Features
Joe Diner: a lifetime of experience
By GERRY POSNER If you want to find a life that has had a series of twists and turns mixed in with a wide variety of experiences, look no further than Joe Diner. He has had a lifetime of what I would call rich experiences in many different places and settings.
It began simply enough as Joe was born in 1942 to Clara (Brenner ) and Lou Diner, the middle child of three boys (including the late Alex and Richard). Until Joe was nearly 12, he was raised in the north end of Winnipeg. In 1954 the family moved to 621 Waterloo Street in River Heights.
Joe went to Kelvin High School and later obtained a BA from Moorhead State in Minnesota. That might well have led to the start of a different path for Joe as compared to most of us. Who could have predicted what would follow?
His first job upon graduating was with the Department of Education on the Peguis Indian Reservation, where he was a teacher of an adult upgrading program. Before he could even blink, he was promoted to assistant to the supervisor. As part of his work he travelled to several reserves and, in fact, had a two-month assignment administering a new course in Churchill, Manitoba.
Joe wrote a social orientation programme; however, in doing that he ended up losing his job – at the behest of the then Minister of Education, because Joe had dealt with the Federal Government without authority.
Joe Diner was not afraid to speak up then or now. That firing prompted him to connect with a former professor from Moorhead State. Subsequently, that led to Joe’s going to New Orleans, where he had a teaching assistantship in a Master’s program in government.
While in New Orleans, Joe did what he has always done best: he made a series of connections that proved to be fortuitous. One summer in Louisiana he worked as a jockey’s agent for the renowned jockey, Esteban Medina, followed by doing the same with the then leading apprentice jockey, Harry Lee Patin, and others. How that came about surely is a story waiting to be told in greater depth.
Joe was even befriended by the famous breeder, trainer and horse owner, C. Wade Navarre, and the leading quarterhorse jockey, Leroy Miller. Joe had the opportunity through these contacts to take a champion horse by the name of Tru Tru to New Mexico for high altitude training prior to competing in the most prestigious of all quarterhorse races, the All American Futurity race, which had a purse of $ 1,000,000 – back when that was a lot of money! It is certain that Joe did not pick up those horse skills on Waterloo Street.
Soon thereafter, Joe accepted an offer to work as an assistant to one John W. Mecom, the king of deep sea oil well drilling. Mecom happened to be a very well known horse breeder and owner, as well as being the owner of an NFL football team, the New Orleans Saints. That job might have continued a long time but sadly, Joe was asked politely to leave the country, as he was living there on an expired student visa.
What might have seemed calamitous in fact created yet another twist and turn for Joe – and ultimately led to his finding his true vocation. He reached out to an old friend, Len Steingarten, who was the accountant for a prominent realtor in Winnipeg, J.J.Gibbons and it was not long before Joe was working for that firm. Joe’s friend, Michael Nozick, provided him with substantial business at the beginning of his career and that business has continued ever since for Joe. It’s allowed him, as Joe puts it, “to make it” in the real estate business.
That training period with Gibbons ultimately led to his purchasing (with some financial assistance) the former Aronovitch & Leipsic empire (a rather remarkable accomplishment) and later, to his becoming a member of the Canadian Commercial Real Estate Network. In fact, Joe suggested that all independent associates give up individual names and instead adopt the national name of JJ Barnicke Ltd. Sure enough, A & L became JJ Barnicke.
Joe Diner became very friendly with JJ Barnicke himself and was so well regarded within that company that he received the JJ Barnicke Lifetime Achievement Award. His success in real estate led to Joe’s acquiring such major clients in Winnipeg as Michael Nozick (Fairweather Properties), Monte Nathanson (United Equities-MPN Holdings), and Arni Thorsteinson (Shelter Canadian Properties).
As part of his work in real estate, Joe also became a consultant for both the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada. One major assignment that he was given was an invitation to present a marketing plan for the redevelopment of the old CPR rail station. It was Joe’s idea to sell the station to Aboriginal organizations, which would then own, occupy and manage the site for themselves. Joe also was able to arrange financing for the project. Now that was an idea that was highly original for that time.
As anyone who has been to the site would recognize, Joe’s concept succeeded beyond expectations. In addition, Joe has been a part of major real estate shopping centre developments, including Madison Square, the Brick Centre, Leon’s Centre, and even the Eaton’s Warehouse Building, also the Free Press downtown building.
Perhaps one of Joe’s greatest coups was his work on a voluntary basis as agent for the Winnipeg Jewish Community when he engineered the acquisition of the present 13-acre Asper Campus site. He also aided the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Southeast Resource Development in several major acquisitions. In short, over a span of 40 years, Joe Diner was been a pivotal figure in the city of Winnipeg. You probably just didn’t know it.
However, Joe would consider his greatest project one he undertook for himself and his wife, the former Sandi Kraut, whom he married in 1980. In 1989 he purchased a waterfront lot on Salt Spring Island, BC, and some twelve years later, he finished the building of their home there. As Joe puts is so well, that is where “they live and smile today.”
Joe Diner has a been through a lot in his lifetime, but he would say much of what he did was because of what he learned and absorbed at the feet of his parents. Joe says that his mother Clara was up ever day at 7am, baking, cooking and cleaning, in addition to being very active in Hadassah and Meals On Wheels later on in her life. His father Lou, a former sargent major in the Canadian army during WWII, a founding member of Rosh Pina Synagogue, a councillor on the town council of Winnipeg Beach, a past president of the Maple Leaf Curling Club, and a supporter of many community causes, provided Joe with what might be called perspective in life by his appreciation for “having lived to see stage coaches across the west all the way to a man on the moon.” Based on what Joe told me about his life, I would say that he was a good student and learned his lessons well.
Features
The Magic of DNA
By GERRY POSNER This is my story, but it just as easily could have been yours. Even at my older age, a new relative popped into the family. This was unexpected to me and the whole family and indeed the new family member as well.
Put the blame on or credit to DNA. What transpired I suspect is happening all over the world these days. That is, there is now a new first cousin in the family. Call her KBP. It seems that KBP took a test through ancestry.com not that long ago, just as I had done years ago. When you take the test, you end up receiving messages from Ancestry from time to time identifying people who have similar genetic markers to you, some closer than others. I have looked at these messages and have identified people I know to be my cousins just from the initials. However, most of the initials listed are completely unknown to me. These lists of relatives go on for pages and pages. I struggle with the value of trying to reach these distant relatives because, even if I can connect with any of them, no one can figure out just how we are related. What would we even talk about should we ever meet? Often, I just ignore the lists as there seem to be too many names to contemplate a possible contact.
As it turned out, KBP also took the same test with the same company, ancestry.com. But she also failed to notice a connection between her and anyone else. This story would have ended there but for the intervention of another cousin who also had taken the DNA spit test with Ancestry. This cousin spotted the relationship and alerted me. Once that occurred, we established a connection and then the rest of this story developed.
What took place some almost seventy years ago was the cause of this new relationship. Recall ( and this is particularly relevant to young readers) the decade of the 1950s was an era when abortion, though present, was in back lanes or in the shadows. Most of the time a child born out of wedlock was put up for adoption. In this case, an uncle and his then non-Jewish partner elected to put the child up for adoption and she was adopted into a family located in Alberta where she grew up. That would have been the end of the story – but for DNA.
My new cousin was ecstatic to find out about the whole new family she was now a part of and whose history was now hers. Even though she is now a Mormon, she was eager to explore her Jewish origins and indeed even came with me and my wife to synagogue at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Calgary not that long ago. She had much in common with the family. Most of all, she was so happy to delve into a past previously unknown. On the other hand, her birth mother, still alive at 93, rejected meeting her daughter from so long ago. KBP respects that view and has made peace with just her new association with Dad’s family.
Of course, what made this secret such a well kept secret for so long is that the uncle died young and never told anyone. Who then could have known? The truth is out and I, for one, am glad it is now out there. Not everyone in my family agrees with me, but the main protagonist in this tale, KBP, was supportive of my writing this article. Of course, the real test now is to see if and how this new relationship with KBP unfolds, if at all.
As I said in the beginning, this is not an isolated story. You can bet there are hundreds, maybe thousands of such stories out there waiting to be unearthed and told. It is all about DNA.
Features
Kevin Leach and the Sabre Training Advisory Group: Providing training assistance to the Ukrainian military
By MARTIN ZEILIG As a private citizen, Kevin Leach is following the example of the Government of Canada by providing much needed assistance to our democratic ally, Ukraine, in its fight against the unprovoked war of aggression launched by Russia on February 24, 2022.
Mr. Leach, who grew up in Palgrave, Ontario and lived in Toronto before moving to Ukraine, is the founder of the Sabre Training Advisory Group, a not-for-profit organization geared towards providing training assistance Ukraine’s military. He is a 10-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, and served as an OSCE ceasefire observer in Ukraine from 2018 until the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
He founded the STAG in November 2022.
“Since the beginning of 2022, Canada has committed $4 billion in military assistance to Ukraine,” says the Government of Canada website.
“This funding will allow Canada to deliver military assistance to Ukraine through to 2029. We deeply admire the bravery and courage of Ukrainians who are fighting to defend their independence and freedom, and we will continue to work closely with our Allies and partners to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and security Canada and Ukraine are close partners with a long-standing defence relationship.”
As well, Operation (Op) UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military training and capacity building mission in Ukraine, “was launched in 2015 at the request of the Ukrainian government,” and in 2023, was expanded and extended until March 2026.
“Since the start of Op UNIFIER, the CAF has trained approximately 41,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel in battlefield tactics and advanced military skills,” says the online information.
“As the mission progressed, much of the direct training undertaken by CAF members transitioned to members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with Canadians acting as advisors and mentors as well as assisting in the development of courses.”
“Ukraine’s fight is a fight for international law, for the United Nations Charter, and for innocent civilians, including children, who deserve to live in peace,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says on his website.
Besides military aid and training, Canada has also provided significant economic support, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and has welcomed tens of thousands Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war into our country.
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Mr. Leach, who is a frequent guest on the Mriya Report, a 24/7 site on X that provides in-depth information on the war, agreed to an email interview with this reporter.
Q: What was your motivation in forming STAG?
KL: Sabre is a professional military training non-profit. Our aim is to give Ukrainian defenders the skills to come home alive. We are building the capacity for Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Sabre Training Advisory Group grew out of the frustrations its founding members had with the chaotic and unprofessional way that many foreign instructors were attempting to train Ukrainian soldiers in the NATO and Allied style of warfare.
Q: Who else works with you in the STAG?
KL: We have a team of volunteers from all over the world. They are former soldiers from Canada, the US, UK, and even Australia, plus our local Ukrainian volunteers. Our executive staff, besides myself, are two former officers from the British Army and US Marine Corps, respectively.
Q: Do you work closely with the Government of Ukraine or Ukraine’s military and/or the Canadian Armed Forces?
KL: We don’t work closely at this time with any civilian government, but we have an official partnership with the 4th Rapid Reaction Brigade “Rubizh”. As we’re still a relatively small organization, we don’t warrant much attention from governments.
Q: What else that you would like the public to know about your work?
KL: Training inside of Ukraine is vital. It is far more efficient than moving large numbers of Ukrainian troops around Europe, and being here puts us closer to the action, and allows us to adjust faster to lessons learned on the battlefield. We also need support! It is hard to fund a program like ours, as it’s quite unique. Typically the role we are filling would be performed by private military contractors, which are illegal in Ukraine and carry severe political risk due to public perception of these companies.
We set out to establish a high standard, using proper training techniques and taking a systematic approach to instruction. In just a few short months we were able to secure a high-quality training area, and a team of excellent instructors who draw on decades of collected military experience. We have successfully trained over 3000 Ukrainian warriors and medics, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to excel on the battlefield. Our track record of tangible results demonstrates our commitment to the mission and the decisive impact on Ukrainian defenders.
For further information, visit the STAG website: www.sabretag.org
Features
Exploring 8 Innovative New Services in In-Home Care
In-home care has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in technology, changing demographics, and an increased focus on personalized care. These innovative services are transforming the way support is delivered, enhancing the quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Here are some of the most exciting and groundbreaking innovations that families can depend on when it comes to their space and the best practices to ensure comfort and safety.
Telehealth and Telemedicine
Telehealth and telemedicine have revolutionized health care by providing remote access to services. Through video consultations, seniors and caregivers can communicate with doctors, nurses, and specialists without leaving their homes. This reduces the need for frequent visits to health facilities, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Telehealth also enables continuous monitoring of chronic conditions, allowing providers to adjust treatments promptly and prevent complications.
Remote Monitoring and Wearable Devices
Wearable devices and remote monitoring systems are becoming essential tools. These devices can track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, providing real-time data to caregivers and health professionals. Advanced systems can detect falls, monitor medication adherence, and even predict health issues before they become severe. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions, improving outcomes and enhancing the safety of in-home recipients.
Virtual Companionship and Social Engagement
Loneliness and social isolation are significant concerns for seniors living at home. Virtual companionship services, such as those provided by robots or virtual assistants, offer interaction and engagement to mitigate these issues. These technologies can remind individuals to take their medications, guide them through exercises, and provide cognitive stimulation through games and conversations. Additionally, platforms that facilitate virtual social gatherings and activities help seniors stay connected with family and friends, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Personalized Care Plans and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in developing personalized plans. AI algorithms can analyze data from various sources, including health records, lifestyle habits, and genetic information, to create customized strategies. These plans are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each individual, ensuring they receive the most appropriate and effective solutions. AI can also assist caregivers by predicting potential health issues and suggesting preventive measures, thereby enhancing the overall quality of support.
Smart Home Technology
Smart technology is making it easier for seniors to live independently. Voice-activated assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home can control lights, thermostats, and appliances, reducing the physical effort required for daily tasks. Smart systems can also include sensors that detect movement, alerting caregivers if there is unusual activity or inactivity. This technology not only improves safety but also provides peace of mind for both the recipients and their families.
On-Demand and Flexible Care Services
The gig economy has introduced on-demand services to the in-home care industry. Platforms like Honor and CareLinx allow families to find and hire support quickly, providing flexibility and convenience. These services offer a wide range of options, from a few hours of assistance to round-the-clock support, accommodating the varying needs of individuals. The ability to schedule help on short notice ensures that support is available when it’s needed most. This includes teams like the one at Parners for Home Care; more on their services and support options can be found on their website: https://partnersforhomecare.ca/
Integrative Health and Wellness Programs
Holistic approaches to health and wellness are gaining traction – and for good reason. Integrative health programs combine traditional medical care with complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, nutrition counseling, and physical therapy. These programs focus on the overall well-being of the individual, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. As a result of promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle, integrative health services can enhance the quality of life and prevent the onset of chronic conditions.
Enhanced Training and Support for Caregivers
Innovative training programs for caregivers are crucial in improving the quality of in-home care. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies provide immersive training experiences, allowing support workers to practice and develop their skills in realistic scenarios. Additionally, online platforms offer ongoing education and support, helping individuals stay updated on best practices and new developments in the field. Enhanced training ensures that everyone is well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients.
The Future of In-Home Care Services
The way we grow and age in comfort is rapidly changing, thanks to these innovative services and technologies. Telehealth, remote monitoring, virtual companionship, AI-driven plans, smart technology, on-demand services, integrative health programs, and enhanced training are all contributing to more personalized, efficient, and effective support. As these innovations continue to evolve, they hold the promise of significantly improving the lives of those who rely on in-home care, allowing them to age gracefully and independently in the comfort of their own spaces.