Sometimes i go to work at eight, or sometimes i arrive
Sometimes i like to wait, Then i show up late.
Sometimes i just arrive, and the time is showing five. Sometimes i show up at eleven, And i pretend it‛s seven.
Sometimes i come too soon, But it‛s already noon.
My clock is really strange, ‘Cause the numbers always change. My clock is never precise, ‘Cause the numbers can change twice. I don‛t think it‛s a crime, When i go by indian time.
Sometimes i show up at nine, But my clock is way behind. Sometimes i show up at four, ‘Cause i was early the day before. My clock goes fast at night, So it never works right.
When i was a kid, this elder gave me a gwich‛in name, chih ahaa. Translated, it means “walking ahead.” Allan Benjamin CHIH AHAA
Allan Benjamin is a poet, a cartoonist, a fiddle player and a snowshoe racer from Old Crow, Yukon. Allan is a Vuntut Gwich‛in artist who provides cartoons and poems to What‛s Up Yukon. He introduces us to two sets of characters who represent Allan‛s family and traditional Gwich‛in life growing up in Old Crow.
IT’S NEW, AND IT’S MOBILE
A series of concerts will use YAC’s mobile stage in Whitehorse and Dawson this summer
The Yukon Arts Centre (YAC)
first unveiled its new mobile stage at Whitehorse’s Takhini Arena in April, when Tom Cochrane headlined a Ride for Dad benefit concert with support from local acts Bria Rose N’ Thorns and Cows Go Moo.
“The experience was surreal — seeing the transformation of the arena and the open stage at last, after many, many hours of preparation, felt like stepping into a new Whitehorse,” says Rose, who fronts and leads her eponymous group. “Everyone was buzzing and the intense pressure and exhilaration set in.”
Yukoners will see the stage in use several more times this summer, as the YAC will host an outdoor concert series in Whitehorse
and Dawson City. The concert series is presented in collaboration with Lotteries Yukon, to celebrate the commission’s 50th anniversary.
“The mobile stage came about when Lotteries Yukon, in anticipation of its 50th anniversary contacted the Yukon Arts Centre as they wanted to host a party like we did in Shipyards Park in September 2022 with our Birthday Bash, which saw the largest crowd gather in Shipyards Park ever — to
see local talent as well as Serena Ryder and The Strumbellas,” explains YAC Community Programming Director Michele Emslie of the idea’s origins.
“They also wanted to throw some other events around the Yukon too, and it was then we suggested that instead of renting the required staging from down south, and for what that would cost — we could buy one as a legacy piece
Manus Hopkins is a journalist and
The Yukon Arts Centre unveiled its mobile stage on February 27
Cows Go Moo opening for Tom Cochrane on the mobile stage on April 5
PHOTO: Chris Colbourne
PHOTO: Mike Thomas
A POEM
ANGELS BITE
Iwas forty years old before I learned that angels bite.
I’d felt nibbles in the past, it’s true; noticed tiny teeth marks on my skin and my soul but – blinded by medieval art and dollar store figurines
I didn’t see what – or who - was right there, as close as skin... nipping, increasingly irritated by my inattention.
Chomping, even at the bit of me still able to conceive receive perceive retrieve believe and all the other Eves who sometimes escape my notice Gnawing at the apples and the boundaries of who I think I am and what is possible.
I’d swat them away apply whatever salve came readily to hand and, elbows out, blunder on through the speckled seasons of my life.
Salve. Slave.
It all depends on where you put the damn letters.
We’ve recently survived a mail strike, when it was anyone’s guess but the letters turned up again; fallen into their intended place teeth marks at the corners but intact.
Don’t be afraid they say; don’t be afraid.
Whatever is going on … be sure: the opposite is also true.
More recently, I’ve caught glimpses as they bob and weave, duck
and, grinning, come at me again with tiny teeth and persistent, knowing smiles. They get that a lot, apparently. And it’s cost me the length of a season to admit to their intent.
Sometimes they swarm; the air thick with them. Get caught in my hair
Relieved that they’ve caught my attention at last, able to rest their aching jaws, they dance.
When you know what it is, it’s a relief in a way and I almost enjoy the sound as they crunch away at convention Their wings and robes, constant motion in that crazy circle dance create an updraft that frequently takes my breath, and the rest of me, with it; and in that upward motion turning me inside out like a shirt grabbed by the hem and lifted quickly over the head. I stand, blinking with my insides out.
“The outside is the inside” they whisper as the dance goes ’round. “Glory to God in the Highest. Don’t be afraid.”
That, at least, is familiar, and I take a step or two in time, and begin to follow the dance
Then, maddeningly, the next chorus begins and they change the rhythm, tripping off in the opposite direction winking over their shoulders, and singing
“The opposite is always true.”
They dance then in the opposite direction, smile at my bewilderment and sharpen their teeth ready to begin again.
“The opposite is always true”
“The outside is the inside”
That’s the core of it – when every-
Our dentists and team of dental hygienists have been proudly serving the Whitehorse community for many years. Come in for your first consultation and you’ll leave with something to smile about.
thing else has been chewed away, the core remains.
The core.
The refrain of the song, and what’s left behind after they bite. Angel spit.
ANGELS OF SPRING
I’ve always wondered what it might feel like to be spring Everyone loving you, but not for yourself.
You know?
Not for yourself.
You’re the messenger, you’re the John the Baptist to the anticipated summer of your cousin.
A proclamation in green and brown and growing light; mud and tender new growth giving way to the daffodils, trumpeting that something better is on the way.
A gaudy but finally insubstantial pageant
The real stuff is yet to come. I wonder if angels ever feel that way.
The angels of spring, however, Newly emerging from the smelly dens in which they’ve sheltered intermittently through the deepest cold
Airing out their wings, are ravenous, and don’t give a flying… thought… to these things. Nuance is for another season. Springtime…. Of all the seasons, springtime is the angelest. ■
You can expect friendly and welcoming care in an environment that relaxes even the most anxious patients. We all love what we do, and look forward to welcoming you and your family to our practice.
Bev Brazier has been a proud resident of Whitehorse since 2009, passionate about the power of words, shy about sharing her fiction writing, but thankful for this space to risk it.
PHOTO: Jerry SageLvs from Pixabay Angels Bite
RHERMIT
ecently, I saw where a walking trail had been created along the Mayo River near the town of Mayo.
The trail ends just below the hydro dam that is fed by the river and Mayo Lake. Someone mentioned an old cabin near the top of the high river bank. Here is the story about that cabin, which was not a cabin but a cave dug into the hillside, with a flat roof protecting it from rain and snow.
That cave, and the person who lived there, had a profound effect on the course of my life.
At the time, 1979, I was trying hard to be what my family, wife, and society thought I should be: a Steady Eddy. I had a career with the power company and they had sent me to Mayo, Yukon, to work in the old hydro plant there.
Just below the dam there lived a hermit with his spotted dog, in a cave the old man had dug for himself into the high, sandy bank of the Mayo River. Folks around Mayo said that the hermit brought gold into town on a regular basis from his claim there on the riverbank. Roly Ronaghan, the mining recorder, weighed it for him.
own name. My job was giving me ulcers and I wanted something to do on weekends. One afternoon I went there with a pan to try my luck.
In the very first pan, down at the riverbank, three rice-sized nuggets of gold shone up at me. A chill raced up and down my spine. I remember gazing all around to see if anyone was spying on me. I tried another pan and hit five more specks of gold. These were about the size of the nib on your
be within walking distance of the cave, perhaps in a rocky vein, or in the conglomerate boulders strewn along the riverbank.
In the meantime, I became a part time gold prospector and roamed the valleys and hills of the Yukon. I turned up gold here and there but I was really hooked on the search itself.
The old man, whom I heard later was Irwin Armstrong, gleaned enough gold from his claim to pay for groceries and dog food. Over the years he wrote a book and disappeared with the manuscript and his dog. No one saw him again in Mayo.
In that little town, he fit right in, being no more self-centred or strange than any of us living there. He never returned to his claim and when it lapsed, I staked it in my
ballpoint pen.
I had discovered what I had been looking for all my life: the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Never again would I work as a wage-slave, fill out time cards or ask my supervisor’s permission to go on holidays. I would speak my mind to all the bank managers, landlords, bosses and prickly neighbours I had ever known. I would never ever worry again what anybody thought of me. All because of the hermit’s gold.
I quit my job with the power company and went to work on that
gold claim. My ulcers immediately healed and have never returned. But, although it is hard to believe even yet, not one more speck of gold did I find there.
I dug, blasted, sluiced, and tore the back wall from the hermit’s cave, to no avail. I think the old geezer dropped that gold where I could find it, and no one has ever been able to discover his lode, although several I know have tried.
A few years later I was sitting with a couple of friends at Diamond Tooth Gerties in Dawson. We started talking about the hermit’s
gold and a big American came over to our table.
“I heard you fellows talking about that gold claim. I can take you right to where he found the gold. I am a professional psychic and fortune teller. If we go there, the hermit’s spirit will tell us exactly where to dig.”
I didn’t go but my old friend, George Peel, went along with the psychic and they hiked in there.
George said later that the guy took out a black stethoscope and started listening to various trees with it but the hermit would not reveal the secret. That gold has to
Eventually, I wrote a book about those experiences (Yukon Gold) and have played around at writing and publishing ever since. You might find some volumes called The Yukon Reader in various places.
Although the old hermit is long dead, he steered me to a better life. I did work for NCPC again, at Inuvik and other parts of the Arctic and always went looking for gold in those areas.
Most of us have experienced something that gave our lives a turn. Looking back, I wish I had realized at the time how much fun I had during those years. ■
PHOTOS: Supplied by Sam Holloway
Yukon Reader 1, 2 and 3 Front Covers
The hermit’s cave on the right bank of the Mayo River, looking upstream
Inside the cave: Irwin Armstrong slept on gunny sacks right on the ground and he had a woodstove in there. Some flat, smooth rocks lay around which he used for grinding ore. Dog-eared copies of Scientific American Magazines were strewn about
Holloway
Holloway
Marsh Lake and Ross River
for the whole Yukon.”
Lotteries Yukon provided the funding for the YAC to purchase the SL100 Mobile Stage, knowing it would benefit the Yukon’s artistic communities and be able to facilitate larger events with fewer overhead equipment rental costs.
“I think the versatility of the staging and how beautiful it looked when it’s all set up was a nice surprise for audiences and organizers alike,” says Emslie.
This summer, the YAC and Lotteries Yukon’s concert series kicks off June 28 with a performance from Our Lady Peace, the Toronto alternative rock band known for hits like “Innocent” and “Superman’s Dead” at Shipyards Park in Whitehorse.
memory for a teenager seeing their first live show or offering an uplifting experience to someone who’s had a tough year, this is about joy and connection,” she says. “We hope this becomes an annual celebration. With the new mobile stage, there’s no reason we can’t keep this momentum going and continue creating opportunities for Yukon communities and artists year after year.
“A lot of people aren’t aware that the funding for Lotteries Yukon comes from lottery and scratch and win ticket sales. Hopefully people keep buying lottery tickets so we can continue to fund future legacy projects and events.”
According to Skelton, the concert series will be the perfect way to celebrate Lotteries Yukon’s 50th anniversary, as it reflects
Later in the summer, London, ON rapper Shad and BC rock veterans 54-40 will also each grace the stage.
“This concert series is going to be something really special for Yukoners,” says Sara Skelton, chair and CEO for Lotteries Yukon. “We’re bringing world-class acts to perform here for the first time —free, family-friendly, and accessible to everyone.”
Skelton goes on to say that she hopes to see these shows inspire people of all ages and to bring the community together, which music has the power to do.
“Whether it’s creating a core
exactly what the commission’s mandate has always been about — “supporting projects that enrich the lives of Yukoners.”
“When we started thinking about a legacy project, we wanted something that would benefit as many people as possible, longterm,” she says. “That’s how the idea of purchasing a mobile stage came to be. It solves a major challenge: renting stages from down south was incredibly expensive and a logistical nightmare.
“Now we have a profession-
al, turn-key stage that’s easy to transport, quick to set up, and available for communities across the territory. It’s a game-changer for local festivals, non-profits, and artists.”
Emslie echoes Skelton’s notion that the stage will eliminate logistical financial strains for events in the territory, saying it can go beyond concerts and be used for outdoor events of any kind.
“This type of equipment was not available in the Yukon before — it had to be trucked up from outside at significant cost, often putting larger outdoor events out of reach for many,” she says. “This is now a new venue, readily available within easy reach and at reasonable cost. It will mean that festivals and outdoor events can put more money towards programming instead of infrastructure.”
Having been among the first artists to perform on the stage, Rose calls it a “beautiful contraption,” noting that it has space
enough for two full drum kits and a seven-piece band to perform comfortably.
“I hope and believe Yukoners will continue to show up for shows playing on this great stage more than ever, and help keep entertainment and art a thriving part of our ecosystem,” she says. “The first of a new, shared, portable venue — I think that’s a really cool thing that fosters another form of connection with our other communities.”
On June 28, the Lotteries Yukon 50th anniversary celebrations will kick off with a full day of community and family programming. There will be a small stage during the day at Shipyards Park at the Frank Slims building with local talent performing. In the late afternoon, Our Lady Peace will take to the mobile stage for the main event.
“Any time local artists can play for community in a larger outdoor setting it’s always of benefit to
the artists themselves, but also for audiences to hear new Yukon talent they might not have seen before,” says Emslie.
“I think the presence of the mobile stage in Yukon communities will provide many more opportunities for artists and the community to come together for various celebrations and community events — where there weren’t these opportunities before. And I’m sure there will be more exciting artists from outside as well.”
The stage can also be seen at the Dawson City Music Festival (DCMF) this year, as well as a few other community events that Emslie says will be announced soon.
For Skelton, seeing 54-40 in particular will bring a full-circle moment.
“Music has always been a huge part of my life,” she says. “I taught myself how to play drums in my parents’ basement in Watson Lake when I was about 12 — listening to 54-40 songs, no less!” ■
PHOTO: Mike Thomas The stage will allow YAC to hold outdoor concerts in Whitehorse and the communities. It will also be available to rent by community groups
PHOTO: Mike Thomas
The purchase of the stage was made possible by Lotteries Yukon
PATTI FLATHER WONDERS…
“Why do people make the choices they do?”
Patti Flather, one of the mentors at this year’s Young Authors Conference, is probably best known these days as a playwright, with such works as Sixty Below, and her recent audio play, Pieces of Paradise. You can hear this at piecesofparadiseplay.
com
. Before that, she was a reporter. She says, “My professional journalism career took me from the Vancouver Sun to Asia, then to Whitehorse for a reporting job at the Whitehorse Star. I have worked in print journalism, television, and radio.” How did she get started?
“As a child I had an active imagination and loved reading, doing art, and being outdoors. I had a wonderful grade four drama teacher. I enjoyed creative writing in school, although I was not prolific. I am naturally curious, always wondering why people make the choices they do and what might influence these choices.”
fiction. For me, setting is another character essential to bring readers and audiences into an evocative, fully realized world.
“It’s important to me to try to illuminate moments of personal agency, humour, hope and love, while not turning away from harder truths in my quest to find emotional truths that resonate with our collective humanity.
flaws; otherwise, they won’t be human.”
She writes in a number of different ways.
“My dream routine is to write every morning, after breakfast and a cup of coffee, but before checking emails or anything else. Then I go for a walk, return and write some more. That’s often not possible, with other work and family commitments.
She grew up in North Vancouver, a third-generation Canadian creator of English, Scottish and Irish descent, who grew up on the stolen and unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations.
“I have been a writer here in the Yukon for more than three decades, living with gratitude as an uninvited guest on the territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. This place has been essential to making me the writer I am.”
She goes into detail when describing her work.
“My creative writing includes plays, fiction and screenwriting. In my short fiction collection Such A Lovely Afternoon, my characters — most of them women and girls — are often in situations where they have significant decisions to make.
“My work is deeply based on strong development of characters and setting, particularly my
“Getting to know my characters is one of the greatest delights in my writing process. They appear barely formed as I begin. I invite them into the writing journey and make space to explore who they’ll become.
“I delve into their passions, desires, fears, and weaknesses, both epic and mundane. Whether they’re able to pursue and fulfil their dreams is always a central question. They need desires and
“I carve out chunks of time where I can delve into a piece, let it percolate, have enough mental space for insights to bubble up, and then get on a roll. These days, that’s weekends, plus the occasional writing intensive where I book more time off. I’m grateful that I have had some of these longer periods on major writing projects in the past.
“My approach really depends on the project. I have written detailed outlines, and sometimes they have helped, especially on larger projects, but I don’t always do so.
“I am a list-making person, so I generally write notes about what I hope to work on in a particular draft, what questions I have, characters not fully developed, plot questions and more. This helps me to focus.
She has some experience at being a mentor and teacher.
“I have taught drama and creative writing at Yukon University (formerly Yukon College) and in other classrooms including with the Yukon Writers Festivals/Young Authors Conference.
“During my years as Artistic Director of Gwaandak Theatre, I facilitated playwriting circles over several years, supported playwrights writing new plays, and toured plays for school shows and discussions. One unique project was developing Vuntut Gwitchin Stories with young people, Elders and other community members in Old Crow, in a partnership of Gwaandak Theatre and Vuntut Gwitchin Government. You can find it at vuntutstories.ca.”
She has lots of advice for beginning writers.
“Your voice matters. Believe in it. Cherish and nourish it. Let it thrive.
“People have faced challenging times before, but now it’s different. Young people live amidst climate emergencies and rising authoritarianism on top of extreme social inequities, skyrocketing housing costs, hateful backlashes against identifiable groups, and more. These are not easy times to be young.
“We need the perspectives of young writers and artists more than ever. Be brave. Show your writing to trusted others. Consider their feedback carefully but not blindly. Take risks. Go beyond your comfort zone. Speak what is
deepest in your heart. Transform into art what is happening at this point in the world, how we got here, where we are now, where we dream to be, through your unique lens.
“Be compassionate and responsible. Words are powerful. They can lift us up and they can hurt.
“Remember who you are and where you come from — no one else is just like you. Write stories that sing with wonder and joy, spark recognition, foster dialogue and reflection. Make us laugh and cry. Help us to find and share our humanity.
“But take care of yourself. Writing can be solitary and scary and dangerous. It’s not the only path or the right path for all of us. There are other ways you can speak your truth in the world.” ■
Dan Davidson retired after more than three decades teaching in Yukon schools. He has continued
Yukon.
PHOTOS: Supplied by Patti Flather
The cover of Patti’s short story collection
Patti Flather
Dawsonite Jenna Roebuck designed the graphic for this audio play.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE It’s Free.
or email them to: events@whatsupyukon.com
Please visit whatsupyukon.com for up to date event details. Some events may be postponed or cancelled after we print.
ART SHOWS
Until May 21 My Big Bougie Beaded Earrings Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre A vibrant celebration of Indigenous artistry and self-expression, showcasing bold statement earrings as symbols of identity, creativity, and presence.
Until May 23 Nature’s Touch – Art by Isaac and Isabel YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Our art is about the beautiful Wilderness and our family’s Culture. We enjoy bringing the peacefulness of nature into our artwork, because it is good for the soul and it is where we connect with our ancestors and friends.
Until May 23 Field Notes from Kluane YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery showcases new works by Christine Koch, the 2023 Kluane National Park Artist in Residence.
Until May 23 Aleocharinae: An Entomologist and an Artist YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery A unique exhibition bridges art and science through stunning blown glass sculptures inspired by the intricate genitalia of obscure rove beetles (Aleocharinae).
Until Jun 28 The AndoverHarvard Yukon Expedition: 1948 Arts Underground A series of photographs from The Andover-Harvard Yukon Expedition: 1948, presented by MacBride Museum.
LIVE MUSIC
Monthly
Mondays Gray Jay Café 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.
Tuesdays
Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Wednesdays
Intermediate JamBluegrass & Old Time 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion bi-weekly Hosted by the Yukon Bluegrass Society
Karaoke 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Whitewater Wednesday 8:00 PM 98 Hotel
Thursdays
Muster Point 6:30 PM Baked Cafe Muster Point live and featuring a rotating lineup of local guest artists.
Indigenous Investment Conference 2025 Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Hear from influential keynote speakers, take part in thought-provoking panel discussions, and immerse themselves in interactive workshops. https://whatsupyukon. events/0b5350
Sat May 10 2025 Indoor Community Garage Sale 10:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon Sign up for a booth, come as a buyer or join Zero Waste Yukon in a variety of free workshops throughout the day! Take part in reuse and repair with us!
Sat May 10 AY Crocus
Run 10:30 AM Centennial
other tools. This easy introduction to electronics and small home appliance repair is a useful evening of DIY learning that you can take home.
2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Come on out and test your music knowledge! Teams of no more than 6 people. Last Friday Pioneer Women of Yukon 12:00 PM Golden Age Society
Bridge An 8km guided run on mixed terrain but is mostly run on trials.
Sat May 10 Remember Mother 11:00 AM Hospice Yukon Are you grieving a mom? Join us on May 10th to honor her memory through creative activities in a safe space.
Sat May 10 solstice haiku discussion group 2:00 PM Thu May 15 Intro to Yukon Camping & Outdoor Adventures — FamilyFriendly Workshop! 6:00 PM Yukon University Whitehorse Campus A friendly and practical 2-hour workshop will walk you through the basics of getting outdoors. An evening of guidance, gear talk, trip planning tips, and real answers to your outdoor questions.
Monthly
2nd Monday Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society salvin@ northwestel.net
2nd Monday Whitehorse Slow Jam 7:00 PM Golden Age Society
2nd & 4th Wednesdays Whitehorse Photography Club - Meetup 7:00 PM Yukon UniversityWhitehorse Campus Held in Rm A2204. Discuss photography, share your work, learn new tips and tricks. http:// whitehorsephotoclub.ca/
First Thursdays QYS Craft
Night 7:00 PM Queer
Yukon Society The Cache This is a great place to gather and meet other queer crafters. And there will be tea of course. Regular drop-in is still available.
2nd Thursday QYS Movie Nights 5:00 PM Queer
Yukon Society The Cache Last Thursdays Repair Cafe 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Bring it in and see if it is fixable using soldering irons, multimeters, and
3rd Sundays Messy Church 3:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. Crafts, singing and food will be the focus.
2nd & 4th Sundays
Grade 8 – 12 High School Youth Group 6:00 PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https:// mountainview.church/ connect/youth Monthly
Weekly
Mondays
Mtg: Competitive Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Women’s Bible Study 6:00 PM Women’s Bible Study. Refreshments are served followed by the study. For more info check out www.mountainview. church or email rachel@ mountainview.church.
Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age Society
Euchre - For Members and Signed in Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Euchre a trick-taking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you
Beginner ASL Class & Social Hang 6:15 Queer Yukon Society - The Cache
Tuesdays
Bridge 12:00 PM Golden Age Society Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association francoyukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus.
QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache
Language Skills for Ukrainians 5:15 PM Yukon Learn A discussion group workshop provides a relaxed and friendly environment where learners can practise and learn English conversation skills.
Weekly Shuffleboard
Tournament 6:00 PM
Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For members and signed in guests. A double knockout style competition and games are limited to 6 ends or 15 minutes
Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!
SuperSmash Bros, Mtg: Commander 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles 10 Card Crib - Members & Signed In Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Whether you are a seasoned crib player or a beginner, come play! Learn tips and tricks and have some fun! https://bit. ly/3KP0B5s
Wednesdays
Multicultural Connection Group 11:00 AM
Multicultural Centre of the Yukon – MCY Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn about parenting in different cultures. A free lunch program for immigrants and refugee families. Lunch and transportation provided. Call 332-1803 for more info.
Spanish Conversation 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church Call 3336081 for more info. Anglican Holy Communion – Whitehorse 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral The Book of Common Prayer, 2nd Wednesday of the month Sew & Tell All – Elders Hangout 1:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Facilitated by Kwanlin Dün Elder-in-Residence Shirley Smith, everyone welcome. Feel free to join and start a beading project or work on something that you’ve already started! For more info email culturalprograms@kdcc.ca QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache
Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!
Mtg: Modern, Warhammer Age of Sigmar 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Writing Things DOWN(town) 6:30 PM
A regular, free dropin writing group at the Whitehorse Public Library. This is a space to start writing your memoir or finish that article. Writing prompts will be provided to generate ideas.
Thursdays
Public Speaking Training
- Toastmasters 12:00
PM Decora Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics
Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch (Book of Alternative Services)
Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM
Whitehorse Public Library
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Find out what role playing games are all about! Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are always welcome.
Mtg: casual Commander, Warhammer 40k & Kill Team 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Mountainview Church Community Group 7:00 PM 16 years or older?
Mountainview Church Community Group! We’ll share some snacks and talk about what the bible has to say about discipleship.
Fridays
Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM
Golden Age Society Coffee and chat is a way to connect with your community, develop friendships, and have fun.
Mtg: Pioneer, YuGiOh Casual 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Saturdays
Yukon Amateur Radio
Association Coffee Discussion Group 8:45 AM A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those interested are welcome to join us in this casual event.
Cribbage - Members and Signed in Guests 2:00 PM
Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Masks are mandatory. Members must have a valid 2021 membership and they may sign in 2 guests MAX.
Pokemon, Mtg: Youth Magic, Lorcana 6:00
PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles
Sundays
Mountainview Church
Sunday Service 9:30
AM Church In The Building 9:30 AM, 11AM or Church At Home 7 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM
Mountainviewwhitehorse. ca/Watch
Clothing Room 10:00 AM
Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone
Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30
AM A caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth
Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM
Whitehorse SeventhDay Adventist Church
Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 6333463.
Sunday Gatherings 3:00
PM The Northern Collective Church
KIDS & FAMILIES
Monthly
1st & 3rd Saturdays Grades
5 - 7 Junior Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church Passionate about giving kids opportunities to have fun & make new friends, while teaching them about Jesus & His great love for our world
https://mountainview. church/connect/youth 2nd and 4th Saturdays
Grade 8 - 12 High School
Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https:// mountainview.church/ connect/youth
Weekly
Tuesdays
Story Time 10:30 AM
Whitehorse Public Library
Join us for stories, songs & rhymes! A free dropin program for children ages 0-5 and caregivers at Whitehorse Public Library
Parent-Child Mother Goose 10:30 AM The Child Development Centre Celebrates the power and pleasure of songs, rhymes and oral stories. Bonding time with your little one or to learn for later.
Wednesdays
Community Connections
1:30 PM Yukon Family Literacy Centre An intergenerational story time and craft program. Meet local elders, have a coffee, do some crafts, and make a friend!
Thursdays
Transformations Along
The Chu Nikwän 1:30 PM Yukon Visitor Information Centre Join Amber for a free walking tour every Thursday along the Whitehorse waterfront to learn about the Yukon First Nations people and the history of the Yukon.
Pathfinder Role-Playing
Game for Youth 3:30 PM
Whitehorse Public Library Youth 11-17 are invited to join, no experience necessary.
Saturdays
Science Saturdays 11:00
AM Whitehorse Public Library Free DropIn Science and STEM Activities - no need to register - For children to complete with a parent or guardian!
MEETINGS
Tue May 6 YEU - PSAC Local Y043 AGM 5:30 PM Yukon University Dawson City Campus Elections, Financial Reports and President/VP/Director Reports will all be discussed. Pizza and door prizes will be on hand. https://www.yeu.ca/y043_ agm_may_6_2025
Weekly
Tuesdays
Rendezvous Rotary 6:30
PM Tony’s Pasta and Seafood House Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Tony’s Pasta and Seafood. Come and join us for fun, and fellowship.
Thursdays
Toastmasters Decora 12:00
PM Sundogs Toastmasters Club. Club is open to all interested parties and we provide constructive feedback to help develop public speaking skills.
Monthly
First Monday Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa. yk.ca/coming-events/
First Monday Yukon Amateur Radio Association Monthly Meeting 7:00 PM EMO Building Discussion of club business. Prospective hams are welcome.
Third Thursday Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition Monthly Meeting 5:00 PM ZOOM Yukon AntiPoverty Coalition for regular meeting. Everyone is welcome. Call Kathy 334-9317 or info@yapc. ca for a zoom link or join us in person. https://yapc. ca/actions/detail/yapcsmonthly-meetings
Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon
ONLINE EVENTS
Fridays AA Yukon Unity Group 1:30 PM Online For Zoom Room address Contact 334-7693
Saturdays AA Detox Meeting (OM, NS) 1:00 PM Online For Zoom Room address call 334-7693.
Tuesdays Restorative Online Healing Circles 7:30 PM Online Check-in, Q&A, connect and feel the results. No experience necessary. Register online, or call 335-0078 or email alison@alisonzeidler.com for more info.
IFAST FORWARD 50 YEARS
took a deep breath to help settle the butterflies in my stomach as I walked into the party. I could not deny the rapid passage of time when I saw the large sign in scarlet, gold, and black letters, “50 Year Class Reunion Tupper 74.” I was handed a goodie bag with the Tupper Tiger mascot on all of the keepsakes.
A glance at name tags helped me place a name to a face. I noticed other classmates peeking at my name tag. I guess I have also changed.
I graduated from Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School in Vancouver in 1974. Our 50th high school reunion was held this past November, 2024.
MY SEVEN UNEXPECTED TAKEAWAYS IN THE LAST 50 YEARS:
1. Perfect is not all it is cracked up to be.
School was a place to strive for perfection.
Perfect is a place of anxiety and a lack of balance. Perfect is an excuse and prevents me from pursuing creativity and writing this story.
My life significantly changed when I let go of perfection. I changed my thinking to “good enough” and doors opened up for me.
I jumped into experiences. I jumped into life.
This surreal evening went by fast, our cell phone cameras capturing the fleeting moments. A common denominator in our group was a sense of gratitude to have made it this far. The emotional undercurrent was how precious little time we all had left.
This has been a year of reflection for me. How did I get from there to here in what feels like such a short time? The young woman I was in 1974 is very different from the woman I am today.
Of course I have changed physically. More importantly, I have changed in ways that are not visible. I have changed who I am on the inside.
2. Soft skills are more important than hard skills.
School taught me hard skills. Life taught me soft skills.
School taught me memorizing facts, algebra, and geography. Life taught me empathy, patience, and compromise.
I survive in life with the hard skills. I thrive and lead a happier, fulfilling, and contented life using soft skills.
3. You do whatever it takes.
I am having a meltdown. I have lived on four hours of sleep each night during my first month as a student in the Dental Hygiene program. Hours of homework each evening, along with the demands of raising a young family have taken their toll on me.
Another student, in her final
year of the program, gives me a big hug. She tells me “you do whatever it takes to move forward.”
I find a way to put one foot in front of the other and take it one moment at a time. “I do whatever it takes” has become a mantra to help me get through the difficult times.
4. My gut has the answers before my mind catches up.
I am on a date with someone new. He invites me back to his apartment. Goosebumps on my arms warn me. My gut tells me to refuse.
I am happy I did not go. I am here
today because I have learned to trust and listen to my body.
5. Expect the unexpected. The power goes out. The car breaks down.
I always have a Plan B.
A Plan B is knowing where the flashlights and batteries are kept. A Plan B is squirrelling away some money for a rainy day. Sometimes, a Plan B is changing my attitude to patience and acceptance.
I adapt and stay flexible. I expect the unexpected.
6. Energy is a powerful resource.
Energy is being selective with how I spend my time. Energy is a
hike in nature. Energy is a belly laugh.
Energy is hanging around friends who are supportive and inspire me.
I have learned to top up my energy resources. I now have the time and energy to truly appreciate and participate in the important moments in my life.
7. ‘Dadisms’ withstand the test of time.
I often rolled my eyes. Discreetly. My Dad repeated himself.
A lot. I could not disagree with my Dad. I stayed quiet. Inside, I was ready to burst.
“You can’t turn a Chihuahua into a German shepherd,” when my Dad insisted nature was more
important than nurture. “You can be in the right, yet dead right,” when my Dad was teaching me to drive defensively.
Fifty years later, I watch my children and grandchildren grow up. They are raised in the same household, with similar rules, and values. Their unique personalities and temperaments were apparent from the moment they were born. Nature often wins over nurture. My Dad’s words are in my head every time I drive a car. My peripheral vision watches for the unpredictable drivers and the pedestrians on the road. I don’t want to be “dead right.”
Dadisms withstand the test of time. I know, because they have become my Momisms. I suspect my children roll their eyes. Discreetly.
FAST FORWARD 50 YEARS: In 1974, these unexpected takeaways were not available to me. First, I had to experience life. The good and the bad.
I gained new perspectives. I learned to stay flexible and move forward. I learned to thrive in this world of constant change and uncertainty.
More importantly, I learned to change my mind. I have changed who I am on the inside. ■
Freelance with
Henault
PHOTOS: Erica Henault Sign sharing the date of our 50-year high school reunion
Stunning sunset reflections on Tagish Lake (Special memories camping circa 2011)
Pacific Northwest, Mt. Baker scenic byway (2024)
OUR NEIGHBOURS
While living out in Mendenhall has many blessings, one of the biggest is our neighbours...
Pam and I first moved out to Mendenhall in 2011. I had previously lived out here in 2001-2002, and I talked her into going for a ride to ‘check it out’. We lived the first winter out here in a warm and cozy, but dry, cabin. The next spring we moved into what is now our home. Technically, through a fluke of being in the right place at the right time, we moved into what’s now our rental house. We’ve been here ever since — with the exception of a short trip out on a company transfer to Winnipeg — but that’s another story.
We hear it all the time ... ‘that’s way too far’ ... ‘I could never live out there’ ... ‘how do you manage through the winter?’ The truth is that most days it takes
less time to get to the Mayo cutoff than from the cut-off to city hall! Our commutes down south were regularly 1 – 1 1/2 hours. It was two hours to get anywhere in Vancouver when I used to live there.
The drive is amazing. The mountains look different every day, and we get to see the neighbours on the regular.
We’ve been watching the wild horse herd for … well, this year is our 14th year. We’ve seen more than 15 new foals born into the herd. Some of those foals we’ve watched turn into mums, dads and grandparents. We’ve also witnessed the natural loss of some of these magnificent creatures.
There’s some confusion about whether these are actually wild horses or feral horses. Many of our friends, especially from Champagne-Aishihik First Nation (CAFN), believe these to be the descendants of Alex VanBibber’s horses. If that’s the case, it would indeed make them feral. Other folks seem to believe that they are actual
wild Yukon horses.
It doesn’t matter to us, we just love seeing them, marvelling at their ability to survive the winters and fawning over them in the spring when we see the new foals.
We’ve stopped at the side of the road, rolled down the window and talked to them. They do seem to sense when someone is being kind. We’ve watched them bathing and splashing — playing in the big puddles in the ditch in the springtime.
Whenever we see them close to the road
and support
we always slow right down, turn on our 4-ways and force any other traffic to slow right down as well. We’ve seen hundreds of tourists stopped on the side of the road taking photographs. They really
are our neighbours and we do care about them very much. Then we have ‘The Ladies,’ our resident elk herd. There are some very big boys in the herd as well.
cont’d on page 13 ...
column with Gary Atkins
Gary Atkins is the editor of What’s Up Yukon, and is proud to promote, feature
All Things Yukon.
A new foal in the herd
Now the new foal is a Mum
OPORK STUFFED APPLES
These sweet and savoury stuffed apples are melt-inyour-mouth goodness
ne of the best things about writing these Unknown Chef recipes is that we get to eat some amazing food! I have a little list in one of my notebooks that I’m constantly adding to as I remember dishes that I haven’t, perhaps, made for a while. I haven’t made this for a long time, but I’m happy that I thought about it. I’ll pass it on to you to try. What goes better than pork and apple? Not much at all! This dish is quick, easy and delicious. Kids love it, friends are blown away and it’s really a lot more about presentation value than prep work. This took me about 45 minutes, start to finish, with about 15 minutes of prep time and about a 1/2 hour in the oven. They came in at less than $5 a plate.
I was working as a prep cook in a kitchen down south, years ago, when the sous chef came over to me with a crate of apples. He told me to cut the top off and then hollow the apples out. He demonstrated by doing one himself to show me how he wanted them all to be. I was to hollow out roughly 40 apples and keep the ‘lid’ specifically together with the apple that it came from.
I had no idea what this was about. He also told me to put the core in the compost but hang onto the meat of the apples in a bowl. I said to him at the time that this didn’t make any sense to me at all. He assured me that these would become our dinner special tonight and I would be really impressed. If I was ‘lucky’ I might even get to try one as my staff meal. We ran out of the 40 apples, and later in my shift I had to hollow out more. But I was lucky and got to have two of them for
my staff meal. Amazing! I used ‘Jazz Apples’ for these today — because they were big enough. I also did up a nice tossed green salad as a side. Keep a note on the recipe for the salad, I’ll be doing this as a side far more often now that summer’s here. Enjoy!
Pork Stuffed Apples
INGREDIENTS:
• Large apples
• Ground pork
• Onion
• Celery
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Brown sugar
METHOD:
1. Wash and dry your apples. Slice the top of the apple about a 1/2 inch from the top. Keep the top with the apple that it was removed from.
2. Using a melon baller (scoop) or a teaspoon, remove the apple’s core and discard in the compost. Then carve out the flesh of the apple, leaving around 1/4 an inch of apple inside the skin for support. Put the flesh into a bowl.
3. In a medium skillet or frying pan, brown the ground pork, diced onion and diced celery using olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook this until the pork is almost done and the onion is still soft. Set the mixture aside to cool. Once it’s cool, add in the diced apple flesh, about 1 part apple to 5 parts pork.
4. Fill the cavity in the apples with your pork mixture and put into a preheated oven set to 350F, on a roasting plate for 20 -25 minutes. At that point, take the apples out and replace the ‘lid’ onto each one. Paint the lids with olive oil and sprinkle some brown or demerara sugar on the top and return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
Tossed Green Salad
• Iceberg lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Radishes
• Mushrooms
• Cheddar cheese
METHOD:
1. Wash your lettuce thoroughly. I beat the stem one time, very hard, on the cutting board and it comes out very easily. Place the head of lettuce upside down in a colander and fill it with cold water. Let the water run for about 5 minutes, then turn the head upright, drain the water out and let it sit to drain fully in the colander for about another 5 minutes.
2. Cut your lettuce into bite sized pieces and put into a large mixing bowl. Do the same with the tomatoes and cucumber. Thinly slice your radishes and mushrooms to add to the bowl. Cube the cheese into about ½ inch squares and also add.
3. Toss the salad with wooden salad tongs and keep in the fridge until the pork stuffed apples are done. You could add a small amount of olive oil before tossing the salad, but it’s not imperative. Once the apples are soft but still firm enough to hold their shape and contents, plate the apples and salad. Use your favourite salad dressing and dig in. I would highly suggest a raspberry vinaigrette for a dressing. I would also suggest a nice Spanish Rioja or a great Canadian Merlot as an accompanying beverage. Cheers! As they say, an apple a day...
INSPIRED PURSUITS
TURNING 40?
What do you do when you’re about to turn 40 and you’re feeling “flat,” Josh Schroeder wondered. It’s a decade too early for a mid-life crisis.
At 30 Schroeder reflected on his life, talked to his partner Tamara, and together they decided to pack up the kids and move the family to the Yukon. It was time for an adventure.
Almost ten years later, Schroeder was feeling the need to “…shake myself loose of being in that rut,” he says. “I needed to find something that excites me.”
He dug deeper and sought out a professional — a counsellor. In conversation, Schroeder quickly realized he was in need of some sort of creative expression.
By day Schroeder is the Senior Web and Online Services Developer at Yukon University, a respon-
He needed to seriously consider what he wanted and what he was up for. He started by reading the script, and loved it.
“It’s about an imaginary friend and he’s having to come to terms with the fact that this teenager
to evaluate what kinds of shows he enjoys and feels he can contribute to.
“Maybe musicals are the ones I take a pass on, going forward,” he says. “Dancing is wayyyyy out of my comfort zone!”
sibility that already requires a fair bit of creativity. And he turns wooden custom pens for fun. His wife is an art teacher, and his oldest daughter is in theatre.
“Artistic expression is definitely something I’m exposed to,” he says.
Schroeder told his counsellor that he was really enjoying seeing his 16-year-old daughter, Paisley, come out of her shell through acting. The counsellor suggested that Schroeder audition for a show as well. He gave that some thought.
“I didn’t want to be the parent who elbowed in on his child’s activity,” he says. “It’s her thing.”
Paisley surprised her dad by approaching him with an idea.
“There’s this show coming up,” she said. “It’s called Mustard. I think you should audition for it, with me.”
She had two characters in mind: one a 16-year-old girl; the other, her imaginary friend, Mustard.
“So, then it became a very real thing in my mind,” says Schroeder.
isn’t going to need him forever and he needs to let go,” he says.
As a father, the reality of this story line hit close to home.
As it turned out, the role was a little demanding for a beginning actor. Instead, he played Bug, another imaginary friend with a less demanding part. Most recently Schroeder was part of the ensemble in the wildly popular SPAMALOT, a musical adapted from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
In addition to performing in four plays over the past year, Schroeder took an acting class at Yukon University, as well as a class on writing drama called Write a One-Act Play. Both classes have added to his overall understanding of acting, the process of playwriting and much of what goes into putting on a play.
Schroeder is realizing that this pace isn’t sustainable. “I need to catch my breath a bit,” he says.
His enthusiasm is immense for his new-found art however, and it’s not easy to reign in. He plans
Schroeder feels like something interesting could come of his playwriting experience, too. Aside from growing as a writer, he’s excited to take this craft to the next level.
“Is there a chance to do readings or find a place where things could be staged at some point?” he wonders.
Reflecting on the many people he’s met through theatre, and the friendships he’s forged, Schroeder talks about the benefits of his acting and writing explorations.
“Spending so much time performing and being vulnerable with each other, opens us up to connection; making those connections is what makes our world bigger,” he says. “It’s also improved my selfimage.”
Continuing Studies Northern Institute of Social Justice
These days he’s animated, more engaged and happier. This new pursuit was just what the doctor ordered.
Back at work, one of his colleagues asked him, “Who are you and what have you done with Josh?” Schroeder is back on top! ■
TRAINING COURSES and WEBINARS
Looking to bring training to your team or commun ? The Northern Ins te of Social Jus ce at YukonU o ers customizable sessions based on our current courses—or we can work with you to develop training that meets your specific needs. Reach out to explore contrac ng op ons and tailored learning oppor n es.
Grief and Frontline Professions
May 21-22, 2025, 9am – 4:30pm CRN 90055
$325 + GST
Registra on deadline: May 14, 2025
Delivered: This course is run In-person at McClintock Bay Resort, 62 Swan Haven Dr, Marsh Lake, YT
Applied Suicide Interven on Skills Training (ASIST)
June 11-12, 2025, 8:30am- 4:30pm
CRN 90352
$225 + GST
Registra on deadline: June 4, 2025
Delivered: In-person at YukonU in room C1530
Jacqueline Bedard
Jacqueline Bedard is a freelance writer who is inspired by the stories of those who pursue their passions, and by the often-meandering paths they take to get there.
PHOTO: Jacqueline Bedard
Josh Schroeder hams it up after SPAMALOT, surrounded by past and current colleagues
PHOTO: Brian Pelchat
Josh Schroeder as Bug, in the play Mustard
PHOTO: Brian Pelchat
Josh Schroeder as Bug, in the play Mustard
ACTIVE LISTINGS
Fri May 9 Yukon Open 5:00 AM
Better Bodies
Sat May 10 Ball Hockey Tournament 8:00 AM Takhini Broomball Arena Rally your friends, and prepare to showcase your hockey prowess. Spectators are invited to indulge in drinks and cheer on the players, while enjoying the lively atmosphere complete with a beer garden and music.
Sat May 10 AY Crocus Run 10:30
AM Centennial Bridge An 8km guided run on mixed terrain but is mostly run on trials.
Sun May 11 Run for Mom 12:00
PM S.S. Klondike National Historic Site Yukoners run, walk and bike for Mom - to ensure we have the best breast health care right here at home. All proceeds stay in the Yukon to support breast health.
Mondays
Judo For Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 7:30
AM Northern Strength Academy
Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00
AM Canada Games Centre Yukon
Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged
Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30
AM Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement
Tai Chi Kung Form (Seniors) 10:00 AM Golden Age Society
Babynastics with Coach Libby
10:30 AM Polarettes Gymnastics
Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www. polarettes.org/babynastics
Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40
AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg
Noon Strength & Conditioning
12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy
anyone.
Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30
Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00
PM Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement
Indoor Cycling 12:05 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts KIDS MUAY THAI a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. Open to ages 8 - 12.
Strength & Conditioning 5:30
PM Northern Strength Academy
Ladies Kickboxing 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Tai Chi Qigong / Meditation 7:00 PM Jack Hulland
Elementary School
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Tuesdays
Strength for Endurance 6:00
AM Northern Strength Academy
Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Specifically designed for the retired population, but open to
Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM
Whitehorse United Church Drop-in, no registration required, everyone is welcome. Call 3351996 for more info.
Babynastics with Coach Libby 11:15 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www. polarettes.org/babynastics
Strength for Endurance 12:00
PM Northern Strength Academy
Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05
PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 1:00PM Northern Strength Academy
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts
Indoor Cycling 5:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 2A 6:30 PM Jack Hulland Elementary School Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM Takhini Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www. whitehorsearchery.com/schedule
Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning 7:00 PM Grace Space Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. http://amitieyoga.ca
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Wednesdays
Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00
AM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.
Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00
AM Canada Games Centre Yukon
Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged
AM Northern Lights School of Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement
Tai Chi Essential Form continued 10:00 AM Heart of Riverdale
Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40
AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg
Noon Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00
PM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!
Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.
Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 12:10 PM Grace Space Movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http://amitieyoga. ca
Elderactive Intermediate Hiking 1:00 PM ElderActive Recreation Association Leisure Walking is similar to Nordic walking but is suitable for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed pace
Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Introduction to Tai Chi 6:00 PM Elijah Smith Elementary School. Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 1 refinements 7:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School Indoor Range Night 7:00 PM Whitehorse Rifle and Pistol Club Tai Chi Traditional Form, Section 3 continued 7:15 PM Elijah Smith Elementary School. Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Thursdays
Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels
Winter Power Hour Series 6:00
AM BrittyFit 95 Lewes Blvd
Ignite your fitness regime in 50 minutes with Brittyfit
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM
Golden Age Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes.
Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy
Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.
Strength for Endurance 12:00
PM Northern Strength Academy
Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05
PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 1:00 PM Northern Strength Academy
Babynastics with Coach Naomi
3:30 PM Polarettes Gymnastics
Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www. polarettes.org/babynastics
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts
Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM
Takhini Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www. whitehorsearchery.com/schedule
Tai Chi Essential Form
continued 6:30 PM Hidden Valley School
No-GiJiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Tai Chi Yang Hand Forms refinements 7:45 PM Hidden Valley School
Fridays
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM
Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM
Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/
Strength & Conditioning 12:00
PM Northern Strength Academy
Muay Thai Kickboxing 12:05 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM
Eight Days Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning 5:30
PM Northern Strength Academy
Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00
PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.
Saturdays
Flow & Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30
AM Grace Space A dynamic and invigorating practice to awaken your inner strength. http:// amitieyoga.ca
Ladies Lift 9:00 AM
Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Strength & Conditioning 10:00
AM Northern Strength Academy
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 11:00
AM Eight Days Martial Arts
Open Mat 12:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Sundays
Free drop-in Tai Chi practice 10:00 AM Takhini Elementary
Tai Chi Sword Form 10:30 AM
Whistle Bend Elementary School
WELLNESS LISTINGS
Sat May 10 Remember Mother 11:00 AM Hospice Yukon
Elder and Counselor available
Emotional and Spiritual support, free to Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirited in Yukon, Northern BC: Phone, video appointments or in person. Call Toll Free 866 667 6162 or visit www.yawc.ca for info.
Monthly
Every other Tuesday Sharing
Circle 12:00 PM Old Justice
Building KDFN Every other Tuesday for recovery focused sharing circles. Connect, share challenges and gains, and access support and wisdom. Snacks and refreshments served. whatsupyukon.events/4en
Mondays
Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM
Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
Infant Feeding Mondays 1:00 PM Yukon Midwifery ProgramYukon Health and Social Services
AA Life Ahead (O, A) 7:00 PM 509 Hanson St. Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.
AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Sacred Heart - Rear Entrance - basement
Tuesdays
Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
TOPS (Take off Pounds
Sensibly) 6:00 PM 100 25 Firth
Rd Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details
AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.
Ugly Ducklings Group (O,A)
8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral
Held in person or by zoom – ID
251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.
Wednesdays
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call or text 867-3341725 for more details
VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.
Community Kitchen 11:30 AM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals togo, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
Al-Anon 12:00 PM 407 Black Street, downstairs Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
AA No Puffin (C, A) 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall)
AA Porter Creek Step Meeting (C) 8:00 PM Our Lady of Victory
Thursdays
Sally and Sisters 11:00 AM
Salvation Army 311 Black St Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
VFWC - Drop-In 11:00 AM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Drop-In includes Laundry and Shower.
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM
311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or on zoom, Zoom ID 251-363-5766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.
Fridays
Moth & Flame - Bright Light
Morning Meditation Series 9:00
AM Queer Yukon Society - The Cache
AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House
AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:30 PM Online Zoom ID 482-5189588 PC 334796 call 778-9072971 for more info.
VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and shower access.
Community Kitchen 5:00 PM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals togo, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.
AA Whitehorse Group (C, A) 7:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral
Saturdays
AA Detox Meeting (O, A) 1:00
PM 609 Steele St.1:00 PM
AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:00 PM Online Zoom ID 482-5189588 PC 334796 call 778-9072971 for more info.
VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and showers.
Community Kitchen 5:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals togo, a free,
5:30PM - 7PM (Online) Please see Yukonstruct.com for more info!
GREY MATTERS
Nancy Campbell is a newly-minted senior making her first appearance as a Grey Matters writer.
LET THERE BE LIGHT!
Illuminating thoughts on how to adapt the world to aging eyeballs
High school English, and Dylan Thomas’s “Do not go gentle into that good night” opens with ’Rage, rage against the dying of the light.’ Ah, what a metaphor for life!
But in the space between teen angst and OAS, I’ve found that light does indeed start to die around me.
Task lighting is my new best friend. The ceiling light can be on full blast, but if I’m to read the document in front of me, a 60W beam of nearby helpfulness is needed.
The eye doctors had always told me that as I got older I would likely need reading glasses (check!) and possibly encounter cataracts along the way. Fair enough. But somehow I missed the memo about needing more light for comfortable reading.
But it turns out people in their
60s need three times more light for easy reading than folks in their 20s.
“The passage of time can weaken the tiny muscles that control your eye’s pupil size,” says the National Institutes of Health.
“The pupil becomes smaller and less responsive to changes in light.”
This in turn can lead to trouble seeing at night and the loss of some peripheral vision. Hence the decision by some older friends to stop driving in the dark or low light situations.
LED lights have made a world of difference to me. I didn’t realize when they first started becoming A Thing 20 years ago that Light Emitting Diode light bulbs would make my life easier one day.
Some of you might recall that the early LEDs were fiendishly expensive and put out an ugly-white light. (At least LED bulbs are not considered hazardous waste when it comes time to dispose of them, unlike compact fluorescent bulbs.) But for folks wanting to cut back on power costs, LEDs were a good solution at the time.
Fast forward to 2025 and incandescent bulbs are now vastly outnumbered by LED bulbs on the store shelves. Prices, shapes,
colour-spectrums and a proven longer lifespan have all changed for the better.
I don’t know why it took so long before the metaphorical light bulb came on for me, but it was a good day when I realized I could screw a 100W equivalent LED bulb into a 60W incandescent fixture and not create a fire hazard. My task lighting was now more than able to do the jobs asked of it.
And when dimmable LED bulbs came along, I could adjust my kitchen track lights from super bright (for food prep) to somewhat dim (for mood lighting) with ease. I know that I have enough light to do surgery on my main kitchen counter now, but is that really a bad thing?
The switch to LED bulbs at my home workstation did not please my cat, however. Gone was the nice warmth generated by the incandescent bulb, forcing him to sit much closer to heat-generating me – and ideally in my line of sight to the monitor.
I found out the hard way that my “adequate” light levels can be much too bright for younger folks. When I house-sat for a friend, I helpfully swapped out her single 60W incandescent bulb in her kitchen for two 100 W LEDs. She
Let there be light
said it was like being beamed up by aliens when she turned on her kitchen light when she got home.
I now appreciate there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lighting intensity and location, as personal choices can be dictated by health circumstances not visible to the naked eye.
But I do wonder about the choices made by the designers featured in various home décor magazines. Perhaps less is more in the design world when it comes to kitchen and work room lighting, but for the folks who have to live and work in those one-designer-light-fixture spaces I’m sure they’ll find that one day more is better!
Is there any way to stop the dimming of my world? No, say the experts, but I might be able to slow it with healthy behaviours, such as not smoking, eating a nu-
PHOTOS: ColiN00B@pixabay Bulbs
tritious diet and controlling any chronic conditions I may have.
Best instead to keep a “watching brief” with regular appointments at the optometrist to make sure no other eye problems are creeping in.
So metaphors for light have taken on more meaning for me now. I’ve learned to value it and to live without it when I have to (no more reading in low light!)
Said Leonard Cohen: “There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
Thanks to LEDs, I’ve learned that I can crack open the status quo of lighting, making changes to create a system that works for me. And now when I run into problems, I look for the solutions – because more light on a situation is both a metaphor and a reality.
THUNDERBOLTS
15
11
Sundays
School 14+ Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Tuesdays
ENGINE OIL
Your Vehicle’s
Operational Lifeline
Batteries Engine oil provides proper lubrication for all the moving parts inside an internal combustion engine - to disperse heat and prolong the life of all components. Without engine oil, serious damage can occur in a very short amount of time. Modern engine oils prevent blockages and contaminants from restricting oil flow. Oil breaks down and loses its properties over time, you should always check your oil on a regular basis. We recommend every 10,000km to 20,000km. Some circumstances, may require more frequent changes. For example if the vehicle is operated under abnormal conditions like 4wding, towing, racing, or excessive stop-start driving. It is also important to use the correct grade and specification of oil in your engine. Many modern European and diesel engines require certain additives which are present only in specific oil grades, and using the wrong specification can cause major and expensive engine and component damage.
St. Martins Anglican Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM St. Martins Anglican Church 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome. Atlin Christian Assembly 11:00 AM St. Atlin Christian Centre 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome.
Mondays
Caregiver & Tot Drop-in 10:00 AM
Atlin Recreation Centre This is an unstructured hour for You and your Littles to get social and run wild. This IS NOT a drop off, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Call or email 993-4102 atlinarc.coordinator@gmail. com for more info.
Yukon Communities:
Wednesdays AA Yukon Unity (OM) 3:00
PM Online Yukon Health Centers, Live Video Meeting Beaver Creek, Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Destruction Bay, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake. Online users’ sign in info: yukonbcdistrict52@gmail.com
CARCROSS
Sat Jun 7 Discover Aviation (former COPA for kids) 11:00 AM Carcross Sat Aug 23 Fly-In to Carcross and meet with Klondike Cruisers classic cars 11:00 AM Carcross
Second Sunday of Every Month St.
Saviour’s Church Services 2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867-668-3129
First Friday of the month Mother Goose Group 11:00 AM Haa Shagóon Hídi (Our Ancestors House) Carcross/Tagish Learning Centre Learn stories, songs, and rhymes, lunch provided. Suitable for babies and children 5 and under. Please bring along a water bottle and blanket to sit on. To register, call 332-2389. https:// whatsupyukon.events/jwf
Wednesdays Yoga with Richard Mueller 12:00 PM Carcross Firehall Free for everyone some fitness required.
Thursdays Yoga with Jess Ghùch Tlâ Community School Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. Drop-in, Free admission! For more info email yogajessyukon@gmail.com.
CARMACKS
Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at:
Sunshine Restaurant
Carmacks Rec Centre
CDC / CIBC Bank
Tatchun Center General Store
First & Third Tuesdays of Every Month
Carmacks Regular Council Meeting 7:00 PM Carmacks Municipal Building
Mondays
Carmacks Library 1:00 PM
After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks
Recreation Centre
Learn To Curl (All Ages) 4:00 PM
Carmacks Recreation Centre
Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec
Centre
Floor Hockey 5:30 PM Carmacks Rec
Centre
Bakers & Makers 6:00 PM Carmacks
School
Drop In Curling 6:00 PM Carmacks
Carmacks Library 1:00 PM Open Court 1:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks
Recreation Centre
Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Adult Social 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Carmacks Minor Hockey Association 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Drop-in Basketball 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Public Skate 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Volleyball 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec
6:00 PM Carmacks School
Library 1:00 PM
School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks
Carmacks
School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre
Skate 4:00 PM Carmacks Rec
Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec
Volleyball 6:30 PM Carmacks Rec
DAWSON CITY
Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at:
Dawson City General Store
Tue May 6 YEU - PSAC Local Y043
AGM 5:30 PM Yukon University Dawson City Campus
Thu Jun 12 - Sun Jun 15 25th Annual Yukon Riverside Arts Festival 5:00
AM Dawson City, YT MONTHLY
1st Saturday of every month Coffee House & Open Mic Night Klondike
Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC)
7:00 PM family-friendly open mic night at KIAC. Admission by donation with all funds raised donated to a different community group each month. Last coffee house of the season May 4 to resume in the fall of 2024.
Weekly
Mondays
Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in 6:30-9
PM Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, though little instruction is provided. KIAC Classroom, back door
Drop-In Pickleball 5:30 PM Robert Service School
Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:45 PM Robert Service School Ages 16+ - Free - Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.
Tuesdays
St Paul’s Anglican Church Morning
Prayer 9:00 AM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)
St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church,
Council meetings are also held the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. [Remote attendance only]
Mondays
Fun with Food 3:30 PM St. Elias
Community School Learn new skills, share recipes and take food home!
Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school
gym
Tuesdays
Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster
Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers.
Tea & Bannock – Haines Junction 1:00
PM https://whatsupyukon.events/teabannock-68ab07
Men’s and women’s sewing group 1:00
PM Mun kų
BGC Game Night 3:30 PM St. Elias
Community School Play, have fun, build skills and challenge your friends
Wednesdays
Seniors and Elders Refreshments and Games 2:00 PM Haines Junction Seniors
Residence
AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 3:00 PM
Haines Junction Health Centre
Girls Club 3:20 PM St. Elias Community School Held in the art room, open to Girls and identifying as Girls from Grade 8 to 12.
BGC Rec in the Gym 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School
Art Journaling Group 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Bring your own creative supplies that you like to use. This can be scraps of paper, magazines, glue, paint, pen, markers, stamps, ink etc. and a book or journal to create Hianes Junction Hoobeedoo 6:30 PM
The Mezzanine
Thursdays
Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/caregivers.
Seniors Activities 2:00 PM St. Elias Community Centre Floor curling, carpet bowling and indoor walking group.
Haines Junction Thrift Shop 2:00 PM St.
St. Christopher’s Thrift Shop is a great place to pick up items. Prices are low and numerous adult items are available for $2, and most items for children are $1.
Adult Volleyball 7:00 PM St. Elias
Community School Meet in the school gym
Fridays
Stories and STEM Activities 10:00 AM
Haines Junction Library
or online (Facebook Live)
Hand-Building Pottery Drop-In 6:30
PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Self-guided group studio time for those with some experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, little instruction is provided.
Wednesdays
St Paul’s Anglican Church Morning
Prayer 9:00 AM St Paul’s Anglican
Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)
St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican
Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)
Welcome Wednesday Supper and Games 6:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church
QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Office
Screen Printing Drop-in 6:00 PM
Klondike Institute of Art & Culture
KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor)
Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing.
DCMF Film Selections 7:00 PM
Dënäkär Zho The best committee ever!
Just watch movies! Help us select the films for the 2025 film festival. Come once, twice, or all the time! To get on our mailing list, email: filmfest@kiac.ca
Dawson City Disc Golf League 8:00
PM Crocus Bluff Disc Golf Course simple, welcoming league for all skill levels
Thursdays
CDC Toddler Program 10:00 AM
Klondike Institute of Arts & Culture
KIAC Free drop-In for kids 5 & under with parent/guardian Story time & free play!
AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:30 PM Haines Junction Health Centre
Saturdays AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:00 PM
Haines Junction Health Centre
Sundays
Anglican Church Service 10:30 AM St.
Christopher’s Church Anglican Church Service at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church in Haines Junction https:// anglican.yukon.net/services.html
AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre
MARSH LAKE
Sat Jun 7 Southern Lakes Yukon
GranFondo 10:00 AM Come for the race, stay for the shindig, and make it home to bed all in one day.
Last Wednesday of every month MLCS board meeting 7:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre
Tuesdays
Play Bridge 1:00 PM Marsh Lake
Community Centre
North of 60 Seniors Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre
Yoga with Richard Mueller 5:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre Free for everyone some fitness required.
Wednesdays
South of 6 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre
Thursdays
Shuffleboard Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM
Fridays
Beginner Yoga Marsh Lake Community Centre 10:00 AM
Youth Gym Drop-In Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM
Saturdays
Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM
Sundays
Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM
MAYO
Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at: Haldane Services
MOUNT LORNE
1st Tuesday Monthly LAC Meeting Lorne
Mountain Community Centre
Mondays
Run Club 6:00 PM Lorne Mountain
Drop-in Volleyball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Ages 13+ - Free Fridays
Cards & Conversation 1:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/ dawson-legion-8336c3
Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC)
Enjoy KIAC’s bright, air-conditioned space to create and focus on your artistic practice. Even better- we’ve waived the drop-in fee this day.
Drop-in Bouldering 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free - drop-in - all ages
Saturdays
Youth Parkour Tumbling 12:30 PM Robert Service School All AgesFree – Drop-In. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Open Studio – Drop In 1:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art & Culture
KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Space to create and focus on your artistic practice.
AA North Star Group Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867993-3734 for more information
Sundays
Anglican Church Service 10:30 AM
Anglican Church Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City. Corner of Front and Church Streets at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City
Adult Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM Robert Service School Ages 16+ - Free - Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.
Community Centre
Yoga with Jess 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. To register or for more info email yogajessyukon@gmail. com.
Drop-In Yoga 7:00 PM Lorne Mountain
Community Centre By donation all levels welcome
Tuesdays
Active Fun Fitness Class - Drop In 6:30
PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Improve your balance, flexibility, strength and endurance in this indoor class led by Colleen Ennis. Drop in, admission by donation. Suitable for mature youth & adults. https://whatsupyukon.events/ fhm
Thursdays
Community Drop In 11:00 AM Mount Lorne Community Centre Run Club 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre
OLD CROW
Mondays
Men’s Night At The Rec Centre 6:00
PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre
Tuesdays
Kids Gym 3:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre
Adult Sewing 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre
Youth Gym 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre
Wednesdays
Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal
Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 966-3015 for more info.
Adult Card Game Night 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre
Sundays St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM St. Luke’s Church 867-993-5381
ROSS RIVER
Tuesdays
Sewing Night 7:00 PM The Hope Centre
Wednesdays
Family Bible Study 8:00 PM The Hope Centre
Fridays
Family Game Night- Coffee House 9:00
PM The Hope Centre
Sundays
Church Service 12:00 PM The Hope Centre
SKAGWAY Alaska
Sat Jun 28 Skagway Marathon The Skagway Marathon has awe-inspiring scenery, including rivers, streams, and magnificent mountain peaks.
Wednesdays
Women’s Morning Worship 7:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church of Skagway
All are welcome. Part of the Alaska Presbytery and the PC U.S.A.
Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM Skagway
Public Library Stories, Songs, and Fun with Ms. Anna! Designed for ages 0-3.
Fridays
Skagway Teen Night 6:30 PM Skagway
Public Library
Sundays
Sunday Worship 10:00 AM First
Presbyterian Church of Skagway
Sunday School 4:00 PM First
Presbyterian Church of Skagway
TAGISH
First Monday of every month Carcross
Tagish Renewable Resources Council 1:00 PM Tagish Community Centre
First Monday of every month Tagish
Advisory Council 8:00 AM Tagish
Community Centre
First Tuesday of every month Tagish
Community Association 7:00 PM Tagish
Community Centre
Second Thursday of every month Tagish
Local Advisory Council 7:00 PM Tagish
Community Centre
Wednesdays
Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish
Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon
Yukon Learn at Tagish Library 2:00
PM Tagish Community LIbrary Targeted literacy programming by Yukon Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon.
Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM Tagish
Community Centre
Thursdays
Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish
Community Centre
Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish
Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon
Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre .
Saturdays
Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish
Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon TESLIN
Mondays
Teslin Tigers Cross Country Ski Club 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Centre
Co-Ed Curling League 6:30 & 8:00 PM
Teslin Lake Recreation Complex AA: Teslin Group (O) 7:00 PM Catholic
Church
or play some sports during out open gym times!
Wednesdays
OLD MEMORIES, NEW DISHES
Forty-five years ago, I stood in a small kitchen on a Greek island and watched an elderly man do something crazy. He sauteed garlic in oil until it was sizzling and then he poured in a grain that looked like rice, but was not rice, and stirred it until it was coated in oil and beginning to brown. He added water, cup by cup, waiting until each cup was absorbed before adding the next.
To my sheltered, 24-year-old North Toronto mind there was one way to cook rice, or anything that looked like rice: simmered, in water, at a 4:1 ratio. I tried to show this elderly man he was doing it all wrong, but he batted my hand away.
When the rice-not-rice was creamy and bubbling, he tasted it and nodded. He poured the mixture into two bowls, crumbled feta over top and exhorted me to sit and eat, in Greek, a language I did not yet understand, but I did understand the fierceness with which he pointed at the chair. I sat, dipped my spoon into the bowl, and tasted my first ever orzo risotto. Delicious. Perhaps he was not so crazy after all.
The elderly man was my boyfriend’s father, and this was the first of several cooking lessons he gave me — He lived with us, one of many odd things I got used to in my first year there.
Orzo is called “manestra” on that island, and I would learn to cook it in many dishes — in a casserole with tomatoes, allspice, and goat or beef, or combined with ground pork, mint, tomato, and cinnamon — gorgeous dishes, the like of which I’d never tasted.
At Easter I’m always reminded of Greece, where it is by far the most important celebration in the calendar year. Easter has come
and gone, but my taste for local lamb has not, nor has my memory of that first cooking lesson, so recently I put them both together, with a few embellishments. The tomato sauce is optional, but do keep the recipe on hand for later, it’s dynamite.
Lamb Meatballs with Orzo Risotto and optional Tomato Sauce
• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp coriander seed, ground with mortar and pestle
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Place the ground lamb in a medium bowl and break it apart with a fork. Add onion and garlic and mix thoroughly with your hands. Add remaining ingredients and mix, again with your hands, until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Preheat oven to 425F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a dessert spoon or an ice cream scoop, take up about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the lamb mixture, roll it into a ball and place on the prepared baking pan. Repeat with the remaining mixture. (You should get between 24 and 30 meatballs.)
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until meatballs are browned and sizzling. Remove from oven and keep warm under a tinfoil tent until ready to serve. Makes 24 to 30 meatballs.
Orzo Risotto
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the orzo (or pasta of your choice.)
Melt butter and oil in a 10-inch cast iron frying pan over medium heat. When sizzling, add onion and sauté for 3 minutes, just until softened. Add garlic and lemon zest and sauté for another 2 minutes, until aromatic. Add orzo, stir to coat with oil, and cook for 3 or 4 minutes before adding lemon juice, stock, and wine.
Keep heat at medium and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is soft. The mixture should be creamy but not soupy — cook for a little longer if there’s still too much liquid. Stir in chopped cilantro.
Spoon into bowls, set 4 or 5 meatballs on top, add crumbled feta and serve with tomato sauce on the side.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce
Possibly the easiest, most delicious and most famous tomato sauce on the interwebs.
The original recipe asks us to discard the onion, and I used to remove it from the sauce and save it for another use. That became tiresome, plus I love the flavour the onion adds, so now I blend it
in with the tomatoes at the end with an immersion blender. Tip: can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.
• 1 28-oz can of stewed whole plum tomatoes (In tomato season, use 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, peeled, cored and diced.)
• 5 Tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, peeled and cut into quarters
• 1 tsp kosher salt
Place all ingredients in a medium sized pot, cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once bubbling, reduce heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered, for about 1 hour, until sauce has reduced slightly. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender. Use in any pasta dish, in chicken cacciatore and other tomato-based dishes, and homemade pizza. Will keep for several days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.
Parmesan Stock
May I suggest that if you’re not
already doing so, you buy Parmesan cheese in blocks?
The initial cash outlay is steep, but a block of Parmesan keeps forever in the fridge, freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavour, and when the block is finished you have the rind. Dropped into simmering sauces or soups, the rind adds a rich cheesy flavour and creamy texture that is unbeatable.
Ditto Parmesan broth — a great base for soups, sauces, or as the liquid in cooked grains, pasta, or risotto. Freeze rinds in a resealable bag and use them straight from the freezer.
• 1 lb Parmesan rinds • 8 cups water
Place rinds in a large pot and add water. Cover and bring to the boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. (The rinds tend to stick to the bottom of the pot.) Strain, cool, decant into containers and freeze for up to 6 months.
Makes about 5 cups. ■
Michele Genest is a Whitehorse-based chef and writer. She is also somewhat of a gardener. Michele has also written two books, “The Boreal Feast – A Culinary Journey Through the North” and “The Boreal Gourmet – Adventures in Northern Cooking.”
PHOTO: Michele Genest
Lamb Meatballs, Orzo Risotto and Tomato Sauce
OUR LADY PEACE FREE CONCERT
June 28 | Shipyards Park | 5PM
The Yukon Arts Centre is proud to partner with Lotteries Yukon to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Day-long family activiities Yukon performers at Frank Slim stage
