The museum’s architecture is also a highlight, with stunning design amid the surrounding natural beauty of the UBC campus. The Burnaby Village Museum is another heritage site, and an interesting place to step back in time to the 1920s. One of its most notable attractions is an authentic 1920s streetcar tram stop, now part of the museum’s immersive experience.

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, named for John (Gassy Jack) Deighton who opened a saloon here in the 1860s, and whose story comes with controversy. The cobblestone streets are lined with Victorian-style architecture housing modern day amenities such as chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and historic landmarks. The famous Gastown Steam Clock ,with its intricate design, has earned significance as one of the few remaining steam-powered clocks in the world. Located at the corner of Cambie and Water Streets, the iconic timepiece chimes every 15 minutes, releasing a whistle along with a burst of steam.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Photo by RoseAnna Schick
The seawall around Stanley Park is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, and a popular spot for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Lovable Teena seeks her forever home

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Preview

Lovable Teena seeks her forever home

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Hi, I’m Teena!

I’m an extremely active, goofy and sweet girl who loves to go for walks, wrestle with my foster sibling and play with my stuffies. When I’m not playing, I’m happy to curl up next to you on the couch for some snuggles or settle in next to the wood stove to soak up the heat.

I am fully house-trained, and I will go in my crate without a fight, but I don’t like being left in there and can be quite vocal about it. However, when I’m left home alone, I do need to be in my crate because I really like to chew on things and I’m still learning what’s safe and what’s not. I am excellent in the vehicle but should be crated to avoid me chewing on or getting into anything I shouldn’t. Due to my vocal ways, apartment living isn’t ideal for me.

I am good with dogs and curious about cats (but not aggressive). Due to my high energy and excitement, I can be a bit jumpy so would do better with older children who can assist in working on my manners.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Learning from our elders

Letters to the editor 1 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

To the editor:

What lovely stories about the 100th birthdays for Bob Watkins (Free Press Community Review East, March 5) and Joseph de Pape (FPCR East, March 19). It is nice to have a history, albeit brief, of the builders in our country while they are still alive. I have always enjoyed these community stories.

I also enjoyed the recent story about Anne Yanchyshyn’s grandsons taking her to a Jets game (FPCR East, March 5). She has been a longtime contributor over the years whose stories I always read. She is an inspiration at 97 years young!

Thanks to all of you for continuing to cover local events, businesses, restaurants and stories. It’s always been important but supporting local is more important now than ever.

At the centre of it all

Brad Salyn 3 minute read Preview

At the centre of it all

Brad Salyn 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

It’s Monday morning and I revel in the fact that I’m excited to be making my way into work. I would normally chalk this feeling up to anxiety, but I conclude this must be what enthusiasm feels like. The last 20 years of my life in politics and government retreats to a far corner of my mind as I apply special gloves and readjust several pysanky that have shifted overnight, being mindful of the disastrous consequences if one were to fall.

You are likely thinking ‘what is a pysanky’? And seven days into my new career, I pinch myself and wonder how I got the privilege of being executive director at Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre.

Oseredok is an internationally-recognized centre of excellence for the preservation, sharing, and development of Ukrainian-Canadian and Ukrainian customs, culture, educational programming, and research, housed in a historical building which includes a museum, educational and research centre, archive, library, art gallery, and boutique.

Essentially ‘Oseredok’ is the ‘centre’ – which is what the word means in Ukrainian.

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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Supplied photo
Brad Salyn is the new executive director of Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Education Centre.

The music of the Hutsuls

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Preview

The music of the Hutsuls

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025

North End-based Immaculate Heart of Mary School invited family and friends to commemorate its Ukrainian Week from March 24 to 28, and to take in a student-orchestrated spectacle that transported audience members to Ukraine through music, dance and storytelling — primarily in the Ukrainian language.

The concert focused on the land of the Hutsuls, “one of the three main groups of people who occupy the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. Because of the relative isolation of the mountains, the Hutsuls’ way of life, dress, food, music, language, and many traditions differ from those of other Ukrainians,”

“Since our school was founded 119 years ago, it has played an important role in nurturing Ukrainian culture and traditions across our diverse student community,” said Rod Picklyk, Immaculate Heart of Mary principal.

“This is even more vital in building pride and understanding, as more than 100 students have joined the IHMS family since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.”

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Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025

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