Top 7 Over 70 - Southeast Alberta - At 88, Jacob Eckert of Brooks published, No More A Stranger, a book chronicling his Mennonite family's incredible journey from persecution to safety. At 94, Jake hasn’t slowed down! He brings people together through his Sunday evening Sing Songs, sharing joy and community spirit. The Top 7 Over 70 - Southeast Alberta Gala will celebrate Jake and his lifelong dedication to kindness and connection on Oct 10 in Medicine Hat, (the event is sold out.) P.S. If you haven’t read his book you really should!

Fraud Scam: In August Bassano RCMP received a report of a Fraud scam. The victim was contacted on the phone by someone alleging to be from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre who informed them that they were a victim of Fraud. They were instructed to download an AnyDesk App to their phone. Once downloaded, $9000 was removed from their account. The investigation is ongoing.

Rental Assistance Benefit - The Newell Housing Foundation has a budget of $1,001,000 for the Rental Assistance Benefit, plus $86,201 from 2023. There is currently no waiting list, and spaces are available. Many clients receiving rental assistance are experiencing rent increases. The NHF has contacted local landlords to verify current average rental rates. Here are examples of rental rates at Avenue Living in Brooks

• 1 bedroom $1155-1511

• 2 bedroom $1499- 2090

• 3 bedroom $1980- 2180

Old Rodeo Grounds - The City is planning to re-designate the area from its current recreational use so it can be used for a new Catholic school. For this shift to happen, the City Council must first conduct a public hearing that allows for community input and discussion before making a final decision. The hearing could be scheduled to take place as early as October 21.

Why Are Fees Going Up? - Fees for Building, Development, and Planning Applications are increasing in Brooks, which may affect you if you plan to build or renovate. The new fees cover the higher cost the City pays for permits and inspections. Residents will not bear the full cost as the City will waive the municipal portion of Residential Building Permit fees.

"Celebrating Women and Girls in Movement" - will be held at the JBS Canada Centre with presentations from Olympic Hurdler Sage Watson and Paralympic sitting volleyball player Jennifer Oakes. The event is presented in partnership with Girls Who Lead, with sponsorship through Grasslands Regional FCSS, and focuses on the importance of role models, resilience, and keeping girls and women in movement and sport. Along with the keynote presentations, participants will go through movement and activity stations with the team and have the opportunity to take photos with the Olympians. Pre-registration is required. ($20/per participant). October 19th from 1:00-5:00pm at the JBS Fieldhouse.

Halloween fundraiser - The museum will again be transformed into a haunted house this year to raise funds. They are also seeking volunteers and sponsors for the Christmas light display. Alan Lutes, who previously played a key role in organizing the display, will need to be replaced by a team of five to ten people to continue the tradition.

Brooks Music Festival - Celebrate local talent at the Fall Into Music Concert on October 22, 7 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Free admission, and donations are appreciated.

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