Centro Caboto News

June 14, 1998 - June 14, 2023

With shutdowns, restrictions and now 82% of the population vaccinated, the state of emergency in the province of Manitoba has ended, for now. Covid-19, as a virus, is still part of our landscape including pneumococcal pneumonia and other viruses. As we get an annual flu vaccine, we will probably add a Covid vaccine to the annual vaccination list. So, what does this mean for our future of gatherings and businesses in hospitality? We continue to check double vaccination status for those going to restaurants, sports events and concerts and there are challenges when unvaccinated citizens would like to hold events and parties in private space where vaccinations are required. Going forward, our Centro Caboto centre is open for programs, events and dinners where double vaccinated guests can attend. We encourage all to get their Covid vaccinations to join our events here. Last, I would like to thank everyone from our Italian community and all those from the Winnipeg area that have continued to attend and support us. You continue to make a difference for our centre. Grazie!

October 2021 Update: Manitoba Italian Canadian Archival Committee

Featured in the Winnipeg Free Press, June 11, 2021

Like most people, you probably deal with your fair share of workplace annoyances and lately, pandemic anxiety. From the meeting that gets rescheduled yet again or navigating the tricky world of family, work and trying to fit in relaxation and exercise, your stress levels may spike multiple times throughout a single day. How are some people able to stay calm and productive in response to challenges while others are easily rattled? To find answers, let's look to those who have mastered the art of composure under pressure: The U.S. Navy SEALs. There's no question that the SEALs face some of the most difficult situations any human could encounter. Because of this, they've developed ways to apply the emerging science of grit, resilience, and emotional regulation to effectively manage stress. In fact, neural scans show that some SEALs have a remarkable ability to remain calm in response to threatening situations. Their brains respond differently to stress, activating neural centers related to emotional control instead of ones related to anxiety and fear. A practice that SEAL teams use in times of trouble is one you can borrow at your desk. The secret? It's called box breathing or four-square breathing. Here's how it works: Breathe in for four seconds. Hold air in your lungs for four seconds. Exhale for four seconds. Hold your breath, lungs emptied, for four seconds Just try it! I use this technique before a session of cave diving. Yes, this is a fun way to see part of this Earth that few get to see and explore. To overcome the claustrophobia and fears, I have used this method along with the tap. The tap is a way to slow down your breathing and panic. Here's how it works; Take your index finger and start tapping the finger on your hand or arm to the tune of Happy Birthday Slow down the verses and tapping slows down as well When the song is done, your breathing is slower, tapping is slow and you feel a lot calmer

WHAT IS CULTURE? A culture is defined by its language, history, family structure, food and art. We share and learn about a culture through language, family, history, art and food. With the increasing isolation due to Covid restrictions, sharing of culture can be difficult at times. To bridge this gap, many have used online calls or meetings to stay in touch and to meet for business. Friends and family connect on Messenger, FB live, Skype and other apps.School age students are connecting with their teachers and classmates online. If all this is possible, why not connect with learning online for Italian culture and language? So whether you’re thinking of traveling to the Boot one day, forming a friendship with an Italian or embarking on an Italian business opportunity, you’d be wise to familiarize yourself with a few Italian proverbs. We would all love to see and ski the Italian slopes, enjoy wonderful pastas and cheesey pizzas and trade conversations. Now, we are experiencing this online since we cannot meet in person. So, to live, learn and laugh together via an online platform is our reality until we can meet in person.