As the kids head back to school and begin their fall sports and activities, many parents find themselves with a full calendar. No matter how organized a person can be, sometimes you just want to throw your hands up and say, I wish there were two of me! Cue Grandma On Demand, a new local business that acts as a third party assistant of sorts, willing to help you with the simple things, like picking up your mail or a run to the grocery store for milk. "I created Grandma on Demand primarily as an emergency service," said entrepreneur Leigh Wood." We're willing to do anything that a family requires to make life easier. Right now, Wood is offering school drop-offs or pickups, assistance with appointments or lessons, light housekeeping, child care, and 2nd parent services, meal prep, baking, and respite services. Wood says the idea came to her after several years managing the canteen at the Sportsplex. Watching hundreds of families come through the doors, many with the difficult task of getting one kid ready for hockey, while another is waiting for a snack and help with their homework. A mother and grandmother herself, Wood says, watching families at the rink and helping with her two twin autistic grandsons shone a light on how overwhelming being a parent in today's environment can be. "The one thing I want people to know is that I sincerely want to make families' lives easier," added Wood.  "I love hearing the family's stories and struggles and together finding some kind of solution to lighten the load." Grandma on Demand can be found on Facebook and Twitter, and Wood encourages people to reach out and start a discussion; there are no tasks or ideas that are too outrageous. "The one common feeling I have felt with those I have talked to is RELIEF and a feeling that someone understands what they are going through," added Wood. "For me, that is exactly the reward I was hoping for."

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Brandon is slated to open Monday, September 14. The 6-storey, 116-room hotel is located (1148 18th Street) right in the heart of Brandon and across from the Keystone Centre. In conversation with bdnmb.ca earlier today General Manager Suzanne Rowley said that business travelers factor in a number of considerations when booking a room including a spacious work area inside the room, reliable WiFi access, a fitness centre, and peace and quiet. The Holiday Inn Express offers a number of perks: indoor pool, fitness centre, indoor whirlpool, guest laundry,  complimentary grab & go breakfast, business centre and complimentary high speed WiFi. The property also boasts 2-25 person meeting spaces. In addition to the business traveler, the hotel will be a destination stop for many hockey/athletic teams and family travel. The Brandon Holiday Inn Express is owned by P.R. Hotels Ltd, who own/operate 10 hotels in total. Thirty to thirty-five staff are expected to be employed once the hotel is fully operational. For additional information on the hotel, please visit this link.

Regent Custom Cresting recently celebrated 30 years in business. The company first opened their doors in August of 1990, with 4 employees (2 owners, 2 press operators) and one 4 color screen printing press. Operating out of their present location at 2506 Southern Ave, the company now employs 10 people with multiple 6 color screen printing presses and additional embroidery equipment. General Manager Kevin Elton, who has been with Regent for the entire 30 years, told bdnmb.ca that he has noticed several significant changes in the industry during that time including the ordering process (email/online) and the speed production of today's modern equipment. Due to Covid-19, a planned BBQ to show appreciation to both their customers and staff was recently put on hold until they can safely celebrate together. Engraving, embroidery, silk screening, promotional items, apparel, trophies, framing, sports team outfits, and more are among the products/services offered by Regent Custom Cresting.

BRANDON, MB 09.01.20 – Westoba Inspire Community Investment Program is accepting applications during the month of September 2020 for major projects supporting community infrastructure. “We are focusing on projects that will enhance community infrastructure,” said Jim Rediger, Westoba Credit Union President and CEO. “Initiatives and projects that have lasting impact and offer sustainability to community resources will be given priority.” Westoba will provide funding to deserving non-profit, charitable or community organizations across the province who are helping build stronger communities 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. ABOUT WESTOBA INSPIRE Created in 2017, Westoba Inspire is the result of Westoba’s Community Investment Fund in partnership with the Brandon Area Community Foundation. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a non-profit charitable organization, support community infrastructure projects that are initiated locally or have a clear local impact; are inclusive and bring people together; are long-termor multi-functional; and promote staying, participating and engaging in an enriched community. (submitted)

Westman Communications Group is excited to announce that its 2020 #ConnectingWestman initiative donated $19,500 to local communities in which they serve. This year Westman Communications Group was unable to take their annual #ConnectingWestman Tour on the road due to COVID-19 restrictions, so they decided to take it digital. “Taking our #ConnectingWestman initiative digital allowed us to get all 39 of our communities involved and provide them with a donation. It is evident that now more than ever, all our communities need our support, and we want to make sure they know we are here for them, and we are in this together,” said Chief Customer Officer John Quail. Westman Communications Group services 39 communities across Western Manitoba, and each one of these communities received a $500 donation to a charity of their choice. The digital initiative allowed members of each community to submit which charity they thought was deserving of the $500 donation. The charities that received the most submissions from each community were the winners of the $500 donation. The 2020 #ConnectingWestman winners from each community are: Brandon – Brandon Humane Society Binscarth – Binscarth Little Bloomers Daycare Birtle – Birtle Riverside Golf Course Boissevain – Boissevain & Morton Community Foundation Carberry – Art Sear Memorial Park Play Structure Fundraising Committee Dauphin – Parkland Humane Society Deloraine – Deloraine Winchester Historical Society Elkhorn – Elkhorn Elks Community Fund Erickson – Score Store, Inc. Forrest – Elton Community Centre Gilbert Plains – Gilbert Plains Drop-In Senior Center Gladstone – Gladstone District Museum Glenboro – Glenboro Gaiety Theatre Grandview – Watson Crossley Museum Hamiota – Hamiota Community Foundation Inglis – Inglis and District Community Club Killarney – Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council McCreary – McCreary Heritage Advisory Committee Melita – Melita Food Bank Minitonas – Minitonas & District Arena Minnedosa – Friends of Lake Minnedosa Minto – Minto Recreation Facilities Committee Neepawa – Neepawa Salvation Army Rapid City - Rapid City Regional Library Rivers – Riverdale Early Learning Centre Roblin – Roblin and District Food Bank Rossburn – Rossburn Senior Resource Russell – Expanding Community Cancer Care Project Sandy Lake – Sandy Lake Playground Project Shilo – One At A Time Rescue Shoal Lake – Senior Services of Prairie Parkland Inc. Souris – Souris Railway Museum St. Claude – St. Claude Wellness Center St. Lazare – St. Lazare Athletics Ste Rose – Ste Rose Food Bank Strathclair – Strathclair United Church Swan River – Swan Valley Animal Protection League Virden – Virden Area Foundation Westman Communications Group looks forward to taking their 2021 #ConnectingWestman Tour back on the road to visit three communities. For more information about the #ConnectingWestman initiative, visit westmancom.com/personal/connectingwestman/connectingwestman-tour