Westoba, a division of Assiniboine Credit Union, is proud to offer the Westoba Inspire program again for 2025. Applications to the Westoba Inspire program will be accepted for major community infrastructure projects up to $10,000.00 from March 1 – 31, 2025. The Inspire program offers funding opportunities for a variety of projects that meet a wide range of ages and demographics. To be eligible for funding, the request needs to support community infrastructure projects that: • Are initiated locally or have a clear local impact; • Are inclusive and bring people together; • Are long-term or multi-functional; and • Promote staying, participating and engaging in an enriched community. Applications are reviewed by Westoba’s Community Investment Committee which includes employees, active Westoba members, and Board representation. Successful applications are chosen based on their ability to align with Westoba’s goal to support community infrastructure. HOW TO APPLY to Westoba Inspire Applications will be accepted through an online application form available March 1 – 31 at www.westobacom.

What started as a memorable celebration for their second-born daughter’s baptism has now become a small family business bringing joy and sweetness to events across Brandon. Inspired by their childhood memories of cotton candy in the Philippines, where the sweet treat was a staple at parks, churches, and street vendors, this husband-and-wife team saw an opportunity to introduce a nostalgic and fun addition to local celebrations. “Cotton candy has always been a big part of our childhood,” they shared. “Every time we had one, we shared it with our family and siblings. In the Philippines, it was common to have cotton candy, sweets, or ice cream stands at private celebrations, but here in Brandon, we noticed that no one included it in their events. That’s what gave us the idea to start our small business named "Colorful Sweet by JJ.” To balance out the sweetness, they decided to add popcorn to their offerings, catering to both kids and those who are kids at heart. Today, they provide rental services for popcorn and cotton candy machines, ensuring that every event they serve is filled with delicious treats and cherished memories. Currently, their business focuses on popcorn and cotton candy rentals, but they are looking to expand their offerings. “We’re looking forward to adding more sweetness that will cater to everyone’s preferences,” they said. Their rental service is comprehensive, providing not just the machines but also an operator for each booking, ensuring that guests can enjoy freshly made snacks without the hassle. They also offer a wide variety of flavors, giving clients plenty of options to make their events even more special. For popcorn lovers, the available flavors include: White Cheddar Jalapeño Cheese Cheddar Cheese Sour Cream For cotton candy enthusiasts, they offer: Blue Raspberry Green Apple Pink Vanilla Orange Grape Bubblegum The business has already served a variety of clients, catering to events such as business and store openings, birthdays, weddings, baptisms, family days, and graduations. “Whatever gathering you have—if you want to add some sweetness and crunch—we can always be there,” they said. By bringing these nostalgic treats to local events, this family-run business is not just serving snacks but also creating moments of joy, reminiscent of childhood memories. With plans to expand their offerings, they are excited to continue spreading sweetness to even more celebrations in the future.

The newest addition to the local culinary scene, Multi Cook, is now officially open for business, bringing fresh, handmade meals to the community. Located at (155-18th St. Unit B)  this innovative food shop prides itself on offering high-quality, locally made dishes prepared entirely in-store. The business, owned and operated by Oksana Golovka and Kateryna Doboshynska, has created 12 new jobs, providing opportunities for skilled workers and food enthusiasts alike. What sets Multi Cook, a Ukrainian franchise,  apart is its dedication to handcrafted, fresh food. Every meal is prepared on-site by a team of passionate employees who prioritize quality and taste. Unlike mass-produced frozen or pre-packaged meals, Multi Cook’s offerings are made with recipes from the Ukraine & Europe as well as fresh ingredients, guaranteeing a homemade touch in every bite. Visitors to the new location can expect popular dishes like borscht, pierogi, and cabbage rolls, as well as gourmet options inspired by diverse culinary traditions. Delivery service is also available. Stop by today  (155-18th St. Unit B) and experience the difference of locally made, handcrafted meals! a grand opening event has been scheduled for March 22.  

Westman Communications Group (WCG) recently announced the return of its Connecting Westman Tour initiative for 2025. WCG will visit the communities of Rivers, Deloraine, Shoal Lake, and Virden throughout the summer and host charity barbecues to raise funds for local causes. WCG initially launched the Connecting Westman Tour in 2019 to support communities it serves throughout Manitoba. Residents are invited to attend a charity barbecue in Rivers, Deloraine, Shoal Lake, and Virden. Pricing is donation-based, allowing attendees to support the chosen cause as much as they are able. In addition to providing a hot lunch for the area, the Tour is a great opportunity for members to meet key figures of WCG’s Board of Directors. “The Connecting Westman Tour has proven to be a resounding success for local community enrichment,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “Our 2024 Tour was our most successful year yet, raising over $26,000 for local communities and the causes that matter most to them. We plan to keep this momentum going to more areas in 2025.” The 2025 Connecting Westman Tour will occur on May 29 in Rivers, June 19 in Deloraine, July 24 in Shoal Lake, and will wrap up in Virden on August 28. For more information about Westman Communications Group and its services, visit https://westmancom.com.

The 48th annual Manitoba Ag Days took place from January 21 to 23, 2025, at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. The event attracted over 30,000 attendees, consistent with the past three years. The event featured 67 speakers covering topics such as agronomy, sustainability, livestock, and marketing. BDNMB.CA was on-hand to capture the following photos from the event. All photos by Scramble Studio. 2026 Dates: January 20, 21 and 22 at the Keystone Centre