What are the BIG DREAMS for LarkSPUR NEWS & Knowledge in 2023?

There is always a point in the year when I ask myself if LarkSPUR NEWS & Knowledge should continue . . .

The WHY that helps me decide is because I want to start a movement of spurring each other on. The NEWS you read will not be sensationalized to provoke feelings of frustration or fear. The NEWS & Knowledge shared is so that you know what is happening in our City and County. How things work and how you can be involved –To be spurred on!

This year one spike on the spur will be to Grow Local. We have all felt the guilt to shop local, but guilt is a poor motivator. There are too many choices available now to expect consumers to make choices based on guilt. Growing local requires action from the consumer and the retail or service providers. Being spurred on to Grow Local requires answering the question “How can we make shopping local the top choice?”

P.S. - I love to hear your feedback and ideas. You can email me anytime at larkspur_brooks@telus.net

BIG Dream from LarkSPUR reader:

“Stay the course, steady and true (consistent, dedicated, content with enthusiasm and great expectation).”

Brooks Volunteer Fire Fighters 2023 Service Awards:

• 20 Years of Service - Brad Daniels

• 15 Years of Service - Zach Delday

• 12 Years of Service - Jun (Jakie) Gu, Carl Despres

• 10 Years of Service - Madel Villanueva, Richard Godin

• 5 Years of Service - Trina Matycio, Diana Sanchez, Brian Reid, Reginald Singian

A total of 485 emergency calls were answered throughout 2022. A total of 5,421 hours were spent by Volunteer Firefighters. 90 of the calls were Motor Vehicle Collisions representing almost 20% of calls.

$30,000 RUGG funding (Recreation User Group Grant) provides support to recreation user groups in the City of Brooks. In 2022 nine applications were received from local recreation groups, five of those groups were eligible and received funding:

• Brooks Figure Skating Club for Club Equipment Purchase- $805

• Brooks Regional Ballpark Association for Inflatable Batting Cages - $7000

• Brooks Minor Hockey Association for Coach and Player Supplies - $9544

• Special Olympics Brooks for Swimming Fins - $200

• Brooks Gymnastics Club for Equipment Purchase - $1500

The total funding provided in 2022 was $19,049; therefore, there will be a carryover of $11,185 for 2023. The 2023 intake time period for RUGG will be from February 1- 28, 2023. RUGG application information.

Brooks RCMP investigated a recent increase in thefts in Brooks, the County of Newell and the surrounding area. Suspects were identified and on Dec. 20th a search warrant was conducted on a storage locker in Brooks. Over $20,000 in stolen property was recovered as well as several stolen vehicles. Brooks RCMP arrested three individuals and over 23 property crime-related charges were laid.

Brooks Bandits submitted a request for support from the City of Brooks in their bid for the 2024 or 2025 Centennial Cup. The Centennial Cup tournament would bring nine other teams from across Canada for the 10-day tournament in May. The request includes exclusive use of the Centennial Regional Arena (CRA) and Sparrow Arena for thirteen days at no cost. They are also requesting $50,000 from the City to help pay for the cost to host the teams during the tournament as required by Hockey Canada.

EcoBrooks Sustainability Award showcases local businesses which have been adopting environmentally sustainable practices. No nominations were received in 2022 therefore the criteria/process is being reevaluated in the new year.

Brooks Got Talent event celebrating BCIS 10 years of impact in the community! An evening of unlimited fun, exciting cultural performances, light refreshments and door prizes. Jan 28, 6 - 9 pm, Heritage Inn and Convention Centre. Purchase tickets: 403 362 0404

2023 TOP 5?

Voting has started for the TOP 5 places to eat in Brooks

1. HomeTime BBQ & Bakery - “These kids are working so hard”

2. Nikko Sushi

3. Wasana

4. Bad Company

5. Montana’s

⬇︎ See the full list when you Vote for your TOP 5 ⬇︎