Winnipeg Free Press
Friday November 12 2004
OUT THERE / JEN SKERRITT
IT was a roomful of laughs, memories and recognition as Mayor Sam Katz received the President's Award at the Winnipeg Press Club on Tuesday night. Between the wisecracks and famous friends, here's a sneak peek at what some people had to say...
Who was there
Mayor Sam Katz and wife Baillie, Master of Ceremonies Pat Riordan, Charles Adler, Dr. Brian Book, Sandy Shindleman, David Wolinsky, president of the press club Alan McTavish, Mary Kelekis, former lieutenant-governor of Manitoba Pearl McGonigal, Leader of the provincial Conservative Party Stuart Murray, Coun. Harvey Smith and Donald Benham.
Getting the "shakes" Radio broadcaster Charles Adler admits that he's addicted to coffee, and can't go very long without getting his fix. "Starbucks, Tim Hortons, it doesn't matter," he says. "I can't go three hours without coffee." Maybe he needs the caffeine for his busy schedule. Adler says work and serving on various media platforms sucks up most of his time, but he still plans on sneaking away south to California or Arizona in a couple of months. "I love it here, but like anyone after a couple of months, the winter gets a bit absurd."
Did you know?
Longtime friend and optometrist to the mayor, Dr. Brian Book, says Katz may not be skilled at skating or skiing, but he can definitely win at a game of Hearts. "He always won," recalls Book. "I think a guy named Dan paid for Sam's university education."
Katz admits he has won a lot of money playing Hearts, but says he owes one of his university friends for teaching him the ropes. "He took me under his wing and I took others under my wing," he jokes. As for his strategy, Katz refuses to reveal his secrets, but says the general idea is simple: get all of the points or none of the points.
But not all are convinced of Katz's card-playing abilities. "Sam is really competitive at poker," says Adler. "Not as good as some, or he wouldn't need the gig as mayor."
In other news...
Ladies that lunch
Inspiring women from across the city came out to hear Winnipeg Police Service's Corrine Scott speak at a luncheon at the Fort Garry Hotel on Wednesday. Here's a glimpse at what went on between the courses...
Who was there
CEO of Crocus Investment Fund Jane Hawkins, Const. Sandra Murner and Arlene Kramble, Balmoral Hall's Claire Sumerlus and Judith Steek, Winnipeg police Chief Jack Ewatski, Winnipeg Police Service's Corrine Scott, and Barbara Bowes.
Fun facts Whether it's being one the first two women in Manitoba to hold a black belt in judo, or buying illicit drugs as an undercover officer, it seems Corrine Scott has done it all. Now the highest ranking female officer of the Winnipeg Police Service, Scott says she may not practise using her black belt anymore, but it taught her a lot. "It taught you a lot about discipline and it taught you a lot about yourself," she says. "I'm very competitive."
As for being an undercover drug officer, she says she never blew her cover and probably wasn't suspected because of her gender. "Many times it's not that difficult to do," she says.
Painting the town red...
It may have been a Wednesday night, but that didn't stop hundreds of Transcona residents from whooping it up at Regent Park Hall in support of the Transcona Recreation Centre. Here's what a few local VIPs were spotted doing at the social...
Who was there
TSN sportscaster Rod Black, MLAs Daryl Reid and Bidhu Jha, Val Cousineau, president of the East Winnipeg Sports Association Tom Thompson, and Steve Mymko.
Where is he now?
Rod Black says he was born and raised in Transcona, and flew home specifically for the Wednesday night shindig. The self-proclaimed "sports junkie" says that summer kept him busy covering various sports, but admits when he does have leisure time it's probably sports-related anyway. "I'm such a sports junkie that if I'm not covering it I'm probably playing it." Black currently lives in Toronto and tries to visit Winnipeg as much as he can. As for what else is on his plate, Black says his kids are always on the go.
"I've got three little boys," he says. "That's a sport in itself."
Overheard
"Just don't call it Flamingo Road."
-- Sportscaster Rod Black, on naming the Transcona Recreation Centre.
"I've tried to be kind in the past, but it only cost me ratings."
-- Charles Adler, on his "Rottweiler-esque" personality.
"There's a lot of people in Third World countries walking around looking like Elton John."
-- Pat Riordan, on what happened after Sam Katz donated his old glasses to charity.
Do you have a fabulous fundraiser, charity event, concert or other swinging shindig you would like readers to know about? A brush with fame or titillating gossip? Her column appears Fridays.
Contact Jen Skerritt at