Spotlight feature:
Sam Katz:
His Honour the Mayor
Winnipeg, Manitoba

By Scott Taylor

Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba

In October of 2010, Sam Katz was re-elected Mayor of Winnipeg by more than 26,000 votes. But another landslide win won’t slow his dream to make Winnipeg the best it can be.

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz was asked a question by a close friend the other day. “Sam?” asked his friend. “You’re the mayor of Winnipeg. When you’re finished with this job, what do want to be your legacy?”

The Mayor laughed.

“I don’t even think about it,” he said with a grin. “I’ve already left a legacy. I built the baseball park and brought professional baseball back to Winnipeg. My old company, Nite Out Entertainment, put Winnipeg back on the map. No entertainers, no bands wanted to come to Winnipeg. We brought them back in the late 70s and 80s.

“We also took a crumbling block of McDermot Ave., between Main and Rorie Streets and turned it into a thriving area of bars and restaurants and storefronts. And we took the old Odeon Theatre, once the Walker Theatre, saved it and turned it into the Burton Cummings Theatre, which is a thriving, very busy live venue today. I left a legacy in Winnipeg long before I became mayor.

“But most importantly, I have my daughters, Ava (9) and Kiera (5). That’s my real legacy. Your children are always your legacy. It’s the same for everyone. Now that I’m mayor, I want to leave them a city where they have opportunity and where they can live and be successful. That’s what I work toward every day.”

There has not been a Winnipeg mayor who has been as criticized to the point of vilification as Samuel Michael Katz. Of course, neither, has there been a mayor who has won three consecutive elections by as large a margin as Katz.

Regardless, the local mainstream media attacks him on an almost daily basis for everything from his pre-election business interests to his desire to build a bigger and better city. People who are influenced by the mainstream media, pick up the sword and continue the attacks on message boards and on radio call-in shows. The names people call the first Jewish mayor in the city’s history would make most bikers cringe and yet Katz continues to win landslide victories at the polls.

Sam Katz at The Forks, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Of course, when you stop and think about what’s happened to Winnipeg since Katz won a by-election in 2004, you can clearly understand why the 5-foot-7, 151-pound ball of energy takes such a beating. And you can also understand how he has developed such a thick skin.

“It’s simple,” he says. “I do things. I make changes. And when you do things and you make changes and you plan to make changes, not everyone is going to like it. At first, it was hard to read the things they wrote about me, but I handled it internally by saying to myself, ‘It’s OK, my daughters can’t read it.’ But now they can read. Ava reads six books a week. They know now and yet they still wanted me to run again. If they’re fine with it then I’m fine with it. When you do something, you will be criticized. It’s that simple.”

The one constant that the city’s newspaper of record promotes is the theory that Katz has “no vision for Winnipeg.” It’s like a mantra that will be tossed out even at the quietest times. When there is nothing to talk about, Katz prepares himself for the “vision” feature.

At first it was difficult for Katz to understand. Now he just laughs. It’s now obvious to him that when there is nothing to complain about, some people will just make it up.

“I’ve learned in six years that when someone suggests you have no vision, it really means they have no vision,” Katz said. “After all, if you’ve never done anything, you have no vision of your own life, let alone the lives of others. It’s clear to me that that level of criticism usually comes from people who have never done anything themselves.”

If Katz decides not to run for re-election in 2014, he will have been mayor for 10 years. During that 10 years alone, Katz will have been around for the start and finish of:

1. The construction of a new airport

2. The construction of a new football stadium for the Blue Bombers and the University of Manitoba.

3. The re-location of the police headquarters from a small building near City Hall to the larger federal post office building at 266 Graham.

4. The re-development of a crumbling Main Street.

5. The completion of the downtown indoor walkway system.

6. The development of the once derelict downtown Waterfront area.

7. The construction of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

8. The construction of the city’s Indoor Soccer Complex.

9. The re-development of the Winnipeg Centennial Library.

10. The construction of a new Disraeli Bridge.

11. The construction of the Skate Park at The Forks.

12. The construction of a new Indoor Water Park.

13. Re-development of the commercial area at Polo Park.

14. The arrival of IKEA and the new commercial developments of Kenaston Blvd.

15. The residential developments of Waverley West.

16. The implementation of the “311” telephone system.

17. The start of a modern rapid transit system.

This is just a short list and no doubt there will be more to come during the next four years. Still, one thing is certain: The growth, change and development of the city under Katz, is unparalleled since the days of Stephen Juba.

“It’s certainly not all about me,” Katz said bluntly. “A lot of people are involved in these projects and my job is to see that city does its part to make Winnipeg a better place.

“I think if there is anything I’ve done, it’s help create a different attitude at City Hall and we now have that can-do attitude. We can get things done now. That’s what this has been about for me. It’s not just me, it’s City Council’s new attitude. It’s a commitment to get things done.”

Born in Rehovet, Israel on Aug. 20, 1951, young Sam arrived in Winnipeg with his brother David and parents Chaim and Zena Katz in November of ’51.

Sam and David were raised in Winnipeg’s hardscrabble, melting-pot North End and the future mayor went on to graduate from the University of Manitoba in 1973 with a B.A. in economics. For a short time, he thought about becoming a dentist, but almost immediately after graduation, he opened a clothing store in Brandon, and began a life as an entrepreneur and impresario.

He was tremendously successful. He and partner Bruce Rathbone started Nite Out Entertainment and made Winnipeg a major player in the international music game. The company also hired and trained a young man named Kevin Donnelly, who now makes the MTS Centre one of the busiest arenas in the world.

In 1994, he purchased a franchise in the independent, professional Northern Baseball League and brought the Winnipeg Goldeyes to the city. In 1999, despite the fact Mayor Susan Thompson did everything possible to stop the construction of a new ballpark, Katz persevered and built what is now Shaw Park, near The Forks. Since 1999, more than 3 million Winnipeggers have watched the Goldeyes play.

But in 2004, he decided to run for mayor. Many people were shocked that Katz would take the pay cut, but Katz believed it was his calling.

Sam Katz at City Hall in Winnipeg.

“Quite simply, I didn’t like the direction the city was taking,” Katz said. “After Glen (Murray) stepped down as mayor, I looked at the candidates who were running in the by-election and I didn’t think any of them were appropriate for our city.

“As I thought about running, I thought about public service. People who have been fortunate enough to have grown up in Winnipeg have given their time and effort to charities, to community groups, to children’s programs, I wanted to find a way to give back to a community that gave my brother and myself great lives. I was the son of Concentration Camp Survivors who arrived in Winnipeg with nothing but two kids and they built a pretty nice life for themselves.

“That’s why I decided to run and that’s why I decided to run again this past year, and it may or may not determine why I run again.”

Despite all his critics, his vast army of media opponents and the hard work of the provincial New Democratic Party to get Judy Wasylycia-Leis elected mayor in 2010, Katz won re-election last October by more than 26,000 votes.

However, despite the size of the victory (56 per cent to 43 per cent) Katz still finds it impossible to escape the brickbats of a media that despises everything he does, both in his very public job and in his very public personal life.

“You develop a thick skin after awhile,” he admitted. “If you do something, you will be hated for it. If you do absolutely nothing, nobody will care. That’s life. As mayor, some will love you and some will hate you, but I have no regrets. Every day that I go to work, I go determined to act in the best interests—both short term and long term—for the citizens of Winnipeg.”

To be clear, it’s been a very good year for Katz. He got the helicopter he and his police chief wanted, he cut a deal on a new football stadium that will become a great source of pride for all Winnipeggers (although he knows it’s unlikely he’ll still be alive when it’s paid off in 44 years), he won re-election in a tough campaign by a landslide, his city was named “Best City to Invest in Canada,” the city’s population continued to grow and, perhaps most important of all, he became engaged to his “soulmate,” movie and TV production assistant Leah Pasuta.

“I’m a very lucky person,” said Katz who turns 60 in August. “We have that wonderful can-do attitude at City Hall, we’re the best city in which to invest in all of Canada (awarded in March 2010 by ReNew Magazine, the national infrastructure renewal publication) and it’s not always in life when you find your soulmate. Leah is a spectacular person, I have two awesome kids—most of the time—and I’ve been blessed. We also live in a great city and it’s getting better all the time.”

(Read more in the Feb 8 - Feb 28/2011 issue of Senior Scope)

Caregiving with Confidence:
Finding Your Voice - A Conference for Caregivers of Older Adults

Everything you wanted to know, and more, about caregiving for patients, older family members and friends could be found at the Viscount Gort on January 26th and 27th, 2011.

This is the third bi-annual conference for caregivers that Rupert’s Land Caregiver Services organized.

The Honourable Sharon Carstairs gave a Keynote Presentation on “Why the Canadian Government Must Address the Needs of Caregivers,” on Thursday, January 26th.

Friday was a day filled with speeches, presentations, workshops and demonstrations. There were booth displays offering information on services and resources available for caregivers and seniors.

Listening to some of the speakers.

Minister Jim Rondeau, MLA for Assiniboia, opened with greetings from the province. He reminded us all that Manitoba is a leader in the world when it comes to services for seniors.

Some of the presentations included personal accounts of men in the role of ‘caregiver’ for their spouses, or in Bob Thompson’s case, his spouse and his mother. Bill Block is caring for his ailing wife and both Bob and Bill explain some of the trials and tribulations of being in the caregiver position, and how they manage.

The Canadian Virtual Hospice discussed some of the options when dealing with palliative and end-of-life care.

And Sylvia Yaeger, an Occupational Therapist at the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital, gave a riveting and enlightening talk on how stress is linked to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer disease, and so much more. She explains how you can take action and counteract the stress hormones with exercise, humour, nutrition, meditation and relaxation. She made everyone realize that they are in control of only 10% of their lives, that they have no control over the other 90% and that bad days can often start from your reaction to something you couldn’t control anyways. That’s the 90-10 rule. Once you realize that, then you might think twice about losing your temper and getting your blood pressure up for nothing.

Sylvia Yaeger de-stresses the audience.

If you ever get the opportunity to see Sylvia Yaeger in action during one of her presentations, you won’t be disappointed. She will keep you in stitches while getting her message across all the while.

This conference was possible thanks to Home Instead Senior Care, Victoria Lifeline, The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Minister Jim Rondeau and the many supporters via booth displays, gift items and door prizes.

For more information on
Rupert’s Land Caregiver Services,
contact: Syva-Lee Wildenmann
204-452-9491 or email, rlcs@mts.net

(Read more in the Feb 8 - Feb 28/2011 issue of Senior Scope)

Financial Planning:

The Investors Group Retirement Readiness Quiz

BRIAN G. KONRAD CFP, Financial Consultant

It’s not only about money – it’s about freedom, friends and family too.

Retirement is generally recognized as a financial event but it also represents a major change in lifestyle. For many Canadians, work helps establish their personal identity and sets their daily routine. Once you become master of your own time, you may have to set new goals, develop a different routine and establish a new lifestyle.

Retirees tell us that the four most important factors to ensure a happy retirement are: health, financial independence, friends and a passion for life.

This quiz consists of 20 questions and the results of your answers will be summarized in the Investors Group Retirement Readiness Report Card.

The Benefits of Maximizing your RRSP Click for larger view.

The Investors Group Retirement Readiness Report Card is for your enjoyment and to help you focus on pre-retirement issues. It is not intended to replace professional advice and guidance. We should discuss any changes you may want to make to your financial and estate planning.

Please click The Investors Group Retirement Readiness Quiz for full story to answer the questions, and then let’s get together to talk about the results.
__________________________________

BRIAN G. KONRAD CFP
Financial Consultant
brian.konrad@investorsgroup.com
(204) 489-4640 ext. 246
100-1345 WAVERLEY STREET
WINNIPEG, MB R3T 5Y6
1-888-205-4828

This report specifically written and published by Investors Group is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, nor is it intended to provide legal, medical or emotional advice.

™Trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.

“The Investors Group Retirement Readiness Quiz” ©2007 Investors Group Inc.

(07/2007) MP1351

(Read more in the Feb 8 - Feb 28/2011 issue of Senior Scope)

HUMOUR COLUMN:

The fashion industry –
sleight of hand and hemlines

By Willian J. Thomas
Humour Columnist

I wonder at what point the world of fashion became a runaway runway joke for ordinary people. Cuffs/no cuffs, hemlines up/hemlines down, collars open/button-down collars/no collar, hoodies not hats, pantyhose and Spanx, short boots/high boots, pumps/ballet slippers, belly button blouse/long shirt blouse, low waist/empire waist.

No bra/push-up bra? Padded bra? Okay, that one has some historical significance because before the padded bra, the full bosom look was brought to you by Kleenex.

Designers are desperately running out of ideas on how to cosmetically alter clothes so that stylishly naïve people keep buying new outfits with every change of season.

Have you read a fashion article lately, featuring a particular designer or a new line of clothes? They use phrases like “imaging and intriguing,” “unique and soulful,” ‘vulnerable and aspiring,” “candor and subtext.” Clothes! “Emotionally intellectual?” Overcoats that are “upscale and elegant?” A shirt that is “redolent yet intrusive?”

One line of new fashion was described as “funked-up” and I thought yeah, they nearly got it right that time.

As far as I can tell, the latest fashions come in two categories: smoke and funhouse mirrors.

Am I the only one who sees the word “fashion” but reads the word “fraud?” Sorry but when I look at a sports coat that is “hand-painted” and “fashioned from Pashtun blankets of Northern Pakistan then shot with Lurex,” I don’t see a jacket. I see a racket.

Remember bell bottoms and Nehru jackets? If there was justice in crimes of clothes, those designers would be getting out of jail right about now.

And the prices? “A wool cashmere Italian swing coat in menswear check fabric is $225; an asymmetrical cashmere jacket with inventive black pleating is $225 and a grey kimono coat inspired by Brunello Cucinelli is $245.” Wouldn’t that kimono coat be a hundred bucks less if it had been inspired by ‘Tony the Tailor’?

I’m looking at a photo spread in the Toronto Star’s fashion section with three suits that were uniquely designed, custom fitted, image consulted, linearly flattered and channeled by George Clooney and I swear I’ve seen these clothes on the rack at Moore’s. In another shot the slim male model is wearing a black trench coat by Haight & Ashbury but I’m betting the label reads “Army & Navy.”

And the quote from the designer that explains this “somber and yet subtle” line of fashionable menswear is: “I have an alluring dark quality that’s mysterious.” Yeah, so does Russell Williams but I’m not anxious to be seen wearing the clothes that guy’s been modeling.

Sorry, but I don’t buy clothes that are “classically appliquéd”, whatever that means. Nor do I shop for garments because I am “this moody intellect with so much going on underneath.” That fact is, one big reason I buy clothes is to cover up what’s going on underneath, if you know what I mean.

I think we could all use a stern reminder of the historical significance of clothes that dates back 100,000 years to the earliest days on earth of Homo Sapiens. Forgive my arrogance here, but I was, after all, a history major and if memory serves me, the first cave woman was swaddled in the stretched skins of a wooly mammoth when Fred got angry at Barney because he was always peeking at Wilma while she did jumping jacks down by the river.

Also, clothes became very useful during the Ice Age. Hard hats were all the rage during the Stone Age and tie-dyed, psychedelic ugly-as-sin clothes became very popular during the Age of Aquarius. We think. Nobody from the 60’s can remember that era and all written records used the language of peace signs and happy faces.

I think I see where the fashion industry is headed. Designers have created every unnecessary change from top to bottom and the only place they have to go now is inside out. Bustiers used to be an undergarment and now they’re an outer top. Just a word of warning for men: Superman may look great wearing his gotchies on the outside, but that’s probably not a good look for you.

So yeah, I dress for comfort according to the temperature and with a mild sense of occasion, I aim to be presentable. I also wear shorts until it snows and whites until Christmas, but that’s the last gasp of rebellion I have left. I know that I could be arrested for wearing my Harris Tweed jacket in public, but that’s just the kind of maverick I am. Plus, it’s warm and goes well with my jeans.

No, unless you are intentionally dressing to get laughs like say Lady Gaga or Chuckles The Clown or Don Cherry, keep it simple: clean and comfortable in colours that would not clash with a crossing guard’s vest.

Here’s to the fashion industry, where every night is Halloween.

For comments, ideas or a signed copy of
The True Story of Wainfleet,
go to www.williamthomas.ca

(Read more in the Feb 8 - Feb 28/2011 issue of Senior Scope)

Provincial Men’s Finals Heading to Beausejour

By Scott Taylor

The BDO Canadian Open of Curling was a tremendous achievement for Winnipeg’s Mike McEwen. With a perfectly executed nose takeout on his final stone in the extra end, McEwen beat Glenn Howard of Coldwater, Ont., 5-4 on Jan. 30, in the final of the BDO Canadian Open curling championship.

McEwen, and teammates Matt Wozniak and Denni and B.J. Neufeld, claimed their second Grand Slam event of the year with the Canadian Open win in Oshawa, Ont., and now it’s off to Beausejour, Man., for the provincial men’s championship.

And with that trip to Beausejour will come the No. 1 seed in the event and a chance to put together one of the greatest seasons in Manitoba Curling history.

Mike McEwen

Mike McEwen

“Obviously, based on what they’ve done this season, it’s a pretty safe bet to assume that the McEwen team is the team to beat in the championship,” said Bob Picken, 77, Manitoba’s senior curling reporter. “Mike has a team that’s really coming on. They’ve worked hard, they curl well together and they’ve really pulled together as a team. They are deserving of the No. 1 seed.”

“Jeff Stoughton is the defending champion and he’ll certainly be considered worthy of being called the team to beat, but McEwen’s team has been pretty impressive this season. Jeff beat McEwen last year in the provincial final and then McEwen came back to beat Jeff in the Canadian Open semi-final (6-4 on Jan. 29) last week.

Jeff Stoughton

“I think it would be a great final if Jeff and Mike face each other. It certainly would be an ideal billing.”

That’s quite true, but, there will be 30 other teams with something to say about who does or does not reach the final of the 2011 Safeway Manitoba Curling Championship which will be held at the 1,500-seat Sungro Centre in Beausejour from Feb. 9-13.

“It’s going to be a great event,” said John Plohman, the co-chair of this year’s Safeway Championship. “People here are really excited about it. The town of Beausejour even came up with a $5,000 grant to get the organization of the events started last January and the response from our business community has been quite overwhelming. We’ve raised 150 per cent of the funds we required in our original plan. I just couldn’t be more excited about this year’s event.

“It’s nice to be able to say, the road to the World Championship starts in Beausejour.”

Beausejour has already proven to be an outstanding community in which to hold a provincial curling championship. In 2004, Beausejour played host to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but this will be the first time that Beausejour has played host to the Safeway Championship.

The event will be held at the Sungro Centre, a multi-use recreational facility, built in 2002. According to John

John Plohman

Plohman, who is co-chair of the event with his brother Gary, the Sungro Centre normally seats about 500 people, but that number has been expanded to 1,500 for the Safeway Championship.

“It’s going to be quite a week,” said John Plohman. “We’ve already filled all the hotel rooms in Beausejour and thankfully we got some help from the South Beach Casino. South Beach is now one of our official event hotels. We’re fortunate that so many of our volunteers have had experience with the Scotties. It’s a smaller event, but it’s still a provincial championship and it gave our people an opportunity to learn a number of different skills so that they’d be prepared for the Safeway Championship.”

While John and Gary Plohman have their 15 committees hard at work, the stars of the show will be the curlers: The 32 top teams from across Manitoba.

“As it always is, this should be an outstanding event,” said Picken. “There is no question that because they’d been playing at a highly competitive level all season that Stoughton and McEwen come in as the teams to beat, but if you’re looking for a sleeper, look closely at Randy Dutiaume. He’s a former provincial champion who always comes big in this event.”

THE CURLERS

Zone Qualifiers:

Zone 1 Winner Dean North - Carmen
Zone 2 Winner Scott Madams - Beausejour
Zone 3 Winner Rob Atkins - East St. Paul
Zone 4 Winner Andy Stewart - Rosser
Zone 5 Winner Ryan Hyde - Portage
Zone 6 Winner Perry Fisher - Wawanesa
Zone 7 Winner Rob Ramage - Baldur
Zone 8 Winner Terry McNammee - Brandon
Zone 9 Winner Graham Freeman - Virden
Zone 10 Winner Brent Strachan - Hamiota
Zone 11 Winner Roger Parker - Dauphin
Zone 12 Winner Brent Scales - Swan River
Zone 13 Winner Don Holmes - Willow Park
Zone 14 Winner Travis Graham - Burntwood
Zone 15 Winner Dean Dunstone - Pembina
Zone 16 Winner Vic Peters - Fort Garry
Zone 17 Winner David Bohn - Assiniboine Memorial
Zone 18 Winner Sean Grassie - Deer Lodge
Zone 19 Winner Garth Smith - Assiniboine Memorial
Zone 20 Winner Randy Dutiaume - Thistle
Zone 21 Winner Bob Sigurdson - Granite

Special Berth Qualifiers:

CTRS Winner - Mike McEwen (Assiniboine Memorial CC)

Safeway Southern Berth Winner - Jeff Stoughton (Charleswood CC)

Safeway Northern Berth Winner - Greg Todoruk
(Dauphin CC)

Brandon Men’s Berth Winner - William Lyburn
(Deer Lodge CC)

MCT Berth Winner - Rob Fowler (Brandon CC)

Manitoba Bonspiel Qualifiers:

Dave Elias - West Kildonan
David Hamblin - Morris C.C.
Barrie Sigurdson - Gimli
Dave Boehmer - Petersfield
Troy Hamilton - Fort Rouge
Randy Neufeld - LaSalle

The top 10 seeds are:

1. Mike McEwen - Assiniboine Memorial
2. Jeff Stoughton - Charleswood
3. Rob Fowler - Brandon
4. Peter Nichols - Pembina
5. Vic Peters - Fort Garry
6. David Bohn - Assiniboine Memorial
7. William Lyburn - Deer Lodge
8. Terry McNamee - Hamiota
9. Sean Grassie - Deer Lodge
10. Dave Elias - West Kildonan

(Read more in the Feb 8 - Feb 28/2011 issue of Senior Scope)

Spring Migration

By Sherrie Versluis,
Owner of The Preferred Perch Wild Bird Specialty & Gift Store

For us hardy Manitobans there is nothing more rewarding after a hard winter than the arrival of spring. It is the time when we can lose some layers of clothing, start thinking about the garden, and open the windows to hear them birds sing! Many people mark the arrival of spring with their first sighting of an American Robin or just the sights and sounds of wild birds in general. Many species of songbirds make a remarkable journey from their winter homes in South America all the way here to their breeding grounds. For those of you who have never participated in attracting them into your backyard, you really don’t know what you’re missing!

Many people who feed wild birds only do so in winter and as soon as spring arrives, take down their feeders. This is the time when all the beautiful and colourful birds announce their arrival with their glorious songs and they are hungry! We are very lucky in Manitoba to have an amazing array of migratory songbirds, so much so that it is a major tourist attraction for birdwatchers around the world. By having the right feeders with the right offerings you will be amazed at what you can see right in your own backyard. Expect a wide variety of small and colourful warblers, the spectacular orioles, bright and cheery finches, and of course the fascinating hummingbird, and that’s not all! I often hear people say, “I don’t get those birds in my area.” The truth is, if you are in a brand new development then chances are you wont see these birds but anywhere else you can be sure to get them. You just have to have what they are looking for.

Baltimore Orioles at a jelly feeder.

Orioles are one of my personal favourites and I have several feeders available to them. Orioles can be attracted with nectar, oranges, and grape jelly of all things! Nectar is offered in a feeder similar to a hummingbird feeder but designed to accommodate orioles. Oranges can be cut in half and spiked on special feeders that allow them to perch while they enjoy this juicy fruit. Jelly feeders are without a doubt one of the most popular products of the year at The Preferred Perch. The jelly is a huge attraction not only to orioles but also many species of warblers. I cannot recommend these feeders enough! My record is 52 jars of jelly in a season! Orioles can be very prevalent in spring but may disappear mid-summer during nesting time. They do return to feeders in early August with their young and can stay till the end of September. Any of these feeders should be up by the end of April to ensure you attract them as they arrive.

Hummingbirds are very popular but many people report poor success in seeing them in the city. The main reasons are putting the feeders up too late, (they should also be up by the end of April), and poor quality feeders and food. Many hummingbird feeders are designed to look cute and in most cases you will find they are not very functional. They tend to leak and drip which attracts more wasps and ants than birds. Hummingbird feeders should always have perches and be bug-proof and leak-proof. Proper nectar is also very important and unfortunately there are far too many inappropriate recipes. The proper recipe is 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar. No colouring or any other type of sweetener should ever be used. Nectar should be changed at least 1-2 times a week to prevent it from fermenting.

This spring, don’t miss out on the beauty of nature at its best. It is a season full of life and none more special than that of our migratory songbirds. Have fun and happy birding!

The Preferred Perch Wild Bird Specialty & Gift Store
Open 7 days a week.
Call 25-PERCH (257-3724)
1604 St. Mary's Rd • Winnipeg

(Read more in the Feb 8 - Feb 28/2011 issue of Senior Scope)