Seasonal tips for supporting loved ones with dementia

As the weather shifts from fall to winter and we adjust to shorter days, many of us experience changes in our daily routines. For people living with dementia, these transitions can be particularly challenging. Sierra Dueck, a Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, shares some valuable tips for families and caregivers to help loved ones with dementia cope during this time of year. 

Unlock the secrets of wildlife photography with tips from Dennis Fast

Wildlife photography can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to capture the beauty of nature and the extended warm fall weather has provided numerous opportunities to snap great images of animals in the wild. Renowned photographer Dennis Fast of Steinbach offers valuable tips for photographing animals in a way that respects their space and behavior. Here’s how you can make the most of your wildlife photography while being considerate of the animals. 

Tips to protect trees from wildlife and storing potatoes for winter

Cooler weather is pushing people toward finishing up yard work and cleaning up gardens.  
 
Carla Hrycyna, from St. Mary’s Nursery and host of the Lawn and Garden Journal, recently fielded a question about proper storage for seed potatoes.  
 
She suggests keeping them cool, perhaps in a refrigerator.  
 

Manitoba 4-H revives Japanese exchange program after 4-year hiatus

The Manitoba 4-H program was able to revive their Japanese student exchange program this past summer through the York-Benimaru Foundation. 

“This was our first year back since 2019, so we were happy to send ten 4-H members over there and two chaperones,” reports Shannon Carvey, Executive Director for 4-H Manitoba. “And then in August, we had 20 Japanese students arrive in Manitoba and they were all hosted in homes of 4-H families.” 

Carvey says they are really grateful for the return of this exchange program and the unique experience offered to these students. 

Why so many Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs?

Some Manitobans are noticing more boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles these days. 

John Gavloski is an entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture. He says populations of boxelder bugs will depend on what kind of trees are growing nearby.

"Areas where there are a lot of maple trees, particularly Manitoba Maple, you'd have more boxelder bugs," Gavloski points out. 

Why so many Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs?

Some Manitobans are noticing more boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles these days. 

John Gavloski is an entamologist with Manitoba Agriculture. He says populations of boxelder bugs will depend on what kind of trees are growing nearby.

"Areas where there are a lot of maple trees, particularly Manitoba Maple, you'd have more boxelder bugs," Gavloski points out. 

Special plaque unveiled honouring Miriam Toews childhood home

A special event took place in Steinbach, unveiling a plaque that honours award-winning and best-selling author Miriam Toews. 

The plaque sits along the sidewalk on Brandt Street at the home where Toews grew up as a teenager. It’s also the house Toews mentions in several of her novels, says Andrew Unger. 

He spearheaded the project. 

Former Loewen CEO Al Babiuk remembered for his leadership and integrity after fatal collision

The former President and CEO of Loewen is being remembered as an incredible person. 

Al Babiuk died in a two-vehicle collision on Saturday which occurred just east of Ninette on Highway 23.

Jon Sawatzky, Director of Product and Marketing, says Babiuk made a huge impact in the business. 

Speed limit reduced to 30 km/h in school zones, effective today

Even though the school year only begins next week, the reduced speed limits are now in effect within school zones. 

RCMP Community Constable Dennis Redikop says there will soon be a lot of young pedestrians to watch out for, and motorists should now be prepared to slow down and help keep the children safe as they walk or ride bicycles to and from school.