tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22739723599660584922024-03-13T08:27:53.283-07:00NewsFeedChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-28611642202506502092011-07-02T20:40:00.001-07:002011-07-02T20:40:18.413-07:00<div style="width: 400; text-align: center; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><p style="margin-right: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #7F0000;"><b>Scientologists</b><br />Circle I Limbo</p><p style="margin-right: 10; margin-left: 10; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #8F0000;"><b>Nancy Pelosi</b><br />Circle II Whirling in a Dark & Stormy Wind</p><p style="margin-right: 20; margin-left: 20; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #9F0000;"><b>Rednecks</b><br />Circle III Mud, Rain, Cold, Hail & Snow</p><p style="margin-right: 30; margin-left: 30; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #AF0000;"><b>PETA Members</b><br />Circle IV Rolling Weights</p><p style="margin-right: 40; margin-left: 40; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #BF0000;"><b>George Bush</b><br />Circle V Stuck in Mud, Mangled</p><p style="border-style: solid none; border-color: black; background: white; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">River Styx</p><p style="margin-right: 50; margin-left: 50; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #CF0000;"><b>Republicans</b><br />Circle VI Buried for Eternity</p><p style="border-style: solid none; border-color: black; background: white; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">River Phlegyas</p><p style="margin-right: 60; margin-left: 60; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #DF0000;"><b>Creationists</b><br />Circle VII Burning Sands</p><p style="margin-right: 70; margin-left: 70; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #EF0000;"><b>The Pope</b><br />Circle IIX Immersed in Excrement</p><p style="margin-right: 80; margin-left: 80; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; background: #FF0000;"><b>Michelle Bachman</b><br />Circle IX Frozen in Ice</p><p><a href="http://www.gaydeceiver.com/misc/hell/" style="color: red;">Design your own hell</a></p></div>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-26376560872132986292010-06-15T13:02:00.001-07:002010-06-15T13:12:46.153-07:00Good NewsWell, good news! To those few of you who read this blog, it's kaput. I just got TWO paying freelance gigs! I'm now a writer for <a href="http://www.demandstudios.com/">http://www.demandstudios.com/</a> and for <a href="http://www.suite101.com/">http://www.suite101.com/</a> !<br />Part of the contracts is that I don't post my work anywhere else, so this blog is donezo! Make sure you check those sights in the next couple months for my work!!ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-49461383444147815322010-06-09T11:12:00.001-07:002010-06-09T11:22:10.926-07:00Special<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />This week, Bruce asked me to write a reflection on my time here for the paper. This is what I submitted to him.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My name is Chris Tataryn, and I’m new to this.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am a student, just about to finish my work practicum and graduate from Media Production at ACC.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As you may have guessed, I’m doing my practicum here at the Westman Journal, and this week I have been tasked with writing about my experience so far.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I started my practicum here in May, and it will be over before July.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In just this short time, I have totally </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">rekindled the desire I had for news media when I enrolled at ACC.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was worried that next year I was going to have to go get a ‘real’ education in something safe like business or accounting, but after having just a taste of how exciting a media career can be, I am sure this is for me.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This may be an unpaid practicum, but all the perks I have received more than make up for that.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Perks like free-access to the Memorial Cup, much to the jealousy of some of my classmates.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7s8ZzadEfwQ-6oZxUVZrbKL8rWTV8DDT_nFkGPjrkW1x1M3wMNhqVPHCxWJEi-Jtw29ZHJCTcq8pTzSIMh8GbipZPfwLcdOe9w_nJDHLqOH35k_K57S2LaZZAIBJ2JWqye7xZWoUWsWN/s200/P5187956.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480839389189975090" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the cup was in town, I was floored to learn that Bruce Penton, the editor here at the Journal, had put my name down for a media pass at the Memorial Cup.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">That meant that I now had free access to anything going on in the Keystone Centre for that entire event.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Free access to games, to players, even to Lord Stanley’s Cup (which, thanks to this practicum, I had the opportunity to touch without waiting in line for hours).</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Just the ability to walk around and learn or watch anything I wanted was an incredible feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Memorial Cup was an awesome experience for me, and it hasn’t slowed down since it ended.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0SSHBCmvfJBqYaK0aSV_aVeHccLSstklP6nKxaYpbmtwGAk9W00PDnUgvT04jvsnIq6HNxbX03ax-03lLyd_ZYVr_shHPqeuyzqCW2wyBRpxnDuvQ6RicxPARL2m12D89GOJ5lhb4oZE/s320/DSC_0090xx.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480838702701124610" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to go check out the Summer Fair a day early and even got myself on some free rides.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you thought the Fireball was scary before, try doing it while clutching a camera worth more than all your possessions combined.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Definitely more exciting than anything I could have expected when I started my time at the journal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Experiencing actually being a part of the mainstream media has been awesome.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I live to learn, and being in an industry that focuses around learning and uncovering new information is a dream come true.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The best part so far?</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All these cool things I’ve done at the Westman Journal are just the start, I have no idea what I could be doing in five years, and thanks to my time here, that is the most exciting thing I could imagine.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-7942985406799641322010-06-03T12:19:00.000-07:002010-06-03T17:05:30.515-07:00Five Guys Burger and Fries Now Open!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-size:medium;">Five Guys Burger and Fries opened the doors to its third Canadian outlet on Thursday, and even just hours after its grand opening, Brandonites are praising the new establishment located in the Shoppers Mall.</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“This is hands-down the best burger I have ever tasted,” said Rory Graham, a grade 11 student at Vincent Massey, “It’s so good it’s obscene.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Five Guys Burger and Fries is owned and operated by Phil Holmes and Vincent McAllister, with Ben Hernandez working as the GM. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAgAVnnBLoI/AAAAAAAAAEo/OxAJ5tPu-S8/s200/Phil+Holmes.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478629318106099330" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“At Five Guys Burger and Fries we value our crew more than the burger itself. It’s the employees that make it all happen,” said Holmes, “They are a well-oiled burger-making army and the pride of the organization.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">When you walk in to FGBF, you are greeted by blaring rock music, the sounds of a bustling kitchen and the tantalizing scent of fresh meat being grilled.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">When you take your place in line, you can help yourself to a complimentary bag of peanuts while you wait.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">All the fries are cooked in healthier peanut oil as opposed to your typical fast food grease.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">After placing your order you have access to as many free drink refills as you can want, starting as soon as your burger hits the grill.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">The burgers are thick, fresh, and cooked to perfection every time, and all the toppings are free.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">You won’t be paying for</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> extra pickles here. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">“All our employees have complete power to help anyone with any problems they may have.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">If you have a problem, you won’t have to wait for a manager to be called, anyone you talk to will help you and make sure you leave satisfied,” said Holmes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAgAeJW33RI/AAAAAAAAAEw/kZjWgwyf7VQ/s200/Vincent+McAllister.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478629464604138770" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> “We picked Brandon to open this business because of the really good people in Brandon,” said McAllister, “This city has a very tight-knit community and an awesome small-town feel.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The community involvement in Brandon is certainly going to help FGBF, as they don’t plan to spend a cent on any advertising, counting on word of mouth to spread their reputation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAgBsTJ9K2I/AAAAAAAAAFA/WrWr27Kky5U/s320/RoryGraham_firstbite.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478630807264111458" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">“We aren’t fast food,” said Holmes, “We don’t have a drive-thru, we don’t have the food prepared ahead of time; we don’t even have a freezer in the back.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">All the ingredients are prepared the day of, and all burgers are cooked and put together right in front of your eyes.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“This is Brandon’s first REAL burger joint,” said Sam Vopni, a grade 12 student from Vincent Massey, “and after tasting this burger? I know I’m coming back.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-20959557243348882412010-06-03T08:20:00.001-07:002010-06-03T08:24:51.402-07:00Brandon Minor Baseball a Hit<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Minor baseball in Brandon is a growing attraction to kids of all ages, and thanks to the hard work by Faron Asham, it should continue to grab interest.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Asham is the President of the Brandon Minor Baseball League and he and his wife, Deborah Asham, fill many of the other roles needed to keep the league active.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAfIi7ChO-I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/5eadL6QnY6c/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478567974008863714" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“We have over 400 kids aged 8-18 this year,” said Faron Asham, “And over half of our</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""> membership is in the 8-10 division, giving us a strong young foundation to work with over the next few years.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The BMBL acquired Simplot Park six years ago, and although it requires a lot of upkeep, Asham thinks it is worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“It requires maintenance and upkeep from before the season starts until about August,” said </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Asham, “but it’s entirely worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This facility allows us to have more teams in for tournaments.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We even had a 30 team tournament once, and although that was pushing it a bit, we are still the only facility to be able to accommodate that many games.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAfIqrRFCKI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LuDzerVAQJI/s200/DSC_0031.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478568107213916322" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">There are two students who are paid for their help maintaining the fields, but everything else is in the hands of volunteers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“It’s not cheap to run this place, it costs us nearly $60 000 a year just to operate,” said Asham, “Most of the player fees go right towards that, and any extra we save and try to use for improvements.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Asham hopes to add a few more upgrades to the field this year, including some professional-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">calibre bullpens at 4 of the diamonds, as well as sod for the peewee infields.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He also says they would love for a major sponsor to help them out with a sprinkler system, although that may be a little far-off.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAfIy0BhDzI/AAAAAAAAAEg/8MgnRKdHVEA/s200/DSC_0035.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478568247003516722" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Simplot Park and the BMBL are hosting a few big tournaments this summer like the Peewee National Tournament, a very prestigious 10 team tourney that they had to bid for, as well as the ‘Hit, Run, Throw’ competition, a provincial contest </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">for athletes to display their skills in the aforementioned categories.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The top three athletes will be invited to Winnipeg for the next round of competition by CanWest Global, and they will receive tickets to a Goldeyes game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The BMBL has helped kids grow in the sport of baseball, and boasts sending lots of </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">athletes to the Manitoba Youth Team, the highest level of competition in the province, as well as sending kids on to play in the Manitoba Senior Baseball League with teams like the Clover Leafs and Marlins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“Baseball is a great sport, and I love seeing kids get into it at such a young age and stick around until they are adults playing at a higher level,” said Asham, “I love being a part of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAfIcoT9dII/AAAAAAAAAEI/A9Y-JQCqt08/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG"><br /></a>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-65588761175547210142010-06-02T14:00:00.001-07:002010-06-10T12:03:11.998-07:00Roly Hollyoake, 92 Year old Man of Interest<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most people can’t even imagine making it to age 92, but bartender Roly Hollyoake is still healthier and more active than some people in their 30s.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake, a resident at Victoria Landing, is allegedly the oldest licensed bartender in North America, and he doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“I enjoy helping out at the bistro here for happy hours,” said Hollyoake, who volunteers twice a week serving drinks to residents, “It keeps me busy and gives me a chance to talk to people and share jokes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake has been in the bartending business for over 40 years, but only got his license last year after Victoria Landing told him it was required to continue volunteering.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake didn’t start bartending until around 1975, because before that he was too busy hanging out with movie-stars of his day.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After three and a half years serving as a mechanic in the air force, station at Paulson Airport, Hollyoake hitchhiked all the way down to Hollywood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAbGwLERChI/AAAAAAAAAEA/l-cJvJQEjBg/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478284527649491474" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Movies really started to interest me after working at the theatre in Dauphin, so I wanted to see Hollywood,” said Hollyoake, “I got to tour all the movie lots and meet lots of stars; it really was something.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake was invited to “Little Mary” Pickford’s estate for a party, and met many movie stars at that time, including Roddy McDowall, whose home Hollyoake spent a weekend at.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After his time spent living it up in Hollywood, Hollyoake hitch hiked his way back up north and home, where he entered the hotel industry in Dauphin.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Around 1975 he moved with his family to run the Souris Motor Inn, where he put most of his time in behind the bar.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake was born in England, just 50 miles from London, in a refurbished barn in 1918.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He moved to Canada when he was 11 years old, and now has a large family, with five children of his own, and 13 grandchildren and great grandchildren.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">His wife passed away in 2002.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“I have a good life,” said Hollyoake, “I enjoy good health, I love where I live and I keep myself busy.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’m amazed I’m as old as I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake has even more on his resume to keep himself busy; he is also a licensed Marriage Commissioner, and has been performing weddings for the last 17 years.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Every wedding is entirely different; I enjoy being there to see them all.”</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake has performed marriages all over, from farms and historical buildings to Mexico and the Peace Gardens.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He even performed two at the Victoria Landing facilities a few years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If marrying people, pouring drinks, and hanging out with movie stars isn’t enough for a 92 year old man, Hollyoake was also honoured last February for 61 years of membership in the Lions Club.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake spent 1984 as the District Governor in the Lions Club, and during that year he started 17 new clubs in the area, a huge number for only one year of work.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He also took on the role of editor of the Lions Club newsletter for 10 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“My doctor says that keeping active like I do must help my health,” said Hollyoake, “He said ‘I don’t know what you are doing, but don’t stop, its working!’”</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hollyoake enjoys his great health, and gives part of the thanks to never having smoked in his life, an impressive feat considering the past tolerance of cigarettes in bars.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He also likes to have a few glasses of wine every week, and plans to continue that tradition for the rest of his days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Roly Hollyoake is an active member of Victoria Landing, and an inspiration at his age for young people who hope to stay active and healthy into their golden years.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-2019823415288746942010-06-02T12:35:00.000-07:002010-06-02T12:37:23.243-07:00Donations needed to help Bowlby<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Natasha Bowlby is hoping to paddle in support of breast cancer at the International Dragon Boat Festival in Peterborough, Ontario this month, but she needs help from the community to get there.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The festival in Peterborough is the world-wide festival, and will be hosting over 65 teams from all around the world, including South Africa, Italy, and America, as well as several Canadian teams.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/TAaypC5sfGI/AAAAAAAAAD4/rNuK9-HcxMY/s400/Eileen_Natasha.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478262414966029410" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Bowlby is the only support paddler going to the Festival from Manitoba, and because she is not a member of any team she will need financial support from the public to get there.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“I’m accepting any donations people can give, and anyone who donates gets to sign their name on my paddle to show their support for breast cancer,” said Bowlby.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dragon boating is a 2000 year old sport that started in ancient China.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a competitive racing sport in long boats, usually holding 22-23 people; 20 paddlers, 1 drummer to keep the rhythm, and 1 caller or steersperson at the rear of the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bowlby has been paddling for roughly five years, and travels to her home in Nova Scotia most summers to paddle competitively with the Bosom Buddies, the team her mother is a part of.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“Dragon boating is a lot of fun,” said Bowlby, “All sorts of people can do it, and it really is a great way to build new relationships with your team mates.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bowlby’s mother, Eileen Bowlby, is a 13 year survivor of breast cancer, and Natasha’s inspiration for paddling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Eileen started dragon boating after her friend recommended it to help strengthen muscles after breast cancer treatments, and it stuck with her since then.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Natasha enjoys the sport so much that she has been working to bring it to Brandon since earlier this year, and has a team of roughly 23 people organized which just had its first on the water practice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For more information about dragon boating, and how you can get involved, email Natasha at <a href="mailto:brandondragonboat@gmail.com">brandondragonboat@gmail.com</a> or drop by the Brandon Paddling Club at Dinsdale Park.<o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-56024862942264541472010-05-27T08:02:00.001-07:002010-05-27T08:03:43.510-07:00Faders takes bite out of Apple<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Faders Music & Recording, located at 2412 Victoria Ave, is looking to take a bite out of the ever-expanding Apple by mid-June.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Owned and operated by Chris Nylen, Faders is Brandon’s number one stop for musical technology, offering everything from the instruments themselves to all the equipment needed for a studio, as well as a recording studio of their own, and it now plans to add Apple products to the line up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Apple is a very fast-growing aggressive company, we think it will definitely bring us a lot of business,” said Nylen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Faders was using PCs running windows in the recording studio until a switch to Mac nearly two years ago, and Kyle Shaw, a Faders employee, says it was a good change.</p> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S_6JtLKvvWI/AAAAAAAAADw/sHB5pgQwzEk/s320/P5258163.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475965606114082146" /><p class="MsoNormal">“Macs are far superior in the studio.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>More stability, no worries about viruses, the hardware peripherals work much nicer,” said Shaw, “it makes a big difference.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both Nylen and Shaw are Mac users in their personal lives, and both believe that because of that they will be able to offer more to customers than other retailers, like Future Shop.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Other retailers focus on a wide range of products with no real specialization.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We hope to be able to offer a focus and wider knowledge base.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will be able to help with installs, peripherals, troubleshooting, and other kinds of ‘Apple Education’,” said Nylen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Faders will be selling the full catalogue of Apple products (except the iPod, due to licensing issues) and will be offering Apple Education with their already offered services, including music lessons, instrument repair and maintenance, and music recording.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nylen hopes to get their first shipment of Apple product in stock for mid-June.</p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-54437441647679708952010-05-20T10:20:00.000-07:002010-05-20T10:24:32.306-07:00Lululemon Open in Brandon!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fredrickson Performance Center, located at 1212 18</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Street, has added to its gym facility with a</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> much awaited addition to Brandon clothing stores.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As of May 15, FPC has partnered with Canadian Lululemon clothing, and is selling the entire catalogue of goods out of their fitness center.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The grand opening of this addition is set for sometime early June.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S_Vvo_a7R2I/AAAAAAAAADY/1dX5_tZMPWI/s200/P5198030.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473403672148526946" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“We thought it was a good fit for Brandon and our gym organization,” said Jill Fredrickson, co-founder of FPC.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lululemon is a popular brand of clothing, selling men’s and women’s exercise apparel and casual clothing.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There have been</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> rumours for over the last year of a Lululemon coming to the Wheat City, and now that it has happened, not many people know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“Because we are partners with Lululemon in this venture, and it’s not a franchise outlet, we can’t do any advertising for it,” said Fredrickson, “we can’t even have the logos outside the building.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S_Vv9ZU0hmI/AAAAAAAAADg/pP0AGRziadA/s200/P5198037.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473404022699624034" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This means that many people won’t know about the new addition unless customers and gym members spread the word, but with such an anticipated product arriving, that shouldn’t take long.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“We know that a lot of people in Brandon like wearing Lululemon clothing, and we hope to have a lot of success bringing it closer to them,” said Fredrickson.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Previously, customers had to drive to Polo Park in Winnipeg to buy their Lululemon clothing, but with this closer location Fredrickson hopes to add to what the city has to offer, and hopefully attract more members to the gym.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“People will come in and buy their clothes while they can see the gym area,” said Fredrickson, “hopefully they will see the great equipment we have to offer and sign up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fredrickson Performance Center is located at 1212 18 Street, right next to the Vanguard Credit Union.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S_VwKhxCcvI/AAAAAAAAADo/ENqy_46ENSs/s200/P5198043.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473404248303760114" />ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-77984021736630007362010-05-19T08:50:00.001-07:002010-05-19T08:51:38.973-07:00Hockey Hall of Fame<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Hockey Hall of Fame has brought its gold package to the Keystone Center to help celebrate the Memorial Cup, and it’s attracting more attention every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“We like to try and make the displays focus on more local and relevant topics, like most of these are related to the WHL or World Juniors,” said Howie Borrow, one of the men in charge of the displays.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiCc4sepCadUH9xz4F6sdJwhXaHWr7MPlLorA0H8KDU6BGNoErC1jns4ZfND6LdztnXHsnwJ20COXXbOHO0gweY3C4o1cbAlRb1MjHWz0hIs4NDWJMNZK0JuBmbbXZGg1q-0Dj4kJ6b0D/s200/P5187870.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473009292706957554" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>The Hockey Hall of Fame set up contains 20 different displays, featuring old sporting artifacts as well as newer more recent additions, such as the jersey that Brayden Schenn wore during the most recent World Junior tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is their gold package, the biggest and best one they offer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“The best part about this,” said Bill Wellman, another man in charge of the displays, “is when you occasionally have someone find something in our displays from an old friend or relative.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They get very excited to see that we even have things as old as the jerseys some of these guys wore as kids.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Hockey Hall of Fame has teamed up with Top Shot Hockey, a company that brings hockey-related games with the displays to add an extra level of interactivity.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“Top Shot Hockey is great to have along; it really helps us give the most where ever we are set up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tickets for an event like the Memorial Cup aren’t cheap, so we like to give as much as possible to make everyone feel like they are getting what they paid for,” said Borrow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Hockey Hall of Fame has toured all over North America, from the World Juniors right to the Olympics, but the men say Brandon is one of the best stops yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“We are really enjoying this Memorial Cup in Brandon,” said Borrow, “the people here are very friendly, and always doing their best to accommodate us in every way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s been a very fun environment.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-13365169667000516642010-05-19T08:47:00.001-07:002010-05-19T12:28:24.817-07:00The Stanley Cup comes to Brandon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwFeXMyjHRQZL5_s5jDxmCXHnYCTp-3HfJEWS_MHqzk9Yz9RNzu692PP0g8wOUg7OcpRmPt1v1-yR5WXTz0F6ooA3cXbb038DdEjDdHYF_tdSQKsTq90ka-nv4jVFQg6qYW2lwCNmLpPn/s1600/cupsecurity.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwFeXMyjHRQZL5_s5jDxmCXHnYCTp-3HfJEWS_MHqzk9Yz9RNzu692PP0g8wOUg7OcpRmPt1v1-yR5WXTz0F6ooA3cXbb038DdEjDdHYF_tdSQKsTq90ka-nv4jVFQg6qYW2lwCNmLpPn/s200/cupsecurity.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473008889091067250" /></a><br /> The Stanley Cup has come to Brandon for today only. It is being placed on display in the Hockey Hall of Fame area of the Keystone Center, and is open for the public to come touch and take pictures with.<br />I may not be getting paid for this practicum, but things like this make it totally worth full time work with no wage.<br /><br /><br />EDIT: Pictures were submitted and used on www.chrisd.ca. You can find it here! <a href="http://www.chrisd.ca/blog/24163/stanley-cup-brandon-keystone-centre-hockey-photos/">http://www.chrisd.ca/blog/24163/stanley-cup-brandon-keystone-centre-hockey-photos/</a>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-31393575140365773792010-05-18T07:08:00.000-07:002010-05-18T07:13:00.515-07:00Helping Hands Soup Kitchen<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Loft, a ragged looking building in downtown Brandon, doesn’t look like a sanctuary for those in need, but open the doors and go up the narrow flight of stairs, and your eyes will be opened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It’s up those stairs that Doug Orr and Helping Hands have been helping people who need it the most for nearly the last 15 years.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">“We stick to our mandate; Feed without Judgement,” said Orr, “it’s just a great way of giving back and trying to help people turn their lives around.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Looking at the buffet-style serving table set up, you will see a big variety of food, all of it made entirely from donated goods from citizens of Brandon.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Most donations are collected at all the grocery stores around town, or from the congregation at the Calvary Temple, who, led by Pastor Gary Jennings, collects and donates </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">specific food items whenever The Loft, which is open Monday to Friday from 12 till two, is running low.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">“If each church donated the way Pastor Gary does, we would never be short on food,” said Sharon Ballingall, a volunteer at The Loft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The volunteer staff at The Loft do the best they can possibly do with what they have, but sometimes there is not enough food to go around.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For example, they get so few donations of milk, they only allow children to have one glass, and adults never get any.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">There have been days they have had to turn people away because they had no food at all.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">“This organization is bigger than most people realize,” said Orr, “we need all donations we receive.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Thankfully, with such little food, few people are abusing the system said Orr.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S_KgBdKbiVI/AAAAAAAAACo/jUqW9ZYuFnk/s320/Orr.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472612444077263186" /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">“I’d say less than 1% of people coming through us are using the service when they don’t need it.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Waiting in line with the people who actually need our help opens your eyes to the conditions some people live in,” said Orr, “and not many people are willing to stand around and take from these people that already have nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Helping Hands have had rough patches over the years, nearly going bankrupt at one point.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The only direct fundraising they do is a Membership Drive every December.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The organization asks for donations starting at $5, which is enough to buy two meals for someone.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">“We get huge support for the Membership Drive,” said Orr, “And not just in Brandon, but the entire Westman area does an excellent job at helping out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Despite community help, The Loft is often short-staffed, especially in the summer months.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">“Normally we get around 150-160 people a day, but when the summer months come around, that number goes up to around 230, so our staffing demands go up,” said Orr.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Helping Hands and The Loft do their best to help people find their feet and turn their lives around, and Orr shared one of his favourite success stories about a woman who turned her life around thanks to the help offered.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">A woman was married and doing very well financially, but unfortunately suffered a divorce and lost everything.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Orr suggested volunteering to her, because “The best way to make yourself feel better is to help other people feel better,” Orr believes.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The lady followed the suggestion and started volunteering at The Loft, while receiving assistance at the same time.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Eventually, from the hard work she put in, the lady got the job as a Co-ordinator for Helping Hands, and made enough money doing that to move to Winnipeg and get her feet under her.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Orr tells the story of the woman as one of their biggest successes, but says he has many more to tell.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S_KgREID3uI/AAAAAAAAACw/BF6RPLg1_-Q/s320/P5147765.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472612712234344162" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Helping Hands doesn’t directly offer services to people seeking additional aid, such as housing for the homeless, but does point people in the right direction.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">“We don’t have our hand in any other help organizations, but we are pleased to be able to point people towards the help they need.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We are useful in helping people find help,” said Orr.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Volunteering time at The Loft is a real eye-opener for many people to the situations that less fortunate people live in, and in some cases it inspires people to do more.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Lynne White is one of those cases.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">White had been volunteering for a number of years at The Loft when her husband, Ian White, and her decided to try something different.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Whites moved to Kenya, Africa, and started an orphanage called Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa Rehema Children’s Home.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">PEFA has been running on entirely donations for the last five years, and now holds 42 children, but White still comes back to Canada once in a while to continue volunteering at The Loft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Orr hopes that over the summer people keep remembering to donate what food they can, and donate some of their time to help prepare and serve the food being donated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">“Every little big helps,” said Orr, “and what is a more effective way of giving back to the community than helping the less fortunate?”</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-77573702471655015902010-05-14T11:54:00.000-07:002010-05-14T12:02:40.530-07:00Brandon School Defibrillators<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">With the recent death of Roblin Principal David Degroot, the topic of Automatic External Defibrillators in schools is gaining popularity. Dwight Kearns, the Brandon School Division’s Physical and Health Specialist, says that the division is working diligently to implement an AED in every school. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“We already have one in all of the high schools, as well as George Fitten School. It’s our priority to outfit every school, starting with schools that allow their gyms to be used by the public,” said Kearns.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> David Degroot died early May of </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">a severe aortic valve stenosis, a severe narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. Although an AED would not have solved the problem, there is a chance it could have helped until professional medical help arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“It may not have helped, but in a situation like that, it certainly could not have made it any worse,” said a BU nursing student, who asked not to be named. “Best case scenario would be saving a life, worst case scenario would be making no difference.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The AEDs in Brandon schools are located in high traffic areas, usually right outside of the gym. Although AEDs come with very straight forward instructions on their use, Kearns said the division sends several teachers from each school for first aid training.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“We try and send a few teachers from each school for Canadia</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 18px; ">n First Aid Training from each school so they can form a sort of First Aid Committee for their school. We usually send about 50 teachers a year.”</span></p> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-2cmusGdkI/AAAAAAAAACg/5WS4AvbH_1g/s320/P5147806.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471201311506986562" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Brett Nohr, a physical education teacher at Vincent Massey, is one of the teachers who has been trained in the use of an AED.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“All 5 of the physical education teachers at Vincent Massey have taken the one day course offered by Heart and Stroke Foundation,” said Nohr, “and the plans right now are to get an instructor to come in and start teaching AED use in the grade 10 health classes to make sure all the students are informed.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> AEDs are starting to become more and more publicly accessible, with stations popping up in malls, workplaces and schools all across the province.</span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-89848545323634202942010-05-14T07:38:00.000-07:002010-05-14T07:40:26.141-07:00Brandon Kozun<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Brandon Kozun and the Calgary Hitmen are in town for the Memorial Cup, and the future prospect of the LA Kings is excited to play.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“It’s a huge atmosphere, very exciting to be here right now with such outstanding competition.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kozun has been with the Hitmen since ’07, leading the league in scoring this year with 107 points and earning himself the Bob Clarke Trophy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But Kozun is taking some time off ice to nurse a leg injury, but he is certain he will be ready to play.</p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Z4IzI_B3aCjyyFYbJrQkKH5m9zPBCb2XCQZCB0vVGy5SZ75VbjWc_ZRYUw9djHDhUxxMkwgt7rA55rsB6XABDKG6XswuLMnAH6g3VFbSAGgFzvDXaQuuPE-9ca1ni1SzI5vFiyWhXV2J/s320/Brandon-Kozun.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 234px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471135358003145250" /><p class="MsoNormal">“It will be a game time decision, but I will probably play,” said Kozun, “It’s going to take a lot to stop me from playing.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kozun is a familiar face to some of the Wheat Kings, specifically Brayden Schenn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Schenn and Kozun played together on the 2010 National Junior Team, and have both been drafted to play with the LA Kings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Brayden and I have played together before, and we get along pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is a great calibre player and I look forward to playing with him again in the NHL.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Hitmen face off against Brandon’s Wheat Kings on May 19, and all parties are looking forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It’s going to be tough,” said Kozun, “last time we played them we got a few lucky breaks, they definitely aren’t an easy team to beat, and with the competition at the level it’s expected to be at here, it will definitely be a great game to play and watch.”</p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-45407575647591059742010-05-14T07:35:00.000-07:002010-05-14T07:38:39.017-07:00Memorial Cup<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's the week of the Memorial Cup here in Brandon, the biggest event to come to the city. I'm lucky enough to have a media pass through my practicum, so I'm going to be checking out as much of the action as possible, and hopefully getting a few interviews with players to put up here. Check back frequently for Memorial Cup stories you won't see anywhere else! <br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelm0ekAJ60zk_hkQk6pSTRX_XtJrCPl-uE9Y4HZi2kF068kDBzgePRSiEd3aWF7k5Q7x-WuvK3p9g_591MNulbAdvYiOublGNtXZA_GOLPjEr21QfQyWYzz8TxMzI3hyat8EU6PSI1BMX/s320/MemorialCup.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471134883431097666" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Graphic by Chris Tataryn</span>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-20461583793371229482010-05-13T08:15:00.000-07:002010-05-13T18:12:43.848-07:00<div></div>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-35262814557243205362010-05-12T13:25:00.000-07:002010-05-12T13:31:00.433-07:00Canada's BIGgest Online radio station moving to Souris<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Selkirk’s BIG FM, Canada’s biggest online-only radio station boasting 300,000 listeners, is set to move to Souris in August.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black">“I had been on Brandon radio between September 1988 and September 1998, and this kind of feels like a little bit of a homecoming,” said Ray Walker, BIG FM President.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black">Walker will be moving to be married, and bringing the station with him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>BIG FM started off primarily focusing on getting Selkirk Steelers junior hockey games broadcast over the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Since getting on the internet airwaves, BIG FM has grown in popularity, broadcasting from many big events, such as the 2007 RBC National Junior Hockey Championship, the 2008 Western Canadian Junior B Hockey Championship, and the 2009 Telus Cup National Midget Hockey Championship.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The hockey broadcasts of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and the Keystone Junior Hockey League were very well received and are a big part of why the radio station is so successful. BIG FM will hope to continue that in broadcasts of the Southwest Cougars and Brandon Midget Wheat Kings of the Manitoba Major Hockey League, the Souris Elks of the Tiger Hills Hockey League, Sabres and Vipers high school sports, and hopefully some summer sports like football and Cardinals baseball.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black">“More and more people are following professional hockey and other sports through the internet, why not make the smaller leagues accessible the same way?” asks Souris Mayor Darryl Jackson, “it’s definitely a good thing, and new businesses are always welcome.”</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The radio station plays a unique blend of pop, rock, and country music.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black">“A number of former Brandon radio personalities have touched base with us and have indicated an interest in helping out with the radio station once it is back on-line. Our intention for BIG FM is to be a community portal from Souris with the world checking in on us from time to time,” said Walker.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span> There is no plan in place for BIG FM to become an over-the-air radio station, as Walker says Brandon has many radio stations that already provide that service to Westman.<br /><br />(no picture currently available)</span></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-71833601037382300322010-05-12T13:22:00.001-07:002010-05-12T13:24:41.640-07:00Hockey Town in for Memorial Cup<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sOOt3jdpI/AAAAAAAAACA/41McXDg4SCU/s1600/P5117582.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sOOt3jdpI/AAAAAAAAACA/41McXDg4SCU/s320/P5117582.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470481818365163154" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘Hockey Town’ is an art exhibit that has come to the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba from the Maclaren Art Gallery in keeping with Memorial Cup Festivities until June 19.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“It’s really fun.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It attracts sports fans and art fans, it really does a great job of blending the two activities,” said Amber Andersen, Curator of Exhibitions and Education.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘Hockey Town’ is comprised of art by Liz Pead, Liss Platt, and Leah Modigliana, and is centered on using hockey to make art.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Plead has re-interpreted the landscape with discarded hockey equipment found in trash bins outside rinks and curb sides around Toronto.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Modigliani’s contribution takes a pointed look at the commoditisation of the body; the marketing of the star athlete and the cult of celebrity that surrounds professional</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "> sports.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Her installation is a basement rec-room, filled with memorabilia for the fictitious women’s hockey team, the Windsor Beavers.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The visitor is invited to sit on the comfortable couches and watch the TV, playing a loop of Wayne Gretzky’s famous retirement speech, as played by the artist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sOZvoG-UI/AAAAAAAAACI/G6UA2e2ny_8/s200/P5117603.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470482007815813442" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Platt worked with a different idea, making her art on a plank of white wood by firing slap-shots with painted pucks at the canvas.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The gallery liked that concept, and will be bringing it with them to the Memorial Cup Village this week, on Wednesday at noon till two, Thursday 20</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">at noon till two, and Friday 21 from noon till six.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They will have a hands on display set up for anyone and everyone to take a shot at the canvas and help create community artwork.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“We want to bring our own version of this slap-shot art to the village and walk away with something the entire community contributed to,” said Andersen.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-8571301145025377692010-05-12T13:19:00.000-07:002010-05-12T13:22:21.046-07:00Hanna Bordewijk - Woman Entrepreneur Nominee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sNwyMzQ1I/AAAAAAAAAB4/Wku1eHcll3E/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sNwyMzQ1I/AAAAAAAAAB4/Wku1eHcll3E/s320/DSC_0308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470481304131945298" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hanna Bordewijk is in the running for her second entrepreneurship award of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bordewijk, owner and operator of ‘All Things Beautiful’ is one of the two Brandon finalists for the Women’s Business Organization of Manitoba ‘Woman Entrepreneur of the Year for Manitoba’ award.</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Earlier this year, she was the recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year for Brandon sponsored by the city.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The winner will be announced next Thursday, </span></b><strong><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">May 20, at The Fairmont in Winnipeg.<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="line-height:115%; Arial","sans-serif";font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The modest Bordewijk nearly rejected the nomination. “I called the organization saying it was just too much praise, I couldn’t do it. But they talked to me and convinced me to accept the nomination.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="line-height:115%; Arial","sans-serif";font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> ‘All Things Beautiful’ is a charming home decor / ladies, girls, and babies clothing store that Bordewijk opened in April 2005 after moving to Brandon from Rapid City in 2002. In Rapid City she focused more on Home Decor after a tragic assault left her with back, neck, head, and brain trauma that caused her to be unable to continue her previous physiotherapy career. <o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="line-height:115%; Arial","sans-serif";font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“My sister, mother, and uncle all had (their own) stores, so that definitely influenced my decision to start my own.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="line-height:115%; Arial","sans-serif";font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Bordewijk says she is a strong believer in inner beauty, believing that it is what’s inside that makes a person attractive. This belief was the influence behind one of the store’s biggest and most successful advertising campaigns, the Top Model Competition, which is a contest for any person who has bought clothing from ‘All Things Beautiful’. The contestants only have to take a picture of themselves in clothing from the store, and finalists get professional photography sessions, while winners are chosen to model for store displays. The contest had over 4000 voters the first year, and that number has gone up over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="line-height:115%; Arial","sans-serif";font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“It really felt like more of a personal success than a business success to be nominated for such an award,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="line-height:115%; Arial","sans-serif";font-weight:normal;mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> ‘All Things Beautiful’ is located at 457 9</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Ninth Street.</span></span></strong><span style="line-height:115%; Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-70328932773373786002010-05-12T13:18:00.001-07:002010-05-12T13:19:44.021-07:00Cheryl Baynton - Woman Entrepreneur Nominee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sNVGASMWI/AAAAAAAAABw/_CQujePdA04/s1600/P5067452.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sNVGASMWI/AAAAAAAAABw/_CQujePdA04/s320/P5067452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470480828411818338" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cheryl Baynton is in the running for her first ever Entrepreneurship award on May 20</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, having been nominated for the Women’s Business Organization of Manitoba ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I was totally flattered to be put in the same category as all these other successful business women.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Baynton is the owner and mind behind Pantages Salon & Spa, as well as the new Pantages Eco-Friendly hair product line.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pantages is a classy, new-aged hair salon that also offers many different beauty and spa treatments, from pedicures to facials.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Baynton got the idea for starting Pantages after she had been working in the industry for a few years already.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I didn’t realize how attracted I was to this until I was actually working in the industry,” said Baynton, “this industry and I share a lot in common, we both are built around changing and staying new and exciting.”</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pantages was formed 25 years ago, and recently celebrated it’s anniversary with a big outdoor barbeque on May 8</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It has been located on Park Avenue for 8 years now, and before that was on Currie Boulevard for 17 years before needing to expand to new property.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Baynton is proud of the continuous growth of the company, and already has adjacent lots purchased for more future expansion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Baynton is also proud of her very professional staff who are helping her make her dreams reality.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I really want to bring a metropolitan feel to our little wheat city,” Baynton said, as is apparent the moment you open the doors of the salon, which can hold up to 23 clients at a time.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The decor of the salon, combined with the attitudes of the staff, make for a very refreshing ‘big-city’ feel, right in the middle of Brandon’s prairie landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Baynton will find out if she managed to come away with the award on May 20</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, at a special Dinner presentation at the Fairmont in Winnipeg.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-3268965801622731072010-05-12T13:10:00.000-07:002010-05-12T13:17:54.649-07:00Chris McConnell puts on show with BCO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sM4ziKoKI/AAAAAAAAABo/NiKds7qGaoE/s1600/conductor.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sM4ziKoKI/AAAAAAAAABo/NiKds7qGaoE/s320/conductor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470480342417318050" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On May 15 the Brandon Community Orchestra showed off their musical prowess, led by Chris McConnell, at the Victoria Inn Imperial Ballroom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Music has always been a big part of McConnell’s life; he trained at the Brandon University School of Music prior to teaching music at Hartney / Souris schools for 27 years, and is married to an elementary school music teacher.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After 27 years, McConnell was approached to help Souris School purchase new tools for the woodworking class, as woodworking is a hobby of his, and then later asked to teach the course full time.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One year after he had said goodbye to the Band program, McConnell felt the longing for music.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I love woodworking, and was happy with my job teaching it, but I was starting to really miss music.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">McConnell was approached by a Souris resident later that year about the opening conducting the BCO, and the opportunity to get re-involved with music was too great to say no to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Brandon Community Orchestra is currently home to 46 musicians, and is always open to new members.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There is no audition necessary, as McConnell believes that a community orchestra should involve the community as much as possible, regardless of skill levels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“We are always open to new members, no need to audition; instead we prefer that you come try us out.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you feel comfortable playing with our group, we are happy to have you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The orchestra features musicians of every calibre, including Concert Master and Vincent Massey student Jacob Toth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Jacob is an incredibly gifted young musician.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I swear he has musical ESP.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It’s like he understands exactly what I want done with any given piece of music, and he makes it happen beautifully.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">McConnell, Toth, and the rest of the Brandon Community Orchestra performed a diverse program on May 15 in the Victoria Inn Imperial Ballroom, featuring everything from operatic pieces to concerto movements, with a memorial tribute and some belly dancers thrown in for good measure. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-12624628576214638152010-05-12T13:03:00.000-07:002010-05-12T21:22:55.081-07:00Students Sow Seeds of Peace<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">‘Seeds for Peace’ is an innovative educational program designed to teach compassion, hope, and a love of gardening to elementary school children around the world, and Kircaldy Heights School decided to take part last week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“This seeds for peace program really promotes feelings of peace and kindness amongst the students, and it really helps open their eyes to how lucky they are,” said grade 3-4 teacherKaren Tilley.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The students at Kircaldy spent time on May 7 decorating seed pouches to be sent away to a foreign embassy, in this case Iraq, and the embassy will distribute these seed packages to school-aged children in their country, with hopes of spreading a message of kindness and hope.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sKtPlGv4I/AAAAAAAAABg/2zJMMak1-mc/s320/P5067516.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470477944764153730" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“We decided on Iraq because of the current turmoil in the country, the students have a general idea already, and this has helped open their eyes wider to what is going on.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I think this program is a great idea, it really gets the kids actively involved and helps them learn about what’s going on in the world,” said Mayor Dave Burgess, who made an appearance to show his support for the program, “I hope some of the other schools adopt this program and give it a shot, it really helps broaden the student’s perspective.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">‘Seeds for Peace’ was designed by Jeff Arsenault from Winchester Public School near Ottawa, and according to Tilley, is doing exactly what he intended for it to do.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“The kids are starting to think about what peace means to them, and how they can maintain it for the future.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-14686153688557839512010-05-12T13:01:00.001-07:002010-05-12T13:02:55.160-07:00Girl Repays Kindness with Long Locks<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kaitlyn Harvie is a brave young survivor of dysautonomia who has decided to give back to the organization that helped her when she was in need.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Kaitlyn, only 11 years old, wanted more than anything to see the Royal Winnipeg Ballet when she was sick, and in August, 2008, Westman Dreams for Kids made that happen for her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now, nearly two years later, she has decided to raise money for Westman Dreams for Kids while donating something very personal to cancer patients; her long locks of hair.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“I’m getting it cut all the way up to my shoulders.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kaitlyn has been growing her hair for a while now, and it is nearly down below her waist.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Her mother, Michelle Harvie, agreed that donating it at the Pantages 25<sup>th</sup> Anniversary BBQ, on May 8<sup>th,</sup> would be a great opportunity to also collect pledges and donations for Westman Dreams for Kids.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">“We decided to try and give back to (Westman) Dreams for Kids.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They were so kind to us, we want to make sure they can keep doing what they are doing, keep helping other kids,” said Harvie.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dysautonomia is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, the hardwiring of the body to control below-conscious functions, such as heart beat and digestion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some symptoms include heart problems, excessive fatigue, and even fainting and seizures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It sucked,” said Kaitlyn, “I had to miss a full week of school.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You ended up missing a lot more than one week,” chuckled Michelle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Kaitlyn and her mother, Michelle, encourage more people to donate to the Westman Dreams for Kids Organization, with hopes that the next time a child is in need of a little cheering up, they are able to help.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For more information on how to donate, call Westman Dreams for Kids at 729-8898.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">(no picture currently available)</span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-90565099132527872072010-05-12T12:47:00.001-07:002010-05-12T12:51:02.810-07:00RHA Client Wellness Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The Brandon RHA recently put on a Client Wellness Information Day at Central United Church to help raise awareness and understanding </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">of mental health disorders, and Tracy Young,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> from the Mental Health Promotion Clinic, was there to see that everything went smoothly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sGeZer09I/AAAAAAAAABQ/iiIux2BKPAs/s320/P5057433.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470473291677029330" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“The RHA plans this event specifically for mental health patients, many of whom don’t want to seek out this information, or don’t know where to find it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Client Wellness Information Day played host to dozens of interactive displays with information on everything from nutrition to schizophrenia put on by organizations around the</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> city, included newer organizations such as the DRA.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sF9ieD-nI/AAAAAAAAABI/Mh6Ncu4P9xo/s320/DarrenLotey.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470472727154653810" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“DRA stands to Dual Recovery Anonymous,” said Darren Lotey, the representative at the display, “we are a group that holds weekly support meetings for people suffering from both a mental illness and an addiction problem.” Meetings take place Wednesday nights at 20 – 7</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Street Health Access Centre at 6:45pm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“We believe that our support group will help people struggling with a mental health issue and addictions by offering a feeling of community, a hope for the future, and by hopefully helping people make new supportive friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The RHA also put on a comedy hour in the afternoon featuring local comedians. “The comedy hour is something we think will go over really well, it keeps things interactive and fun for everyone involved,” said Young.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For more information about mental health issues, call the Mental Health Promotion Clinic at 570-8340.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273972359966058492.post-20992271517370474392010-05-12T12:36:00.000-07:002010-05-12T12:46:37.108-07:00Barbara Miller, Outstanding School Leader<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sE-1scW3I/AAAAAAAAAAw/AuTNPm03Pkk/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sE-1scW3I/AAAAAAAAAAw/AuTNPm03Pkk/s320/DSC_0311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470471649983486834" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Principal Barbara Miller of Alexander School recently was presenting with the Outstanding School Leader Award for her excellent integration of the innovative ‘Learning with the Arts’ program.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";">Education Minister Nancy Allan made the presentation on April 15 as part of Education Week 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Miller’s efforts have boosted enrolment by over 20 students in the last year alone, and she says the program has helped to expand student minds and talents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";">Simply being nominated for the award was a treat for Miller.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It really sent me a strong message that the community is supporting the ideas we’ve put in place here, and I think it really shows that the parents and students believe that ‘Learning with the Arts’ is really helping the kids at the school.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ‘Learning with the Arts’ program is a Manitoba curriculum-based approach meant to</span></p><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sFJmRRd-I/AAAAAAAAAA4/Oi_HhPjG1Jc/s200/DSC_0278.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470471834821556194" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"> address the many different ways that kids learn by integrating artistic outcomes ranging from dance, drama, and music all the way to painting, arts and crafts, and technology-based art.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The students learn the lessons in a hands-on way, and show off what they have learned through creative expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Miller says that this helps students with all kinds of learning abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It really helps the more creative and work-oriented students by not imposing any sort of limit on the work they can put into a project,” said Miller, “as well as helping the kids who have a harder paying attention by being hands on and constantly changing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";">Shannon Kohut, a French teacher at Alexander School, commented on the positive impact of the program while her students worked on a plasticine project.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FcAxLG6WYt8/S-sFaMeIuUI/AAAAAAAAABA/b5-dAdi2u0s/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470472119953963330" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";">“</span><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:EN-CAfont-family:";color:black;">Since we have moved to an arts infused school, students have demonstrated growth in areas such as problem solving, critical thinking, cooperation, collaboration, and engagement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In my room, I have tried to build a learning environment where art is more than decoration, but rather a venue for sharing information and learning.”</span><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To keep the projects varied, the school also brings in ‘in-house’ artists; real-life artists who give lessons to the students about new styles of creative expression.<br />“We have different professional artists coming in, usually for about a month at a time, and they teach our students and staff the new techniques that the teachers then expand upon and work with after the artist has left.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The school also focuses heavily on recognizing every student’s work, putting much of the completed artwork on display in the halls throughout the school with art from every student helping to decorate the building and bring the town some extra colour.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some of the students’ artwork may be found on the school’s website at <a href="http://www.brandonsd.mb.ca/alexander/">http://www.brandonsd.mb.ca/alexander/</a> .<o:p></o:p></span></p>ChrisThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08691800818460401583noreply@blogger.com0