Karen Morrison

AYLESBURY, Sask. – Finding patterns in river ice or rich colours in lichen covered boulders is Annemieke (Mickey) Watkins’ passion. The Aylesbury photographer, farm woman and nature buff immigrated to Canada from Holland in search of scenes like these in the Canadian wilderness. “I see something and I take it all in,” said Watkins. She […] Read more

SPALDING, Sask. – “Miss you already” appears in the subject line of recent e-mails on Helen Beasley’s laptop computer. The note arrived after her return from a trip in January to meet her longtime pen-pal, Rosemary Yeryk, for the first time. The women, both born Jan. 5, 1944, started writing weekly at age 14 after […] Read more

MEACHAM, Sask. – Ernie and Loretta Polischuk were planning a life in Canada’s northern territories when they heard the call to farm. Ernie’s father got sick and needed help to keep the mixed farm going at Meacham. “It brought on the fact that he wanted me to farm,” said Ernie. Trained in mechanics and welding, […] Read more

TORONTO– 4-H will raise the profile of science and technology in its programs next year, says the president of the Canadian 4-H Council. Judy Shaw said the council is developing a summit on the topic that will likely be part of the 2011 national members conference but could become a standalone event in the future. […] Read more

TORONTO– 4-H leaders scrambled to figure out how to put together a crossword puzzle that was missing pieces during an annual 4-H leaders conference in Toronto early last month. Trainers Rob Black and Jane Muegge used the exercise to bring people together during a workshop on positive influence and communication. “We’re just there to help […] Read more

TORONTO – Giving youth real world job skills is the goal of a new 4-H project. Rural Employment and Life Skills (REAL) offers members certificates in programs ranging from handling food safely to recognizing hazardous materials. “We saw value in giving members hands-on usable skills they could go somewhere with in terms of employment,” said […] Read more

TORONTO – Today’s 4-Hers are role models for the 4-Hers of tomorrow, a Manitoba high school teacher said during the jointly held Canadian 4-H Members and Leaders conference Nov. 3. “A lot of young eyes are watching them,” said Mark Essay. “The responsibility lies with the kids who are in 4-H being role models and […] Read more

SWANSON, Sask. – Ponies provided Walt Smith with a good living for more than 20 years. They also provided hours of sport and entertainment at races in Canada and the United States. Smith, 98, is the former secretary of the Saskatchewan Pony and Chuck Wagon and Chariot Association. He can remember the heyday of the […] Read more

WATROUS, Sask. – Adapting to change and focusing on markets are keys to success in the Martin operation in central Saskatchewan. Garnet and Darlene Martin produce canola, flax, pulses and cereals in rotations on 4,200 acres with their son, Derek, daughter, Lesley Kelly, and her husband Mathieu. Lindsay, the family’s youngest child, is studying office […] Read more

CRESTWYND, Sask. – When dances ended, people would sometimes pass the hat around to collect money to keep the Johnson family band playing. “If it was a good crowd, we would go another hour,” said Howie Johnson of his band’s heyday in the 1970s and 1980s.. The band provided hours of dancing entertainment for 40 […] Read more