Reservations to Assiniboine Community College’s much-anticipated annual Grey Owl Restaurant are a hot commodity. So much so that the college has helped the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Foundation net $13,800 through auctioning off a single table of eight over each of the previous five years. In the past, the college has provided a complimentary table to the BRHC Foundation to use in its fundraising activities. This marks the sixth year that the BRHC Foundation will auction off a table to the 2018 Grey Owl at their annual fundraising gala on September 30. It’s likely the total amount raised in the six years will surpass $17,000. "ACC's incredible donation has helped us make a difference in the healthcare provided at the Brandon Regional Health Centre,” said Cindy Buizer, Executive Director of the BRHC Foundation. “Gala proceeds over the past five years have purchased a transport unit and transport ventilator, an infant ventilator, a Bipap respiratory unit, hysterscopes, and supported our fundraising projects.” “We are so very grateful to have been the recipient of this donation for a total of six years and extend our heartfelt thank you to the Assiniboine Community College for their generosity," she added. Assiniboine is now inviting other non-profit organizations and community groups to submit their proposals for a complimentary reservation at the 2019 Grey Owl restaurant. The organization selected by the college will be able to use the donated table for eight inside the private dining room to support their own fundraising efforts. “We’re constantly reminded of the support Assiniboine receives from the public,” said president Mark Frison. “And with our own Foundation, we know first-hand how much of a difference donations make towards realizing our goals and supporting students.” “We expect this Grey Owl experience will help a non-profit organization make good strides towards their own fundraising objectives and we’re keen to support the community in this way as we have for the hospital foundation. Those organizations and groups interested in submitting a proposal to the college may visit assiniboine.net/GreyOwl for details on submission requirements, allowed use and deadlines for proposals. Reservations to the 2018 Grey Owl are expected to open in December 2017. Details will be updated on the college’s website as they become available.  

A new life lease project from Vionell Holdings Partnership (VHP), has been announced for the North Hill, next to the Grand Valley Church.  The development will include 18 Life Lease units ranging from 1,048 square feet to 1,523 square feet and feature underground parking and storage lockers for each unit.  The price range is from $1,650 per month to $1,850 per month, plus the entrance fee of $150,000 which is fully refundable when the tenant vacates. If people are interested in leasing a unit, they can contact Jeff Temple (726-1681) at Vionell Holdings.  There will also be 18 bare land condo units (with amazing views of the city) on the parcel that J&G is developing.  VHP will be managing the condo corp on behalf of J&G.  For more information on the condo units, you can contact Nycolle Adams (728-2235) at J&G. For more information on life leases, please click link below. What is a Life Lease - The Summit

After three years of being in the highly competitive pizza business locally owned Fired Pizza has closed its doors on Victoria Ave. Jamie Munro, one of the owners and managers of Fired Pizza, let staff know that he felt it was time to "shut down the business" and wanted to ensure them that their pay cheques would be honored and nobody would be owed salary.

After 2 years Brown's Socialhouse in Brandon has closed effective this morning due to unforeseen circumstances. Sources close to BDNMB.CA have said they expect a new concept to open within 3 - 6 weeks. At this time this is all the information we have been able to acquire.  

Prominent, local business owners and sisters, Bridget Shaw and Heather Day, have been working hard over the past few months to prepare for changes to their independent businesses that were connected up until this past Saturday. Day is the owner of Straight Up Salon, H&Co Academy and the newly opened Daydreams Esthetics Spa. The hair salon was located in the upper level of Lady of the Lake Gift Shop for the past seven and a half years, but after opening the spa on 10th Street in January (with H&Co Academy - Esthetics utilizing the lower level), Day saw an opportunity to incorporate all beauty experiences under one roof. As such, the hair salon moved and reopened this past Tuesday to 801-10th Street within Daydreams Esthetics Spa. “Daydreams is the total beauty experience in a comfortable, affordable, immaculately decorated new location. Our services include hair, nails, facials, esthetics, healing baths, a brow and lash bar, as well as beauty boutique featuring Eminence products and unique lines of handbags, jewellery and scarves,” said Day. Heading north, back down to 18th Street to Lady of the Lake, we discover that while Shaw will miss regular interactions with her sister, she is excited to once again be expanding her business. “We’re focusing on furniture, new and antique, plus home decor. We have been collecting some interesting antique pieces that will be showcased upstairs along with new upholstered accent chairs and cushions. We also have a lovely selection of vintage-look small, area rugs. Basically, we are returning to how we started ten years ago,” said Shaw. “It was fun running into family members throughout the day. Heather and I would sit some days and just discuss business and that will be missed. We will still get together, but not as spontaneously. Life moves forward and changes are good,” said Shaw. It’s expected that the unveiling of Lady of the Lake Upstairs will be mid-September. Check the businesses websites, follow them on Facebook or stop by for a visit for more details. www.ladyofthelake.ca www.daydreamsspa.ca www.hcoacademy.com www.straightupsalon.com