The Rebeck Family Newsletter

Vol.28 No. 1

Circulation 108

Spring 2020

.

Editors’ Message To say we are living in interesting and challenging times

is an understatement. One educator has suggested that

children keep a written record of their daily activities and

observations as to how Life has changed because of this

pandemic. The specific details will serve them well as

they share stories, in years to come, with their children

and grandchildren. We are hopeful that all of our readers

and their families will be safe from any illness.

On a different note, we send special thanks to our sister,

Jerrie Hanchuk, for administering our website online. We

couldn’t do this without your savvy, sis!

Wishing everyone a…..

Happy Easter on April 12

Happy Mother’s Day on May 10

Happy Father’s Day on June 21

Theresa and Linda

Fallen Leaves Grief is the last act of love we can give to

those we loved. Where there is deep grief,

there was deep love.

Missing You

Donations Another omission!! In the last TWO newsletters, we

missed reporting that Jane and Sandy MacKenzie had

made a generous donation to the newsletter last summer.

Our apologies go out to them along with our belated

thanks. Thanks also to Ken & Cindy Natuik and Jaye

Cadzow/Rick Rebeck for their more recent donations to

the newsletter.

Here’s a suggestion that when other readers are ready to

make a donation, they would consider using Paypal. It’s

convenient, and it’s online.

Celebrations Allan Rebeck’s celebration marking his milestone birth-

day (75) on February 19, was rather low-key. The kids

and grandkids came over for pizza and cake.

Errors and Omissions

We mistakenly reported that Trevor Rebeck had his 50th

celebration in November in Las Vegas. It was Phoenix,

AZ!! He and Angie enjoyed the awesome weather with

their friends, and Trevor golfed all seven days. On one of

those days, he played in a tournament with a large number

of guys from Rossmere Golf Course in Winnipeg.

Aaarrgh! We forgot our sister!! Trevor (50) and Kathy

Demski (60) were not the only ones celebrating decades

birthdays last fall. Judy Oryniak, who turned 70 on

November 26, was honoured at a gathering of her curling

friends and then at a family dinner. Carla Keogan

surprised her mom with a gift of “70 Memories for 70

Years” – a collection of personal accounts/good wishes

from family members and friends. Great idea! Thoughtful

daughter!

Back in mid-December, Stella Metcalf went on a three-

day field trip with her Winchester Christian Academy

classmates. They traveled by bus from Tennessee to

Williamstown, Kentucky to visit Noah’s Ark. Using the

dimensions quoted in the Bible a replica was built and is

the main feature at the theme park. The kids were able to

journey back to Biblical times to meet Noah, his family,

and the animals. The extensive multimedia exhibits

"teach" about the times before, during, and after the flood,

the life on the ark, and other events mentioned in the

Bible. In addition to the life-

size ark, this theme park

features a zoo with exotic

animals from around the

globe, a restaurant, ziplines,

and a gift shop. Stella

enjoyed the trip very much.

Roots, Bark & Branches is now published 4 times a year - April, July, October and January. Forward news items by 27th of each preceding month to Linda Johnson P.O. Box 1447 Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0 (204-345-8180) or Theresa Restall 482 Gilmore Avenue Winnipeg MB R2G 2G6 (204) 663-1300 or e-mail rootsbarkandbranches@hotmail.com or trestall@shaw.ca. Roots, Bark & Branches can also be viewed online at www.rootsbarkandbranches.com

Roots, Bark & Branches – Vol. 25 No. 2

Page 2 of 5

*Kevin Rebeck was featured in an article in the January/

February issue of The Manitoba Teacher. As president of

the Manitoba Federation of Labour, Kevin outlined the

work of that organization over recent years and touched

on its strong relationship with the teachers’ society.

*The Keogans of London, ON had

a marvelous family holiday in early

February. Their ten-day cruise out

of San Juan took them to the south

Caribbean with ports of call in

Bonaire, Aruba, Barbados,

St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Tortola and

Antigua. Maggie and Patrick

especially liked the snorkeling excursion in Bonaire while

parents Glen & Carla simply appreciated the break from

work, and the time with the kids.

*Lee (Sawka) McCauley writes “We decided to relocate

to Winnipeg from Calgary to stay with our parents during

COVID-19. We are likely staying for at least six weeks but

will continue to stay longer if things don’t return to

normal. The kids (Laine & Aelin) are very excited and we

hope we are at least able to visit immediate family if

conditions allow us to do so. Didn’t think we would ever

move back in with our parents!! ” She adds, “Good job

on keeping things going. I’m sure everyone could use

some positive news these days. Hope you and your family

are coping well and staying sane!”

*In Tennessee, Stella and DJ may be out of school but

they are staying connected to their teachers. One Sunday

afternoon DJ had a Facetime chat with his teacher and EA

and in the evening, the class did a conference call. Karen

reports that DJ was super excited to see his school friends.

Stella’s teacher sent two assignments that were more fun

than work. In the first one, Stella had to construct a colour

wheel using objects and

items found around the

house. Her set of coloured

glass lanterns came in

handy! After arranging them

and all the other items in a

circle, she sent a picture to her teacher. The second

assignment was the egg drop experiment. Students were

challenged to try and figure out how to package/protect an

egg from breaking when dropped on the floor from

shoulder height. Stella chose to put the egg in a portion of

the carton and then place both in a plastic barrel of cheese

balls. It worked!!

* Get well wishes go out .....to Cherie Rebeck from all of

us.

Hello Family, just an update on Cherie. She completed

her last chemo treatment on Thursday March 26 and is

feeling a big sense of relief considering what is going on

with the covid-19 and knowing she will not have to attend

the cancer care area for the foreseeable future. She is

recovering but feeling stronger than the first few rounds

of treatment - 8 in total. Next step is waiting a few weeks

then she will have a round of radiation treatments to get

through, then [we are] hoping to head to the lake for some

quiet recovery time this summer. We would like to thank

everyone for their thoughts, well wishes and

prayers.

Also Shae is doing really well and says

hello to all her relatives.

Love this family of ours.

Craig, Cherie and Shae

* …… to Louise Rebeck, whose fall on the ice a few

weeks ago gave her lots of practice with staying home.

She writes, “I did not go anywhere for three weeks except

physio. The collar bone was not the issue as much as the

rotator cuff which shattered when I fell on the ice. Sure

tested my patience. Whew!!!!! Allan was a real trooper

about everything - the cook, [and] shopper, [but] cleaner

not so much. Physio is closed for two weeks for now and while healing

and recovery depend on me as an individual, the doctor at

Pan Am thought [it may take] two months to fully recover.

The good news is that I’m on the mend and can move my

arm with little pain and every day is better. For instance,

putting a tee shirt on this week after living in zippered

hoodies for three weeks. Yay!” And tthank goodness for

Workman’s Compensation!!

…and to Tracy Rebeck, who was in St. Boniface Hospital

for nine days in mid-March with a nasty kidney infection-

staph and Ecoli. The HD (heavy duty) antibiotics and

home care three times a week are helping him feel a lot

better.

*Congratulations to Jessica Drakul on

being accepted into the Faculty of

Graduate Studies at the University of

Manitoba. She will begin studies in

the fall for her MPA – Master of

Public Administration.

Roots, Bark & Branches – Vol. 28 No.1 ….more DID YOU KNOW?

Page 3 of 5

Natuik Potluck Reunion

This event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

For now, we will be leaving it on the calendar with hopes

that the world can return to normal in the next few months

and we can continue with this annual gathering. We will

update family members by email after June 1st.

*Mary Natuik and daughter Kathy Demski traveled to

Goderich, Ontario at the end of February, to visit with Ray

and Joanne Natuik and their family. A good time was had

by all. Judy Oryniak from London, Ontario drove down

for a day’s visit and helped make piroshky.

*Sisters Jerrie Hanchuk and Theresa Restall enjoyed an

evening out at the Centennial Concert Hall on March 3,

2020 when they attended a production of Shen Yun, a

performing arts show which included dance, song and

theatre. Beautifully done!

*On March 13, Jim and Linda Johnson attended an

EMCA performance in Pinawa. The Andrew Collins Trio

provided lively (bluegrass) music while the crowd

observed social distancing. Chairs were placed far apart in

the high school auditorium and everyone’s hands were

spritzed with sanitizer upon entering the venue.

EMCA (Eastern Manitoba Concert Association) is an

organization that brings a variety of musical entertainment

to the region each year. Seven concerts are staged

between September and April.

The last-scheduled performance for this year – the

Winnipeg Chamber Orchestra – has been postponed until

next spring.

*Shannon Natuik, with daughters Aria and Hrayden, made

a visit to Winnipeg in mid-March to spend some time with

the family. Husband Sahadev Banjaree and son Keshav

stayed back home in Goderich to hold down the fort.

*Rick Rebeck and Jaye are doing well. However this

pandemic will affect Jaye’s business as a travel agent for

quite some time. “It’s affected everyone…but we’ll all get

thru this. What I can say is I didn’t

realize how hard social distancing

would be. As much as I may be a

home body, I miss visiting/

socializing with our friends and

extended families. I have a sign in

my home [which I sent to them]

and thought we’d share it.

Here’s to the nights we can’t REMEMBER,

with the friends we can’t FORGET”.

* Trevor and Angie Rebeck have purchased a cottage on

Lee River, across the water from Aunty Linda Johnson,

and within shouting distance of Uncle Allan and cousin

Craig! Could be some good family gatherings this year.

The Bright Side of Things

We all know that life is too short to squander on negativity.

And yet, most of us find the time for it anyway! Sure, life is

challenging and often unfair, but it makes up for it in a thousand myriad

little ways. You just have to notice them...

-Living on earth is expensive but it does include a free trip

around the sun every year.

-Happiness often comes through doors you didn’t even

know you left open.

-Ever notice that the people who are late are often much

jollier than the ones who have to wait for them?

-You may be only one person in the world but you may

also be the world to one person.

-Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.

-We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some

are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all

are different colours…but they all exist very nicely in the

same box.

-A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery

on a detour.

-Working for God on Earth does not pay much but his

Retirement Plan is out of this world.

Quotable Quotes

Cheerfulness, like spring, opens all the blossoms of the

inward man. - Jean Paul Richter

An optimist is the human personification of spring.

. - Susan J. Bissonette

Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in

books alone but in every leaf of springtime.

. – Martin Luther

April hath put a spirit of youth in every thing.

. - William Shakespeare

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe

full of slush. – Doug Larson

Spring is Nature’s way of saying,

“Let’s party!” - Robin Williams

Roots, Bark & Branches – Vol. 28 No. 1 SPORTS

Page 4 of 5

*Linda Johnson’s summary of her February trip to the

2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Moose Jaw, SK:

Travel & lodging $832.75

Tickets 24 draws 720.00

Entertainment 200.00

Watching Manitoba win the Gold Priceless!

Comedy Corner

*As she slid behind the wheel for her first driving

lesson, my daughter couldn’t contain her excitement.

"You need to make adjustments so the car is comfortable

for you, the driver," I began. "Now, what’s the first thing

you should do?"

"Change the radio station," she said.

*A West Virginia state trooper stopped a woman for

going 15 miles over the speed limit. After he handed her

a ticket, she asked him, "Don't you give out warnings?"

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. "They're all up and down the

road. They say, 'Speed Limit 55.'"

*While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an

Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had

a sense of humor. Attached to the back of the carriage

was a hand printed sign...

Energy efficient vehicle.

Runs on oats and grass.

Caution: Do not step in exhaust.

From the Kitchen……Herbs and Spices

Cayenne- a powder ground from the seeds and pods of

various peppers grown in the Cayenne district of Africa.

Good in soups, sauces, eggs and meats. Use sparingly.

Garlic- one of the oldest cultivated plants. A whole bulb

will enrich a stew or sauce or the juice from a clove can

flavour a salad dressing. Garlic butter enhances steaks,

chops, bread and spaghetti.

Mint-usually used fresh. When added to cooked foods,

put mint in shortly before food finishes cooking.

Complements peas, carrots, salads and yogurt.

Sorrel- sour leaf version of spinach. Best with (fatty

types) of fish, green salad and potato soup.

Recipe Corner

Lemony Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts

¾ cup seasoned bread crumbs 1/3 cup or more milk

¼ cup Parmesan cheese 6 or 7 large chicken breasts

1 tsp. seasoning salt (boneless, skinless)

¼ tsp. black pepper 1 TBSP. fresh, minced garlic

½ to 1 tsp. garlic powder 1/3 cup melted butter

1 tsp. dried parsley 3 TBSP. fresh lemon juice

Butter/grease an 11” x 7” or a 13” x 9” baking dish.

Combine breads crumbs, Parmesan cheese, seasoning

salt, pepper, garlic powder and parsley in a shallow dish.

Mix well. Place milk in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk

together garlic, melted butter and lemon juice.

Moisten each chicken breast in the milk and then coat in

crumb mixture. Place in baking dish in a single layer.

Drizzle with butter mixture. Bake (uncovered) for 25 -

30 minutes in a 350’F. oven.

Salmon Cucumber Pasta Salad…...Peak of the Market

2 cups elbow macaroni 6 TBSP. vegetable oil

1 lb. red salmon, drained and flaked 1 tsp. salt

1 sweet onion, chopped 2 TBSP. lemon juice or vinegar

1 cucumber, chopped ½ tsp. dry mustard

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/8 cup fresh dill, chopped ¼ tsp. ground black pepper

Cook macaroni al dente according to package directions.

Drain; rinse with cold water. Combine macaroni with

salmon, onion, cucumber, parsley and dill. Combine oil,

lemon juice, salt, mustard powder and pepper; stir well

to mix. Pour over salmon mixture, stirring lightly. Cover

and chill. To serve, spoon mixture over salad greens, if

desired. Makes 4 servings.

Popsicles …because Summer’s coming!!

Mix together

1 pkg. jello

1 TBSP. Kool Aid (1 sm. pkg.)

1 cup sugar

Dissolve 6 TBSP. mix in ¾ cup hot water and add

¾ cup cold water. Stir well and pour into popsicle forms.

Roots, Bark and Branches Financial Report

April 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020

Thank you to the 8 families who made contributions to the newsletter this past year.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Balance Forward $235.37

Income:

Newsletter donations $320.00

Total Income $320.00

Expenditures:

Publication costs (see details below) $82.88

Postage costs (see details below) $108.05

Website Hosting fee (3 year period January 2018- January 2021) $179.64

Total expenditures $370.57

Closing Balance $184.80

Publishing and Postage Cost Details

Issue Publishing Postage Total

April (Spring) 2019 22.05 28.35 50.40

July (Summer) 2019 13.05 28.35 41.40

October (Fall) 2019 34.49 28.35 62.84

January (Winter) 2020 13.29 23.00 36.29

Totals $82.88 $108.05 $190.93

Respectfully submitted, Theresa Restall

Thank you for your continued support.

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