Latest news with #SageCreekResidents'Association
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
So much fun for the family in Lagimodière this summer
Lagimodière As the summer rolls on, my team and I have been focused on a few projects, but the overall theme has been about being in the community. Whether it's through connecting with folks at their doorstep or through organizing local events, our priority is simple: to be accessible, to listen, and to ensure we're on the right track. I believe that good representation shouldn't depend on your schedule matching mine; it's our job to meet you where you are. This summer has been filled with many memorable moments. We've continued to host our regular 'Tea with Tyler' gatherings at Charito Bakery & Pastry in Sage Creek, where we welcome people to discuss issues that resonate with them, while building community over drinks and snacks. The Bonavista neighbourhood has also been hopping with activity, from our popsicle and face-painting party in the park, to the well-attended consultation for the development of the Bonavista Community Centre. And of course, we had the pleasure of joining the Canada Day celebration in Sage Creek, at least until the thunder rolled in! A big thank-you to the Sage Creek Residents' Association and all the volunteers who continue to make it a vibrant, growing tradition. Lagimodière MLA Tyler Blashko had a great time celebrating Canada Day with the community in Sage Creek. This August and September, our office is excited to continue bringing the Lagimodière community together through fun, family-friendly events. Join us for a popsicle party in Island Lakes on Aug. 14, a storytime hike through the Bois-des-Esprits trail on Aug. 28, and a pet parade in Sage Creek on Sept. 7. Keep an eye on our social media for full event details, or if you're not on social media, feel free to contact our office anytime for more information. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. While we've been hearing positive feedback from the community, we also know the work doesn't stop here. Your government is making investments to rebuild health care, including undergoing public consultations to ensure that when the new Victoria Hospital Emergency Room opens, it will meet the community's needs, and we've also introduced a new tool called that allows you to book hospital appointments and avoid unnecessary waits. Whether it's at your door or in the community, my team and I are here to listen, advocate, and help in any way we can. If you'd like to get in touch, you can reach us at 204-583-7423 or or swing by our office at 6-567 St. Anne's Rd. Tyler BlashkoLagimodière constituency report Tyler Blashko is the NDP MLA for Lagimodière. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
05-08-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Community is everything for hard-working retiree
Frank Capasso has an impressive collection of awards for the volunteer work he's done over the last 45 years, but he says recognition is not what motivates him. 'The feeling of giving back to the community makes me tick,' he says. In recent years, Capasso has focused his efforts in Sage Creek, the southeast Winnipeg neighbourhood he moved into 13 years ago. Since 2013, Capasso has served as president of the Sage Creek Residents' Association. Since then, he's played a key role in the installation of a cell tower and contributed to upgrades to the Ron Duhamel Park playground. The 71-year-old retiree also spearheaded the construction of the Capasso Pump Track. Initiated by the residents association and supported by the city, province and real estate developer Qualico Communities, the track is a state-of-the-art recreational facility designed to provide residents with an active, outdoor space for cycling, skateboarding and more. For his efforts, the pump track was named in Capasso's honour. 'I was humbled,' he says, adding that while the track bears his name, he wasn't alone in making it a reality. '(There was) a combined effort from everyone to make it happen.' Born and raised in Nola, a town in southern Italy, Capasso moved to Winnipeg with his parents and siblings when he was 14 years old. The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to or call 204-477-5180. The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to or call 204-477-5180. The 36th annual Teddy Bears' Picnic is happening at Assiniboine Park on Sept. 7. The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba needs event-day volunteers to help with the craft and face-painting tents. Pancake breakfast servers and hospitality crew members, and event support crew members, are also needed. There are a variety of shifts available to accommodate personal schedules. People are welcome to apply in groups or individually at by Aug. 15. Volunteers are needed for A Taste of Manitoba, which is happening at Fort Gibraltar from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1. Apply at by Aug. 15. Inclusion Winnipeg needs enthusiastic and dedicated people from diverse backgrounds to serve on its board of directors. The ideal candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas: governance, accounting, investment management, finance, fundraising, legal, human resources and public relations. They must be willing to actively participate in board meetings, committees and events. Email jforbes@ by Aug. 22. Special Olympics Manitoba needs coaches who are energetic and passionate about sport, and have a couple of hours per week to spare. Head and assistant coaches are needed for swimming, five-in bowling, FUNdamentals (ages 7 to 12), junior basketball and junior athletics in Winnipeg for the fall/winter 2025-26 season. Head and assistant coaches are needed for floorball in Stonewall. No experience is needed because training will be provided. Email volunteer co-ordinator Emma at ewedlake@ by Aug. 31. 1JustCity needs drop-in volunteers at the Pimicikamak Wellness Centre site to help with its community programs, including lunch and dinner services. Volunteers take on tasks such as serving coffee and snacks, tidying up the space and ensuring a warm and inclusive environment for all visitors. No special skills are required, and volunteers can choose from daytime or evening shifts at any of the three drop-in locations. Apply at by Dec. 30. The Ecuadorian Association of Manitoba needs volunteers who speak Spanish or are passionate about the culture to help with events. The position is an opportunity to gain experience in event management. People are welcome to apply at any time, but to participate in events this summer and fall, they should apply at volunteer@ or this month August. SuperWalk is Parkinson Canada's largest annual fundraiser, helping the organization provide support and advocacy, and funding research for people living with and impacted by the disease. Event-day volunteers are needed. Roles include event setup/take down, registration, greeting, food services, entertainment support, checkpoint stations and cheering on walkers. Events are taking place across Canada — including in Winnipeg — on Sept. 6 and Sept. 7. The time commitment varies. Volunteers will be contacted before the event to confirm their shift time, role and event details. Apply online at by Sept. 5. Canada's largest volunteer-led event for breast cancer — the CIBC Run for the Cure, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society — returns Oct. 5. Volunteers are needed to help plan and lead events across the country. To explore available positions, go to The application deadline is the day of the event. The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@ by Dec. 31. By 17 he had entered the workforce as a labourer at Canadian Tool & Die. Over the course of 50 years he ascended the ranks of the company, retiring as executive vice-president in 2022. Along the way he married his wife, Angie, and they had three children. A lifelong soccer player, Capasso started volunteering with local soccer organizations in the late 1970s. He served as president of the Manitoba Soccer Association and became a board member with the Canadian Soccer Association. Additionally, Capasso served a two-year term as chairman of the Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada, an organization that advocates for the agricultural sector. He credits his ambition to his family's meagre start in Canada. 'When I came from Italy we had nothing, so we always had to strive to be better,' Capasso says. 'I always (thought), if you want to become a somebody, you have to work hard for it and have a passion for hard work. Hard work always pays off.' In recent months, Capasso added two awards to his collection: a King Charles III Coronation Medal and a Mayor's Volunteer Service Award. Capasso always has the community in mind, says Olohigbe Fatoyinbo, who nominated him for the latter recognition. 'I see him as someone who pushes and strives for excellence,' says Fatoyinbo, a board member with the Sage Creek Residents' Association. '(When) he thinks about something, he doesn't think about the obstacles around it. He has the end game in mind.' St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes has worked with Capasso numerous times since Sage Creek became part of his ward and says Capasso is willing to work with 'a lot of different people from a lot of walks of life' to get things done. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'A lot of people view Sage Creek as a suburban wasteland, and I think Frank's part of the group of people who have shown it's a community,' Mayes says. Now that he's retired, Capasso's days usually begin with meeting friends for coffee on Corydon Avenue. After lunch, he makes calls and attends meetings as part of his work with the residents association. He hopes his story inspires others. 'I'd love to see a lot more people involved in our communities so that we can give back… and make sure (our) communities thrive,' he says. If you know a special volunteer, email Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
