Steppin’ Time Dance Studio Ltd. is embarking on their 24th year of helping individuals develop and evolve their dance skills, along with building lifelong skills and relationships.    Over the course of two and a half decades, a lot has evolved on the way to becoming the prestigious professional dance school they are today.   “Many things have changed in the past 24 years,” says Monique Roy-Keller, Owner/Director and Instructor at Steppin’ Time Dance Studio. “We opened the doors in 1995 with two instructors and less than 50 students and now 3 locations later, we own a downtown Brandon building with ten full-time teachers, 60 assistant teachers, and over 400 dedicated dancers.”   Perhaps the most significant change of all can’t be measured by a number. Roy-Keller says the dedication and love of dance in the community has changed drastically over the years.   Not only is Steppin’ Time Dance Studios excited about their past, but they continue to prepare for the future.    “Every season brings on so many exciting events, including our local Brandon Festival of the Arts. Steppin’ Time has over 200 entries in the Brandon Festival each year,” says Roy-Keller. “Our over 90 competitive dancers take part in conventions and competitions in Calgary, Regina, and Winnipeg. We also have pre-school spring recitals and our highlight of the year will be our year-end recitals in May at the WMCA.”   During the fall dancing season, the instructors aim to give the students a well-rounded dance program.   Roy-Keller explains that they create an atmosphere at the dance studio that will allow every dancer the opportunity to let their creativity, technique, and ability to be on display.   “We want each dancer to love their journey through dance, and all the instructors want to help each of them reach their goals through discipline and hard work while doing something they love!”   Every other year, the fall season of dance goes out with a bang with a Steppin’ Time original dance production. Roy-Keller uses these productions as a way to educate the audience and the performers about essential topics in society – mental health, bullying, etc.   “For this upcoming season we will be training and competing for more than the huge year-end recitals at the WMCA, but we will bring to life a new original production in celebration of our 25th year” explains Roy-Keller.   Learning to dance is so much more than footwork and coordination says Roy-Keller, but it is about being a part of a community.   “We are a community of like-minded children that love to challenge themselves, learn, and perform. Here, children discover their potential and develop skills to last a lifetime.”   Fall registration at Steppin’ Time is currently open, and they are accepting dancers! If you are interested or would like to learn more visit their website at www.steppintime.com.  

A new retail outlet specializing in the sale of automobile batteries is set to open in Brandon on September 4. Brandon Battery, operated by Dave Zajaros, will carry Johnson Controls, Atlas, Exide, and Willard batteries depending on the application of what is going in. All automotive batteries are priced at $89.99*. At present they will only be selling batteries at their temporary location at 305 Pacific Ave. Future plans, at an address currently under construction on Park Ave E, will include service and installation. Expected completion date of the Park Ave East location is March 2020. Brandon Battery will also carry heavy duty truck batteries, farm batteries, specialty batteries (hearing aid, remote car starters, alarm & security system) and alkaline batteries. Additionally, a variety of batteries for commercial, golf carts, boat and marine, snowmobiles, and motorcycles will be available as well. You can check out their website here or their Facebook page here. *a core charge of $18 applies if you are not exchanging a battery. Taxes not included in pricing.

BRANDON, MB 08.29.19 – Westoba’s community giving program, Inspire is now accepting applications for major projects that support community infrastructure until September 30. “Westoba, is committed to our members and the communities we serve. “Said Jim Rediger, Westoba Credit Union CEO.” We give back thousands annually to hundreds of different groups, organizations and charities, and we believe that by focusing our community investment efforts on community infrastructure we can have a greater impact locally.” Westoba will provide funding to deserving non-profit, charitable or community organizations across the province who are helping build stronger community infrastructure through facilities or programming. Applications are reviewed by Westoba’s Community Investment Committee that includes staff, member and Board representation. Successful applications are chosen based on their ability to align with Westoba’s goal to support community infrastructure. HOW TO APPLY Applications will be accepted through an online application form available at westobainspire.com.

Halloween Alley will be operating out of a new location in 2019. This year they are moving operations to WestVic Common (3409 Victoria Ave) and the store is set to open shortly. The "pop-up" seasonal store sells a wide range of Halloween clothing, masks, kits, accessories, wigs, makeup and even decorative ideas for your Halloween display.  Costume sizes range from infant toddler to plus size.  They even have both cute and scary costumes for your pets. Their helpful and friendly staff are available to help you with Halloween costume ideas. This will be their 6th season in Brandon.

Popular downtown restaurant, The Dock on Princess will be hosting a Mini Margarita Fest from September 3-8. Among the activities panned to date include a Mini Margarita Fest drink menu, a crawfish boil, and a live concert featuring Rob Watts. The crawfish boil is Thursday September 5th starting at 5pm. The restaurant has ordered the boil and and crawfish straight from Louisiana, including seasoning from the Louisiana Crawfish Company. Supplies are limited and reservations are welcome. Rob Watts has opened for artists Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Aaron Pritchett, Jason McCoy & The Road Hammers, and more. The concert starts September 7th at 8pm and the cover is only $5. The Facebook event page can be found here.