The Hansel and Gretels Schnitzelhouse recently released a statement (below) on their Facebook page that for health and family reasons they would be closing until further notice. For the past several weeks, the restaurant had been sharing the space at 363-1st Street with Los Brothers Street Food. Los Brothers Street Food had been running Monday-Thursday and The Hansel and Gretels Schnitzelhouse operational Friday-Sunday. With the departure of The Hansel and Gretels Schnitzelhouse, the restaurant will now be operated full time by Los Brothers Street Food as they look to expand both the hours of operation and days they are open. Los Brothers Street Food serves a variety of tacos, tortas, burritos, quesadillas, hot dogs, and hamburgers.

This year, things are a little different. And we thought, “How can we bring a vacation to you?” So, to shake up your normal routine, we created the Staycation Box! Just in time for the holidays, this comfy, cozy box is packed full of amazing Manitoba made products and a themed travel itinerary creating hours of engaging fun. As you open the box you are walked through every aspect from local music to setting the mood, tasting delicious beverages, learning to cook local delicacies, virtual tours and tips on how to make the experience exceptional. Our mission is to create a memorable "travel" experience in the comfort of your home while incorporating local Manitoba made products. One of our focal points is supporting local businesses and with so many wonderful products made here in Manitoba, it's easier than ever to buy local. We want to showcase these unique and delicious items, as well as inspire you to explore countries from around the world. We currently have two products. Our standard size box comes with a 48- hour itinerary of recipes, activities and 6-7 made-in-Manitoba goods, so that you can use the products to create two full days of restful, engaging fun. Then our mini-boxes were created for those who simply have an evening to serene escape. Each box includes 5 made in Manitoba products and a 4-6hr travel itinerary designed to create memories and fun experiences. We at McPhail Travel Brandon have poured our heart and soul into creating the Staycation Box and honestly, it couldn’t have been done without the amazing companies we have partnered with. We hand-picked each and every one of our gift boxes with a selection of local artisan products from across Manitoba. To give you an idea of what to expect, in our fabulous Paris box we have scrumptious macarons from Jenna Rae Cakes. In our Hawaii box, you can enjoy a cocktail on Its Charlow Darling while preparing a fun Luau dinner. And in our Active & Adventure box, grab your GORP energy bar as you head out on a hike. Are you a family looking for something to do this weekend? A company seeking to treat their employees? A couple longing for a date night? Or a busy individual needing a quick gift? You value aesthetics and convenience and are excited to have a fun experience from the comfort of your home. No more rushing around, pulling things together at the last minute. Let us do the work for you. Available for purchase at www.staycationbox.ca or by email info@mcphailtravel.net.

BDNMB.CA always strives to support local business and entrepreneurs. Today we look at new real estate agent Cheryl Campbell who has just started working at the local Remax office. Do you feel the local real estate market is growing among females: Brandon already has a very strong female presence in the real estate market, I am very lucky to work alongside many very successful female realtors, but yes I do believe it has grown and will continue to grow in our town! Who was your favourite hockey coach for your son: My son is 17 years old and started hockey when he was just 4/5 years old. That is a lot of years of hockey, with a lot of different coaches. There is no way I can pick just one, I think each one of them taught my son something different and valuable that has helped him become the person he is today, not only on the ice, but off the ice as well. Last movie you watched at the theatre: My husband and I took my daughters to Toy Story 4 (pre-covid). One of the best parts of having kids is the excuse to go to all the cutest kid movies! You can’t use google for this, but who is Jack Bauer: I honestly have no idea, but because we have already talked about hockey, I’m going to guess the CEO of Bauer hockey company? I’m going to Google him now...... Do you find Sean Hannity attractive: I would say he is definitely a bit of a silver fox. Brandon’s best Pizza: Marino’s is always my go to. Who was your worst date with, and why: I have actually never had a really bad date! However, my most awkward date was my first date with my husband. I have no idea why, but when the waitress came to take our orders, I ended up ordering his meal for him, right in front of him, without even asking what he wanted. Chicken fingers and fries. He didn’t want them, but ate them anyways. It was weird. We still laugh about it. Best gift you have ever received: A necklace with the fingerprint molding of a friend we lost. I wear it everyday. It means to world to me. What would your spirit animal be: I think I always assumed it would be a bear? Grumpy in the mornings, love to eat, hibernates all winter? However, I decided to take a “spirit animal” quiz for this: question, it turns out I’m a Platypus? It says we are cute, always on the go, happiest in the water and dangerous if angered. Who knew? If you could steal something without going to jail, what would it be: Probably the Cullinan diamond, which is one of the largest diamonds ever found. I would steal it, sell it for the $2 billion it is apparently worth, buy a place in Bermuda and retire. What skills do you wish you were better at: My time management skills. I think most of my family/friends would agree I have been known to run a bit late at times, it’s something I am working on. Who has given you good business advice, and what was it: One of the real estate courses was taught by a lady who has been in the business for many years. She told us all to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” and I honestly repeat this to myself often. In this business you have to put yourself out there, meet new people, ask uncomfortable questions, work your way through new experiences, new situations, and get used to being rejected over and over again. It’s not always fun, but it comes with the job. Do you think life exists on other planets: Yes! There are billions of galaxies out there. Billions! There is no way we can be the only living things around. What is your hidden skill or talent: Well it is going to stay hidden for most of you, but a few people have been “lucky” enough to experience my top notch Karaoke/Lip syncing performances. That’s all I am going to say about that. Jeans or a Skirt: I love them both! But I wear jeans more often. When you book a hotel room, what’s the most important thing to you: Does it have a waterslide to entertain my 4&6 year old daughters for at LEAST a few hours during our stay. Is Yoga cool: Ummmm Yes!!! Yoga is so cool. Did you ever do online dating: I have not. My husband and I were together far before online dating was a popular thing to do. What are you most passionate about: Helping others is my passion. Anything as little as brightening someone’s day with a good laugh, or as big as helping someone find their future home. It makes me happy, and I love doing it.

Over the course of the past several weeks, a number of Brandon businesses have moved/relocated their operations into new locations throughout the city. Princess Dental Group (pictured above) opened the doors to the public at their new home (Unit 7 - 3409 Victoria Avenue) on Tuesday, October 20. Established in 1989, Princess Dental Group "performs a full range of dental services, from simple fillings and teeth whitening to full smile makeovers". J&J Auto Sales Ltd were also on the move to their new car lot & showroom at 1610 - 1st St North. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-7pm & Saturdays 10am-5pm.  J&J Auto Sales has been in the pre-owned car business for over 20-years. On October 7, Kickin' Axe Throwing officially reopened in their new location at 1203 Princess Ave. Kickin' Axe Throwing is the perfect destination for birthdays, stags/stagettes, corporate events, and fundraisers.

There have been occasions when sisters Kayla and Marsha Kindrat head to a work site and they’re met with a look of shock and surprise. Kayla is a Level 1 Apprentice Plumber and her older sister is a certified Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and both work in Brandon, at All Around Plumbing and Heating Electrical. “The look of surprise isn’t a bad thing” says Kayla. “People are just sometimes surprised to see two women plumbers on the job. They are surprised in a good way. People have been really supportive. They say things like ‘good for you. That’s awesome.’ They say encouraging things.” Contactor’s Corner owner Geoff Gregoire says, “they both have great attention to detail and interaction with our customers.  Our customers love working with Marsha and Kayla. They bring a unique dynamic and are a great part of the team here.” Both Marsha and Kayla have come to the trade through Assiniboine Community College. Marsha completed her program in 2016 and was the inspiring factor that led Kayla to enroll. Kayla wanted to be able to work with her hands, to analyze problems and develop solutions. She says that part of the job is very satisfying. It gives her a really good feeling of accomplishment when a renovation is complete.  She adds, “being able to contribute my skills and knowledge into a trade that is so male dominated definitely gives me the drive to push as hard as I can. It’s less expected, so showing what women can do in the trades is a huge motivator to continue on.” Of the 14 students Kayla went to school with there were only two women in the class, herself included. Statistics Canada’s Labour Force survey (2018) cites just 4% of women currently employed in trades. In Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador boast the highest percentage of women in trades, at nearly thirteen percent. To learn more about programs and supports for women considering a career in trades, visit www.womenapprentices.ca. And to learn about the programs offered in Brandon, visit www.Assiniboine.net. Kayla knows that she has the unique opportunity to inspire other women and girls just as her sister has done for her. “I definitely look up to Marsha. She’s such a strong, independent person. I’m proud to say that my sister is the one who got me where I am today.” To read more stories about women in trades, or to learn about opportunities for employers to get involved, contact the Office to Advance Women Apprentices in Manitoba, or click through their links at womenapprentices.ca.