Have you ever taken a bite of something so delicious that you thought to yourself, “I have to tell someone about this!”  A recent visit to BIGG SMOAK BBQ in Steinbach (375 N Front Drive) had us saying just that. The starter wings were about as good a buffalo wing one could have, and the quality of the food escalated from there. Tender fall of the bone ribs and a juicy melt in your mouth brisket had the three of us individually placing additional takeout orders for the next day. The sides were equally impressive including a very cheesy mac-n-cheese and some tangy baked beans. The restaurant is one of those "out of the way" places that food lovers from Brandon and the Westman area MUST try. The pitmaster creates BBQ magic with every low-and-slow smoked dish, served piping hot to your table. The extensive menu has a little bit of something for everyone including pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, smoked chicken, and their certified angus beef brisket. Prior to the main course, be sure to try one of their innovative appetizers like the BIGG Dirty Skins (loaded with mac-n-cheese, Texas brisket, onion tanglers and a bold BBQ sauce. Traveling with the family, they have you covered. A number of salads, burgers, entrees and pizza is also available.

Brandon’s 33rd annual “Big One” Arts & Crafts Sale featuring all handmade arts, crafts and food items is just around the corner. The event has grown substantially over the years and is now spread out over two weekends (October 15 & 16, October 22 & 23).  A different lineup of vendors is featured each weekend. Admission is only $5 (12 & under free) with part proceeds from the door admission going to the Canadian Cancer Society. Additional information on this year’s event can be found on their web site here. Location: Manitoba Room & UCT Room, Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba Dates: October 15 & 16, October 22 & 23 Time: Saturday and Sunday 10am -5pm daily.

A little over 10 years ago a local entrepreneur who had discovered the training methodology of CrossFit opened a small gym in Brandon’s east end.  Over the years he developed a loyal membership base of dedicated CrossFitters.  When it came time to follow a new career path, a group of 11 members couldn’t bear the thought of the community that had been built and the style of training they had all grown to love might come to an end.  So earlier this year they formed a partnership, purchased the gym and Meridian CrossFit was born!  “We couldn’t fathom our gym no longer being there,” said Chris Cels, President of the Meridian ownership group.   “The great coaching and programming, the sense of community and sharing your fitness journey, no matter what it looks like for you, has become part of our lives and our routine.  We all have different fitness goals, and CrossFit gives us the chance to pursue them together.” What is CrossFit?  It is a fitness program that is based on constantly varied, functional movements performed with intensity.  The programming works toward achieving overall fitness by incorporating cardio, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, and balance through varied and challenging workouts.   It has universally scalable programming that can be performed by athletes at all skill and fitness levels.  There are over 10,000 CrossFit affiliates in over 120 countries with more than 5 million participants.  Meridian is Westman’s only CrossFit affiliate.  Workout classes are 1 hour long and include different programming every day.  Classes are limited to 9 students to ensure attention for all students from the Certified coaching staff.  There is a Foundations class offered that teaches newcomers the basics of the lifts and provides a slow introduction to the workouts.  Anyone interested is welcome to try out a free class to get a feel for the gym. Meridian also offers private personal training services, team training and kids and teen classes, as well as beginner yoga classes focused on mobility and recovery.  There is no long-term commitment required, and memberships can be in the form of unlimited access memberships or 10-use punch cards.  First month adult membership is always ½ price, and for the month of October, all new members will receive their first two months at half price. This Saturday, October 1st, Meridian will be holding an open house from 12-4 to welcome the public to check out what the gym has to offer.  They will also be hosting a charity BBQ catered by Joe Beevers with pulled pork on a bun, chips and a drink with all proceeds going toward VOLT Hockey, an accessible form of hockey that is played in a specifically designed hockey sport chair by people with a variety of disabilities, particularly those with limited upper mobility. Meridian CrossFit is located a Unit 3C – 389 Park Avenue East.  Find them on Facebook or Instagram (@meridiancrossfitmb), email meridiancrossfit@gmail.com,  call or text 204-573-6162.

As Canada marks the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Sunrise Credit Union continues to find ways to embrace reconciliation. The reconciliation process is vital for all Canadians because it's about the basics of how we treat each other as human beings and the kind of relationships and communities we want to build for the future. Sunrise Credit Union is committed to establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians as the foundation of meaningful reconciliation. "At Sunrise, we take responsibility to listen and learn from within our organization and beyond and carry that with us as we work to better our efforts in truth and reconciliation." said Sunrise President & CEO Tim Klassen, "It is through truth and reconciliation that we will continue to grow and improve as individuals and as a country." Sunrise Credit Union remains dedicated to investing in community initiatives and projects that create opportunities for awareness, learning, and dialogue, including sponsoring and participating in the Truth and Reconciliation Week activities in the City of Brandon for the last two years. In addition, Sunrise has provided financial support to the National Indigenous Peoples Day in Brandon, the inaugural Honouring the Good Road Gala, and the Creating a New Legacy Aboriginal Healing & Wellness Conference. "Supporting Indigenous reconciliation is an important part of being a socially responsible organization." said Klassen, "It aligns with our goal of positively influencing our local communities." Internally, Sunrise Credit Union provides Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Awareness Professional Development opportunities for staff, has adopted land acknowledgment before each meeting of the Board of Directors, and encourages staff to learn through community events on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Sunrise Credit Union will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. As a result, all Sunrise branches and head office will be closed on this date.

From September 19th to September 25th , the full $1 from every Smile Cookie sold in Brandon will support the Brandon Area Community Foundation. Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the Smile Cookie campaign has raised more than $60 million for charities, hospitals, and community programs across the country - with a record-breaking $12 million in 2021. Back again for its 26th year, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie week will support charities in communities across the country, including the Brandon Area Community Foundation – one of hundreds of Canadian charities, hospitals and community programs supported through the annual campaign. ‘Smile Cookie week is here again and we are beyond excited to have some amazing businesses step up to support the cause with us this year.  Together,  these ‘smiles’ will help make a difference in our community.  What’s better than delicious cookies and helping others?’ Rhonda Pardy, Tim Hortons Westman & Area. For one week, from September 19 th to 25 th , restaurant owners will donate the full $1 from every freshly baked chocolate chunk Smile Cookie purchased to support charities in their community. Guests can complete a form to place pre-orders for Smile Cookies through their restaurant in Brandon. In addition to the funds received from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign, there are several local sponsors that will be generously matching all funds received throughout the week. - September 19 th : Premier Financial - September 20 th : Cardinal Capital - September 21 st : MNP - September 22 nd : Guild Insurance Group - September 23 rd : Compass Credit Union, Fusion Credit Union, Sunrise Credit Union & Westoba Credit Union - September 24 th : Murray Chev Buick GMC - September 25 th : Myphone TELUS & KOODO Authorized Dealer To pre-order Smile Cookies, complete the order form here.