Suddenly It Is Fall

Suddenly It Is Fall

by Ronnie Neiman

After a summer filled with high temperatures and not much rain, the season has changed to more of the norm expected for this time of year. The temperature has dipped to just above ten degrees C, with some exceptions. 

It is always a good thing to dress for the weather. No more shorts and tank tops as the sun-filled and humid weather is gone for now. It is also best to to prepare for what the weather will be like in the following months, and what to expect from the upcoming winter season. 

AccuWeather has released its annual autumn forecast for Canada with weather predictions and patterns.

This fall will be the “tale of two coasts” in Canada. The western provinces will see wetter and cooler climates this fall, while Eastern Canada is forecast to receive quite the opposite. Parts of the Prairies, including Alberta, should expect typical fall weather conditions, with fairly normal amounts of rainfall and seasonal temperature. Most of Saskatchewan and Manitoba will also see near-normal amounts of precipitation, though northern Manitoba may see above-normal levels as storms move across areas around Hudson Bay. Overall, temperatures will be mild this fall across the central and eastern Prairies, with some large portions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including Regina and Winnipeg, expecting above-normal temperatures this autumn. Mild seasonal temperatures are not expected to impact chances of snow late in the season.

The next few months are not expected to be too cold or dry, with the normal amount of humidity. So dress comfortable, paying attention to the wind of the day, as that will decide part of the coldness of the day. 

Those students who are not used to the coldness of the prairies of Canada, be sure you are prepared for the colder weather and any possible winter storms. Ask your fellow students, or staff at Brandon University. 

Hall Of Famer, Neufeld to Coach Women’s Volleyball

Media Release

assiniboine.net/athletics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hall Of Famer, Neufeld to Coach Women’s Volleyball

BRANDON, Man. (April 10, 2022) – One of the most well-known names in the Westman volleyball community, Kevin Neufeld, will coach the Cougar women’s volleyball team in the fall.

Neufeld has lived in Brandon all his life and has a long and successful history coaching women’s volleyball in the community.

Neufeld is a high school teacher and started his coaching career at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary school in 1996. He won back-to-back 4A Provincial Championships with the Plainsmen in 2001 and 2002. Moving over to Neelin High School and coaching the Spartans in 2009, he continued his winning ways with a JV Provincial Championship in 2010 and 4A Provincial Championship in 2012. His teams were provincial finalists in both 2011 and 2013 as well.

Neufeld won the Manitoba High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) 4A Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2002, 2004 and again 2014. He also won the MHSAA Grey Cup Legacy Coach of the Year in 2003 followed by the Sport Manitoba Impact Development Coach of the Year award in 2005.

Neufeld was also the founder of “Storm”, an elite volleyball club program in Westman (1999-2018). The club team won national titles in 2009 (U17) and 2010 (U18). He’s currently the head coach of the U18 Cats Volleyball club and has coached various age groups in that program.

“Neufeld brings a wealth of knowledge to our program,” said Athletics Manager, Lindsay McLaughlin. “He has a history of success and knows what it will take to bring the right players and create the right culture for the Cougars. We are thrilled to have him on board.”

Neufeld was at the helm of Team Manitoba women’s volleyball from 2002 until 2009. During that time, Team Manitoba won the National Team Challenge Cup in 2004 and again in 2007. With Neufeld’s guidance, Team Manitoba were finalists in the 2005 Canada Games and a few short years later were crowned champions in 2009 in PEI. Following the Canada Games win, Neufeld represented Team Canada as Head of Delegation for the 2010 North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) Junior Games in Tijuana, Mexico. That same year he was named to the Volleyball Manitoba Honour Roll and then transitioned to a Volleyball Mentor Coach from 2010-2013.

“I am excited for a new challenge and opportunity to continue to grow the game,” said coach Neufeld. “It’s a chance to showcase a competitive and entertaining product with the Cougars.”

Neufeld took a term position as head coach at the USports level with the Brandon University Bobcats in the 2017-18 season. More recently, he was inducted into the Volleyball Manitoba Hall of Fame (November 2021) for his outstanding achievements, significant contributions, and having represented the sport of volleyball with distinction in the Province of Manitoba.

Now retired, this role brings Neufeld full circle, as he coached the Cougar women’s team in 1981/82. -30-

About Assiniboine Athletics

The Assiniboine Cougars teams compete in men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s futsal (a variation of indoor soccer) in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) with the winner competing for the Canadian College Athletics Association (CCAA) championship. The women’s hockey team play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for over 55 years. For staff and students alike, Assiniboine offers unparalleled learning environments and responds well to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Instructors follow the philosophy of ‘learn by doing’, combining theory with hands-on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college’s Sustainable Greenhouse.

Assiniboine offers more than 40 diploma and certificate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

The college welcomed more than 3,600 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin and Winnipeg, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training.

Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $613 million.

For more information, please contact:

Lindsay McLaughlin
Athletics Manager
Assiniboine Community College cougars@assiniboine.net

204.725.8700 ext 6340

Award-winning musician appointed to tenure-track position by School of Music

Award-winning musician appointed to tenure-track position by School of Music

BU NEWS — April 5, 2022

BRANDON – The Brandon University (BU) School of Music is pleased to announce that Marika Galea has been appointed to a tenure-track position.

An award-winning multi-instrumentalist, composer and writer, Galea is also an outstanding educator, having joined the School of Music in 2021 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music.

“I am thankful for the warm welcome I’ve received at the School of Music,” Galea said. “My first year has been an opportunity for deep empathy and learning about how best to work together as our community continues to navigate the pandemic.”

Best known for her work as a bassist, Galea has taught bass, small ensemble, jazz composition, arranging and improvisation in the School of Music as well as lessons at the Eckhardt-Grammatté Conservatory. She will also join with other faculty to bring back the Brandon Jazz Festival in 2023, which has been handed over to the School of Music after being cancelled for three straight years due to the pandemic.

“I think we all had a sense of how lucky we were to have Marika join our faculty in September, but she has made an extraordinary impression over the course of her first year in our School,” said Greg Gatien, Dean of Music at BU. “With her tremendous abilities and experiences as a musician, she is not just a great resource for our students but also an inspiration.  Her work in the classroom is just as impressive as her work on the bandstand.  We’re so looking forward to her contributions to our programs for many years to come.”

Galea holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance and Composition) from the Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from McGill University. She has previously taught at McGill University, McGill Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival and the Montery Jazz Festival. Galea was named one of CBC Music’s 35 best Canadian jazz artists under the age of 35 in 2017 and has supported artists in many disciplines, including jazz, pop, rock, indie, hip hop, new music, and experimental genres. She has collaborated on projects that have won or been nominated for JUNO, Golden Globe, Academy, Polaris, Iris, RIDM and Hot Docs awards.

Her music explores the space between improvised jazz, narrative songwriting and hypnotic soundscapes, and Galea encourages a similar sense of exploration and reflection with her students.

“Artists, educators and researchers are at the forefront of exploring the big questions we are facing as a society, as we always have been, and our students are entering a rapidly evolving professional sphere,” Galea said. “I am keen to continue pursuing my research as a producer, composer and performer while refining the School of Music’s offerings in order to provide the best possible performance, inquiry and conflict resolution skills training. I am encouraged in the knowledge that my colleagues are equally committed to student success and excellence in research.”

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca

CONTACT US:

Grant Hamilton

Director, Marketing and Communications 204.571.8542
HamiltonG@gmail.com

Rob Henderson

Marketing Communications Officer

204.727.9762
HendersonR@BrandonU.ca

To receive any BU publication in an alternate format: Communications@BrandonU.ca

Assiniboine recognizes staff generosity on Giving Tuesday

Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assiniboine recognizes staff generosity on Giving Tuesday

BRANDON, Man. (November 29, 2021)— They say charity begins at home. That’s certainly the case when it

comes to Assiniboine Community College staff.

On this Giving Tuesday, Assiniboine is celebrating the generosity of their staff in donating to student financial aid and various projects at the college.

Over the past five years, nearly 200 Assiniboine employees have donated to the college through the Assiniboine Foundation. That has meant close to $250,000 in donations.

“Our staff give a lot to the college through their dedication and efforts at work. It is amazing to see so many go above and beyond and choose to support our students and development with their personal resources as well. It makes me proud to work here.” added Mark Frison, president of Assiniboine.

To mark Giving Tuesday 2021, Assiniboine president Mark Frison and his wife Edith are directing $50,000 of their giving to the Assiniboine Foundation toward the college’s proposed Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable

Agriculture. The Prairie Innovation Centre will be a hub for teaching & learning, applied research, and industry engagement. It will increase training for agricultural and environment sectors where one in five jobs are expected to go unfilled by 2029.

“As someone who works with the Agricultural sector and the farming community, I know how important skilled and talented people are to business success,” said Edith Frison, CPA-CA, who works as a tax specialist. “It’s an easy project to get behind.”

The Frisons have donated to several initiatives at the college including the Building on Demand Campaign, Growing the Greenhouse, Simulation Mannequins and scholarships since moving to Brandon in 2010.

“Assiniboine staff have been extremely generous in their support of students and college initiatives,” said Heather Dodds, chair of the Assiniboine Foundation. “Every donation, big and small, helps the Foundation to support students in their journey toward a high-quality education.”

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 55 years and offers certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

With more than 3,600 students, and campuses in Brandon, Dauphin and Winnipeg, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No.2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Anya McNabb

Communication Specialist

Assiniboine Community College

mcnabba@assiniboine.net

204.868.5453 (Mobile)

Dust off your Skis and Snowboards, The Slopes are Getting Ready

MEDIA RELEASE

Dust off your Skis and Snowboards, The Slopes are Getting Ready

TORONTO, ON – November 16, 2021 – Canadians, from coast to coast, are eager to get back onto the

slopes. Hills and resorts from across the county have got your back! With zero reported cases of COVID

transmission last season on the hills, this sport is safe, fun and helps support the Canadian economy.

Across our great nation, ski resorts and hills are following provincial guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Procedures vary from province to province, with some implementing a vaccine passport and others

simply requiring masks indoors. Each region follows provincial health guidelines, so before you don your

helmet and strap on your skis, it’s best to know before you go.

“Every single ski hill, resort or trail, Canada-wide, is following the local guidelines. However, that can

differ dramatically from one province to the next,” advises Paul Pinchbeck, President of the Canadian Ski

Council. “It’s best to check out local guidelines, so you are prepared for your trip.”

Skiing and snowboarding have significantly increased in popularity in the last couple of years, especially

as more and more people seek out fun, safe activities they can do outdoors and within Canada.

However, last winter, revenues were down in every province, with no international guests coming to

Canada to enjoy our slopes, fewer hotel stays, fewer pro shop sales, and limited dining capabilities.

Despite this, Quebec ski areas recorded a better season when compared with the previous year and only

missed a record number of visits by 4%, and Western Canada grew by 5%.

With some hills in Alberta already open, British Columbia predicted to open in a week or so and Ontario,

Quebec and the East Coast shortly behind, now is the time to plan your winter activities.

“Skiing and snowboarding are growing in popularity,” says Pinchbeck. “With great programs, like the

Snow Pass and Never Ever Days, there are so many ways that Canadians can get involved with winter

sports. People wanting to start skiing or snowboarding should begin at our website,

goskiinggosnowboarding.ca and see what’s necessary and ways to get started.”

To learn more about safety precautions, skiing in Canada, and the programs the Canadian Ski Council

have to make these great sports accessible to every Canadian, contact us to arrange an interview with

Paul Pinchbeck, President of the Canadian Ski Council.

About Canadian Ski Council

Founded in 1977, the Canadian Ski Council is a national, not-for-profit ski and snowboard organization

whose mandate is to increase participation in recreational skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing

in Canada.

For media requests or interviews, please contact:

Strattco PR

Laura Stratton at lauraleastratton@strattco.com or 905-841-6797

Trish Bethell at trish@strattco.com

Candy Wrappers Can they be Recycled?

Candy Wrappers Can they be Recycled?

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of the Quill

Photo Credits: Google Images

Halloween means candy, candy, and more candy! Pumpkin-shaped chocolates, sour gummies, sugary sweet lollipops, the list is endless. Tons of sweet treats line the shelves at the grocery store this time of year. My sweet tooth is calling, but does the planet approve? Earlier this month, I said I was part of the 4R Waste Ambassador program and that I would provide tips on conscious waste diversion techniques. With Halloween fast approaching, these are a few things to keep in mind.

Most of our favorite candies are wrapped in not-so-eco-friendly materials that make their way into the Eastview landfill, even when dutifully placed in the recycling bin. These colorful little wrappers are simply too difficult to recycle. Furthermore, they can contaminate other recyclable material and, as a result, should not be placed in a recycling bin. 

You may ask yourself, But why? Aren’t wrappers made of recyclable materials? No, unfortunately, that is not the case. As mentioned before, they are made up of multiple materials mixed together, making it difficult, tedious, and expensive to recover each material for recycling. 

On another note, Manitoba is not participating in the Recycle Everywhere program. By downloading the app on your phone and recycling your empty beverage containers, you can be entered into a draw to win cash prizes! Downloading the app is easy, and uploading proof of recycling is even easier! All you need to do is take a picture of the beverage container as well as the barcode. Once it is approved, you are entered into the daily, weekly, monthly, and 4-month draw. Recycle Everywhere is an easy and rewarding way to have recycling on your mind constantly!

Keeping mental health in-check

Keeping mental health in-check

By Mary Okorie

Mental health has always been of concern but has increased significantly during the Covid19 period. This is due to many factors such as isolation from people, changing daily routine, and academic stress. Isolation seems to be the significant factor that increases the chances of having a mental health problem. Being alone almost all day with no-one to talk to, not being able to hang out with friends like before, and interacting with new people can lead to depression, especially in students. Since there is no-one to discuss their problems with, they bear it alone, thereby increasing mental health issues. Change in their daily routine also has an impact on mental health. Before the pandemic, students woke up early to go to school. After school, students would have some other place to go. Possibly the gym, or even go to the mall. All of this has changed due to the restrictions placed during Covid19. Students' routines have changed. They now stay at home to have classes, gyms are closed or only allow a small proportion of people. There are not many places to go to because they are either closed, don't let people stay inside, or only a tiny proportion. Change of routine would take some time to get used to and can also affect their mental health. Also, academic stress has always been one of the causes of mental health issues, but with Covid19, it seems worse. Since there is no motivation, students might find it hard to attend classes. With the distractions at home, they might find it hard to complete all the assignments given to them. They might also find it hard to study since some people's style of studying is group learning. When exams are nearby, their stress levels heighten.

It is essential to keep mental health in check, and people should make sure that if they start to see symptoms, they should access the school's online mental health services. They should also invite few friends following the restrictions to not feel alone and interact with people. Time management and a reasonable timetable could help reduce academic stress. They accept the change that comes with Covid19, and looking at the positive side of things and how to best adapt and make a new routine would also help. We can make it through this pandemic!

Olivia Rodrigo is Driving Up the Charts

Olivia Rodrigo is Driving Up the Charts 

By: Mallory Johnson 

On January 8th, 2021, seventeen-year-old Olivia Rodrigo released her debut single called driver’s license, along with a stunning music video for the emotional song. At the time, Olivia had no idea how record breaking this song would be. The song is one of my current favorite songs, and I know that I am not the only one who can say that, as the song is everywhere. 

It has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, broke Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music streaming records, and has gotten radio airplay. Olivia posted an emotional video on Instagram of her reaction to hearing her song on the radio for the first time. driver’s license is also very popular on the app TikTok, with people posting covers of it, rewrites of different perspectives, and more. The song is believed to be about Olivia’s ex-boyfriend and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series costar Joshua Bassett, with a speculated reference to Sabrina Carpenter with the lines “I guess you’re with that blonde girl/who always made me doubt/She’s so much older than me/She’s everything I’m insecure about.” It has not been confirmed by Olivia that the song is about Joshua Bassett or references Sabrina Carpenter; it is just fan speculation. 

 Olivia is a huge Taylor Swift fan, and you can hear that when you listen to the powerful bridge in this song. Taylor commented on one of Olivia’s Instagram posts about the song, and Olivia freaked out. Other celebrities that have discussed driver’s license are Halsey and Niall Horan. Halsey talked about how much she loved the song on an Instagram livestream, tweeted about it, and then sent Olivia a congratulatory cake, and Niall posted a screenshot of him listening to it on his Instagram story, which Olivia reposted. 

I highly recommend listening to this song if you have not already. There is an explicit version and a clean version. My favorite lines in the song are, “Guess you didn’t mean what you wrote in that song about me/Cuz you said forever now I drive alone past your street.” 

On the 2021 Tata Steel Chess Tournament

On the 2021 Tata Steel Chess Tournament

           January, one of the most exciting months for chess fans and chess players because of the legendary tournament that takes place. The Tata Steel Chess Tournament. This year the tournament will be undergoing its eighty-third year. It is known as one of the biggest and longest-running tournaments in the history of chess. Almost every world champion has played in one of the Tata Steel Tournaments at some point in time. Probably the only tournaments that excite chess fans more than the Tata Steel Tournament are the Candidates Tournament, World Championship Matches, The Grand Swiss Isle of Man, Sinquefield Cup, and the Chess Olympiad. 

           The most exciting thing this year is probably not going to be the challengers or participants of the tournament but the format. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many chess tournaments have been cancelled or postponed such as the 2020 Candidates tournament. Almost all the chess tournaments this year have moved online, and chess for the first time since Fischer-Spassky matches in 1972 is now becoming all the rage, due to the recent Netflix special Queen’s Gambit, and the ability to play this sport online. In working with the Government body, this year’s Tata Steel Tournament will be played over the board and will start on January 15th and end on January 31st. The tournament will be taking place in Wijk aan Zee. The time control of this tournament will be classical time controls. This means that each player will receive one hundred minutes for the first forty moves, followed by fifty minutes for the next twenty moves, this time format will also feature a thirty-second-time increment starting from move one.

           Many of the top chess players and chess fans have been enjoying all these extra online tournaments happening this year, except many people have stated that they miss playing chess over the board and are getting tired of all of these fast time control tournaments like blitz, and rapid formats. The difficulty of hosting classical time control tournaments is that there tends to be a much higher draw rate, and the tournament will usually go overtime to try and settle the scores with tie breaks. Classical tournaments usually last a couple of weeks so they can be quite expensive to run, as result sponsors prefer to host blitz and rapid tournaments because of their shorter lengths and lower draw rates. Some people think that classical chess is dead due to draws and think blitz chess will be the future of chess, however, many believe that classical chess will never be eliminated because in the shorter time controls time pressure causes players to make mistakes which often results in a win or loss. Many people including I are not fans of this idea and prefer the classical time format so that time pressure is not a problem and we get to see the players play their best chess possible. 

           As per usual this year’s competitors feature some of the best of the best players. Current world champion Magnus Carlsen is playing as has stated that “this event means a lot to me” and plans to win. Number two in the world Fabiano Caruana will also be playing this year and is one of Carlsen’s toughest opponents. I have been studying Fabi’s games in detail recently, so I look forward to seeing Fabi slaughter his opponents over the board. Fabi is also the favourite of the Brandon Knights Chess Club so I can imagine the excitement the other members are feeling. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave after six years is returning to compete in this year’s tournament. Before the second half of the Candidate’s tournament, MVL was the tournament leader alongside Ian Nepomniachtchi, and many fans are excited to see if MVL the world's leading expert on the Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defence has made any breakthroughs. Another one of the Candidate’s tournament competitors Anish Giri is also competing this year. As usual, this year’s Tata Steel Chess Tournament features some tough competition. Who do you think will win?

N. Monk, Futurist and Philosopher

The Holiday Season: Pandemic Edition

The Holiday Season: Pandemic Edition

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill 

This week Manitobans learned the Code Red restrictions that were implemented mid-November will be held in place until January 8th, 2021. There were some slight changes though -- the main one being businesses could now sell holiday-related items in addition to essential goods. Furthermore, religious service drive-ins will be allowed as long as everybody remains in their vehicle and vehicles contain only household members. While Manitobans expected the restrictions of household-only gatherings to be lifted, this was not the case. As a result, the holiday season will be spent with only members of your household. While this is devastating news it is important to remember that these measures have been put in place for public safety and that if it were safe to do so, we would see our family and friends during the holiday. But as it stands, it is not safe and while this holiday season may be the loneliest we have ever had, we must abide by the restrictions to ensure it is the only lonely holiday season.

             I live at home with my family, however, my sister moved out and this will be the first Christmas that we have ever spent apart. I am saddened and angry but I try to remember that it is for the best and that alternatives exist for seeing her. Thus, this Christmas I will be using Zoom to celebrate with my loved ones. While my mother and I have gone above and beyond in our Christmas decorations this year, we are sad that people will not get to appreciate them in person. However, we know the Zoom call will have a very Christmas cheer themed background. Usually, my family celebrates with a big supper for Christmas Eve followed by staying up late and opening presents that loved ones have given us. This year we will still have a big supper and will open up gifts. However, to those that cannot accompany us, we will be delivering food and presents to their doorstep. By doing this my family and I are ensuring our loved ones still enjoy delicious food while getting to open presents!

             This is how I plan on spending my holiday season: eating and delivering happiness to the front doors of my loved ones. While it is different and I am not used to it, there is no other option. We have to lower our case numbers and so a lonely Christmas is a small price to pay to ensure lives are saved. While I understand that this will be difficult and that not everybody has the luxury to live at home with most of their loved ones, people still need to understand that it would be reckless, irresponsible, and foolish to risk the life of Manitobans in order to have people over for Christmas. Now is not the time to be around people physically. We need to take care of each other, and we are lucky enough to live in a country where technology is abundant and we are able to see our loved ones virtually.

Christmas Gift Guide: 2020 Edition

Christmas Gift Guide: 2020 Edition

By: Mallory Johnson

The Christmas season is upon us and this means Christmas shopping is in full swing. So I have come up with a COVID-19 safe gift guide. This means I will be discussing online stores and promoting small businesses. Many local shops are offering curbside pick-up or delivery services as an option this year, so make sure you call them or check out their websites. 

The first website that I recommend shopping on is Etsy. On Etsy, you can support a variety of small businesses. You can get personalized gifts for loved ones, cute hoodies, jewelry, and tree ornaments among many other items. Etsy also has pretty great prices, which I love. I have ordered from Etsy before, and I love it. A similar website is Depop. 

The next website that I recommend ordering from is Redbubble. On Redbubble, you can find designs from artists and order them to be put on hoodies, shirts, tote bags, device cases, tapestries, and more. I have ordered from Redbubble multiple times before and their customer service is incredible. Satisfaction is guaranteed. 

These next ideas are not a small business but are still COVID-19 safe gift ideas: a streaming and listening service subscription. Streaming services include Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Apple TV, Apple Music, and Spotify. Your loved ones will greatly appreciate all the movies and television shows they will be able to watch and all the music they can listen to in the coming year.

 My next idea is masks which are now mandatory in all indoor public places in Saskatchewan (where I am) and Manitoba. There are many local people making masks and you check them out on your local buy&sell sites.

There are also some singers/bands that are doing online livestream concerts. I have watched a Niall Horan concert and a Metallica concert, and am planning on watching a Louis Tomlinson concert on December 12th. A great gift idea for loved ones who miss going to concerts is tickets to shows like these. Every artist sells their tickets differently, so have an eye out on social media for announcements. I noticed The Barenaked Ladies have one coming up on December 18th at 9 pm. These concert tickets range from $10-$20.

Shopping is different this year, but always think about the local economy and the small artists. They need our business if we want them to be around next year, which of course we do.

Tamales: A Typical Mexican Christmas Dish

Tamales: A Typical Mexican Christmas Dish

By: Maria Garcia Manzano. AEIC of The Quill

I was born in Mexico and immigrated to Canada when I was 6 years old. However, I still have memories of the Christmases I spent in Mexico as a young child. The food I remember the most are Tamales. Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of prepared corn masa that is filled with delicious fillings and wrapped in corn husks before being steamed. They can be found in many different sizes and flavors, the most common ones being the following:

• Sweet

• Cheese and Peppers

• Pork Meat

• Corn

• Chicken

Here is a simple recipe you can follow to recreate this delicious Mexican dish. This recipe makes 20 tamales:

Tamale Filling:

• 1-1/2 pounds pork loin

• 1-1/4 large onion, halved

• 1-1/4 cloves garlic

• 5 dried California chile pods

• 2-1/2 cups water

• 1-3/4 teaspoons salt

Tamale Dough:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1-3/4 teaspoons salt

• ⅔ cup lard

• 1 (8 ounce) package dried corn husks

• 1 cup sour cream

Directions:

Step 1

Place pork into a Dutch oven with onion and garlic, and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the meat is cooked through, about 2 hours.

Step 2

Use rubber gloves to remove stems and seeds from the chile pods. Place chiles in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and cool. Transfer the chiles and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture, stir in salt, and set aside. Shred the cooked meat and mix in one cup of the chile sauce.

Step 3

Soak the corn husks in a bowl of warm water. In a large bowl, beat the lard with a tablespoon of the broth until fluffy. Combine the masa harina, baking powder and salt; stir into the lard mixture, adding more broth as necessary to form a spongy dough.

Step 4

Spread the dough out over the corn husks to 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness. Place one tablespoon of the meat filling into the center. Fold the sides of the husks in toward the center and place in a steamer. Steam for 1 hour.

Step 5

Remove tamales from husks and drizzle remaining chile sauce over. Top with sour cream. For a creamy sauce, mix sour cream into the chile sauce.

Could COVID-19 Mean the End for Small Businesses?

Could COVID-19

Mean the End for Small Businesses?

By Zach Roozendaal

The world has become a rather strange place within the past year. Obviously, the new way of life that we’ve had to adapt to in these strange and challenging times has come with many losses; not necessarily just the lives of the victims of this unfortunate pandemic, but the livelihoods of many individuals.

            Small businesses have been hit hardest in this pandemic aside from human life and that is across many industries. Theaters where screenings of our favourite new films usually play have had to deal with a lack of content being released and made during these times, and stores that have been labeled as “non-essential” have had to deal with the crippling financial issues that have come with having to close their doors. Museums that were once filled with curious people wandering through exhibits have had to close up too, gift shops for those wanting souvenirs have had mixed success. For example, I was in British Columbia last month and made a visit to Banff with my family for a day -- many shops were still opened, but clearly struggling.

Drycleaners and tailors have had limited clients because nobody’s going to need their tux or suits cleaned or fitted for any weddings or business meetings. Unless clients need suits for more somber reasons like wakes or funerals or are attending online business meetings, it’s not like Wal-Mart or Mark’s can’t cover the semi casual office outfit needs.

Bars that once saw many visitors, with ID’s ready in one hand and cash in the other, have had to tell people to turn back and grab a beer from the store. Many breweries have had to deal with the fact that alcohol isn’t deemed an essential, although tell that to any sports fans who have wanted to crack open a cold one on game night, although sports isn’t really happening either, but e-sports are a thing.

This is certainly a hard time for small businesses. Economically speaking, they will be hit the hardest in these hard and challenging times. We could see this as being a new age in which small businesses are either sparse or gone completely.

Shows like “Shark Tank” and “Dragon’s Den” have had wealthy company owners helping out small businesses, but after this pandemic, it may be a long time before we see Mark Cuban offering advice to a young, budding entrepreneur while Kevin O’Leary hurls insults and acts like he’s the Earth’s only genius and everyone else is a cockroach beneath him. However, Shark Tank has been moved to Las Vegas, and the Sharks have been offering up advice to small business owners amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to help keep them from tanking.

With that being said, all we can do is hope that big businesses are willing to assist smaller companies and help them stay afloat, especially those that aren’t solely digital stores. Hopefully smaller businesses can get the help that they need, and can continue to thrive for years to come. These businesses were built off dreams, visions and most importantly, hope.

And now, as always, it’s time for my final thought:

Our dreams are what fuel us and give us purpose and in the face of uncertainty and challenge, our dreams are there to help give us hope, even if they seem crazy to everyone else.

Remember to stay home unless you absolutely have to leave, wash and sanitize your hands often, don’t hold gatherings, wear a mask and practice social distancing in public places, follow guidelines, and hold out hope that tomorrow will be better than today.

Until then, this is Zach Roozendaal, signing off. Goodbye for now!

Activities to do During Isolation

Activities to do During Isolation

By Mary Uchechukwu Okorie

Quarantine is a very challenging period and people need to engage in activities to help prevent or lessen mental health issues. There are many activities one can engage in, but I will only discuss a few:

• Go out on walks.

• Participate in more online events to connect with others.

• Watch a movie or read a novel.

• Find a hobby.

Going for walks is an activity that can be really helpful during the isolation period. People need to be out of their house, need to breathe fresh air, and see places that do not include the four walls of their room or home, and at least see some other people moving around at a safe distance. People can also go for walks to clear their mind and just appreciate nature. This will enable people to take their minds off the possible loneliness that accompanies isolation.

People should engage more in online events so that they connect with other people. While online events cannot really compare to the interaction of in-person events, we do not have much choice but to make the best out of our situation. Participating in online events is also better than just being alone, doing nothing and having no one to talk to. This could be an organized group discussion or ‘party’, or merely watching a movie or playing games with friends online. This allows people to communicate with each other, talk to friends, and possibly find new friends. It would be beneficial to participate in these types of events.

People can also watch or read a novel during the isolation period. This can serve as a relaxation period or reward time after studying. It will help people to not feel so lonely and to engage their brains in other things so that they do not have the time to think about being alone or anything that may be causing anxiety. It is really refreshing to read a novel or watch a movie.

During this isolation period, people can also experiment on different things that they like and might not have been able to do if they were to go out every day. People should find a hobby that makes them happy. It could be cooking or baking or any other activity they can engage in that will keep their mood elevated. Finding hobbies can really help to get through quarantine.

Therefore, finding a hobby, watching a movie or reading a novel, participating more in online events and going out on walks are a few things out of the many activities people can engage in to help pass the time and hopefully keep them sane through the period of isolation.

Halloween Food Drive To Continue Despite Pandemic

Halloween Food Drive To Continue Despite Pandemic

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

(Photo Credit: Creative Commons)

Despite what is going on, the annual Halloween food drive is continuing. It is an event that partners The Assiniboine Community College Students’ Association (ACCSA) and the Brandon University Students’ Union (BUSU) with the Samaritan House Ministries to drive through the streets of Brandon to trick or treat for various items of food for the food bank. 

Students of both post-secondary institutes in Brandon, along with many other community

Volunteers will be heading out on Saturday, October 31st between 5:00pm and 9:00pm to collect non-perishable food items and donations are to be used by both the Samaritan House Food Bank, and the BUSU Food Bank.

The safety of the volunteers and of those who choose to donate food is of very high concern to all involved. Many efforts have been put in place to ensure proper social distancing is attainable, while also allowing the ease of Brandon citizens to provide non-perishable food item donations from the comfort of their front step. Halloween Food Drive stickers will be distributed in the Thursday, October 29th edition of the Brandon Sun. These can be peeled and affixed to a bag or box and left out on front steps for a Halloween Food Drive Volunteer to collect during the Halloween Food Drive.

For households that will not be participating in Halloween Trick-or-Treating, or feel unsafe having volunteers come to their door but still wish to donate, donations of food items & cash donations may be dropped off directly at the Samaritan House Food Bank at 820 Pacific Ave, Brandon, MB. 

Keeping in mind the chaos and unpredictability of recent times, the Halloween Food Drive organizers may be required to cancel this event on short notice based on directions from Public Health Orders in Brandon. For the most updated information, please visit busu.ca or accstudents.com. For more information, media inquiries, or to sign up for volunteering, please contact: Matthew May, ACCSA Director at 204 725 8700 ext. 7213 or maym2@assiniboine.net for ACC or Ashley Taron, BUSU General Manager at 204 727 9682 or gm@busu.ca.

Masks On, Masks Off

Masks On, Masks Off

For a few weeks, wearing a mask was mandatory in all stores and on public transit. Then on September 18th, that was changed to optional. The cases of verified COVID-19 are rising again. Manitoba had perhaps 20 cases each day, once again we are finding upwards of 40 new cases each day. Manitoba is setting records, and not the good kind. COVID-19 cases are continuing to increase in this second peak. 

It’s worrying that so many cases are being confirmed but there is one upside. The testing capacity and capability has greatly improved. More tests are being done, and while a majority come out negative, those that do test positive are able to isolate themselves or be admitted to the hospital as needed. 

Though now that masks are no longer mandatory, it is causing people to let their guards down and aren’t being as vigilant as they once were. Many signs at stores no longer say Masks Mandatory. They say Masks Optional. Sanitizing upon entry to various buildings are also optional. The debate about whether or not to wear a mask, and to make it optional or mandatory becomes a truly choice based debate. 

On a personal note, as someone with an auto-immune condition, I would prefer to be extra safe. I continue to wear masks on buses and in stores. I carry sanitizer with me and sanitize each time I open a door. It may be overdoing it in some respects but until this pandemic has a vaccine or is simply gone, I will do what is within my own capabilities. So, to put it in only a few words; Masks on for me.

Everyone Eats Brandon

Everyone Eats Brandon 

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

Everyone Eats is a not-for-profit community initiative developed in partnership with the Brandon Food Council, John Howard Society, Brandon University Food Services and Assiniboine Community College in response to increasing rates of food insecurity, nutrition insecurity and food waste. The organizations mission is to provide top quality, nutritionally balanced meals at a price point that everyone can afford so that there are no barriers to good food.

The statement that the web page pertaining to Everyone Eats Brandon says that “Food insecurity, before the pandemic affected 14.4% of households in Manitoba and more than one in five children. The majority of these individuals being employed or on social assistance clearly indicates that current minimum wage and social assistance levels are not enough to meet basic needs.” The added issue of unemployment due to the pandemic, the ability to pay for and attain food is even more difficult. 

Everyone Eats is an initiative to stand in the gap, to assist folks in meeting immediate nutritional needs while also providing the dignity of contributing to one’s meal in the amount you are able. The program plans to maintain the creation of 200 meals per day. People can order meals in quantities of one to a maximum of eight per day. The meals can be picked up at Brandon University or delivered by a volunteer if needed.

In starting this type of program, the hope is to create a universally acceptable, barrier-free platform that the general public can use to work together in order to build a healthy and empowered community. Donations and volunteers are always welcome to organizations that look to promote cooperation and to help navigate the world as we know it during the pandemic. 

Brandon moves to the Yellow Phase of the #RESTARTMB Pandemic Response

Brandon moves to the Yellow Phase of the #RESTARTMB Pandemic Response 

By: Maria Garcia Manzano

On Friday September 18th Brandon MB moved from the Orange Phase on to the less restrictive Yellow phase of the Manitoba Government Pandemic Response system. Back in the middle of August Brandon was forced to enter the Orange phase as cases sky rocketed throughout the Prairie Mountain Health Region with Brandon being the epicentre of the pandemic in Manitoba. 

Being placed under the orange phase meant that outdoor and indoor gatherings could not exceed the 10 people limit and that masks were mandatory inside of all Public Places. This took a toll on some people as many did not understand that the mask mandate was placed in order to reduce transmission. Furthermore, parents were confused and angry as to why even thought the city was placed under the orange restrictive phase, schools were opening under the yellow phase requiring students to attend classes across K-12.

Now, as cases have begun to slowly decrease Brandon has been moved to the yellow caution phase and masks are no longer mandatory but they are still highly recommended. Businesses can choose to enforce the mask mandate if social distancing is not possible. Furthermore, gatherings can now take place for a maximum of 50 people for an indoor gathering and 100 people for an outdoor gathering. 

Below are some of the guidelines placed by the Government of MB for the Yellow Phase:

**(These guidelines were taken from the Government of Manitoba Website and more information can be obtained from: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/index.html#provinciallevel

Provincial Response Level: CAUTION

COVID-19 is still a threat across Manitoba, however transmission levels are low. The Chief Provincial Public Health Officer has set the response level to yellow.

•Stay home when sick.

•Practise social distancing, hand washing/sanitizing and cough etiquette.

•Wear a mask in indoor settings where social distancing is not possible.

•Vulnerable people, such as seniors, are encouraged to exercise additional caution.

•Limit group sizes to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. Larger group sizes will be allowed where participants can be separated into distinct groups that remain separate and where each distinct group remains under the limits above.

•Individuals identified as having COVID-19 or a close contact of someone with COVID-19 must immediately enter mandatory isolation/self-isolation (quarantine) until public health officials advise they can end isolation/self-isolation (quarantine). Additional guidance on self-isolation for confirmed cases and close contacts.

Parkland campus to host new Applied Electrical Installation program

Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parkland campus to host new Applied Electrical Installation program

DAUPHIN, Man. (September 9, 2020)— Assiniboine will offer a new six-month Applied Electrical Installationcertificate starting January 2021 at the Parkland campus in Dauphin. Applications for the program are now being accepted.

This electrical certificate program includes both practical and theory components, focussing on residential wiring systems and safety, including safe work procedures, electrical code and blueprint reading. “In true learn by doing fashion, students’ safety and wiring skills will be put to practice in our simulation condos,” said Grant Lawford, Chair of Construction Trades at Assiniboine.

Applied Electrical Installation will consist of five months of theory and practical learning followed by an industry practicum, for a total of 740 hours. This program will be accredited with Apprenticeship Manitoba. Graduates will gain entry-level skills in the electrical trade and will meet the Level 1 electrical apprenticeship in-school technical training requirements.

“This program will form the basis for further training toward a journeyperson certification,” said Gabe Mercier, Director, Parkland Campus at Assiniboine. “Industry is looking for entry level workers who meet Level 1 Apprenticeship requirements. Providing a six-month opportunity for these learners to launch their career and further training will allow more students to be trained to fill this need.”

Graduates of this new program will have the opportunity to build careers and further their apprenticeship training with electrical contractors and construction companies, in maintenance departments or with public utilities.

For more information on the Applied Electrical Installation certificate, visit assiniboine.net/appliedelectrical.

The Quill is Searching For Board Members

We at The Quill are searching for people to become part if the The Quill Board. It is a voluntary position and meetings would happen every few months. Its an excellent way to earn board experience. Its is something great to put down as experience on a resume.

Bonus points if you are interested in journalism, writing, and even better if you are Brandon University Alumni.

If this is something that interests you, please email our general manager of the board, Elinor at gm.thequill@gmail.com

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: 135-Years-Old and as Timeless as Ever

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: 135-Years-Old and as Timeless as Ever

By Aidan Trembath

A tale of innocent whimsy and piercing social commentary, Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, published in 1885, masterfully interweaves the wide-world wonders of youth with the author’s sober observations of racism, slavery, familial dysfunctionality, and the feuding of households in nineteenth-century American frontier. The story follows the Mississippi-voyage of Huckleberry Finn and his companion, Jim, as they encounter wily rapscallions and village drama in their efforts to flee their respective domestic predicaments. Finn, a boy running from a domineering father, and Jim, an escaped slave, form an inseparable bond that transcends Finn’s socially ingrained impulse to return Jim to his place of servitude. Toward the novel’s climax, Finn reunites with a long-cherished friend from another famous Mississippi-novel of Twain’s, Tom Sawyer, and the two hatch an impossibly elaborate plan to help an imprisoned Jim escape from his captors (who ultimately become sympathetic to him). In the end, Jim becomes a free individual as per the request of his owner, and Sawyer jubilantly exclaims “he’s as free as any cretur that walks this earth” (Twain, 217). 

Twain’s Huckleberry Finn illustrates the language and customs of a nineteenth-century America, making the novel as much a valuable historical tome of cultural and lingual significance as an enrapturing storyteller. Finn’s southern dialect, demonstrated as he recalls his experiences in the first-person, comprises the narrative prose of the novel. The grammar and spelling is improper, but Twain explains that the multitude of dialects he employs in the novel represents his finely tuned understanding of the methods of speaking he grew up with. Twain’s novel stands as not only a supreme article of storytelling but a time-travelling insight into the multiple speeches of southern Americans during the nineteenth-century.

The novel’s theme of discrimination and dissection of the evils of slavery are as applicable to today’s prevalence of systemic racism as they were prescient for an author writing in the nineteenth-century. Finn’s declaration, that he would rather “go to hell” (Twain, 162) than alert Jim’s slaver of Jim’s whereabouts, speaks volumes of Twain’s distaste towards slavery and his sympathy towards those discriminated by an American state and culture founded on social inequalities. 135 years later, Finn’s condemnation of racist social systems ring as loudly as ever today. As many countries revaluate the racism lodged in their respective political cultures, Twain’s wisdom from more than a century ago illustrates that racism has intergenerational consequences that require a diligent pan-societal effort to address and resolve.  

Work Cited

Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 1994. Dover Publications, Inc., New York.