Westman Communications Group (WCG) announced the five winners of the 2024 Local Loot Giveaway. The winners were announced at the Local Loot Giveaway Party, held at the Backyard on Aberdeen on February 23, 2024. Members were randomly selected based on the criteria of being a member of WCG for two or more years. Five grand prizes were gifted to loyal WCG members at the end of the evening. The fifth and fourth place prizes included a $500 gift card to Skin Clinics Brandon, and a $1,000 gift card to Co-op. The top three prizes were a three-day, two-night Ski-and-Sleep package to Asessippi Ski Resort and Russell Inn, a prize of $2,000 in cash with a matching amount going to a charity of the recipient’s choice, and the grand prize of an all-inclusive weekend package to the Elkhorn Resort Spa valued at $3,500. The winners of each prize were Breanne Cloet (Brandon), Justin Burla (Elm Creek), Chris Wilkinson-Swaenepoel (Souris), Marilyn Warkentin (Virden), and Ashely Barnesky (Minnedosa), respectively. “Our members have a profound impact on our journey to where we are now. Their loyalty, dedication, and unwavering support are the cornerstones upon which we continue to grow and thrive,” said Brandi Crowe, WCG Marketing Manager. “The Local Loot Giveaway is more than a celebration; it’s an opportunity to express our gratitude for their continued trust and loyalty. For more information about Westman Communications Group and the WCG Local Loot Giveaway follow WCG on social media or head to westmancom.com/local-loot-giveaway.

KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, proudly announces the achievement of Keystone Centre for its commitment to creating sensory-inclusive spaces. KultureCity’s flagship initiative, the Sensory Inclusive™ program, has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions across the United States, and around the world. This groundbreaking program provides training and resources to staff, enabling them to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, countless families and individuals can now experience and enjoy live events, entertainment, and public spaces with greater comfort and ease. We are proud to announce that KultureCity® has partnered with the Keystone Centre to make the facility and all of the programs and events that the venue hosts to be sensory inclusive. The certification process entailed the staff at the Keystone Centre being trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at the Keystone Centre who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. "We recognize the unquestionable need to make the Keystone Centre accessible to everyone," says Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. "KultureCity was an obvious partner in our effort to modernize the fan experience at the Keystone Centre. Comfort is a fundamental building block in the fan experience, and recognizing the diverse ways that people experience the events we hold makes the Keystone Centre a more effective host venue, and puts the Keystone Centre at the very forefront of Canadian live event venues when it comes to welcoming fans with diverse sensory experiences." Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions; age is no factor in this. Individuals might become overwhelmed from the crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli at the Keystone Centre. Founded on the belief that every person deserves to fully participate in all aspects of life, KultureCity® has been a driving force in fostering a culture of acceptance. Through innovative programs and partnerships, KultureCity® has successfully broken-down barriers that often prevent individuals with sensory sensitivities from enjoying public spaces and events. With its new certification, the Keystone Centre is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at the Keystone Centre. Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at the Keystone Centre. "Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, the Keystone Centre is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity® and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity!” Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity®.

Westman Communications Group (WCG), a local provider of premium telecommunication services, is pleased to have completed Phase 1 of its Wasagaming service expansion and will commence Phase 2 in the spring. This second phase of the expansion project will bring fibre lines to the southeastern side of Wasagaming and connect businesses, homes, and cottages to Internet, InfiniTV and Phone services. Community members can now begin signing up for WCG service packages. WCG’s Wasagaming service expansion is a 3-phase project supported by the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). Its aim is to provide enhanced connectivity and entertainment options to seasonal and permanent residents of the Wasagaming area and allow local businesses to participate more readily in the global economy. Phase 1 of the Wasagaming service expansion was focused on the southwestern commercial area, and Phase 3 will connect the cabins and campsites of northwestern Wasagaming. Phase 2, which is scheduled to start early this spring, will primarily target cottages along the southeastern side of the lake, and residents of this area can already begin signing up for WCG’s full suite of services packages and bundles, which include High Speed Internet, InfiniTV, and Phone services. “High Speed Internet is essential to community growth and sustainability,” said E.J. Keys, President and CEO of WCG. “As a local cooperative, we are dedicated to connecting under-served communities and look forward to seeing the tangible impact our services will make for Manitobans in the Wasagaming area.” For more information about WCG and the services it provides or to learn more about the Wasagaming service expansion and sign up for service packages, visit http://westmancom.com.

Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of supplemental and enrichment education for K–12 students with more than 710 locations worldwide, is now serving the Westman Area with its new location in Shoppers Mall. Sylvan Learning of Westman invites the community to join them in celebrating their Grand Opening on Saturday, February 24th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a chance to tour the new location, meet the team and win prizes! The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 12:00 with special guests in attendance and refreshments to follow. There will be various games and activities for families during the event. More events will be announced in the coming week. Sylvan Learning of Westman is locally owned by Joshua and Deborah Malyk, a son and mom duo that share a passion for helping students succeed. Joshua has experience as both a student and tutor of Sylvan and has seen firsthand how beneficial this program can be. “Brandon is a growing city, and there is a big gap when it comes to supplemental education resources,” said Joshua Malyk. “Sylvan is a natural fit to meet the mounting demand for academic support outside of the classroom. Our goal is for our location to have a positive influence on the future of our community.” Deborah Malyk worked for the provincial health department for nearly three decades before venturing into franchise ownership with her son. “Sylvan has been instrumental in supporting us as we translate our skillset into a successful business,” she said. “We’re a family helping other families, and it’s a dream come true to work alongside my son and see him pursue his passion in education and helping others.” Sylvan Learning has been producing proven results for over four decades. Now, it serves as a key resource for students as they work to recover from pandemic-related learning loss. Sylvan’s tutoring approach and advanced technology-based curriculum are designed to give each student a personalized, trackable plan to achieve their educational goals. “We’re proud to open our doors in Brandon and provide a one-stop, all-subject resource to support students through every stage of their academic journey,” said John McAuliffe, CEO of Sylvan. “Whether a student needs help catching up or advancing their skillset, Sylvan is here to help, and there are no two better people to lead this center than Joshua and Deborah.” For more information on Sylvan Learning of Westman’s services, please visit their website at https://www.sylvanlearning.com/locations/ca/mb/brandon-tutoring/westman/ or Facebook page at SylvanLearningWestmanMB. Sylvan Learning of Westman is located near Shoppers Mall entry 3, next to Tint & Brow Boutique and across from Dollarama.

Indulge your cravings and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as a brand-new restaurant, Pizza & Chicken by Kanwal, is poised to tantalize taste buds in our town. Nestled in the heart of downtown (934 Rosser Ave), this vibrant establishment promises to be a haven for pizza aficionados and chicken enthusiasts alike, offering a delectable fusion of flavors that is sure to leave patrons craving more. Scheduled to open its doors to the public in early March, Pizza & Chicken by Kanwal aims to revolutionize the local dining scene with its innovative concept and mouthwatering menu. With a focus on quality ingredients and inventive recipes, the restaurant is committed to delivering an unforgettable experience (at a very reasonable price) that appeals to food lovers of all ages. The menu at Pizza & Chicken by Kanwal  boasts an enticing array of options, ranging from traditional pizzas to bold and flavorful chicken. Signature dishes include the "cheese pizza paratha," loaded with sauce, cheese, onions, tomatoes, green peppers and spices as well as "Kanwal’s Fried Chicken" featuring a unique blend of spices, marination, and cooking. While there is no dine-in option, the restaurant will be available for convenient takeout and delivery options for enjoying your favorite dish in the comfort of your own home. The restaurant expects to employ 10-15 people and is presently completing a series of renovations prior to opening. For additional information on this restaurant, and to confirm an opening date, these visit their Facebook page here.