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Lifelong writer Freda Glow takes to the airwaves in new podcast

Freda Glow

By MYRON LOVE
Freda Glow is proof positive that one is never too old to try something new (health permitting). A few weeks back, the long-time writer and journalist – who is turning 88 in December – embarked on a new venture with “A Blast From The past” – a podcast which can be heard on nostalgia radio station CJNU 93.7 (www.cjnu.ca) on Fridays between 12:30 and 1:00 P.M. as part of Adam Glynn’s “Community Café” series.

Freda reports that she has recorded seven episodes so far with 30 more stories ready to go.

In her stories for the podcast, she recalls her memories of significant events throughout her life – including such historic times as the Depression and World War II, the polio epidemic in the 1950s, the space race culminating in the first moon landing, the divisions brought about by the Vietnam War, and the technological revolution.
“It has been a marvel for me to see how the technology in science fiction has now become reality,” she comments.

While Glow did some writing of poetry in school, it wasn’t until her sons started school and she had some free time that she began to pursue writing as an avocation. She started her writing career with a local publication called the West Kildonan Citizen.
“I initially approached the editor about printing some of my poetry,” she recalls. “She suggested that I try writing prose.”
For five decades, she reports. She worked as a staff writer for various West Kildonan weekly publications. She also was a contributor to The Jewish Post & News for many years.
“I love writing,” she says. “When I become engrossed in writing a story, hours can go buy and I don’t notice.”

In addition to her writing, Glow has volunteered her time with a plethora of community organizations. “I have belonged to almost every Jewish women’s group in the city,” she recalls.
She has also been a member of the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre at Syd Glow Place ( so named in honour of her late husband) for more than 10 years. Her participation has included writing some plays that have been performed by Gwen Secter members (including herself).
She notes that she was scheduled to receive a Jewish Federation of Winnipeg Shem Tov Award for her volunteer activities at the spring Koved Evening, which was cancelled due to Covid.

“A Blast From the Past” is based on stories that she wrote five years ago for her own enjoyment. She began working on the podcasts a couple of months ago with the assistance of producer Grant Simpson.
“Grant came here from the Yukon,” she notes. “He has been putting on vaudeville shows for 40 years. He helped me with the technical side. He came over a couple of times and we recorded several hours worth of stories.”

This writer listened to her first podcast – a well written collection of memories from her childhood in the Depression – about the anticipation and excitement of getting a new dress once a year and having her mother invite a hobo in for a meal.
“I tend to act at times while reading the stories,” she says. “Because I am seeing things during the Depression through the eyes of the child I was, for example, I read those stories using a little girl’s voice.
“I also try to give each of my stories a little twist at the end,
“People whom I know have been telling me that they have really enjoyed my podcasts.”
(The podcasts can also be heard online at www.fredaglow.com.)
“I never thought that I would be one of those old people,” she observes. “Being in your 80s makes a really big difference. But I am gratified that I am still here and that I am still curious about things of interest. Curiosity really keeps you going. I still like interviewing people and making new friends.”

And Glow’s podcasts are not her last hurrah either. She is also organizing her stories with the aim of eventually putting together a book.

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The secret to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet for your family

The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is starting young. As people with heart-related conditions increase, parents must instill healthy eating habits that can be a bonus for their children.
This article explores the importance of developing a healthy heart health plan from the very beginning. It will introduce you to some of the key ingredients that can help strengthen your family’s diet.
The Bedrock of Heart Health Begins in Youth
Getting the message about heart health early in life is very important to help children develop a healthy lifestyle. It can help them make informed decisions when it comes to their diet. This is also about creating a culture that values the importance of healthy eating.
The Power of Seafood in a Heart-Healthy Diet
One of the most important components of a healthy diet is the addition of seafood. Fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fats, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Even though these common choices are great, the magic doesn’t stop there. There are also countless other ways to enjoy seafood that could be more well-known.
Seafood Gumbo: A Heart-Healthy Culinary Delight
One of the most popular ways to enjoy seafood is through a seafood gumbo. This dish is filled with hearty ingredients and is a great example of how healthy eating can still taste great.
The addition of seafood in a gumbo recipe provides a potent dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Its healthy ingredients also help boost its nutritional value. This dish can be prepared with a variety of vegetables and is a great addition to any family meal. Having a bowl of this dish can warm the soul and nourish the body.
The Versatility of Seafood in Family Meals
Adding seafood to family meals can have a huge impact on cardiovascular health. There are many ways to prepare seafood dishes that cater to varying palates.
You can create a variety of seafood dishes that are perfect for any family meal, such as shrimp stir-fry, baked cod, and grilled salmon. Each of these dishes has its own unique flavor and nutrients, making them an exciting and nutritious addition to any meal. By teaching children about the various ways to prepare seafood, they can develop an interest in learning more about heart health.
Embracing Whole Grains and Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber-rich food and whole grains are vital components of the dietary landscape in promoting heart health. Whole wheat, brown rice, and quinoa are examples of foods that are filled with nutrients such as fiber, which can help lower cholesterol.
Being able to incorporate these into family meals is both delicious and simple. For example, adding whole-grain bread or brown rice to a breakfast routine can make a significant impact on the family’s diet.
The Role of Fruits and Vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are vital components of a heart-healthy diet as they contain powerful antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that can help fend off cardiovascular disease.
Creating a colorful “rainbow” on your plate can help ensure that a wide variety of nutrients are consumed. Creative presentation and kids’ participation in the cooking process can make adding vegetables and fruits more fun and appealing.
Limiting Processed Foods and Sugars
While it’s important to include healthy ingredients in the diet, it’s also important to minimize the consumption of processed food and sugary drinks. Their high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt can negatively affect one’s heart health.
To minimize the consumption of these products, it’s important that the family is taught about the nutrition labels of food and makes conscious decisions at the grocery store. Doing so can help promote a culture of healthy eating.
The Importance of Regular Physical Activity
A heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity go hand-in-hand. Encouraging the family to get active not only helps promote cardiovascular health, it also fosters a stronger bond among household members. Whether it’s a stroll, a vigorous hike, or a family bonding activity, such activities promote a wholesome heart and a resilient unit.
Cultivating a Heart-Healthy Kitchen
Embracing a heart-healthy diet requires cultivating a supportive environment that encourages the appropriate choices.
Educating the Family
Getting the family informed about the importance of a healthy diet can help motivate everyone to make better decisions.
Creative Cooking
Try incorporating healthy ingredients into recipes that are fun and flavorful. The kitchen should serve as a place of joy and discovery.
Leading by Example
Kids learn by example. Whenever parents make conscious decisions regarding their health, they inspire them to do the same.
Accessibility
Make sure that the ingredients and snacks that are heart-healthy are easily accessible. Healthy options are more likely to be chosen when they are made more accessible.
Building a Supportive Community
Extending beyond the immediate family can also help create a supportive environment that encourages the development of a heart-healthy lifestyle. It can be as simple as joining online forums that are focused on heart-healthy living or sharing recipes with friends. A supportive community helps individuals maintain their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
The key to creating a heart-healthy diet for the entire family is making conscious choices regarding food. By introducing healthy ingredients such as seafood into their meals, families can have a variety of options that support cardiovascular health.

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Features

Bobbie Rosenfeld: Canada’s Trailblazing Athlete and Advocate

Bobbie Rosenfeld was a force to be reckoned with. Not only was she a phenomenal athlete, excelling in both basketball and baseball, but she also became a fierce advocate for gender equality in sports. Her story is one of exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and a fight for change that paved the way for future generations of female athletes in Canada and beyond.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings

Rosenfeld grew up in Montreal, Quebec, in a family that instilled a love of sports in her. Her father, a dentist, and her mother, a homemaker, encouraged Bobbie and her younger brother to participate in various athletic activities. Bobbie’s exceptional talent for basketball became evident early on. She honed her skills playing in local leagues and quickly established herself as a standout player. Her height, agility, and strategic mind for the game made her a formidable force on the court.

Meanwhile, Bobbie’s passion for baseball also blossomed. At a time when girls were largely discouraged from playing baseball, Bobbie defied expectations. She joined a boys’ league, disguising herself as a boy named Bobby Rosenfeld. Her talent was undeniable, and she thrived in the competitive environment. However, her true identity was eventually discovered, forcing her out of the league. This incident highlighted the stark gender inequalities prevalent in sports during that era.

Basketball Stardom and International Recognition

Undeterred by the setback in baseball, Bobbie poured her focus into basketball. Her dedication and talent paid off. She played for the Montreal YM-YWHA Wildcats, a dominant team that won numerous provincial and national championships. Bobbie’s exceptional skills earned her a spot on the Canadian women’s national basketball team in 1963. She quickly became a key player, leading the team to victory at the 1964 Pan American Games in Brazil.

Rosenfeld’s international success continued. She was part of the Canadian team participating in the 1967 FIBA World Championship for Women in Czechoslovakia. Though Canada placed sixth, Bobbie’s individual brilliance shone through. She was the tournament’s leading scorer, a testament to her offensive prowess. Her talent and leadership on the court garnered her recognition as one of the best female basketball players in the world.

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Breaking Barriers

Despite her athletic achievements, Rosenfeld faced constant challenges due to gender discrimination. Female athletes received little to no media coverage compared to their male counterparts. Opportunities for professional careers in women’s sports were virtually nonexistent. Funding for women’s athletic programs was scarce, hindering training and development.

Rosenfeld refused to accept the status quo. She became a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports. She used her platform as a star athlete to speak out against discrimination and demand better opportunities for female athletes. Bobbie and other pioneering women athletes lobbied for increased media coverage, improved funding for women’s sports programs, and the creation of professional leagues for women.

Her fight for equality extended beyond basketball. Rosenfeld and Judith Pogson, another prominent Canadian athlete, played a pivotal role in getting baseball officially recognized as a women’s sport in Canada in 1970. This decision opened doors for countless young girls who, like Rosenfeld, harbored a passion for baseball.

Beyond Athletics

Rosenfeld’s athletic career was tragically cut short in 1970 due to a car accident. However, her impact on Canadian sports and beyond continued to resonate. She became a symbol of athletic excellence and a tireless advocate for gender equality. Her legacy inspired a generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams and challenge the existing structures that limited their opportunities.

In recognition of her achievements, Bobbie Rosenfeld was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. Her story continues to be a source of inspiration for young athletes, particularly girls, who strive for excellence in sports.

Final Thoughts

Bobbie Rosenfeld’s legacy extends far beyond her athletic achievements. She was a trailblazer who fought for equality and paved the way for future generations of female athletes. Her unwavering determination, exceptional talent, and unwavering commitment to social justice continue to inspire athletes and advocates for equality today. Bobbie Rosenfeld’s story reminds us that courage, dedication, and a strong voice can break even the most significant barriers.

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Features

Toronto home sales up in February from last year as consumers eye rate cuts: TRREB

The Toronto real estate market saw a big increase in home sales this February. The increase was compared to the same period last year. The data comes from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB). This trend suggests an increasing optimism among consumers, potentially spurred by anticipations of rate cuts. The dynamics of the Toronto real estate market are indicative of a shift in consumer behavior and underlying market trends, reflecting broader economic signals and policy implications.

Home sales rose in February. This happened amid a complex mix of economic factors. These included the current interest rates, government housing policies, and global economic trends. The expectation of rate cuts is key. Lower rates cut borrowing costs, making mortgages cheaper for buyers. This prospect can increase demand in real estate. It will drive up sales and might impact prices.

Sales rose. This was due to the growing confidence of consumers. They are confident in the market and the broader economy. After uncertain times, like the pandemic, signs of recovery and stability can encourage buyers. Moreover, the rise in listings reported by TRREB. It suggests that sellers are also responding to these market conditions. They are providing more options for buyers. This is contributing to the market’s overall activity.

However, the dynamics of the Toronto real estate market are not without challenges. Housing affordability and supply problems are still key policy topics. More sales might make these issues worse. This might happen if demand outpaces the supply of homes. That would cause price hikes. The hikes could strain many buyers’ ability to afford homes.

In response to these challenges, many groups are exploring solutions. These include policymakers, developers, and community organizations. They want to increase housing supply and affordability. The strategies include changes in zoning laws. They also include incentives for affordable housing construction. And they include initiatives to help first-time homebuyers. These are the approaches being considered to address these pressing issues.

The TRREB report also shows the importance of staying informed about market trends. Economic indicators can affect the real estate market. Potential buyers and sellers can use these trends to make informed choices. Resources like Avalon offer valuable insights and information that can assist consumers in navigating the complexities of the real estate market.

As the Toronto real estate market continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor these trends and their implications for housing affordability, market stability, and economic growth. The increase in home sales in February is a positive sign, but addressing the broader challenges facing the market will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved.

The urbanization and immigration patterns in Toronto’s population continue to put pressure on the real estate market. The city’s appeal as a center for work, education, and cultural diversity supports a consistent demand for housing. The need for a planned approach to housing construction that emphasizes not only quantity but also quality and diversity of housing options to suit the needs of a diverse population is highlighted by this demographic pressure.

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