News in brief: Music ‘N’ Mavens returns to RJCC

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This article was published 07/01/2019 (2676 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Music ‘N’ Mavens returns to RJCC

The 21st annual Music ‘N’ Mavens concert and speaker series begins on Jan. 22 at the Rady Jewish Community Centre.

This season’s lineup included 10 musical performances including concert tributes to Leonard Cohen with Sheena Rattai, (Feb. 5), Frank Sinatra with Aaron Hutton, (Feb. 12),  Karen Carpenter with Nadia Douglas, (March 7), and Bill Withers with Gerry Atwell’s Prairie Soul (March 19).

Eight speakers will be featured as part of the “mavens” component of the event, presenting on topics ranging from Ghastly Artists, Great Art: A Conundrum, by Alison Gillmor (Jan. 29), to Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, by Allen Mills (March 14).

“Music ‘N’ Mavens is not a luxury — it is a necessity during our long winter months. Treat yourself or be nice to your family – Music ‘N’ Mavens Concert Cards make great gifts!” Karla Berbrayer, Music ‘N’ Mavens producer, said.

Music ‘N’ Mavens features events every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon (2 to 3 p.m.) until March 21 at 123 Doncaster St.

For more information go to radyjcc.com/cultural-events/music-n-mavens

Province continues indexing of basic personal tax amount

The government of Manitoba has announced the basic personal amount will increase to $9,626 for the 2019 tax year.

According to the province, the indexing of the basic personal amount and personal income tax brackets to the rate of inflation began in 2017.

c personal amount for 2019 increased from $9,382 in the 2018 tax year.

Since 2016, the basic personal amount has increased by $492.

The province estimates indexing removed an about 1,740 Manitobans from the tax rolls and saved residents more than $17.5 million annually in 2018.

In 2019, indexing will remove an additional 3,810 Manitobans from the tax rolls for an additional annual savings of $38 million.

“We are putting money back on the kitchen table for families, seniors and households across the province,” finance minister Scott Fielding said. “Our government will continue to take action to reduce taxes and ensure Manitoba is a competitive and affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”

A new Child Care Centre Development Tax Credit is also now in place. The refundable corporation income tax credit supports the creation of licensed child care centres in workplaces.

The Manitoba government is accepting applications from private corporations that intend to create new infant and preschool childcare spaces as part of a centre. A total benefit of $10,000 per new space created is available, claimable over five years.

Winnipeg Transit’s accessibility services getting a rebrand

Winnipeg Transit’s Handi-Transit service will have a new name and scheduling system this year.

According to the City of Winnipeg, Handi-Transit launched a campaign to choose a new, more inclusive name for the service in September 2017 and solicited feedback from the community and stakeholders.

In consultation with the Handi-Transit Policy Advisory Committee, the new name Winnipeg Transit Plus was selected.

Winnipeg Transit Plus will also be implementing a new scheduling system to create a more transparent service, the City said.

The RouteMatch system features an online app, call-out notifications, and individualized web portals to allow customers to schedule their own trips.

A new user guide and updated website with detailed service policies and guidelines will also be available as part of the RouteMatch rollout. Information sessions will be scheduled in early 2019 to familiarize registrants with RouteMatch, the City said.

“I’m pleased we’re moving forward with these important improvements to Handi-Transit service,” Coun. Matt Allard, chair of the standing policy committee on infrastructure renewal and public works, said. “Handi-Transit’s new name, Winnipeg Transit Plus, more accurately reflects the City’s fundamental commitment to equality and providing inclusive customer service.”

The introduction of provincial Accessibility for Manitobans Act and its continued development provides clear direction on the use of inclusive language when referencing services for the community, the City said.

Richmond Kings preschool open house Jan. 19

A local preschool is inviting parents to come check out their facility.

Richmond Kings Nursery School will hold its open house on Sat., Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at 933 Summerside Ave. in the lower level.

The Fort Richmond-area preschool will be accepting registrations for the Fall 2019/2020 school year and teachers will be on hand to hold tours and answer questions.

The preschool has been providing pre-Kindergarten programs for three- and four-year-olds for 40 years.

For more information contact the preschool at 204-275-6239 or email rkns@live.ca or visit www.rkns.ca