Jayme Giesbrecht

Although temperatures are on the rise for the rest of the week, don’t be fooled -- winter still has plenty more in store. It’s the perfect time to embrace hearty comfort foods that warm you from the inside out, and Chef Kevin Funk is here to help. Known for his family-inspired recipes, Chef Kevin is sharing his take on a classic winter favorite: shepherd’s pie, along with some meal prep tips to keep you cozy through the cold weeks ahead.

Exploring brain health: Alzheimer Awareness month highlights awareness and support

January marks Alzheimer Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “Your Path Forward”, resonates deeply with those impacted by dementia. Rebecca Atkinson, representing the South-Central region of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, shares insights on local events, resources, and her personal connection to this vital cause.

Winter in Winkler just got a whole lot more exciting, thanks to the Sled Library at Parkland Hill. The innovative initiative, spearheaded by City of Winkler Recreation Programmer Meg Dias, provides free access to sleds for residents and visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the joys of tobogganing—no equipment required.

The Pembina Valley Snowkickers Club plays an essential role in maintaining the snowmobile trails that crisscross the region. Beyond setting up trail signs, their responsibilities include organizing meetings, coordinating with regional snowmobile associations, and ensuring trail safety.

Kory Van Damme, President of the Pembina Valley Snowkickers, explains the club’s structure and its need for volunteers.

The Morden Family Resource Centre (MFRC) is gearing up for an exciting start to 2025 with a lineup of winter programs designed to engage and support families with young children. Registration for these programs opens Monday, January 6th, at 9:00 AM, with classes beginning mid-January.

The Miami Community Center and the Miami Power Toboggan Club are joining forces to host an exciting New Year’s Eve social, promising a night of fun, community spirit, and a great way to ring in 2025.

Around the world, New Year’s Eve is a time of renewal and hope, marked by unique traditions in different cultures. For Morden resident Sean Arcilla, who grew up in the Philippines, the celebration revolves around one key theme: all things round.

Christmas is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable as Santa Claus himself made a special visit to Golden West! Joining us all the way from the North Pole, the jolly man in red brought festive cheer and some delightful insights into his preparations for the big night.

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us have our go-to albums that help set the festive mood each year. For some, it’s the classic sounds of Christmas carols, while for others, it’s the nostalgia of childhood favorites. Recently, Trent Medynski, host of Morden’s Pop Culture Expo, joined us to talk about a collection of classic albums that he has gathered over the years—albums that continue to capture the magic of the season.

When it comes to icing cookies, Tena Banman of Winkler is nothing short of an expert. With years of practice and a keen eye for detail, she has mastered the art of turning simple sugar cookies into edible works of art. Her steady hand, creative designs, and technical know-how make her holiday treats as stunning as they are delicious.

When asked about her artistic talents, Tena humbly attributes her skills to dedication. “I’ve just practiced, and practice makes perfect,” she said. “I’ve watched lots of YouTube tutorials and just practiced—it’s fun and relaxing.”