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Stay the course in retirement planning

Drew May 4 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge changes in many aspects of life, but less so in retirement planning, according to one financial planner.

The pandemic resulted in an initial downturn in the stock market, but that quickly recovered over the summer, said Kerry Auriat, an investment advisor at National Bank Financial. As a result, many people’s finances are still in-tact.

“For many of my clients, they enjoyed very positive years,” he said.

“There’s a real recognition that there’s a pandemic happening out there, on the other side there’s also a recognition that the pandemic does not necessarily equal finances.”

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Special Articles

Seniors for Seniors executive director Margaret Schonewille is the friendly voice behind the Age Friendly Brandon Telephone Information Line. (Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun)

Various Efforts Reach Out to Seniors in Isolation

Tyler Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Various Efforts Reach Out to Seniors in Isolation

Tyler Clarke 5 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021

Social isolation, loneliness and depression are ongoing concerns when it comes to seniors, but they’re of much greater prominence lately.

“They’re not doing well,” Prairie Oasis Senior Centre executive director Steve Todd said.

“They are less engaged when you talk to them — they’re more withdrawn, and I think that’s because of long-term isolation.”

Just about everything has been shuttered during level red restrictions, Todd said, and Prairie Oasis is no exception.

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Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021

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The Skin & Vein Centre in Brandon is taking several measures to keep patients and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, including installing a plexiglass shield at their front desk.

Skin & Vein Centre is ready to provide safe treatments

3 minute read Preview

Skin & Vein Centre is ready to provide safe treatments

3 minute read Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

At the Skin & Vein Centre, nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of its customers.

That's why the centre, located at 1300 18th St., has put hard work into making sure its procedures are safe and sanitary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Barb Kelleher said that once the pandemic started, the centre closed for nearly seven weeks and came back with a full protocol for how to keep providing service safely.

She said the closure was nerve-wracking at first but then she started to think about what service would be like once they reopened.

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Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

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Princess Dental, helping you face life with a smile

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Princess Dental, helping you face life with a smile

4 minute read Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

A picture is worth a thousand words, the same can be said about a smile. At Princess Dental your oral health is top priority; you are more than a patient, you are family.

After buying the practice in 2013, Dr. McIntosh has done much to move Princess Dental to the forefront of dentistry. With innovative technology, highly trained staff, and flexible payment plans the team at Princess Dental is committed to offering the best care. Dr. McIntosh has invested significantly to ensure that patients are receiving premium care with the most advanced equipment. This desire to be unique has led Princess Dental to offer multiple sedation options including IV sedation for general dentistry.

“My goal was to bring a world-class dental facility to Brandon. We strive for clinical excellence,” McIntosh said.

This dedication to including the best technology has led to further convenience for patients with the inclusion of the CEREC CAD/CAM machine. Instead of having to take impressions and send crown cases away to be designed and fabricated, the machine removes the need for additional wait times. By creating a 3D graphic of a patient’s mouth, the machine creates crowns, bridges, and surgical guides for implants. All of this is done in office with patient convenience in mind.

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Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

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A technician at FYidoctors works with a client. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)

FYidoctors helping Brandonites look to a brighter future

5 minute read Preview

FYidoctors helping Brandonites look to a brighter future

5 minute read Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

In these unprecedented times, the future may seem blurry or unfocused. If this is the case a trip to see the optometrists at FYidoctors may be overdue.

In 1980, under the name ‘Dr’s Bourassa and Williamson’, Dr. Don Williamson and his wife Dr. Barbara Bourassa opened their first Brandon office. After two more name changes in 1985 and 1994, the practice became FYidoctors in 2008 assuming the name of their parent company and continued to grow from there.

Establishing two central locations at the Brandon Shoppers Mall and the Town Centre the practice has steadfastly served the members of the Brandon community. Dr. Williamson remarked on the beneficial partnership that the business has had with the downtown community over the years as it has continued to grow and expand.

“The Town Centre folks have always been good to us … it’s a really nice community downtown and we’re glad to be a part of it,” he said.

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Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

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U-Build Steel Buildings, setting a solid foundation for the future

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U-Build Steel Buildings, setting a solid foundation for the future

4 minute read Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

Every builder knows that no material supports a building like a sturdy steel frame. The same can be said about the support that U-Build Steel Buildings provides for their clients in all their contracting needs.

U-Build Steel Buildings has long been a member of the Westman family, and a proud member of the WGI (Westman Group Inc.). Its roots are found in Winkler MB, where in 1968 they originally opened their doors under the name Nusteel Industries. After re-branding in January 2017, U-build Steel Buildings was relocated to Brandon where it re-opened under a new name as a sales branch of BEHLEN Industries. Brandon has become the company’s base of operations housing not only their headquarters but their manufacturing facility and customer service centre. Winkler, their original home, still plays a role in its operations by being the location for the U-Build Steel Buildings sales and detailing office.

The company manufactures and sells steel building systems mainly for agricultural, commercial and industrial application. The company’s unique business model allows them to reach 3 different business channels: internet traders, contractors and end users. This step to include multiple channels of businesses has not only expanded their reach, but has increased their accessibility for different consumers. Additionally, U-Build Steel Buildings provides a complementary line of products that includes Insulated Metal Panels, doors, insulation and structural panels for strong thermal protection for the harsh Manitoba winters.

With the changing business landscape in the current pandemic, U-Build has not been deterred from striving to support local businesses. The company has adapted by adhering to provincial regulations (social distancing, masks when needed and sanitizing stations) and most of the office staff has begun working remotely to reduce the risk of exposure. Remote work however has not stopped regular operations, but has increased the company’s opportunities to incorporate technology and social media into regular business practice. Through consolidation with BEHLEN industries, U-Build has been on the technological fast track advancing in areas of software implementation, robotics and welding.

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Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

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Store manager Dane Watson and Mood Makers Janell Sherman-Wood and Trinda Collister are just some of the helpful staff ready to help you at Garden Variety in Brandon.

The grass is greener at Garden Variety Brandon

4 minute read Preview

The grass is greener at Garden Variety Brandon

4 minute read Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

With several options to choose from, picking the right cannabis retailer might seem like a tough task.

However, the staff at Brandon's Garden Variety location at 1350 18th St. lead the way with friendly, knowledgeable service that benefits both newcomers and experienced customers alike.

Visitors quickly get the impression that their grass is indeed greener.

Garden Variety is a partnership between Fisher River Cree Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Mera Cannabis Corp. and MediPharm Labs. Operational support is provided by partner, Native Roots Cannabis Co. located in Colorado.

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Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

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