DECEMBER DINNER/MEETING
On December 7th, 20 members and guests gathered at Monticchio's for a delightful evening of dining, socializing, and exchanging gifts in true holiday spirit. The attendees flocked together, donning their brightest and most festive Christmas outfits. Never has there been a bird club so stylishly dressed!
Together we dined on delicious pasta and indulged in decadent desserts, making for a truly delightful evening of great food and even better company.
There were many attempts at gift-stealing throughout the evening, but one item, in particular, captured everyone's attention—a polar bear planter. Its charm had people drawn to it, making it a sought-after prize among the group!
As the night went on, laughter filled the air, and the joy of the season was shared by all. With full bellies and happy hearts, members left with memories of a wonderful evening spent in good company, surrounded by festive cheer. It was truly a night to remember, and we can't wait to do it all again next year!
Photos from our recent Christmas party at Monticchio restaurant will be live on our website in the new year. Don't miss out—please return at that time to relive the festive moments!
DECEMBER 7, 2024 MINUTES
Nancy started the meeting by mentioning how sad it was to not have Dennis Swayze and his wife Jan in attendance this year. He is very much missed by all the members who were lucky enough to have known him.
She also welcomed our newest member Avtar Gill and his wife Manu.
Treasurer's Report: Bank balance $3823.50. No outstanding debits or credits other than a reimbursement to come of $56.20 because of a direct debit error by EON, our website server.
Membership Report: 54 current members. 7 renewals received for 2025. Renewals due December 31, 2024.
Library Report: AACC journals were turned over to Bonnie for the library. Contact Bonnie to borrow any books, videos or CDs. Updated list of materials coming soon.
Newsletter Report: Next newsletter will be published in early March. We welcome member submissions, especially personal stories.
Please advise Linda or Nancy if you have any items or birds you wish to advertise in the Buy/Sell/Swap section.
Display Report: Very successful. Well attended! Shelmerdines did not charge us for the day.
Website Report: Nothing to report. Check in for periodical updates.
Facebook Report: No updates. Everything is going well.
Purchasing Report: Bulk order received and distributed. Seed and leg bands may be ordered at any point in the year. Contact Nancy.
General Business: Kev Roberts has agreed to take on the position of Secretary. Otherwise 2025 board positions will remain the same.
This year's $200 donation will go to Burrowing Owl Recovery Project on behalf of the club.
Future Meetings: Nancy proposed a survey to determine whether the club wishes to continue having the 4 meetings a year as luncheon/dinner meetings or return to monthly meetings at a hall. A vote was taken and a large majority of members were in favor of continuing to meet 4 times a year, with meetings taking the format of a lunch or dinner or BBQ. It was noted how much better they are attended.
Spring Luncheon in March: Location suggestions were Silver Heights or Smitty's at Grant/Pembina and it was agreed to go with Silver Heights. Watch for further details in March newsletter.
*MEMBERSHIP FEE AS FOLLOWS: Single Membership $20.00 a year, Family $25.00
PLEASE NOTE LINDA'S CHANGE OF ADDRESS (OUR MEMBERSHIP CO-ORDINATOR)
Please send the completed application form (link below) and cheque to:
THE MANITOBA CANARY AND FINCH CLUB
ATTN: LINDA RUDACHEK
Unit 408, 70 Park E Dr,
Winnipeg, MB R3Y 2J41
E-transfers are also accepted (lrudachek@shaw.ca)
MB Canary and Finch Club Display yesterday. To guess how many guests we had is impossible! A LOT of new faces, some return faces (great to catch up with you!), new members set to join, and a younger generation full of excitement for birds! 
Thank you so much Nicole and the staff at Shelmerdine Garden Center for hosting us and providing tables/chairs for this annual tradition. Thank you to Lori Christianson for bringing our members coffee and snack! Thank you to Woodland Aviary for helping set up the day before, bringing Doves, BIRD and seed education to our event... Thank you to all of our registered members for spending the day educating the public on your birds, taking the time to bring your birds and helping take down from the event! Lastly, Thank you to our events Coordinator Jessie Christianson for all your hard work and dedication to the fine tunes details of the club including your memorial piece for our dear Dennis Swayze. We appreciate you all!Here's to another Fantastic Display!
MCFC PICNIC/MEETING AUGUST 24, 2024
by Kevin Roberts
Discussions focused on the Fall Display and where to hold the Christmas gathering. If you are interested in displaying birds please contact jessie_ch4@hotmail.com. Members took posters to distribute throughout the community to advertise our Fall Display.
It was an enjoyable afternoon as members old and new caught up on all things birds and enjoyed a generous spread of picnic fare. While it was a broiling summer day, the park provided a light breeze and enough shade. A day spent perfectly at the park, in great company.
Spring Luncheon Meeting
Famous Dave's BAR-B-QUE
March 23, 2024
CHRISTMAS DINNER MEETING
by Connie LeBlanc
First, Happy New Year 2024 folks – hope you enjoyed our MCFC Xmas dinner and meeting at Tony Roma’s, Dec 10th. The ribs & other foods were quite outstanding and plates “nearly licked clean” as we laughed and shared goodies here & there. However, if you were unable to join us, maybe you can next time at our late spring dinner and meeting (TBA).
As for the Members who were able to attend, it was no surprise to learn how diverse our Club members group is, as conversations of various topics took over left & right. The gift exchange is fun, and rarely disappointing, seeing the neat assortment of bird-related items.
Among the attendees this year, we welcomed new member Sarah who drove from Neepawa where she farms, and was returning home after the dinner. During our chats & table hops, we got to meet with an author, a techie, a wild bird photographer, a childcare lady, an eco-researcher, a seed supplier, and more. In addition to these interesting folks, we enjoyed the sustaining comfort of our old-time retiree-member base of many years - who all seem to have that same common interest & concern of caring for our various birds, wildlife, and pets.
ABOUT US
The Manitoba Canary & Finch Club (MCFC) was founded in February 1991. Our first meeting took place later that month with a total of 9 perspective members. The idea for the club was discussed and a name was chosen. Since the initial meeting the club has grown to over 60 members.
The MCFC is very unique in that we do not have, nor do we promote, bird shows. We are a strictly non competitive organization. We hold a yearly display of our birds in order to promote interest in our club and aviculture in general.
Club members volunteer for positions. We have never had formal elections or rules of order. We are in it for the fun and camaraderie and to help one another.
It was decided amongst a strong majority of club members to suspend monthly meetings for now. We have 2 supper meetings during the year. During the summer we hold 2 BBQs which have been hosted by members of the club and at Assiniboine Park.
We are a social group who enjoy sharing our love of aviculture as well as each other's company. For general inquiries and membership information please contact us!
MISSION STATEMENT
The Manitoba Canary and Finch Club (MCFC) was formed in February of 1991 in order to promote the interest in, and advancement of, aviculture, specifically that of canaries and finches.
The MCFC is an informal gathering of people who share a common interest in aviculture. Since our founding in 1991, we have worked to promote public awareness of our hobby as well as an appreciation for the miracle of avian flight and the gift of birdsong through the following:
• Bird displays for the public.
• Guest speaking to interested groups and school classrooms.
• Assisting schools, day cares and seniors complexes in the set-up and maintenance of canary and finch displays for their clientele.
• The arrangement of special functions for the public such as the inclusion of Manitoba artists in its public bird displays.
• To promote best practices for the health and well-being of birds kept in captivity by sharing information and ideas, operating a Bird Care Support Network, holding monthly meetings, inviting guest lecturers, as well as the dissemination of information in our Club newsletter.
• To keep members advised of all government regulations concerning the keeping of canaries and finches as well as acting in an advisory capacity to the various levels of government regarding the keeping of captive birds.
• To promote enjoyment, cooperation, and positive social relationships among fanciers in the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba.
- To keep members advised of all government regulations concerning the keeping of canaries and finches as well as acting in an advisory capacity to the various levels of government regarding the keeping of captive birds.
SOCIETY FINCHES
Poem by Kev Roberts, MCFC member
Tiny society finches, so lovely and bright,
Feathers like whispers in soft morning light.
Delicate wings flutter quick through the air,
A dance full of joy, so lite. So fair.
They hop and they chatter in comical glee,
Playing and tumbling so care-free.
Their antics, delightful, a sight to behold,
As they flit about, both gentle and bold.
And their song—oh, so sweet, a tender refrain,
A melody soft as a springtime rain.
With each little chirp, a chorus of cheer,
Warming to the heart, drawing smiles near.
In their tiny world, they live in pure grace,
A beautiful presence in life’s busy race.
Society finches, charm without end.
Lovely companions, my feathered friends.
