The Rotary Westman Wine Festival Gala Dinner takes place on October 17th & 19th, 2018 at the Victoria Inn, with a Gala Dinner on the 17th and the Public Wine Tasting on the 19th.   The elegant five course Gala Dinner with specially selected wine pairings is not to be missed. The festival  has been running since 2002 and has had a variety of beneficiaries over the years.  In 2002-2006 proceeds went to the 2006 Special Olympic Summer Games and since 2007-2017, proceeds have gone to the Elspeth Reid Family Resource Center and Rotary Club of Brandon charitable activities.  The total amount of money raised by the Rotary WWF over the years exceeds $150,000.

We are in need of at LEAST 10 more people to register as head shave participants in our World Record Attempt Event. We are SO close to making this event a success, but we need YOU! We have the 76 people we need, but absolutely NEED another group of people at the event as backups in case we have no shows. Please consider being a part of this cause! On Oct 6th, from 2-3pm, we will be attempting to break the current World Record for Most Heads Shaved in One Hour by One Person. This will be done as a fundraiser, with all proceeds of the event going to the Canadian Cancer Society bladder cancer programs. Please consider this amazing community event, help us put Westman on the map as a community of champions that are leaders in the fight to Scare Away Cancer! To sign up, please contact Brian at grimacres@gmail.com.

It isn’t that uncommon in today’s society to have an 18-26-year-old still living at home with their parents. This generation is known as the Millennials. While the definition of the Millennial, also known as Generation Y, isn’t exact, it generally includes those born starting in the early 1980s right up to the mid-1990s (and possibly into the early 2000s). This is the generation that grew up with technology - video games, cell phones, and computers. For many young adults who fall into this category, they don’t seem to be in too much of a hurry to leave the nest. There are, however, a number of trends (perhaps started by the parents!) that are surfacing to tailor apartments to meet the demands of this new generation of tenants. Some of the ideas that are materializing across Canada to target the millennials include: Smaller floor plans, but with quality finishes. The new trend is to offer less space than the traditional 900+ square foot apartment. More and more units at 500-600 square feet are now available at the same price point as the traditional units, however, they offer higher-end finishes like luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops and wall mounts for smart televisions.   Pet-friendly. According to Pet Business Magazine, 7 out of 10 Millennials have pets. If rental units are going to satisfy the demands and expectations of this market, then they must accommodate pets.   Common Spaces. Shared spaces like a dog run, dog wash areas, courtyards, rooftop patios, common barbecue areas, and video game rooms are being incorporated into new communities to make the apartments that much more attractive to this demographic.   Flexible leases. There is a trend to offer furnished units and allow weekly rentals versus monthly, allowing those entering their careers more flexible options when it comes to making a commitment. Property owners and managers are also switching to ‘all in pricing,’ which means rather than having to pay rent, an electricity bill and other utilities such as water and Internet, the tenant would just pay one fee. Therefore, instead of paying $1,200 (all in) for a more traditional, unfurnished unit, a furnished unit might go for $400 to $600 per week and could be negotiated down for those looking for longer- term commitments.   Marijuana-friendly floors. In the larger markets, there are areas of the building or entire floors that have improved ventilation that allows for marijuana to be smoked right within the building or the apartment itself. This means that those who do smoke cannabis can do it in the privacy of their own rental unit, whereas those who don’t smoke electric lettuce have the same amenities, but aren’t having to deal with the funky smell.   Commercial and retail amenities. Property owners will often allow space on the main floor of the building for an upscale coffee shop, small, trendy restaurant or a pub. This brings vibrancy to the community and allows the tenants to socialize without actually having to leave the building. Places with boutique fitness centres and yoga studios are also very popular.   Vionell Holdings Partnership (VHP) provides rental housing and property management for an array of residential and commercial customers, including Condominium Management. VHP currently has nearly 4,000 units under management in Manitoba. For more information please visit www.vhproperties.ca. VHP has committed to constructing 128 multifamily residential units in Portage la Prairie that will be ready for occupancy in spring of 2019.  

The Clarion Hotel & Suites will play host to the third annual Vintage Toy & Collectibles Show on Sunday, October the 14th.   Organizers are expecting over 50 tables of merchandise and admission to the event is free.  Vendors will be coming from all over the province including Winnipeg, Souris, Brandon, Portage, and Morden. Items for sale include brand names like Tonka, Barbie, Fisher Price, G.I. Joe, Disney and others. In addition to the vintage toys vendors will be carrying many other items including antiques, sports cards, comic books, vinyl records, video games, and coin & paper money. Check out their Facebook event page for more details.

Following their first successful event, The Westman Jamaican Community will now be holding a second fundraising event at a larger venue (Royal Canadian Legion No. 3).  JAMROCK--Fall Edition will take place on Friday, September 21.   Funds raised at the event will go towards participating in the next winter festival as well as an other initiative they have in place to help new immigrants settle in Brandon and area.   The event aims to take you to the Caribbean with their reggae and dance-hall music featuring DJ SHORTBOSS and DJ DAGGA.    Drinks and food will be on sale.   There will be a nice line up of Jamaican cuisine at this event.   Tickets: $5 in advance and $10 at door.   The Westman Jamaican Community is "a diverse group of individuals who are committed to creating a more unified and active Jamaican community in Western Manitoba."