Westoba Credit Union (WCU) is excited to announce $3,000.00 in funding from the Westoba Inspire program to support the Elton Community Centre. The Elton Community Centre (ECC) is located just five minutes north of Brandon, MB in the hamlet of Forrest. ECC Treasure, Emma Kohinski recognizes the importance of this facility to not only Forrest but the surrounding area. “The ECC is an integral part of our community and provides recreation and sport opportunities for children at a much lower cost than programs that run in larger cities,” said Kohinski. " In the past we have had approximately 50% of our registrations from RM of Elton residents, the other 50% coming from Brandon & other communities such as Douglas, Justice, Chater, etc.” Known locally as the Forrest Rink, the facility operates a natural ice rink for the months of December through March (weather permitting) offering a variety of activities and events. “We offer Learn to Skate lessons and have a full hockey program for kids ages 3 and up, as well as an adult men’s rec hockey night and an annual Men’s 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament fundraiser,” said Kohinski. Kohinski reported the facility was recently approved for an Efficiency Manitoba grant to upgrade the arena lighting having a direct impact on the revenue generating abilities of the facility. Funds from Westoba Inspire will be used to purchase a new upgraded score clock for the arena as the current clock needs replacement. “Having a clean, bright and professional rink will draw more spectators out to games and tournaments which will increase our 50/50 and canteen sales, providing more profits for our community center,” said Kohinski. The funding from Westoba Inspire is part of Westoba’s 60th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2023 Westoba has been showing their appreciation with a $60,000.00 giveaway through Westoba Inspire and other community involvement. President and CEO, Jim Rediger said the 60th celebrations this year and the launch of the new Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Values statements have been a highlight for him. “Our employees at all levels have put an incredible amount of work and dedication into celebrating this historic milestone with our communities,” said Rediger. “Investing in community initiatives like this is important to us as it supports our cooperative principles and our purpose of empowering people and communities to thrive.”

Two local couples have purchased Memories Chapel on 18th Street. Scott & Michelle Major and as well Raquelle & Brian Baker all from Brandon have made a significant investment to take over Memories Chapel. Business founder Brent Buchanan opened Memories in 1998 and roughly 25 years later have agreed to terms with the Major and Baker families. We had a chance to talk to Scott and Michelle about their plans. BDNMB - Tell us your background and why you are in this business. "I have always been someone who has a very big, caring heart.  Being in the Funeral Service industry is a passion,  I am very passionate about the families we serve and their loved ones." Michelle Major said she started out working in a personal care home for 13 years prior to becoming a Funeral Director.  "I have always enjoyed caring for individuals, creating strong relationships with them and their families." BDNMB - How did you become interested or involved in the funeral business? I decided after having two children that it was time to follow my dreams and enroll in the Funeral Director course.  During my apprenticeship I worked at a Funeral Home who helped guide me and made me realize how passionate I was about helping families, their loved ones and our community.  Owning a Funeral Home is something I have dreamt of doing and Scott and I could not have done it without our partners Brian and Raquelle Baker. BDNMB - Any changes on the horizon or staffing changes? As the new owners of Memories Chapel Funeral Home we plan to keep the excellent service that Memories Chapel is known for. Our vision at Memories Chapel is to help create a positive experience for every family that comes through our doors, we want to ensure that everyone is treated with the utmost respect and dignity that they deserve. Our team at Memories Chapel holds ourselves to the highest standard, integrity, compassion and professionalism. Most of the existing team at Memories Chapel will remain with the change in ownership. We plan to continue to provide the best possible services to the families that we serve. We will continue to remain on top of education, and create a personalized send off for the families loved ones. We recognize that the old ownership created a strong compassionate company for the community of Brandon over the past 24 years. Our goal is to carry on with the company that they built, and to evolve as the times are changing while keeping compassion and care is our number one priority.

Westoba Credit Union is excited to announce $10,000.00 in funding from the Westoba Inspire program in support of a new kitchen for the Douglas Community Hall. The Douglas Community Recreation Association (DCRA) Treasurer and Grants Committee Chair, Marilyn Whaley said they were inspired by various Douglas ladies' groups to build this new community kitchen in their honor. “For over 75 years this group of volunteers provided our community fall suppers, funeral luncheons, catered to weddings, curling banquets etc. in small little kitchen in the basement of the hall,” said Whaley. “We want to continue to carry on their legacy by building a new community kitchen on the main floor of the hall.” The DCRA consists of an Executive committee, Board Members and volunteers that manage the operation of the Douglas Community Hall, the Curling Rink, and the outdoor skating/hockey rink. Moving the kitchen to the main floor of the hall provides better accessibility for the variety of events and activities this space provides for. “We offer our annual mixed curling bonspiel, club curling, Relic Derby, bingo, socials, kids movie nights and in 2023 our 1st annual Car Show & BBQ,” said Whaley. “The hall is also used by Westman Jams, a local music group to host community jam sessions and meeting space for other clubs to hold their regular meetings.” The funding from Westoba Inspire is part of Westoba’s 60th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2023 Westoba has been showing their appreciation with a $60,000.00 giveaway through Westoba Inspire and other community involvement. Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger contributes Westoba’s success to its members and commitment to Westoba’s values. “These guiding principles reflect Westoba's dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of its members and communities,” said Rediger. Construction on the new kitchen is expected to start this winter with completion in early 2024.

The sparkling display of holiday lighting at the MB Hydro Power Smart Waterfall of Lights is on. The Power Smart Waterfall of Lights is located immediately west of the City of Brandon’s Parks Services Complex on 2020 McGregor Avenue. The displays will be turned on and remain lit from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly through the winter season. No public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the Power Smart Waterfall of Lights display. The public is encouraged to park in designated areas on McGregor Avenue or Hilton Avenue and walk through the area to view the lights. The City of Brandon asks all members of the public to enjoy the lighting displays at a safe distance and not to walk in areas where power cords are present. Depending on the weather, the ice will go in for 2023 season soon.

It's fantastic to hear about Austin Dobrescu's new venture, EVO Golf, in Downtown Brandon. The facility is a modern and well-constructed space that caters to both hardcore golfers and casual fans. The convenience of parking at 545 Pacific Ave. adds to the appeal of the location. Cesha - Stacy and Kerry Austin feels during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many activities were limited, reflects an understanding of the increased popularity of golf during such times. The inclusion of various putting games and contests for different skill levels is a thoughtful touch, making the facility accessible to a wide range of golf enthusiasts. The plan to obtain a full liquor license and introduce food services in the coming months indicates a commitment to creating a complete and enjoyable experience for visitors. The incorporation of fitness areas and an interactive putting green further enhances the overall offering. It's exciting to hear about leagues already starting and the positive reception of Austin's concept. The state-of-the-art shooting bays and the intention to create a social atmosphere, especially in the evenings, make EVO Golf not just a place for honing golf skills but also a community hub. Interactive Putting Green The future plans for private parties and events showcase a forward-thinking approach to making EVO Golf a versatile destination. Congratulations to Austin Dobrescu on the successful launch of EVO Golf, and best wishes for its continued success in providing a great golfing and social experience for the people of Brandon and Western Manitoba. Of note, Brandon Downtown Development Corporation did help EVO Golf in assisting with the development of his space. EVO Golf https://www.evogolf.ca/