MInt Westman May 2021 Issue

Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre

Camping without compromise

Spring in your step Moonlight Canopy

The Mint Experience Westman VOL 5 ISS 2 2021

Are you ready for “worry-free” all inclusive living?

PHOTOS BY ILLIA STERNICHUK

Call me for more information about The Summit Lifestyle and why it might be perfect for you!

CHRIS LOW

The Summit 1 Valcourt Way, Brandon 2 large bedrooms 2 full bathrooms Walk in shower Full size tub Heated parkade Secure access Spacious balconies Storage Pet-friendly units available

Chris Low RE/MAX 204-573-5699 chrislow@remax.net westmanrealestate.ca

FIRST WORD From Editor in Chief

JAMIE WILLEY

Volume 5 Issue 2, 2021 Publisher Mint Marketing Experience Inc.

Editor Jamie Willey

Graphic Designer Ghislaine Moffitt

Writers Geoff Kirbyson Lisa Tachan Darrin Bauming

Growing Strong s we step into spring, we are eager for new growth. Each season brings us to new points in our lives that serve purpose and meaning and now that temperatures are getting warmer, let’s go out and share our growing season.

A

Our cover feature is a family grown story! Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre has been a staple in the Westman community for generations.

During a time that we have all taken steps back and can spend more quality time with our families, they offer solutions to get away from it all, without having to go too far away.

We encourage you to add some local flavour to your meals.

We love the creative flair brought on by Sobeys West End with a friendly cook off competition. To add to our unique tasing flavours this issue, the heart of the home is the kitchen, and the Cabinet Company shares their favorite trends and looks with us.

Mental health is just as important to our lives as physical health.

We were happy to connect with amazing businesses who show us ways to integrate self care into our personal and professional lives. With new growth, comes new looks. Our fashion feature shows some new fashion faves for the spring – from business wear, casual looks to jewelry trends.

As we dive into a fresh new season, think of this as your chance to take it all in, see the new growth and explore more of what will make your community flourish and your soul happy.

Contributing Writers Shelby Wood Kim Raaikamakers Michael van Lierop Cassandra Jamieson Patent 5 Distillery

Photographer Studio 78

Cover Photo Studio 78

PRINT ADVERTISING & DIGITAL MARKETING INQUIRIES Anna Dumas anna@mintmarketingexperience.ca 204-228-2825 FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES Jamie Willey jamie@mintmarketingexperience.ca 204-721-1296 mintmarketingexperience.ca The Mint Experience is published by Mint Marketing Experience Inc. The Mint Experience Westman is published 5 times per calendar year. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the Publisher. The Mint Marketing Experience Inc. assumes no responsibility to return any unsolicited editorial or graphic material. The Mint Marketing Experience Inc. considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently readers using this information should do so at their own risk.

Mint Marketing Experience Inc. 29 10th Street Unit J Brandon, MB R7A 4E4

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CONTENTS 8 16 48 64

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Fashion

16

Wellness

26

Eats & Drinks

38

House & Home

52

Local Culture

FEATURES 8

Spring in Your Step

48

Cover Story: Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre

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Moonlight Canopy

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CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE

JAMIE WILLEY Born and raised in Manitoba, Jamie comes from a long line of entrepreneurs.

Owner of Studio 78 Lofts, and Editor in Chief of The Mint Experience, Jamie has a soft spot for the fearless business community. Combining her creative photography talents with her business roots, she is proudly bringing stories and inspiration with Westman’s best magazine. Jamie has a love for cooking, and of course delicious wines. She is very proud of her two boys, Braden and Nate, who never cease to amaze her with their wit, humour and compassion.

DARRIN BAUMING A lover of the outdoors with an affinity to learn about the flora and fauna around him, Darrin is always looking to broaden his appreciation for the natural world.

Cherishing the aesthetic factors in his environment, joy in Darrin’s life emanates from a healthy garden and smart, warm home design, while recognizing life’s true beauty grows out of quality time spent with family and friends. Darrin is a local and national broadcaster, reporter, and writer covering professional sports for the past decade in his hometown of Winnipeg.

GEOFF KIRBYSON Geoff Kirbyson is a veteran journalist who spent nearly 20 years as a business and sports reporter at the Winnipeg Free Press. He has also written for a wide range of other publications, including Canadian Business magazine, Western Investor, Investment Executive and The Hockey News. He has published two books, “The Hot Line – How the Legendary Trio of Hull, Hedberg & Nilsson Transformed Hockey and Led the Winnipeg Jets to Greatness” and “Broken Ribs & Popcorn – How the Winnipeg Jets Became the Best Team of the NHL’s Most Offensive Era to Not Win the Stanley Cup.”

LISA CRESS Lisa Cress is an advertising specialist, writer and wannabe fantasy author living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She started her freelance career under the name Slay it in Writing in 2019 and has had the opportunity to write and create for a variety of publications and companies. Her expertise is in connecting businesses to their audiences with copy and creative that engages, entertains and inspires. Get in touch with her at slayitwithlisa@gmail.com.

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SHELBY WOOD Shelby absolutely has a deep appreciation for food, and is working on putting together a cookbook, which is a real passion project for her. Since her Dad passed pretty horrifically 3 years ago she found herself searching for understanding and mainly ways to work through trauma and grief. For Shelby, food it is not only nourishment, but a real form of love, bringing people together in a special way. Especially right now with what is going on in our world, it can connect us from right inside our homes. The kitchen is the heart, it’s where the tunes get turned up! “Probably embarrassingly, if you could be a fly on the wall, as I sing into my kitchen utensil, and sassily dance like I’m Beyonce, but hey, that’s the joy!” says Shelby

MICHAEL VAN LIEROP Michael van Lierop is President & Founder of New Outlook Wealth, a Manitobabased wealth & advisory firm that brings financial planning and low investment management fees to all Canadians, regardless of their wallet size. Visit their website at www.newoutlook.ca to learn more and to find an advisor!

KIM RAAIJMAKERS Kim Raaijmakers is a mom of two, a business professional of 20+ years and personal development junkie turned transformation coach. Kim is helping women leaders create their best lives, by creating clarity of their vision, developing undeniable belief and discovering strategies that make success inevitable. What began as a personal journey, she has turned into a mission to help women experience the same freedom. Reach out through email: info@kimraaijmakers.com or follow on facebook for tons of tips @facebook.com/kimraaijmakerscoaching.

ANNA DUMAS Anna is an avid food lover. She has worked in the restaurant industry since she was 18, and specializes in mixology and bartending, and is the Taproom Manager at Black Wheat Brewing. Anne is well known for her unique love of Tequila, Orange, and Cinnamon. She has a passion for wine, and took her WSET level 2 Wine and Spirits course at Banville & Jones. Her two children take up any additional time she has, unless it’s selflessly trying wines and making pairing notes for Mint.

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FASHION

Spring in your step FASHION BY STYLE BAR PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Well ladies it has been quite the year for fashion that’s for sure… masks and matching sweat suits really did take over.

But... coming into spring... fashion is making a major comeback! We want to make sure that you are prepared to be back on your style A-game. We are stocked up & have all the latest spring “runway” trends on deck!

Tina Tank $49.00 Baltimore Jean $84.00 What can we say... after months of being trapped inside wearing nothing but our comfy sweats and old T’s, it’s no surprise that we want to dress up in some cute frills! Pair a pretty floral tank, with a pair of Straight Leg Jeans and an instantly chic look!

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Aliza Tank Dress $62.00 Boho vibes are all the rage.

From tiered midi dresses to cute brimmed hats; we are seeing some major prairie aesthetics. Easy throw on dresses like this one are comfy, and functional! They can easily be dressed up or down, add your favorite hat, or a jean jacket to finish this outfit off.

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Dolce Blouse $59.00 Baltimore Jean $84.00 With working via zoom these days, having a great blouse is a must. Satin is making a comeback and we are here for it! Throw on a pair of jeans and booties with any of the satin blouse options and you will surely turn some heads.

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Aura Tiered Midi Dress $98.00 Flowers, which are said to signify new beginnings, are more than fitting for 2021 spring! Many designers went for the “all over” floral look this year which screams ultra flirtatious! Wear to a backyard BBQ, or a socially distanced wedding, its always great to have a fun option in your closet!

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ELEVATE

your accessory style

How to create the perfect layering combination Typically, one chain or pendant is worn at one time. Simply learning how to layer your necklaces could be the missing link to updating your style.

Attention should be drawn to the top and bottom necklaces when layering, keeping the middle clean and simple.

If you choose to add in a pendant, go for the bottom.

Incorporate a hint of color if your make up or clothing is neutral or monochromatic.

Focus the color on the shorter chain to add highlights to your face.

LESS IS MORE. KEEPING LAYERS DAINTY WON’T OVERPOWER YOUR OUTFIT. 12

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Business Profile | Muse Bridal Studio

Unlock the beauty

in you

With new ownership comes new ideas, new concepts, and growth. Since taking over Muse Bridal in October 2019 Kari Hammersley has not only ridden out the storm of Covid 19 but has been planning the way forward for the reinvented business. A brand-new website is demonstrating her willingness to move with the times and adapt.

Kari has decided to introduce Business Attire for the working, professional woman. These upmarket and stylish designs are from Joseph Ribkoff and are formed around the ‘Essential’s line” that includes pants, skirts, tops, and jackets in various colours with sizes from 2-22.

Kari is hoping the online accessibility will allow ladies to shop from the comfort of their own home, knowing that the quality products will not disappoint.

Muse will continue to sell Mother of the Bride outfits and Formal wear in store. This will be a capsule collection in Store for each season, including the best sellers from Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman, and Adrianna Papell.

Muse Bridal Studio

29 10th Street, Brandon MB 204-727-5248 hello@musebridal.ca www.musebridal.ca

Customers will now be able to view all the seasons best styles and colours on the new website musebridal.ca. Each season will be placed on the website and will be adjusted to showcase the stylish and varied designs available for order through Muse Bridal.

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WORK ESSENTIALS Polished, versatile styles to upgrade your work at home or office looks.

What is women’s business attire?

Women’s business attire includes dressy shirts, dress pants, pencil skirts, blazers, and women’s suits so you can dress for success in the office.

Our upmarket and stylish designs are from Joseph Ribkoff and are formed around the ‘Essential’s line” that come in various colours with sizes from 2-22.

Muse Bridal Studio 29 10th Street, Brandon MB 204-727-5248 hello@musebridal.ca www.musebridal.ca

WELLNESS

Become the Master Storyteller of Your Life

BY KIM RAAIJMAKERS

Once upon a time there was a ……

Your mind is already filling in a whole scenario of characters, the quest and likely speeding right onto the ending.

Your life is the same as a fairy tale, you get to choose how it goes and how it ends. The only difference between a fairy tale and your life, is your willingness to believe in what is possible.

Why is the story you believe in important?

Because we all tell stories! All day, every day!

As humans we process and remember information best when we tell it in a story.

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What about the stories that you are telling yourself in your own mind? These stories you have created over time so that you could process and remember information. These stories you created and told yourself countless times over the years, have formed your values, beliefs, mindset, actions and ultimately the outcomes of your life.

What if these stories, while useful when you created them, now no longer serve you?

So often I have found myself saying ‘I can’t do......’ and when I look back it is a story I created around why the first time I tried it didn’t work – a fairy tale. So in order for me to feel better about failing, I just comforted myself with I can’t. This kept me safe for every time in the future that a similar situation would come up.

A masterful storyteller can adapt, change and re-write the stories they tell their audiences to suit the needs of that audience.

path. You can scale mountains, fly across oceans and leap between tall buildings in a single bound. Create the story that encompasses the very best of what you want to realize.

Make this story has real as possible. What does it look like, in complete 3D, technicolor? What does is smell like? What does it feel like? Create an experience that includes all your senses.

Believe that this fairy tale can and will become reality.

Except now I want to change and try something new.

That’s scary and my brain goes into it’s protection mode and begins to tell me the same fairy tale. We all have one that begins to play as soon as we want to try something new.

What if instead of listening to this one, we are able to change and adapt?

A masterful storyteller can adapt, change and re-write the stories they tell their audiences to suit the needs of that audience.

So can you.

A change is only scary if you perceive it that way and focus on the worst that could happen. To make effective change, create an empowering story, one where you are the hero conquering all the villians and obstacles in your

If you can hold it in your mind, you can hold it in your hands.

Now you have primed your brained to actively go out and achieve the reality that you have created in your brain. Will you achieve exactly what you wanted in your new story? You could, and even if you didn’t you would still have achieved so much more than you had otherwise. AND you will feel so much more empowered and motivated in this empowering fairy tale.

So will you begin crafting a new story that serves you, empowers you for the most important audience in your life? Yourself?

You have it all inside of you to become the Master Storyteller of your life, if you’re willing to make that choice and do the work to change!

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WORKPLACE WELLNESS Culture & Care

BY STEFANIE BARANOWSKI

We all know hustle. From a recent graduate entering the workplace, the mom who is trying to balance work and home life to the stresses of remote working. Corporate wellness goes beyond stocking the break room with yogurt and granola. Whether you are introducing a wellness program, or looking for ways to improve your current initiatives, you are on your way to creating a healthier workplace environment – where healthier

fit the narrative of the workspace. The first step is defining what wellness means to you in your workplace and in your community of co-workers.

employees are happier, and happier employees are more productive, which leads to corporate financial health and growth.

decline as you struggle to meet deadlines and the demands of your job. Sometimes when we are stressed it can become so easy to get wrapped up into that circle of gossip or to lash out in frustration or stress as a co-worker.

WHY IS CORPORATE WELLNESS IMPORTANT? It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the workday and to let your mental and physical health

WHAT IS CORPORATE WELLNESS? The workplace is a space we invest a great amount of our time during our waking hours and our co-workers become our own separate community outside of our personal life.

Corporate wellness is just that; wellness in the workplace.

Wellness can be introduced and incorporated into the workplace in a multitude of ways and can be tailored to 18

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Imagine a workspace that felt purposeful, positive, energizing, and rewarding both at the start of your day, throughout your day and at the end of the day. You know you are in a good work environment when your work environment leaves you feeling energized, positive and purposeful as you walk out the doors at the end of the day. A place where you feel mentally, emotionally, and

spiritually healthy, a place where you feel accepted and part of a community.

There is a great deal of research studies that have expressed an increase in job satisfaction and mental well-being when a wellness program is introduced and carried out within the workspace. That a wellness program not just be carried out but that it comes part of the workplace culture. What is buzz word wellness all about? Wellness is the act of regularly practicing or partaking in activities that contribute to positive healthy outcomes in one’s life. These outcomes can be emotional, environmental, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. Research has shown that companies that regularly engage in Wellness opportunities have seen benefits for their employees, as well as their organizations. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to: • Improved productivity and performance • Reduced Elevated Health Risks • Reduced Health Care Costs • Reduced Absenteeism among Employees • Improve Employee Recruitment and Retention • Improve and Sustain Morale

WHAT ARE SOME TYPES OF WELLNESS STRATEGIES I CAN START INCORPORATING TO BRING WELLNESS INTO MY WORKPLACE? 1. Showing appreciation amongst your staff/co-workers to develop an energetically positive space 2. Introducing physical fitness to get the endorphins going and keep the body and the mind in good shape 3. Having a quiet space in the office area/meditation area where people can have a space of peace to help manage stress

4. Incorporating team building strategies and workshops to create a more cohesive work environment.

5. Give your co-workers/staff a challenge and encourage towards autonomy over a specific staff to boost confidence and purpose in the workplace.

Diamond Lotus stefanie@diamondlotus.ca diamondlotus.ca

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Sleeping Beauty

A natural way to get a better sleep

BY THE MINT EXPERIENCE

How many of us have gone from working from an office to working from an office on our living room, bedroom, or even your bed? The line of separation between home and work has been all but erased and there seems to be little escape.

Once our salvation and escape, our cozy nook for bedtime reading, cuddling and down time has now been invaded by the #workfrombed and has become our new home office.

Sleep specialists have been telling us for years, the bedroom should be for the three S’s – sleep, sex or for when you are sick. The more you start to use your bedroom for other uses, your brain starts to condition itself and your bedroom is no longer a space to wind down from your day. You’re literally training your brain to be alert.

There are a number of ways scents and essential oils can be used to help us get on the path to a more relaxing sleep pattern. Add a few drops to your bath, light an aromatic candle or mist your pillows with your favorite scent.

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How to make your own pillow mist Add half a cup of water, half a teaspoon witch hazel and 5-7 drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle.

Shake. Gently spray the mist over your pillows before going to bed.

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Jasmine

Soothing scents for a fabulous sleep

Jasmine scents are thought to lead to a more productive sleep, helps you wake up more refreshed and tends to make you feel more alert in the afternoon hours the next day. It eases sleep with its pleasing scent, and seems to reduce movement sleeping and waking up with less anxiety.

Lavender Well known for soothing qualities and most commonly used for relaxation and sleep.

Diffuse lavender an hour or so before turning in to your bedroom for the night. Apply a light rub directly to your feet, temples or wrists - a little goes a long way.

Ylang Ylang It is believed that Ylang Ylang helps release negative emotions, helping you fall asleep faster while reducing stress and anxiety. On top of that, it has a gorgeous scent, a light floral aroma that doubles as a natural air freshener.

Cedarwood If you struggle with insomnia, you may want to try this earthy and smoky scent. Cedarwood boasts natural sedative properties, as it’s believed to be emotionally grounding.

Cedarwood mixes well with lavender for a unique relaxing blend.

Bergamot Extracted from the rinds of the citrus fruit, and is used to flavour Earl Grey Tea. Bergamot tends to elevate moods and alleviate stress.

Unlike other citrus scents, bergamot is calming and possesses sedative qualities.

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Lavender has been suggested as an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and improve the sleep quality.

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Put your smile in good hands with Dr. Mintenko at Winburn Orthodontics Without professional oversight, a smile transformation can go wrong

BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Dental technology has certainly evolved. These days, achieving that perfect smile doesn’t have to involve metal wires, rubber bands and monthly dental visits. Instead, anyone who desires to correct their bite or straighten their teeth can opt for what are called “clear aligners”.

Clear aligners have been around for a couple decades and have been made popular by brands like Invisalign. People often prefer them to braces, as they are thin, clear and can be removed at the discretion of the wearer. They also require less check-ups, giving patients more time away from the dental chair

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examination by a professional,” Dr. Rob Mintenko of Winburn Orthodontics explains. “They give you your 12 month supply of aligners and then basically say good luck. There’s no tracking or mid-course adjustments.

People have actually damaged their teeth and ruined their bites because clear aligners are meant to be an ongoing, supervised treatment that is based on an individual treatment plan.”

But, their popularity has made clear aligners a bit of a commodity. This has resulted in a growing problem.

Having teeth not move properly doesn’t just impact the appearance of your smile. It can also result in problems such as jaw pain and chronic headaches. Dr. Mintenko stresses that a proper diagnosis by a professional and a customized treatment plan is critical for every unique patient.

“Some online retailers have people taking molds of their own teeth without any type of consultation or

“A computer can’t always tell you exactly how your teeth will shift,” Dr. Mintenko says. “Biologically, teeth don’t

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I make sure every patient knows their options and understands the pros and cons of different treatment methods. - Dr. Mintenko express 100% of the movement that is digitally planned.

When you work with an orthodontist, I can track your progress and make adjustments to give you the best overall result.”

If clear aligners aren’t working for you, orthodontists like Dr. Mintenko can recommend a new course of action. In many cases, Dr. Mintenko has switched his patients over to braces to ensure the desired result is achieved.

Located in Brandon, Manitoba, Winburn Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations, flexible payment plans and direct billing to help more people get the smile they’ve always wanted.

“When you visit our office, we give you a full examination and discuss what you want out of treatment,” Dr. Mintenko explains. “I make sure every patient knows their options and understands the pros and cons of different treatment methods.”

Transforming your smile is a significant investment of time, money and commitment. An orthodontist is a dentist who has furthered their education by spending three additional years of full-time studies to specialize in correcting teeth and bad bites. Their practice is strictly orthodontics – they are the experts when it comes to shifting teeth in a safe and effective way.

It makes perfect sense that moving your teeth and changing your bite should be overseen by an orthodontist like Dr. Mintenko.

When it comes to your smile, make sure you’re in good hands.

Winburn Orthodontics 204-727-0401 www.winburnorthodontics.com

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EATS & DRINKS

Cook Off

Sponsored by Sobeys West End

CONTESTANTS

CONTEST DETAILS:

About Chez Angela

The contestants were presented with a basket of selected ingredients from Sobeys West End 1 hour before the cook off!

They were to use all of these ingredients to create their unique dish that followed the selected theme. Contestants had the creative freedom to add any spices or additional ingredients as needed to complete their dish. They were given a 45 minute time limit.

Chez Angela Café has been a downtown staple that boasts fresh-baked goods made by hand with locally-sourced ingredients. Artisan breads, cheesecakes, delicious treats, cookies, cakes and more.

About Shady Lane Shady Lane Tea Room is located 5 minutes east on Brandon on the Transcanada highway. A popular wedding destination that offers homestyle cooking, catering and lunch features.

Final dishes were presented to our Judge – Ruth McLean and were graded on the use of ingredients, taste, presentation and finally creativity.

Ingredients Compliments Brand Eggs Leek Compliments Brand Baby Potatoes Panache Artichoke Hearts Panache Spicy Italian Sausage Baby Spinach Panache Dijon Mustard Panache Aged Canadian White Cheddar Cheese

Judge: Ruth McLean 26

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Chez Angela Creation Spinach Sourdough Crepes filled with scrambled eggs, Italian Sausage, julienned & sautéed red peppers, aged cheddar and leek infused artichoke aioli sauce.

Balsamic Caramelized Crepe filled with caramelized apples, Manitoba goat cheese, toasted almond slivers and topped with sliced strawberries and a balsamic reduction

Judge review I was impressed by the dish presented to me by Chez Angela. By providing me with both a savory and sweet option, Chez Angela was able to create food that was diverse in appearance, texture and taste. There was a clear juxtaposition between the simplicity of the crepes and the complexity of flavours.

The savory crepe was unbelievably favourable and just wonderful. The sweet crepe, however, stole the show.

The goat cheese was a wonderful accompaniment to the caramelized apples and the balsamic reduction with the sliced strawberries was a classic, yet somewhat unexpected paring in this crepe. Overall, it was an excellent use of ingredients and a very tasty dish.

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Score 95/100

Winner!

Shady Lane Creation Frittata made with scrambled eggs blended with aged cheddar, with sautéed baby spinach, leek and Dijon mustard.

Served with a side of sautéed baby potatoes and Italian sausage with leeks.

Judge Review I really enjoyed the dish presented to me

by Shady Lane Tea Room. The food was a real down home, stick to your ribs kind of meal, and provided a sort of upscale version of a fabulous diner breakfast.

The frittata was cooked to perfection and especially flavourful with the addition of spinach, aged cheddar and leeks.

The baby potatoes and Italian sausage were sautéed beautifully and provide a wonderful accompaniment to the frittata.

It was a lovely presentation that I would consider food for the soul. Overall, it was just delicious!

Score 90/100

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3 ways to

celebrate spring

BY ANNA DUMAS

We’ve been cooped up all winter, binging Netflix like there is no tomorrow. Except there is a tomorrow, and it’s looking like a sunny forecast with patios on the horizon.

Let’s take the party outdoors with our 3 spring favorites!

Santa Margherita While getting our backyards ready to hang out in this summer, a dry white wine with crisp green apple flavor is the perfect way to compliment a cold pesto salad, lemon greek rotisserie chicken or cream sauce pasta. This pinot grigio is a medium to full bodied wine, bone dry and a bouquet of intense aromas and complimentary flavors such as apple and citrus.

A typical pinot grigio tends to be light and crisp however the Santa Margherita impresses with flavours immediately hitting the senses while still maintaining the classic pinot grigio grape flavors. A must have for summer barbeques, an aperitif, or a traditional souffle.

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Nau Mai Sauvignon Blanc Blush

AvantGarde Reisling

Rosé wines are typically made from red grapes obtaining their color from a quick contact with the grape skins. This completely unique rosé is a sauvignon blanc grape made with a splash of merlot grape. With mineral notes off the first taste evolving into acidic and sweet tastes this wine will not disappoint. With flavors from raspberry to herbaceous notes it would be a delicious way to compliment some appetizers with friends such as bruschetta, souvlaki or a ham and brie croissant.

The perfect way to “Rosé all day”!

With notes of tree fruit and a hint of vanilla, this reisling will impress. The slight sweetness and medium bodied crisp flavor would pair well with any afternoon lunch featuring a pear and Brie salad. The complimentary flavors of tree fruit and smooth creaminess would bring out any vinaigrette as well as enhance a afternoon on the patio.

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The apple of your eye

BY SHELBY WOOD PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

I

’ve thought a lot as we dig our feet deeper into Spring and how Summer will soon be on the horizon… in that things may feel stagnant in what our world still is going through, but focusing on how with the seasons, the weather changes, our moods shift and how our taste buds do the same.

I want to enjoy my food in a way that is refreshing and with added fun or SASS as I like to say. Making a meal feel like a party in your name.

We all deserve to feel elevated and like there is a playfulness in what we make at times.

While the sun shines in and we feel more vibrant, as we sit down for a meal with the windows open and a breeze flowing, or out on our decks, we get to feel excited for all the bonuses that this time of the year brings to our lives.

Let’s treat it like our own vacation... sip that drink a little slower, savour that bite a bit more and choose to soak up everything that comes to life in these beautiful months. xox Shelby

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Crispy Panko Pork Chops with Apple Arugula Salad Ingredients:

Home made dressing to drizzle:

2-3 cups Panko crumbs

1 tbsp Honey

2 Eggs

2 tbsp Mayo

2 – 3 Pork loin chops

Spice mix:

1 tbsp Paprika 1 tbsp Onion powder 1 tbsp Garlic powder 2 tsp each Salt & Pepper

Salad:

Arugula ½ Granny Smith Apple Handful of Walnuts 2 slices of Havarti cheese, chopped into squares ½ Avocado- chopped into chunks

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp Olive oil Salt & Pepper 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

For the Salad 1.

2.

3.

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Cut off any fat and put a piece of cling wrap over top. If you don’t have a mallet, use a rolling pin. Pound out your pork chops. Flip to other side, and repeat until thin and it should double in size.

Mix together spice mix on a plate and then pat spice onto your pork on both sides.

Coat both sides of spice covered pork with whisked egg.

Coat both sides of pork with your panko crumbs.

Shallow fry in canola oil on medium heat flipping every couple minutes until golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Cover plate with Arugula Chop apple into little chunks as well as your cheese, walnuts and avocado, and sprinkle over Arugula.

Place cooked pork chop on edge of salad & drizzle with dressing.

Whiskey Lemonade 3 oz whiskey 1 can frozen lemonade 1 Lemon 1 can Perrier Fresh mint Crushed Ice

1.

In a pitcher, pour your frozen lemonade, do not add water.

2.

Add one can Perrier.

3.

Squeeze half of a fresh lemon

4.

Add whiskey and mix.

5.

Add ice and mint.

6.

Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy.

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HOME IS WHERE THE GIN IS

BY PATENT 5 DISTILLERY

For those who enjoy a well-made cocktail, it can be tough to recreate the drinks we are used to sipping in local restaurants at home.

Whether it’s a refreshing gin & tonic or a bold gin fizz, we miss our favourite drinks – and you!

Luckily, Patent 5 Distillery is offering at-home cocktail kits with all of the ingredients you need to make a mean drink in your own kitchen.

Patent 5 London Dry gin & tonic kit provides the staples needed to make a top notch classic to enjoy on a warm summers day. Great gin, great tonic — just add plenty of ice and an orange slice. Better yet, they offer a selection of cocktail kits complete with recipe cards and all you’ll need to create bar quality drinks at home.

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“We have an open door policy. Show up with Gin and we’ll let you in” Want to try your hand at something a little more elaborate? A Gin Martini is a great place to start. To make one you’ll need: 2oz Patent 5 London Dry Gin 0.5oz Spanish dry vermouth Combine both ingredients in a cocktail tin or mixing glass and stir for at least 30 seconds — until icy cold! Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass and garnish with an orange zest.

You can find this recipe along with many others on their website at www.patent5.ca/recipes

Patent 5 Distillery 204-808-8614 www.patent5.ca

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HOUSE & HOME

Home is where the kitchen is… or it goes something like that.

The kitchen is where it all happens. It is where people congregate, entertain, prepare meals, eat and snack, and use as the central hub for the pace of modern life.

The kitchen is where we live out our lives, and a great kitchen makes it all even better.

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Gone are the days of upgrading or gutting your kitchen every 10-15 years. Sustainability and environmental consideration goes beyond the responsible manufacturing and installation of products and building materials.

Today, the time between upgrades or full replacement is just as important in lowering the impact we have building and renovating homes.

Sustainability is longevity.

It is the most important space in our home, and it is also the overwhelming reason why a stellar kitchen is so often “absolute need No. 1” when people are searching for a new house or condo or have chosen to renovate their existing home.

When planning your new kitchen, a critical consideration is ensuring you create a truly lasting space. High quality and durable materials geared towards practicality and smart design will bring forth a kitchen that ensures decades of use with enduring style. You can have that chic, fashionable look without the gamble. Designed right, your modern kitchen won’t appear gauche or inelegant when the next decor trend emerges a few years down the road.

Whether it is for a bustling family needing practicality and efficiency, a busy professional juggling a hectic schedule, a blossoming chef with specific desires, or retirees just looking to soak up a wonderful space, a kitchen suiting your specific lifestyle can make life better, and you’ll enjoy it.

Here is where professionals can help. Find timeless tones and textures in a colour palette evoking feelings of comfort. Natural wood tones, a mix of golden and dark accents, woven textures, with a splash of nature to bring the outside in. Combine with intimately familiar colours and surfaces to spark the senses — the result will be a feeling of security and stability.

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Clean, clear, and under control.

It is a strong mantra to hold for our minds as much as it is for our lives as a whole, and where better to live and experience it than the room we centrally occupy — the kitchen. Layout and organizational design of your new kitchen space should be focussed on utility and practicality. But it doesn’t have to come at the expense of style.

Imagine tidy and clear kitchen countertops without the need to pack away that daily utility and ease!

Get smart, and explore the next generation of pull-out storage options for your kitchen. Strategically placed with contemporary lifestyles in mind, pull-out cabinetry can help keep small appliances and your go-to items neatly tucked away while still on hand for daily convenience.

Pull-outs for your spice rack and pantry items, as well as large lower cabinet pull-outs help keep pots, pans, containers, and all that kitchen gadgetry organized and easy to find. The best part? You will actually remember to use that birthday gift from mom stashed away at the back of your “everything” drawer!

In the end, you’re likely to never regret an investment into the space where you live your life every day. Done right, you will find the heart of your home in a kitchen made for you.

The Cabinet Co 761 18th Street Brandon, MB 204-571-6888 thecabnetcompany.ca

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THE LEGALITIES OF HOMEOWNERSHIP Epp Law Office explains why you need a lawyer when purchasing a new home.

BY EPP LAW OFFICE & LISA CRESS

It often takes a team of professionals to help you find and buy your dream home. However, when it comes to a lawyer’s role in the home buying process, we at Epp Law Office often encounter recurring questions from first time buyers.

need a mortgage, your lawyer will receive instructions from your lender to prepare security documents relating to the mortgage agreement.

To shed some light on how lawyers help homebuyers secure their new home, we’ve put together a list of some of our most frequently asked questions.

A lawyer doesn’t usually come into the picture until shortly before your possession date. Once your lender approves your financing and you have signed the mortgage agreement, your lender sends instructions to your lawyer to prepare the required legal documents.

Your lawyer will contact you when those documents are ready to be signed. This typically takes place a week or two before your possession date.

WHY DO I NEED A LAWYER WHEN I BUY A HOME? A lawyer will ensure you have legal title to the property you are purchasing by preparing and filing the appropriate documents with the Land Titles Office. If you 40

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AT WHAT POINT IN THE HOME BUYING PROCESS DO I NEED TO SEE MY LAWYER?

HOW MUCH WILL I HAVE TO PAY MY LAWYER? Your lawyer oversees a number of closing costs involved with your purchase. Your lawyer will collect money from you to cover the: • Down payment • Land transfer tax • Surveyor’s certificate or title insurance • Land titles registration fees • Property tax adjustments • Lender costs • Lawyer fees Your lawyer can give you an estimate of the overall closing costs before your meeting so that you can budget accordingly. Homeowner insurance, appraisals, and home inspections are other costs to be mindful of that are unrelated to your lawyer.

WHEN DO I PAY MY LAWYER? Payment for all of the closing costs (including the down payment) is due when you meet with your lawyer to sign the legal documents. If you plan to use investments for your down payment and closing costs, talk to your financial advisor well in advance to ensure withdrawals are made in time.

ANDREA EPP

WHAT HAPPENS ON POSSESSION DAY? Your realtor will be the one to hand you the keys to your new home. On possession day, you will go to your new home to do a walk-through with the realtor. At that time, you will read the hydro and gas meters and check to make sure everything in the home is in working order. If something isn’t working – let your realtor know right away.

Buying a home is an exciting milestone and one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. A lawyer ensures that the proper documentation is filed to ensure that you have title to your new home.

If you happen to be in the market for a good lawyer to help you secure a new home, we encourage you to get in touch with the team at Epp Law Office.

Epp Law Office Brandon MB 204-717-3775 andrea@epplawoffice.ca www.epplawoffice.ca

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On the

SURFACE

BY THE CABINET CO & DARRIN BAUMING

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On the surface, counter top and backsplash choices seem simple. Find a colour and style you like, order, install, and you’re set.

Look closer, and there’s more than meets the eye if you desire upgraded surfaces in your home. Whether a new kitchen countertop, shower or bathroom surface, or maybe the addition of a feature wall in a living space, there are numerous considerations in ensuring you find something ideal for your lifestyle.

Popular surfaces include natural materials like granite and more recently wood, while human-made materials like quartz, laminate and Corian offer a variety of colour and finish options in a wide array of price points.

QUARTZ Quartz has emerged as a very popular choice, but horizontal kitchen and bathroom surfaces are not the only places quartz is leaving an impression. New trends have seen thin slices of quartz — unlike the thick pieces used for counters — being used in place of tile. With clean, warm textures and shades, quartz can add glamorous appeal to a fireplace, shower surround, or backsplash.

Why not create feature wall? Bring quartz into a new living space to add some shine.

While lack of heat resistance remains the primary consideration in quartz, its low overall maintenance makes it an attractive choice.

CORIAN

GRANITE

Corian offers near-endless possibilities. A brand name product, Corian is manufactured by blending acrylic polymers with stone-derived materials, presenting countless colour and pattern options that can emulate almost any natural stone or even wood.

There is little surprise why granite has remained an industry standard for many years. While in the upper tiers of pricing, granite is still a leading choice because of is its near-unmatched quality and the lasting value it provides.

While strong, easy-care, and stain-resistant, Corian can be damaged. But reassurance can be taken in that it has a repairable finish. What truly stands out is its ability to provide that seamless look with a joint-free installation.

Far from plain in look and feel, granite is just plain gorgeous.

Imagine a waterfall countertop fluidly cascading from the backsplash to the countertop and then horizontally down the sides of your bottom cabinetry. While expensive, Corian offers application flexibility no other material can provide.

Atop the checklist; great durability and heat resistance, excellent colour and visual texture options, in addition to the added re-sale value granite provides if you ever decide to sell your home.

While price is often the overwhelming reason people look beyond granite, maintenance is another consideration to keep in mind. Some granite needs to be resealed from time to time as it is porous, leading to the chance of staining and acid etching.

LAMINATE Laminate countertops have been around, it seems, forever.

But they now offer the look of more expensive and higherend options. Be careful though, as heat can severely damage laminate surfaces. With plenty of options at the fraction of the cost of others, laminate may be the right choice for you.

WOOD Wood countertops? Oh, yes. The butcher block wood is now technologically advanced to be fully food-safe, waterproof, and impact resistant with a specialized sealing process. Matte finish results, in maple, cherry, walnut, and more.

Handcrafted by Canadian artisans, Caribou block wood surfaces provide applications from countertops and tables, to shelving, mantels, or any other application imaginable. cariboublock.com Whether you seek lasting quality, great value, or a look like no other, you can find the surface for your home to fit any lifestyle.

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Offering Brandon QUALITY, RELIABLE, HONEST AND CONSISTENT CLEANING.

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICES WINDOW WASHING CARPET CLEANING PRESSURE WASHING

OUR TRUSTED CLEANING SPECIALISTS ARE THOROUGHLY TRAINED IN THE LATEST PRODUCTS, TOOLS AND CLEANING TECHNIQUES AND TAKE PRIDE IN EVERY SPACE THEY PERFECT. Serving both residential and commercial clients, our upscale cleaning services offer the best in care for any space. Our cleanings shine brighter than any other, and if your space requires an added touch, all you need to do is ask. We are trained cleaning specialists with the utmost integrity and we love what we do, creating a trusting experience for our clients and staff alike.

Nikki’s Cleaning 399 Park Ave. East Unit A1 Brandon, MB 204-441-5676 info@nikkiscleaning.ca www.nikkiscleaning.ca

List your home with Chris Low and receive a FREE house cleaning.

CHRIS LOW RE/MAX has partnered with Nikki’s Cleaning to help you move into a sparkling clean home!

Now is a great time to sell your home. ** offer expires Aug 31 2021. Some restrictions apply.

CHRIS LOW RE/MAX 204-573-5699 chrislow@remax.net westmanrealestate.ca CHRIS LOW

HYDRANGEAS

The Beauty of the Ball

BY THE MINT EXPERIENCE

An old fashioned charm that’s hard to resist. We love hydrangeas for their immense, colorful flower heads and their low maintenance care so that we can take the time to appreciate their beauty.

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These elegant shrubs are easy to cultivate, will tolerate almost any soil – making them a prairie favorite – and produce fabulous blooms. Hydrangeas are ideal for gardeners of all skill levels and can accommodate many backyard styles – from containers to large groups to border plantings.

When to plant hydrangeas Hydrangeas make for exceptionally beautiful container plants. To plant your hydrangeas, it is best to plant them in the spring after the last frost or in the fall before the first frost. Be sure to plant them before the summer heat arrives.

Where to plant hydrangeas These girls know the effects of the sun and prefer to be planted in partially sunny areas. Ideally, full sun in the morning and partially shaded later in the day to be protected from the hot midday sun. While some varieties are more tolerant of the heat from the full sun, too much heat can lead to wilting.

Your hydrangeas know the benefits of H2O, so plant them in well draining soils that receive plenty of water.

IN THE FLOWER WORLD, THEY ALSO SYMBOLIZE GRATITUDE FOR BEING UNDERSTOOD.

How to plant hydrangeas When planting a number of hydrangeas, plant them 3 to 10 feet apart, depending on the type and the space available. Dig a hole as deep as the root, and about 3 times as wide. Set the plant in the middle and fill it halfway with soil, and then water. Once the water is absorbed, fill the rest of the hole with soil. Water once more.

Caring for your hydrangea These beauties love love love water, so be sure they are getting plenty. In their growing season, water at a rate of 1 inch per week. It is best to give them a deep watering 2-3 times per week as it will encourage root growth. It’s best to water them early in the day to prepare them for the afternoon heat.

No need for additional fertilizer if your soil is already rich. Too much fertilizer will bring out more leaves at the expense of the blooms. Specific varieties do require difference applications of fertilizer at different intervals throughout the year.

The word hydrangea comes from the Greek “hydor” meaning water. You will be sure to notice how your beauty loves and soaks in the water! In the flower world, they also symbolize gratitude for being understood. The sheer size of the blooms are sure to leave its admirers in awe for their sweet scent and vibrant colors.

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COVER FEATURE

RYAN MAIN, GENERAL MANAGER

Camping without Compromise Nature and the comforts of home

BY GEOFF KIRBYSON PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

The days of heading out into the wilderness and trying to put up a tent in the middle of the night or lighting a fire in a torrential downpour are long gone.

You could do that but why would you when modern camping is an option?

Ryan Main, general manager of Pik-A-Dilly RV in Brandon, says you can pull your RV into a campground late in the day, scan the latest offerings from Netflix and watch a movie with all the comforts of home.

Does that sound like roughing it to you?

“An RV is a home away from home. You can get wifi so your kids can play games. It’s all geared towards getting away, even if you’re just going a few kilometres down the road,” he says.

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“I know a lot of people who have a seasonal spot set up for their camper very close to town. They’re out in nature.

It feels like a getaway. If something happened work-wise or they’re commuting, they’re not too far away. It’s a different experience from being in the house.”

Manitoba is blessed with an abundance of RV campgrounds, many of which are located in and around provincial parks.

“There are beautiful spots for golfing, hiking and fishing,” Main says. “There has been a big shift towards more seasonal camping. You leave the RV (at the campground) and drive back and forth. It’s similar to having a cottage except you’re not locked down. If somebody is getting married and you want to camp, just hook it up (to a vehicle).”

“With everything that’s going on in the world right now, it allows you to go on vacation but also be secluded enough that you are following the most recent restrictions.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has convinced a growing number of people to give camping a shot as it’s one of the few activities permitted by the province.

“A lot of people are going to experience it for the first time. They’re going to love it and stick with it. It allows people to get away from the house and have a vacation. You’re still regulating yourself with social distancing,” he says.

Pik-A-Dilly is the oldest RV dealership in the province, having been started by Main’s paternal grandparents, Frank and Shirley, six decades ago. They operated a service station at the corner of 10th Street and Victoria Avenue and decided to expand their offering to include RVs in 1962. As the business grew, they started selling

bigger trailers and mobile homes, and moved to the site of what is now the Victoria Inn. They also opened a second location on the North hill, where the company continues to operate today.

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THE KODIAK ULTIMATE

Shirley Main came up with the corporate moniker because she was a fan of Piccadilly Circus, a popular junction in London, England, that’s close to shopping and theatre districts. She simply tweaked the spelling a little bit.

“People say we spelled it wrong. Companies that we’ve been dealing with for years still don’t get it right sometimes,” he laughs.

Ryan became Pik-A-Dilly’s acting general manager in 2011 and general manager in 2013 as his dad, Don, started to step back from the company’s operations.

“We still pride ourselves on being a mom-and-pop company,” he says of his 15 full-time employees.

What does it cost to get into the RV game?

Entry level models can set you back around $25,000 while high-end versions cost about $60,000. The Kodiak Ultimate is definitely in the latter category as the luxury

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RV has not one, but two fireplaces — one in the bedroom and another in the living room.

“We brought the Kodiak in to be our Cadillac product. It has all of the bells and whistles. It’s 37 feet long and some units have four or five slide-outs (expansions). If you push a button, you can expand your living space by 24 square feet,” he says.

Main realizes that not everybody will make the switch to become lifetime campers and some will put their RV up for sale when the world returns to normal. But there’s no questioning that the average age of first-time campers has dropped dramatically, pandemic or no pandemic.

“It used to be Baby Boomers. They had a lot of disposable income and they were able to spend a little more on luxury items. Now the fact that you can finance an RV in a similar way to how you finance your house has opened up RVs to almost everybody,” he says.

For example, it’s possible to get an RV loan with a 20-year amortization period and low monthly payments of less than $150 per month.

On the flip side, though, the pandemic has had a negative impact on supply.

For example, Main has seen a shortage of everything from microwave ovens and refrigerators to circuit breakers, which has affected the manufacturer’s output.

Many modern campgrounds have hiking trails, pools or splash pads and other features to keep the kids interested and occupied.

“Today’s RV lifestyle is camping without compromise. It can be as con-venient and comfortable as you want it to be. We’ll help you every step of the way so you can focus on your family and making memories,” he says.

“If you came in today and wanted to order an RV and we didn’t have one on the lot or on order, we’re looking at a minimum of six months to get it in. Normally it would be six weeks. That’s been a big challenge,” he says.

If you’re holding off on buying an RV because you don’t own a truck and have no way to tow it, Main would like to put your mind at ease.

“Delivery and set up is part of the deal. If you need it moved, you can call us up or have a friend move it. A lot of customers have no desire to own a truck,” he says.

They do, however, have a desire to get away from it all and reconnect with loved ones. This can be particularly true for families with young people who are often glued to a screen of some kind.

Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre 320 Highland Ave Brandon, MB Toll Free: 877-218-3511 Call or Text 431-400-4571

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LOCAL CULTURE

Hire with Career Connections.

The business case for hiring people living with a disability.

BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

How accessible is your workplace? How diverse is your staff roster? If you are not hiring with diversity and inclusion in mind, your organization is missing out on significant benefits and advantages.

Workers with disabilities are productive employees.

However, an organization’s protocols or practices can unintentionally exclude them from the workforce.

Research has shown that when an organization invests in accommodating a wide variety of people, it benefits their workplace culture, bottom line, customer reach, employees and the community.

“We all have skills. The only difference is that these folks are lacking the same opportunities to use them.”

Thousands of individuals living with a disability are unemployed but have the potential to work. When these individuals do find work, they bring countless benefits to their employer.

In short, workplace inclusion is just good for business.

“It’s really a positive cycle,” explains Williams. “Not only do you see a reduction of absenteeism and a stronger workforce, but other employees in the organization become more accepting of people who are different from them.”

“People with disabilities are just like you and I,” says Tracy Williams, Executive Director, Career Connections.

Other benefits include a better company image, increased productivity and lower staff turnover.

L-R WILLIAM WATSON, BRENDAN COUTU

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“When an employer works with us, we connect them with the best person for the job and provide them with the support and tools they need to overcome any obstacle.” - Tracy Williams “It just makes good business sense to have inclusive and diverse hiring practices,” says Williams. “When an employer works with us, we connect them with the best person for the job and provide them with the support and tools they need to overcome any obstacle.”

Career Connections is an employment agency that specializes in securing work for people living with a disability.

“We provide continuous support to both the employee and the employer,” explains Williams. “For the prospective employee, we do skill assessments and aid in the job search. We can support the employer with their on-thejob training and ensure the onboarding process runs smoothly. When training is completed and our job seeker is working, we do follow-ups and provide further support, if needed.”

Williams will also speak to organizations and their staff about the positive impacts of diversifying their personnel.

“Our talent pool has people with every range of ability you could imagine,” Williams says. “Most of our job seekers have an invisible disability. As an example, we’ve helped people with master’s degrees find employment and reenter the workforce.”

Organizations do not sacrifice any facet of their business when they hire someone with a disability. In fact, it’s been proven that inclusive hiring can help boost an organization’s productivity, profits and public profile.

“Our job seekers have the skills and qualities that many employers are looking for,” Williams says. “They don’t need charity; they deserve a fair shot to do the work they are capable of doing.”

Everyone has ability. As an employer, you are in the unique position to adapt your hiring practices and create a supportive and inclusive workplace environment. When you hire with diversity in mind and include people living with a disability, everybody wins.

To learn about partnering with Career Connections, you can email executivedirector@cciwestman.ca or call their Brandon office at 204-728-9594.

Career Connections Inc. 710 3rd Street Brandon MB 204-728-9594 www.cciwestman.ca

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Times have changed. Is your business a cyber target?

BY DANNY TAYLER, IT ADVISORS

In this digital age, things change fast. Especially since the onset of Covid-19, cyber attacks have increased dramatically. The big question is, what would YOUR business do in a cyber incident?

There are many things to consider. You can no longer be reactive to situations like this, similarly you can’t go buy fire insurance after your business has a fire. You need to have a business continuity plan, to make sure you have everything in order. Cyber insurance is also a must!

Well, why is this a problem now, when you have run your business the same way for years without an issue?

Cyber crime is worth trillions of dollars every year. You’re not protecting yourself against some lone bad actor in their mom’s basement. You are now on the defense against organized crime, paying elite hackers six figures or more to break into businesses just like yours. In fact, most compromises are not discovered for more than 90 days. Can you imagine what a hacker can steal from your computers in three months? They will get your

passwords. They will steal your contacts. They will see how much you’re worth and calculate how much of a ransom you are likely to pay. They will then disable your backups, steal your data, and execute a crypto ransom plan to paralyze your business.

Did you know that the Canadian Government has made it mandatory to report any cyber breach that exposes PII (Personally Identifiable Information)? That includes information such as Names, Birthdays, SIN, Email Addresses, and Phone Numbers!

So how much can a breach actually cost? The average breach now costs more than a million dollars. How? 1. The Ransom 2. The Government Fines 3. The Breach Mitigation 4. The Lost Revenue while down

DANNY TAYLER, IT ADVISORS

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5. The Lost Customer Revenue going forward.

You may say, “I’m not worried, that’s what insurance is for”. In cases like the RM of Gladstone cyber attack, at the time of their media release they had gone 10 months without insurance paying out the half a million dollars that was stolen from them. Insurance requirements are swiftly changing. Most will now deny your claim for gross negligence unless you are following best practices.

Cyber attacks are happening in Westman. Some are reported, and others are not. Canadian privacy laws do require you report any suspected breach of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Remediation costs are high and will affect both your reputation and your profitability.

What are best practices? In short, you need to use an MSP (Managed Service Provider). They also need to be capable of cyber security for your business. What are some of the specific requirements your business needs to implement?

• Firewalls

• Multi Factor Authentication • Identify locations with PII • Encryption for endpoints • Offsite Backups • Have a business continuity plan • Cyber Training for your employees • Dark Web Monitoring Contact us to book time for your free strategy call.

IT Advisors / Brandon Computers Danny Tayler 204-717-4365 www.ITAdvisors.ca

• Antivirus

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Community Profile | Town of Neepawa

Town of Neepawa

Where Stories Take a Beautiful Turn

BY GEOFF KIRBYSON

If you’re getting tired of your more than year-long staycation, Neepawa might be just the boost you need to get over the pandemic blues.

Even better — be prepared to sweat.

Located about a 45 minute drive northeast of Brandon, the town of nearly 5,000 people has a number of natural attractions that can get your COVID-19 body back in fighting shape. All of them are on the province’s list of acceptable activities while also allowing for social distancing.

The Back Forty Trail Park offers a 5.1-km cycling course with various levels of difficulty, including a pump track and a skills loop. Technical features of the park, which is natural grade plus man-made hills, include work and wood drops, table top jumps, wall rides, log rides and plenty of berms. It’s open year-round and can accommodate cyclists, walkers and runners and is ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing in the winter.

There’s also the Great Trail, 10 km of winding terrain that will surely satisfy the outdoor enthusiast in your group. If you aren’t exactly sure where it is, don’t worry, there are plenty of way-finding signs around town to point you in the right direction.

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If you like your pace a little slower, the Neepawa Golf & Country Club offers 18 challenging holes along the winding Whitemud River. If you need to get some of the rust off your swing, they’ve got a 20-tee driving range, too.

Estate Brewery, the only brewery in Canada that grows its own ingredients.

Plan your visit at www.neepawatourism.ca

Keep your head up, though. The Neepawa course is known for the wildlife that meander across the fairway with little notice.

No matter what you choose to do, there is perhaps no better way to finish off than with a visit to the Farmery

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Business Profile | Lakehouse

A Contact-Free Experience

Lakehouse Properties Uses Lockdown to Upgrade Operations

BY GEOFF KIRBYSON

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down but Karly McRae took her new-found free time and overhauled her business to compete both today and when life returns to normal.

The managing partner of the Lakehouse Properties in Wasagaming in Riding Mountain National Park — include the 15-room Lakehouse hotel and the Arrowhead property, which has 33 rooms, ranging from studios to three-bedroom loft suites — examined her operations and identified a number of ways in which technology could improve things, particularly contactless procedures.

“We quickly built an online ordering system for our restaurant, expanded our takeout menu and began delivering grocery packages and take-home meals.

We worked hard to expand our online offering to help diversify our revenue streams. We have built a contactless check-in system as well as a text-based concierge service for hotel guests, so our hotel experience is completely contact-free,” she says.

The government-imposed lockdowns in the first COVID-19 wave meant Parks Canada facilities were closed from March 17 to June 1 last year, resulting in the closure of all visitor services and vehicle traffic to Riding Mountain.

“The townsite was literally barricaded, resulting in zero percent occupancy at Lakehouse during the closure and the inability to even offer take-out. During those months, not only did we face a zero-revenue situation, but we were also refunding deposits from cancellations on hotel room bookings throughout the closure period and beyond,” she says.

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We are excited to announce some exciting changes at Lakehouse and for summer 2021. Last spring, during the height of the first lockdown, we decided to make a bold but necessary choice to move the Ice Cream Shop out of the Lakehouse building to allow more space for socially distanced tables in our restaurant, space for our hotel guests to check in, and for our customers to feel safe.

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back packs, jackets, wool blankets, hats, toques, soy candles and more!

McRae believes there are opportunities to be found in every challenge, whether it’s personally or professionally. “Don’t get me wrong, I have had moments of hopelessness and feelings of immense frustration, but I try to focus my energy on what I have the power to change and how we can adapt creatively and make things work,” she says.

We doubled down and invested in fully renovating one of the storefronts in the Danceland building to become a shiny, bright new Ice Cream Shop. Fast forward to today, and we are excited to announce that we have sold the Ice Cream Shop portion of Lakehouse to our new friends from @Velvetdip in Brandon!! Anyone from the Westman area knows that Velvet Dip is a pillar of the community and the name is synonymous with all things Ice Cream.

We knew we didn’t want just anyone taking over this space, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome Velvet Dip Lakeside to @clearlakecountry.

Over the next couple of weeks you will see some small renovations happening to the former Ice Cream Shop space at Lakehouse to make way for an updated cafe and retail offer featuring our very own line of ‘Lakehouse Adventure Goods’. Stay tuned, new stock will be coming in each week and we cant wait for you to see our new line!

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Clear Lake has traditionally been a three-season destination, but McRae has worked hard over the years to transform Arrowhead and the Wasagaming townsite into year-round attractions. “I love winter and think that there is so much potential for the development of unique tourism products centred around winter,” she says, noting that includes a pair of outdoor skating rinks at Arrowhead.

McRae chairs the Clear Lake Country Destination Marketing Organization and she believes businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the health and culture of their communities, improve destinations and to help them grow and reach their full potential.

“Clear Lake Country is focused on driving visitation to Riding Mountain National Park in all four seasons and within the last six years visitation has nearly doubled. We have invested heavily in destination marketing and have partnered with Travel Manitoba to raise the profile of our destination,” she says.

“It has been a year of constant retraining and learning.” - Karly McRae “I still have lots of ideas and plans. I have learned so much over the last seven years and I think it is so important to approach business with a desire to be constantly learning, constantly reinventing yourself in some way and constantly growing. If I ever stop approaching things that way I think that will be my indication that it is time to move on.”

The most difficult thing for McRae over the past 15 months has been guiding her staff through the never-ending stream of unknowns and constantly-changing regulations.

“Training them to essentially be enforcement officers for the health regulations of the given day and supporting them through the sometimes not-so-kind feedback and opinions from the public on things completely out of their control has been tough,” she says. “It has been a year of constant retraining and learning. People deal with and react to the need to change in very different ways and for some people that aspect of the pandemic has been extremely challenging. Of course, the stresses involved with shut-downs, laying off staff who are like family and the struggle to gear up and reopen quickly have been very real and difficult, too.”

McRae never set out to become an entrepreneur and own her own company.

She went to university but a political science degree wasn’t going to be much use in business. Growing up on a farm on the eastern boundary of Riding Mountain, however, she developed a strong work ethic.

“I learned to fix things and problem solve, to be resilient and was taught that if you need something, you build it, find it, fix it, work for it -- earn it,” she says.

“The national park was literally my backyard and as a result I feel extremely connected to it. I grew up tromping around in the bush with my dad, hiking the backcountry or riding around on a tractor. We grew literally everything we ate. My grandmother had a huge greenhouse

and gardens. Summers were spent weeding, picking vegetables, shelling peas, husking corn and canning or freezing everything we could. I think that is really what drives my entrepreneurial spirit.”

Lakehouse 204-848-7366 www.staylakehouse.ca

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TRAVELING without a (financial) plan?

BY MICHAEL VAN LIEROP, NEW OUTLOOK WEALTH

When travel becomes possible again, the pent-up demand will see a rebound in ocean cruises, all-inclusive vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean, and European sight-seeing tours. The “things to have” will be replaced, once again and perhaps with greater fervour than ever before, with the “things to do”. There is already prepandemic evidence of a consumer shift away from major expenditures on things towards experiences. Expect air travel to spike, live concert tickets to be more valuable than ever, and businesses looking to capitalize on this rise in tourism benefiting from the surge in demand.

As most of the world enters a second year of restricted travel due to the pandemic, travel for many will remain either a hyper-local phenomena or a distant dream in 2021. As household budgets get re-allocated, normally reserved for snowbird escapes to sunshine destinations in the winter, money is flowing instead into “things” such as hot tubs, luxury BBQs, and back yard landscaping projects. Indeed, with lumber shortages spiking the price of wood products from the lowly 2-by-4 to sheets of plywood tripling in cost, even the seemingly innocuous deck and fence projects of the passed have become major financial decisions, not to mention the home renovation adventures many a household has embarked on in the past year.

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What does this mean for you? It means the temptation to overspend, or over-borrow, to have these experiences and make up for more than a year of home-bound virtual escapes (courtesy of a fluid mix of Netflix and Amazon binge-worthy series, Spotify music, and good old-fashioned books) is significant and impossible to ignore. It all boils down to spending choices and how those choices are funded.

What we’re talking about, really, is what’s known as “discretionary spending” – how you use the surplus you have at the end of the month, after you pay your bills, pay the rent or mortgage, put food on the table, and gas in the car. Ideally, it’s also surplus you have left after you hit your savings targets and/or debt reduction goals.

If you’re thinking, “wait, I don’t have anything left” then you may benefit from a budget review with a financial planner. Even households with large incomes can easily find themselves over-extended and a re-prioritization from an objective 3rd party (ie: an Advisor) can help.

IF THE TRAVEL ITCH IS BECOMING UNBEARABLE, ONE THING THAT CAN HELP IS TO PLAN.

Entrepreneur.com offered in a recent article the “7 Reasons Why Spending Money on Experiences Makes Us Happier Than Buying Stuff.” One of the seven reasons mentioned is “experience defines your purpose and passions”, comparing owning your favourite artist’s entire album collection to seeing the artist in concert, live. It’s an easy comparison but makes the point. If the travel itch is becoming unbearable, one thing that can help is to plan. Many travel experiences are offering modest deposits and guaranteeing refunds in the event of Covid-related cancellations, which makes planning possible. Regardless of what you choose, how you manage this spending is critical.

Arguably, it’s never been more tempting to blow an enormous amount of money on travel once restrictions alleviate. The risk to your financial plan, if you have one, looms large. So rather than pretend it’s not a thing that’s been dominating your daydreaming as of late, embrace it! This means make sure your financial planner is aware and is helping you set aside a travel fund that is adequate to satiate your experiential needs. In other words, if spending more on that next trip south is what’s going to help your mind and soul heal from a year of hell, then go for it. Your portfolio and retirement can – with proper advice and adherence to a financial plan – survive just fine.

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Forget camping, it’s time for Glamping!

Local Entrepreneurs Target Campers Who Want The Comforts Of Home

BY GEOFF KIRBYSON

I

f you’re not the camping type, you’d be hardpressed to find anything glamorous about heading into the great outdoors and praying that mosquitoes won’t find the gaping hole you ripped in your tent while putting it up.

Or using your last three matches to start a fire after your mini-barbecue suddenly ran out of propane a minute after you put your burgers on.

Cassandra Jamieson would like to change all that.

She and her husband, Turner, run McPhail Travel in Brandon but when the bottom fell out of the travel business after the global pandemic first hit, they needed a way to keep the doors open.

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Glamping — that’s glamorous camping — a way for people to enjoy nature without giving up the comforts of home.

They decided to get into the glamping business.

The what?

It’s a thing. Glamping — that’s glamorous camping — a way for people to enjoy nature without giving up the comforts of home.

You can do some of the things you love about camping, such as telling stories around the fire, watching for shooting stars and unplugging from the daily grind. But instead of a fitful night on bumpy ground in a sleeping bag with a broken zipper, you can drift off to sleep in a king-size bed nestled in sheets with a 1,000-thread count.

The Jamiesons started Moonlit Canopy, set to open this summer. It will have three geodesic domes at the

Cassandra Jamieson and family

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Pleasant Valley Golf Course, one hour drive southeast of Brandon. Set in the picturesque Pembina Valley at the south end of Pelican Lake, the domes will be tucked into the tree-lined fairways with unobstructed views of the greens and a winding creek.

The clubhouse is just a short walk away and features a restaurant with beverages of all kinds and hot meals.

Anticipating what the year ahead would look like for her business, Cassandra wondered “How am I going to keep the lights on and at least some of my staff working? My first thought was a staycation. My staff and I spent most of last fall putting together boxes with Manitoba-made products and a travel guide with links to websites and videos on various locations around the world. We wanted to simulate what you might be doing while on vacation.

Some of our featured destinations included Iceland, Switzerland, Paris and Mexico.”

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Pelican Lake is a year-round playground. In the summer, the lake is ideal for sailing, boating and birdwatching. In the winter, ice fishing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling are common activities taking place on the lake.

She thought as soon as the economy reopened that the travel business would pick up but she worried about the people who were nervous about leaving the country or sitting on a full plane beside a complete stranger.

“We’re seeing that consumers are looking for a level of quality, uniqueness, sustainability and architecture.

Experiential travelers are increasingly searching for experiences that reconnect them with the great outdoors in comfort and style. Our goal for Moonlit Canopy is to create a space where you can escape, recharge, reconnect and then go home and take on the world.”

The word “glamping” first appeared in the United Kingdom in 2005 and if there was any question about

Jamieson is confident glamping will appeal to couples and families alike. While most people like to camp — or glamp — in the summer, she is expecting to be busy in the winter, too.

its staying power, that was erased when it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. Glamping — the activity, not the word —subsequently caught on in North America and has been growing across the U.S. and Canada for the past five years.

Moonlit’s glamping domes boast king- and queen-sized beds in the mezzanine, a modern kitchenette, a full bathroom and a panoramic bay window. The luxurious accommodations include a pellet stove, lamps, rugs and elegant décor. They’ve been built on wooden platforms and feature private hot tubs.

Jamieson is confident glamping will appeal to couples and families alike. While most people like to camp — or glamp — in the summer, she is expecting to be busy in the winter, too.

“With snowshoe and snowmobiling trails nearby, and a cozy pellet stove keeping the dome warm, it will be the perfect place for a romantic getaway.” Imagine sitting in your hot tub with your toque on as the snow is gently falling, or on a clear night watching the northern lights dance across the sky,” she says.

McPhail Travel – Moonlit Canopy 435 Rosser Ave, Suite K Brandon MB 204-727-2305 cassandra@mcphailtravel.net

Your Food Truck Hot Spot!

Treat yourself to a taste explosion of flavors at Willey’s Grub Hub Smokehouse Edition

Brandon’s most sought after Smokehouse Food Truck!

Smoked meat goes back for centuries. It’s not only about the unique flavours and taste, it’s a art in itself. Together with the low and slow approach to cooking – brine, sauces and smoke are what make Willey's smoked meat taste so good.

Smoked Meat | Burgers | Hot Dogs | Poutine | Mac & Cheese | Drinks

Parked at: Precision Toyota 404 18th Street N

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