If you look at Cows Go Moo’s website, cowsgomoo.ca, you’ll fi nd out that it’s a six-piece youth-aged rock band “carrying the torch for the next generation of rockers and live music enthusiasts.”
You’ll fi nd out they’ve been touring and playing festivals since the members were 10 years old.
And you’ll fi nd out that the band has been mentored by Speed Control’s Graeme Peters, who has long been known for championing youth-led rock music in the Yukon.
But in order to get the full image, you have to see the band live: Peters goes as far as to say they’re one of the best bands he’s ever seen perform, not just for a group of kids.
“One thing that’s kind of hilarious with this band, when they play, they’re one of the most professional bands I’ve ever seen,” he says. “You know when you see a garage band, it might be alright, but when these kids walk onstage now, it’s a ‘holy f**k’ moment.”
It’s funny now to think that, at one point, the band was just a project for something to do at a time when there just wasn’t much going on.
“During Covid, me and my neighbours were all pretty bored and we didn’t really have anything to do during spring break,” says drummer Hannah Welsh, going on to say her parents asked Peters to help her and her friends learn a few rock cover songs for fun.
“Eventually it started growing and we loved it so much that we started doing it one night a week.”
As the group came together, it quickly became clear that this was a band with potential to go beyond basement jam sessions and onto the stage, the studio and beyond.
When Peters approached guitarist Thomas Kefke, saying he was looking for a guitarist for a new band he was working with, Kefke accepted the opportunity, saying Peters had made an impression on him as a musician and was someone he looked up to.
“I had not been playing guitar for very long at all,” says Kefke. “But I played one practice with them and they invited me to come back. It was great.”
Being aged 13-15 years old, the young musicians in Cows Go Moo have to balance their passion for rock ‘n’ roll music with school and other responsibilities–something that actually gives them inspiration in their songwriting.
The fi rst single they wrote together, aptly titled “Responsibilities,” laments the reality in which they’re forced to lick the fl oors, clean the doors and feed the horse.
“We decided we were going to go into our neighbour’s basement
to jam, and within an hour and 30 minutes, we had written our fi rst single,” remembers lead vocalist Luke Welsh, Hannah’s brother. “It’s all about how we hate responsibility.”
This year, half of the band members are busy in programs at the Wood Street Centre school programs, but with their music being as much of a commitment as any of their other responsibilities, the six of them always make the time to practise and play.
“We’re all in outdoor programs, so it’s been very diffi cult for us to get together because we’re all on trips,” says Hannah Welsh. “Somehow we fi nd one night a week where we can get together and just play for fun.”
Of course, if a band is going to play shows and release music, it needs to have a name. After cycling through many suggestions, the group landed on Cows Go Moo–but not without a game of rock paper scissors between the members who brought forward the top two options.
“Basically, we were at band practice and we needed a name,”
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PHOTO: Aszak on
Pixabay
explains keyboardist and second vocalist Louis Larson. “We went through a few names with mixed quality, and I suggested Cows Go Moo because that’s the only thing I learned in daycare.”
ly sparked the love of guitar for me,” he says. And of course, there’s Peters himself.
“Graeme is just one of the greatest people I’ve ever met,” Kefke says. “He’s taught us how to do so much stuff–we would not be
Larson fought a tough battle against the name Hell Priest, but he prevailed and the band became Cows Go Moo.
“I’m pretty cool so I won,” he says. “That’s the story and it’s never changed.”
When asked about their infl uences, the answers from each musician are somewhat surprising, given their age; they all cite bands and artists who changed the landscape of rock music decades before these young rockers were even born.
“Led Zeppelin is such an inspirational band for me,” says bassist Connor Israel. “I’ve loved them since I was nine.”
For guitarist Quinn Israel, nobody comes before original guitar hero Jimi Hendrix. “He just real-
where we are now without him. He’s a great teacher and knows so much about music.”
For his part, Peters credits the band members’ parents, praising their encouragement and their willingness to sacrifi ce their living room once a week for rocking.
It’s clear in Cows Go Moo’s music that these musicians grew up on the classics as other members shout out generation-spanning metal acts Metallica and Iron Maiden, but that’s not to say they haven’t found their own sound as well, somewhere between hard rock and old-school metal.
While they still pull out some well-known covers onstage, Cows Go Moo has an entire set of ori-
ginal material, having released a three-track EP, Fresh Cuts in 2023, a twotrack package, Under Annihilation and a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Para-
noid” in 2024.
As much time as they’ve spent in writing and recording sessions, Cows Go Moo have also been busy with local shows, tour dates and festival appearances.
“This past summer has been very busy,” says Kefke. “We did quite a few shows all over the place.”
Starting its season with some Whitehorse gigs, the band also graced the stages at Skagway, AK’s Fourth of July festivities, Yellowknife’s Folk on the Rocks, and the Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines, AK, before returning to Whitehorse with an all-ages Halloween bash at the Boiler Room last Saturday.
They’ve also played local
events such as Arts in the Park and Blue Feather Music Festival and opened for Speed Control on several occasions.
With the whole band being best friends, playing shows and travelling isn’t all work. As Hannah Welsh puts it, it’s “like going on a big trip with your best friends.” The players share fond memories of hanging out together, seeing new cities and going swimming after their shows.
With their sights set on continuing into a long future, Larson has one festival he’d like to return to.
“If this gets back out to Folk on the Rocks, we really want to come back, like really bad,” he says. “I would do anything to go back.” ■
PHOTOS: Cows Go Moo
Cows Go Moo wowing the crowd
Luke Thomas
Quinn and Hannah
IA MODERN DAY KLONDIKE KATE
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
still remember the day her truck rolled into the shop. A blue GMC 4x4 with a canopy, the glass door littered with fi shing stickers from all over the world.
As I was draining the engine oil and checking the drive line, I caught a glimpse of the tall brunette known as the notorious Shawnalee Sears, sweeping across the shop with her long legs, dark hair stuffed under a ball cap.
In her wake was always a group of people laughing after a sarcastic comment and her sheisty grin. I remember the excitement bubbling in my 20-year-old self, covered in engine oil and grease. Was there another woman on this planet that loved fi shing as much as I did?
I had spent the majority of my life fi shing solo, as the majority of people my age just didn’t fi nd it interesting. I had already purchased my third boat by then, had my angling guide license, and had worn the rubber tread right off of a few sets of Hi-Tec boots from the hundreds of miles I put on in the bush, looking for the next jackpot fi shing hole.
Shawnalee and the sharp toothed beast
Who was this mysterious woman and was she too good to be true? She seemed to be a bit older and much more distinguished than me–poised–and I swear there were
fairies in the air and sparkles coming from her arse, so I just tucked my own ball cap down, and got back to work greasing her ball cont’d on page 24 ...
Now Welcoming New and Emergency Patients!
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.
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column with Rita Smith
Rita Smith was born and raised in the Yukon and started her career working on light duty vehicles right out of high school. She is currently the service manager at a busy heavy equipment shop and
Morgans.
PHOTO: Rita Snith
PIRATE OF PROSE
THE ELOQUENT IN THE ROOM
“These are hard, hard times And even God’s got the blues Won’t somebody tell me What this old world is coming to?” -What’s The World Coming To? (2024)
Attempting to defi ne Brandon Isaak is challenging, a quest that ended deliberately, and fi ttingly, with a contradiction.
Brandon Isaak is a “Traditional Original.”
His music echoes through time, a heartbeat dating from the earliest days of an iconic style that became known as the blues. His sound is his own, yet also an homage to the clean and raw essence of the genre’s beginnings.
His work builds on traditional arrangements and vocal styles, also featuring instruments seldom heard in the present day. He incorporates the fi ddle, banjo and even washboard in his repertoire, while not limiting himself to any one era.
“My sound would be traditional; its roots music. Really going anywhere from the turn of the century to now,” he said. “B.B. King; I like his style. I’m infl uenced by all the masters, really.”
While Isaak is a continuous innovator, even within his most contemporary works, the ghosts of R&B, ragtime and gospel whisper in the background.
“You turn mourning to dancing
You give beauty for ashes
You turn shame into glory
You’re the only one who can.”
- Graves Into Gardens (co-written 2020)
Through 37 years of honing his craft, Isaak’s explorations have extended to the jazz energy brought by the New Orleans scene and to the innovations of fi ngerpickers from the Lone Star State.
“My guitar playing is certainly
infl uenced by Texas,” he said. “All of my favourites are from Texas. I don’t know why. I’ll be doing a lot of Texas-style guitar playing in Whitehorse.”
But Isaak says what keeps the blues vital is that it moves with the times, while staying true to its heritage.
“The recent guys, well, they use modern lyrics, current themes. Things that matter today, with music in a traditional style.”
Here too, the born-and-bred Yukoner follows in the footsteps of the giants. He is a compulsive songwriter, fi nding inspiration almost just by being awake.
“The ideas, you get them from paying attention to everyday life. Or you hear a lyric in a song, or take a song you like and do an op-
cont’d on page 8 ...
Brandon Isaak brings a full house to Blue Feather
column with Mike Linder
Mike Linder is a writer whose heart remains in the Yukon, while his feet continually carry him to places unknown.
PHOTO: C.J. Dalton Nanaimo Blues Festival 2014
posite version.”
HEATING FUEL
His own northern roots surface when describing his process.
“It’s like mining, looking for ore. Sometimes you go through rocks and mud. Then you see something, a nugget, and wipe it, wipe it off. And then you say ‘Hey! This is gold!’”
And Isaak is one sourdough who seems to cry ‘Eureka’ more than most. Despite releasing an album in September, he expects to bring even fresher material to the Whitehorse stage for the Blue Feather Music Festival at the Yukon Arts Centre on November 8.
“I expect I’ll have a bunch of new stuff. I’m sure a lot of it hasn’t been written yet,” he laughs. “I’ll be playing with local guys, Lonnie Powell on drums and Rob Bergman on bass. I’ll be playing harp and guitar.” It was recently announced that Annie Avery will be joining the group on keys.
He will also be singing. Like
his compositions, Isaak’s powerful vocals are unique and defy easy categorization.
Reviewers have described his
voice as smooth, twangy, and/ or rough; none of which even approaches doing it justice. His voice is low, carries some grit and gravel, but is expressive enough to convey a smile through the darkness.
His own take is not as complimentary. “I bark. I moan and groan. But it’s in key!”
His live performances are delivered with an energy that leaves nothing in the tank when the curtain falls. He is known for taking his audience on an emotional journey, and has been hailed as the living spirit of today’s blues.
While he is a dervish on the stage, his work in the studio reveals a conscientious attention to detail. All of the many elements he brings to his recordings are treated with the dignity and respect he so clearly holds for the genre.
Each of his six solo albums allows the multiple layers of sounds, styles and themes, melodies and instruments the time and space to breathe, and add to the depth of the overall composition. He has played in three continents and eight countries, as well as performing through 13 European tours.
Let trumpets blare: Brandon Isaak is rare! ■
PHOTO: Fat Man and the Bear
Port Moody Inlet Theatre 2024
PHOTO: Selina Metcalfe Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Fest 2024
YWhatever Happened to Carolyn?
ou won’t believe this, but it really was a dark and stormy night. At least I think it was. To tell the truth, I’m not sure if I trust the recollection, recent as tonight or from back as far as then.
It’s as though memory itself has a life, growing and alert, and chooses when to sleep, or wake, or change; what to conceal and what to remake for its own bewildering design.
I’ll tell you, then, what my memory has told me about it all. About the fi re, the cellar, and why I was in that house tonight. If it hadn’t been for Carolyn I never would have gone in there; not in any weather. But Carolyn was … well, she was Carolyn, and I just couldn’t say no.
Tonight, she showed up on my doorstep as she does each year, on the anniversary of the day it happened, with the same question. “Please, Cheryl, please come with me. One more time. You know I can’t do it without you. Please come.”
I went. I always go.
But nothing had ever actually happened until tonight–and it’s been twenty years. That’s quite a wait. I guess ghosts don’t have much sense of time.
I suppose I should back up and tell you what happened. I’m waiting here to give my statement to the police anyway, so I’ll practise by telling you.
boxes, there was the faint outline of a door.
There was no handle on it, but by jiggling the corner at the bottom against the dirt fl oor you could make it open just enough for two small girls to hold their breath and squeeze through sideways.
Never mind the cobwebs and the smell; it was our secret place. We’d go there for comfort, for privacy and for thumbing our pubescent noses at the adult world.
We smuggled in a box of matches, the old wooden kind that reek of sulphur, and the stink stays on your fi ngers. We’d light a candle in there, behind some blankets we threw over an old suitcase, and say a little verse we made up:
“Fire burning, warm and brave come into our secret cave.
We are best friends, candle true, there is nothing we can’t do.”
It made us feel safe. I loved how the light made the smelly old blanket feel softer; and the knowledge, certain as only a 10-yearold’s knowledge can be, that no one on earth knew where I was, except Carolyn.
My best friend. It was from each other, and in that place, that we learned how to keep secrets, to fi ght and make up again, and what it means to be loyal. It was the loyal part that got me into this mess.
safety of our dank cellar place we had confi ded to each other about getting our periods, and secretly compared the size and shape of our shyly bulging breasts.
About halfway through that year, though, she got quiet on me. Moody. The fi rst time I noticed it was the day she said I should go to the cafeteria without her.
Eat lunch without Carolyn? Was she crazy? It was like a zoo in there, and we sat together for sheer survival. Who would protect me from the fl ying banana peels and the totally disgusting armpit noises from the Grade 6 boys? It wasn’t like her at all.
“OK. Let’s eat in the girls’ washroom,” I said.
Gross, I know, but pretty private at times. We did it when we were desperate. But no, this day she wanted to be left alone. It happened the next day and then the next. She fi nally gave me a sideways look and sort of whined.
“Please Cheryl, I just want you to leave me alone.” I backed away, my face burning and a tight place hurting somewhere in my gut. She wanted me to leave her alone. She really did.
After so many years I sometimes wonder what parts I actually remember and what I heard, or read in the paper. It even made the evening news: “Apparent murder/suicide in the north end of the city, more at 11.” Stuff like that. Makes it sound almost bearable–unless you were actually there, and I was. “Bearable” doesn’t even come close. Neither does horrendous, or tragic, or outrageous, all of which I heard a lot in the days that followed. Sometimes words just don’t cut it.
It was a Friday, I know that for sure, because I had decided I wasn’t going to let one more weekend go by without at least trying to talk, so I waited at the corner after school and just started walking with her.
She didn’t say much, but didn’t tell me to go away, either. I talked about homework, movies, anything at all, feeling lucky that she didn’t shoo me away like some pesky spider from our secret room and praying I wouldn’t do something to break the spell.
away, her boots making scrunching sounds on the sidewalk. I stood there for a moment watching her walk. Carolyn always had a funny walk, quicker with one foot than the other. I would recognize that walk anywhere; pick the sound of her feet out of any crowd.
Carolyn has been my best friend since Grade 4. You know how it is with best friends. We were the ones forever in trouble for giggling during math class, passing notes about cute boys, planning sleepovers and trading movie magazines.
For the most secret times, we had a hideout in the far corner of her basement; a damp and dirty haven we had discovered by accident. If you really looked, way behind the furnace, half hidden by some stacked-up cardboard
What happened to her was so terrible, so creepy, so absolutely terrifying, that no made-up story could ever come close. It was also my introduction to the evil in the world. Until then I was a kid who believed in fairy tales and happy endings.
Carolyn’s life was neither. I don’t know if we’ll ever know the full truth, and that’s the thing; why she just can’t let it go.
It started the year we were twelve. Women of the world we were, who carried purses and even had lipstick in them. In the
For awhile I did that. I tried anyway. She wouldn’t come to the phone, went right home from school, and started looking over her shoulder a lot. She jumped when you spoke to her. I was worried, and told my parents I thought something was wrong.
Mom said I should keep praying for her but that didn’t seem like enough. Dad said, “Well, I hear her old man is at it again.” I didn’t know what he meant, and Mom gave him a look that told me I’d never hear another word about it.
After it happened, there were so many stories that I just stopped believing any of them. Sometimes I guess we just aren’t meant to know. Most of the time I don’t think about this part, so you’ll have to excuse me if I tell it in a scattered way.
It was late November, and I can still smell the fresh sharpness of snow about to fall. As we walked, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t Carolyn at all; not the Carolyn I was used to. I kept looking at her out of the corner of my eye, hoping each time to see in her something… someone… I recognized.
It sounds silly, but she reminded me of a tomato in winter. It looks real, but it might as well be cardboard. She seemed colourless like that, too, even though her cheeks were red with the wind and there were dark, purplish blotches under her eyes.
Being hunched so tightly over her books must have hurt that skinny backbone. The angle of her body seemed unnatural; her voice came out tight and sharp like her shoulders. It gave me the creeps.
She cut across the corner of her yard, climbed the steps and went in the front door. It didn’t make a noise when it closed behind her. Her feet had left faint marks on the lawn. I kept looking at those; I don’t know why. They were comforting, in a way.
The curtains in the front room were closed as usual and no light shone from where I knew the kitchen was. Waiting for the yellow light to come spilling out of her bedroom window, I could feel the coldness seeping through my boots. My feet were freezing. No light appeared. I stood for a minute more and turned to go home.
Halfway there I turned again. What made me go back I’ll never know, but I did; as though that had always been the plan. Just turned and walked back, right over the lawn where there was not a sign now of her feet having passed just moments before. Right up the front steps and in the door, without knocking. I had to. I just did.
They tell me I didn’t scream. Apparently I phoned the police from the bloody phone on the kitchen wall, and waited. What I do remember for sure is the sensation of being outside my body watching it all, looking at the blood drying on my jeans and wondering if my mother would be mad; wanting to run fast and never stop, but knowing I had to stay. For her. For Carolyn. Carolyn herself was nowhere to be found, but I knew where she would be, and when the men arrived, I led them to her. All I remember after that is being in the hospital, drinking warm ginger ale with a very big headache, and my mother trying to keep everyone
When we got to the corner she turned fast, and just walked
Beverly Brazier is the ordained minister at Whitehorse United Church. She writes sermons regularly, but also enjoys the writers’ group at WUC that encourages her to expand her repertoire.
column with Bev Brazier
Nov 1, 2024 - early January 2025 A group show of art with gift giving in mind
ART SHOWS
Until Oct 27 Growing Up With the Yukon - The Van Bibber family Arts Underground Showcases selections from almost two thousand photographs taken by the Van Bibber family between 1919 and 1965.
Until Nov 15 Kwändü nùchù n-zhà – Early September Stories Yukon
Arts Centre Gallery Celebrates the artists of the Northern Cultural Expressions Society, emphasising the healing, transformation, and sense of family nurtured through art.
Until Nov 15 Abundance Yukon
Arts Centre Gallery An exhibition of the latest acquisitions to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection. Featuring 15 Yukon artists, Abundance includes multi-media works.
Until Dec 6 Future Generations - Shakaat Artist Residency Showcase Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre On display in the Hude Nju Ku gallery - Future Generations is an exhibit where the artists can leave behind something that they want to be remembered for by the future generations that will come after us. It’s emotional, powerful, inspirational, and personal.
LIVE MUSIC
Mon Oct 28 Hawksley Workman 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Workman is a JUNO Awardwinning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, showstopping vocals on songs about weather, love, heartbreak and tales of end-times. whats-on/hawksleyworkman/ Wed Oct 30 EQLive 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre A new showcase series dedicated to uplifting women and genderdiverse artists and crews as they develop toward the biggest stages. Features trailblazerBegonia, supported by Bria Rose N’ Thorns, and Jasmine Netsena. Fri Nov 1 The Rubies featuring Annie Avery 8:00 PM 98 Hotel
The Rubies & Annie Avery for a Day of The Dead party. May the light of our rollicking remind us of the sweet memories of those who have gone before us. Dress-up encouraged!
Thu Oct 31 KK Halloween PartyThirsty Thursday 9:00 PM Kopper
King Neighbours Pub Hosted by DJ Alpenflow and DJ Purple Teeth. Prizes for the best costume, Thirsty Thursday prices! Party like it’s the 80s till 2am! Fri Nov 1 Antifrank Halloween Vol III 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
ANTIFRANK (Antarticus+Franklin) enters a new age they rise from their crypts once again for a hallowed evening of dark 80s, new wave, and brit pop covers! Wear your best goth fit. Cover charge at the door. Sat Nov 2 Dave Against the Machine - The Pissfits - Single Parent Families 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well A rad night of awesome live
music, with some killer bands for you to tap your feet from rad rage & punk covers! Costumes encouraged! Cover charge at the door.
Sat Nov 2 Whitehorse Chamber Orchestra and Ballet 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Sat Nov 2 Norman FooteEverybody Sings with Special Guests 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Norman Foote draws from his life experiences creating songs and stories that entertain everyone regardless of age. He uses wordplay, humour, engaging melodies and props all to great effect.
Thu Nov 7 JITH – Bassist Ragn Royle Quartet 7:00 PM Old Fire Hall Educational vignette with Steve Gedrose - Featured performer upright bassist Ragn Royle ‘Northern Bop Delegation’ Quartet with Logan, guest saxophonist Colin Gronert and Graeme. http://jazzyukon.ca
Fri Nov 8 & Sat Nov 9 Blue Feather Music 2024 YAC Yukon Arts Centre The 24th annual Blue Feather Festival featuring Sue Foley, Brandon Isaak, Sierra Noble and the Will Pacaud Band. Sun Nov 10 JOTW – Toronto guitarist Jocelyn Gould Quintet 7:30 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Juno award winner Jocelyn Gould is an international performer with joyful energy captivating audiences around the world and her passion for music is infectious.
Monthly Mondays Gray Jay Café 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.
Tuesdays
Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Wednesdays Karaoke 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Whitewater Wednesday 8:00 PM 98 Hotel
Thursdays
Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Fridays Live Music 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.
Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Saturdays
Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00
PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill At Whiskey Jack’s every Saturday. whiskeyjacks.ca/ Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well
Sundays Open Jam 8:00 PM 98 Hotel
GENERAL EVENTS
Mon Oct 28 Lighting Tech 101
7:00 PM The Guild Hall Learn to hang, cable and focus a light, and demystify the processes of lighting for the stage in this hands on workshop. Email ytguildhall@ gmail.com to sign up.
Mon Oct 28 Blue Velvet 8:00
PM Yukon Theatre Not exactly a Halloween film, but a classic strange fever dream by one cinema’s great surrealists! Tue Oct 29 SPYA Training: Production Organization &
Workflow 12:00 PM SPYA Gear
House A 1-hour lunch time
workshop
Tue Oct 29 Bride of Chucky 8:30
PM Yukon Theatre Come get your cheesy 90’s slasher fix!
Tue Oct 29 Megalopolis 7:00
PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre In the city of New Rome, there’s a conflict between Cesar, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition.
Tue Oct 29 Income Streams for Artists 6:00 PM YAAW Yukon Artists at Work Brainstorm ways to support yourself and your art in a variety of ways, create zines to generate and capture ideas. Tue Oct 29 SPYA Training: Production Organization & Workflow 12:00 PM SPYA Gear House A 1-hour lunch time
workshop
Wed Oct 30 Governance 101 for Yukon Non-Profit Organisations 9:00 AM Yukon University Whitehorse Campus
Wed Oct 30 Autism Yukon Halloween Trivia Night 6:00 PM Autism Yukon A Halloweenthemed Trivia Night for our adult SA, past PEERS participants and their guests. An alcohol free, substance free event. Admission is free and includes 2 slices of pizza and a pop.
Wed Oct 30 Author Talk with Nadine Sander-Green 6:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Author Nadine Sander-Green. Her book Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit is a young woman’s coming of age through a toxic relationship, isolation, and betrayal.
Wed Oct 30 Drinking with Scissors - October Craft Party! 7:00 PM The Mini Makerspace It’s our favourite time of year! Enjoy a fun evening of spooky crafting Wed Oct 30 YTYP - The Haunting of MacBride Museum (19+) 7:00 PM MacBride Museum This mystery is set in the 1950scostumes are encouraged but not required, a free event put on by the Yukon Theatre for Young People.
Wed Oct 30 The Artist’s Way 7:00 PM Whitehorse Public Library A 12-week program based on the popular book by Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way. Limited seats available. No experience is necessary! YPLevents@yukon.ca
Wed Oct 30 Film Screening - Billy Runs Boston? 7:00 PM Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre A film about a runner’s relationship with his sister and brother as he tries to qualify for Boston.
Wed Oct 30 The Thing 8:00 PM Yukon Theatre John Carpenter’s The Thing Thu Oct 31 The Whitehorse Skeleton Parade 6:45 PM Whitehorse Downtown Locations Get creative with
Thu
Career and Volunteer Expo 9:00
AM Yukon University Whitehorse
Campus Whether you’re an organisation looking to promote opportunities or a visitor seeking new pathways, this year’s Expo promises something for everyone.
https://volunteeryukon.ca/expo/
Fri Nov 1 Diwali Gala 2024 7:00
PM Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre Join us for an epic Diwali Gala in 2024 filled with music, dance, delicious food, and vibrant celebrations!
Fri Nov 1 Winefest 7:30 PM Yukon
Convention Centre Explore a curated selection of wines from 16 distinguished wine agents from British Columbia and our very own Kyle Marchuk from the Yukon.
Fri Nov 1 Playlist - A new show by Ivan Coyote 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Writer and performer
Ivan Coyote
Sat Nov 2 Rage Room at the Warehouse 1:00 PM Creative Initiatives Warehouse Release your stress and frustration in a safe and controlled environment. Smashing, breaking, and venting has never been this exhilarating.
Sat Nov 2 Spruce Bog 2024
11:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon Annual craft show featuring local artisans showcasing their talents and creations, a variety of handmade goods, from delicious treats to unique crafts and artwork.
Sat Nov 2 Journey to UsMarriage Conference 9:00 AM Mountain View Church For couples who are seeking to strengthen their marriage with proven principles and practical tools they can easily incorporate into their everyday lives.
Mon Nov 4 Sustainable Tourism Series - Good Energy Solutions
2:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace
Discover rebates, EV charging, and network with fellow operators! Learn about innovative energy solutions and how they can benefit your business.
Mon Nov 4 Excel Level 1 5:30 PM Yukon University
Tue Nov 5 How to Refine & Deliver your Message Workshop
9:00 AM NorthLight Innovation
Learn how to elevate and clearly communicate their message across various channels and further develop strategies.
Tue Nov 5 SPYA TrainingAudience Development 12:00 PM SPYA Gear House
Wed Nov 6 SPYA Training - DMX & Lighting Control 5:30 PM SPYA Gear House
Wed Nov 6 Fundamentals of Public Speaking & Presenting
9:00 AM Yukon University Whitehorse Campus
Thu Nov 7 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival 6:00 PM Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre Features a variety of films from the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) and includes an incredible line-up of captivating stories from around the world!
Thu Nov 7 Majestic Solutions Presents: Making Paper Flowers
6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn the techniques to create stunning, lifelike flowers using various types of paper. All materials will be provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to create!
Thu Nov 7 Grant and Proposal
Writing 9:00 AM Yukon University Whitehorse Campus
Fri Nov 8 Splatter Room - Date Night 2 for 1 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Armed with paint brushes, colourful paints and plenty of enthusiasm, you and your partner will let loose and splatter your way to your very own, unique piece of art.
Sat Nov 9 Fish Tanning Workshop 10:00 AM Northern Cultural Expressions Learn the traditional craft of turning raw fish skins into durable leather using a variety of tanning techniques with Cheryl McLean.
Sat Nov 9 All Things Christmas 9:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene J.E.M. presents their annual “All Things Christmas” Indoor sale. All proceeds towards the JEM outreach ministry in northern Mexico. https://www. jeministries.net
Sat Nov 9 Herbal Tea Blend
Making 2:00 PM Haines Junction, Yukon A cozy fall time workshop, learn how to make and use herbal medicines, so you can apply that knowledge at home.
Sat Nov 9 24 Hour Challenge
12:00 PM Best Western Gold Rush Inn A night at the Gold Rush Inn, solidarity with other creators, soup and a chance to create! Jump start a new idea, scratch an itch, or realise a long held dream.
Mon Nov 11 Remembrance Day
Service 9:30 AM Canada Games
Centre Yukon Everyone welcome, doors open at 9:30am, be seated in the flexihall by 10:15 am. Livestream the event from the Legion’s Facebook page.
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 Mondays Service Officer 7:00 AM Royal Canadian Legion Whitehorse An invite to all Veterans, Police and First responders for the service hour at the Legion, socialise and find out what is going on. https://bit. ly/3Lm40ZG
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Whitehorse Photography Club - Meetup 7:00 PM Yukon University - Whitehorse 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 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
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
6:00pm 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 tricktaking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you
Tuesdays
Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association franco-yukonnaise (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 Queer Yukon Society
The Cache 2:00 PM 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
Bridge 12:00 PM Golden Age Society 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 333-6081 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 Queer Yukon Society
The Cache 2:00 PM 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
Thursdays
Public Speaking TrainingToastmasters 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
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.
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
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.
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 Seventh-Day Adventist Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463.
Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church
KIDS & FAMILIES
Mon Oct 28 Kiki’s Delivery Service 5:30 PM Yukon Theatre It is a tradition for all young witches to leave their families on the night of a full moon and fly off into the wide world to learn their craft. Tue Oct 29 YTYP - The Haunting of MacBride Museum (18 and under) 7:00 PM MacBride Museum This mystery is set in the 1950s - costumes are encouraged but not required, a free event put on by the Yukon Theatre for Young People.
Thu Oct 31 Youth Halloween Party 4:00 PM Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre Join City of Whitehorse Recreation & @ bgcyukon for a Youth Halloween Party. Games, pumpkin painting, movies and pizza!
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 drop-in 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.
MEETINGS
Tue Oct 29 Polarettes Gymnastics Club AGM 5:30 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Learn about our club promoting gymnastics as a sport and a way of life within our community. Our commitment to fostering a healthy, fun, active, and inclusive community is at our heart. https://www.polarettes. org/ Wed Oct 30 Skookum Jim Friendship Centre AGM 5:30 PM Skookum Jim Friendship Centre
Join us for our rescheduled
Annual General Meeting, where you can learn about our recent program initiatives and upcoming events.
Mon Nov 4 Klondike Snowmobile Association AGM 7:00 PM Sport Yukon Review the past year, presenting a brief overview of our current status and financials, electing our 2024/2025 board of directors. All are welcome to attend - held in boardroom #2 use the centre door. https://ksa.yk.ca/ coming-events
Tue Nov 5 Yukon Bluegrass Music Association AGM 7:00 PM NorthLight Innovation We have a small, experienced board but are seeking additional people to join the board. Contact Mark at president@yukonbluegrass.com. Thu Nov 7 Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon AGM 6:00 PM Best Western Gold Rush Inn Join us for an evening of industry networking, refreshments and some necessary organisational housekeeping. Your attendance and voice is important to us. Email info@wtay.com to register.
Weekly
Tuesdays
Rendezvous Rotary Tony’s Pasta and Seafood House 6:30 PM 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/ Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting Sport Yukon 10:00 PM Third Thursday Yukon AntiPoverty Coalition Monthly Meeting 5:00 PM ZOOM Yukon Anti-Poverty 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/yapcs-monthly-meetings ONLINE EVENTS
Mon Oct 28 Project Management: Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam PreparationYukon University 8:00 AM Online Wed Oct 30 Managing Conflict After Separation or Divorce Workshop 5:30 PM Online In this free, online workshop, learn about the process of separation, how to help children cope with conflict and how to renegotiate personal boundaries and develop parenting strategies. Register by email, flic@ yukon.ca. https://yukon.ca/en/ family-law-information-centre Tue Nov 12 Late Stage Financial Management with Maddy Clark 5:30 PM Online Delve into the intricacies of financial management with our Advanced Financial Management workshop. Designed for later-stage businesses - register online. https://yukonstruct.com/event/ late-stage-financial-managementwith-maddy-clark/ Wed Nov 13 Living with Lossfree workshop 6:30 PM Online Learn about the nature of grief and the various ways it can impact people experiencing different forms of loss, as well as practical tools for self- care that will help you heal and grow through difficult times.
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 3347693.
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.
Whatever
Happened to Carolyn cont’d from page 7
away. Carolyn herself can’t let it go. I don’t blame her, and I don’t know for sure what she remembers. I’ve never asked. I don’t think I could.
In all this time–twenty years now–we’ve had very little contact. They took her away that day and no one gave me any details. Part of me didn’t want them to; holding on somehow to the Carolyn I used to know.
What she wanted to accomplish by returning to the house, I could never understand. Maybe it felt unfi nished to her. Maybe she can’t remember any more than I can and thinks that going back will help. I don’t know. But every year on the anniversary of that day, she comes to my place and together we go to the house.
It had stood empty for a few years afterward; no one wanted to rent or buy, knowing what had happened inside. The town took it over then, turned it into two apartments and rented them out to a series of transient workers from the mine north of town. They would stay a few months, skip out on the rent and leave it for the next tenants to do the same.
For the last year or so it’s been vacant again, and in bad shape. Not that I keep an eye on it on purpose, you understand. I avoid the street whenever I can, but it’s right there on the shortest route to my daughter’s day care and sometimes I drive by without remembering until it’s too late.
Mostly I try to pass quickly, but my eyes always fi nd it in the rear view mirror no matter how I squint to control them.
The porch is all but rotted away now, and the cement steps have started to crumble. The backyard is a total mess, overgrown and a catch-all for neighbourhood
trash blown there by the wind. A few windows have been cracked; probably kids fooling around. I can just picture them, daring each other to throw rocks or try the door, having heard God-knowswhat about what happened in that place before they were ever born.
The most we ever did until this year, those times she’d come asking, was to walk by. It seemed to satisfy her, the walking, the slowing down and the blank, emptyeyed staring from the corner after we had passed.
I always asked her back to my house and she always said maybe another time. I’d go home with a headache and that would be it until the next year.
So tonight I wasn’t ready for anything but that. I had even stocked up on Tylenol. But as soon as we started out, I knew something different was up.
Carolyn herself appeared more … more determined. Distracted and in a hurry. There was no hesitation in her signature walk as we rounded that corner, bowing our heads against the freezing rain that the wind was whipping into our faces.
Before I knew it, we were right in front of the house, and she still didn’t stop. Up the front stairs and in the door; she didn’t look back. I, however, stopped cold, and looked at the front door.
The place was dark, of course, the steps slick with ice, and rain congealing on the rotted cheap carpet. She had left the door ajar. Imbecile that I am, I followed. I avoided touching the door knob by shouldering it open and, taking a big breath, stepped inside.
It reeked. Urine and stale cigarette smoke, and something I can’t identify that made me want to retch. I started breath-
ing in shallow little gasps through my mouth, and tried to attune my eyes to the darkness. They wouldn’t adjust. It was too dark to see anything at all, and for some reason I didn’t want to call out for her.
I listened for footsteps, breathing, anything. Where was she? Damn her. I never should have come. The only thing I could hear was the wind outside, and now the sound of the front door, which hadn’t properly closed behind me. I decided I’d rather take the sound than close it completely.
There I stood, freezing, in a pool of stinking stale air that held the sound of the wind and the groaning door and funneled them into my ears at ten times their normal volume. More than anything, I just wanted to get out of there; to run from the nothingness inside that house that felt so much like something. Something strange. Something ugly.
I couldn’t move. All of the stupidest, most intelligence-insulting horror movie clichés that I had ever read or watched seemed to reach out and twist my arm behind my back, daring me to laugh at them now.
This is stupid, I said to myself. I’m letting my mind go limp here. I had to fi nd Carolyn and get us both out of there before we got charged for break and enter even though we’d only done the enter part. I peeled my feet from the spot on the fl oor where they were stuck. Bracing myself, I walked into the dining room. Shoulders back, elbows out. Faking it all the way,
I stepped into the room. Nothing. Through in the darkness to where I knew the kitchen was, past the door to the cellar. Using my feet like a blind person’s white
the darkness. With way along the wall. It was sticky, and very
cane, I inched forward, sweeping tentative half-circles ahead of me in the darkness. With one hand I felt my way along the wall. It was sticky, and very cold. Pulling my hand away fast, I wiped it on my jeans, and refused to let my mind speculate on what I had just touched. In the kitchen it was a bit brighter, from a street light outside. The phone was still where it used to be, I do remember noticing that. Carolyn wasn’t there. Then why did I feel that I wasn’t alone? A ticking on the window outside startled me, but it was only a fallen leaf caught in a spider’s web, being hurled by the wind over and over again against the glass.
Please Carolyn, please let’s just get out of here. Where are you anyway? Come on, we’ve seen it now. We can talk, anything you want, let’s just get out of here. Right Now. Please Carolyn, I have to.
Did I say those things out loud? I don’t think so, because the silence is one of the things I remember most as I turned to retrace my steps through the darkness of the dining room.
I heard her before I saw her. She was whimpering, little clicking noises coming from her throat, standing at the top of the cellar stairs. Her eyes were wide open, her mouth moving in a repetitious sucking kind of motion. She was staring at something I couldn’t see.
I felt it, though. Felt them. The memories, the ghosts, whatever you want to call them, were with us in that house as surely as
Cold and silent and ing. They were
I’m telling you the truth right now. I could feel them. Cold and silent and sticky and disgusting. They were there, they were dangerous and they weren’t fi nished.
With a sudden absolute certainty, I knew it. They still had power. They still meant harm. The life-sucking work they had begun was not over, and Carolyn was still very much in danger. By the look on her face I knew they had her–she couldn’t fi ght this time. It would have to be me.
I think I screamed as I ran for her, but I’m not sure. I grabbed her arm and pushed her ahead of me and headed for the only place that made sense.
“Fire burning warm and brave come into our secret cave.
We are best friends, candle true,
There is nothing we can’t do.” When they pulled me out of the burning house, I tried to tell them that Carolyn was still in there. No one would listen; maybe I wasn’t even making sounds, or sense. I don’t know. It’s all sort of fuzzy now.
And so I’m sitting here in the wee hours of the morning, in the hospital room with its glaring white light and clean smell and nothing sticky anywhere that I can see, except the black stuff I keep coughing up.
We’re waiting for the police. I hope Carolyn is happy now. Even with everything that happened tonight, I have to believe that she is happier now than she’s been since the day she died twenty years ago. ■
YGRANDPAS DIG SPORTS
“Ed Drage was the first Canadian I ever met who wasn’t selling me gas, groceries or beer.”
our humble literary servant missed the fi rst two Arctic Winter Games: in 1970 because I wasn’t even in Canada yet, and 1972 because I was living and working in Dawson City at the time, far too busy dealing with survival to care about the fun and games going on in Whitehorse.
I was a landed immigrant in Canada in transit to Alaska and legal to do anything and everything but vote or run for offi ce, while here trying to make enough money to get across the border.
I did all the paperwork and took the immigration test in Dawson Creek, B.C., literally within sight of the giant MILE 0 sign designating the offi cial start of the “world famous Alaska Highway”.
I walked into a government building across the road with a sign saying Canada Manpower & Immigration, where I found a middle-aged Dieppe survivor named Ed Drage working at his desk with his back to me as I stood at the counter waiting for him to acknowledge my presence.
Finally he did so, without turning around, speaking in a gruff and irritated voice, “I know you’re
back there because I can hear you breathing, but I’m a very busy man today. Who are you? What are you? Where are you going? And Why are you standing in my offi ce?”
I told him I was a fl at broke Vietnam veteran on my way to Alaska to pan for gold until I could get enough money to build a cabin in the bush to live like a hermit and write northern adventure stories.
That caused him to turn around, look at me over the top of his bifocals and growl with a sarcastic chuckle, “Who the hell do you think you are, Jack London?”
That was 52 years ago, I was 25 and Ed Drage was the fi rst Canadian I ever met who wasn’t selling me gas, groceries or beer.
Fast forward to 2024, when a new editor named Gary Atkins advertised for somebody to write sports for What’s Up Yukon, catching me deep into my retirement boogie, with no plans to disturb the tranquility, and less desire.
The only thing I’d written the last three years was a fundraising blog for Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver after one of my grandies, a 13-year-old boy at the time, was diagnosed with leukemia and became a patient and resident at Ronnie’s place for 3.5 years of monthly chemotherapy visits.
I also helped with RMHBC fundraising in Whitehorse as a way to
DOUG SACK,
Inukshuks were initially used in Siberia by hunters to herd caribou, muskox and other game into enclosures for slaughter and always looked to me like they are older than the pyramids
say thanks to those great doctors and their team members for what they did for my boy, who is now 17 and offi cially CF (Cancer Free), which gave me an exhilarating feeling of relief.
I certainly never gave a thought to writing sports or any other kind of stories during his therapy and cure, and considered those days gone forever.
The Inuit in the Canadian Arctic built year-round homes that were usually made of a wooden structure with sod roof below the treeline. They were very confi ned which left them just a small area to play Arctic games during the long, dark winters. Igloos were primarily used as temporary shelter on hunting trips and other travels.
North of the treeline, large whale bones were used for the superstructure and the entry was designed to be bear proof. Large rocks were used for the foundations, also for defensive reasons.
Saglek Bay, Labrador has been home to multiple migratory Inuit groups since at least 2600 BCE and has Canada’s oldest documented Inuit ruins.
The oldest known pyramid in Egypt was built around 2630 BCE at Saqqara, for the third dynasty’s King Djoser.
So we’ll call it a tie between ancient inukshuks and pyramids for our fi rst history lesson and get back to the task at hand … introducing the eight contingents coming to Whitehorse in 2026 to compete in what began as a three-
way local soirée in 1970, then exploded in the late ’80s and ’90s. Say hello again to: Alaska Yukon Northwest Territories Alberta North Nunavut Nunavik-Quebec Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) Sápmi (Reindeer People) Gary has given me free rein as to which sports and what kind of coverage to produce, but it’s pretty obvious the 800-lb gorilla in the waiting room is the 2026 AWG on March 8-15.
And I never did make it to Alaska. The Yukon Territory has always been crazy enough for me, thanks. ■
Purchase Tickets: October 7 – December 2, 2024 (11:59 PM)
Draw Date: December 17, 2024 at 2:30 PM
Location: Whitehorse General Hospital Cafeteria
License #: 2024-082
column with Doug Sack
What’s Up Yukon contributor Doug Sack was the first sports editor of the Yukon News, the Whistler Question and a longtime columnist for Ski Canada magazine. Before all of that … he was young.
PHOTO: Image by Alex Agrico from Pixabay
PHOTO: Image by Peace,love,happiness from Pixabay
The Great Pyramid of Giza
NORTH OF 60 CONFERENCE AND BANQUET NOVEMBER 23, 2024 KWANLIN DÜN CULTURAL CENTRE
The conference check-in and morning refreshments begins at 9:30 am and the event concludes at 5:30 pm. The banquet check-in begins at 6:30 pm, ckets are $40.
CONFERENCE
A endees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of speakers, including:
• Colin Yates from VETSon will examine the impact of telemedicine on veterinary prac ces, highlight recent advancements in remote animal care, and discuss fu re trends. Includes a demo of key fea res of the VETSon platform and a Q&A session.
• Dr. Glen Yates of Slant Road Veterinary Services will discuss fundamental aspects of herd health, including integra ng new animals, pregnancy checking, vaccina ons per nent to Yukon producers, and essen al kits for trea ng sick animals. Drawing from recent hands-on experiences with Yukon livestock, to facilitate a Q&A session.
• Greg Stanway represen ng Thermo will present innova ons in hea ng technology for residen al, agricul ral, and industrial use, discussing how new systems can reduce costs and enhance qual of life in cold climates, suppor ng food secur and economic prosper .
• Carla Berquo from Bioenterprise Canada will discuss strategies for advancing na onal collabora on across the agricul re industry, leveraging over two decades of exper se to inspire transforma ve business growth.
More speakers to be announced! Along with a line up for our networking tables.
Seedling Sponsor:
BANQUET
JOIN US FOR A CULINARY CELEBRATION OF THE REGION!
Takhini River Ranch will be our o cial caterer for the upcoming conference and banquet. They will be providing a delightful local breakfast, lunch and special banquet, fea ring fresh ingredients sourced from other talented producers right here in Yukon!
Scan QR Code to register
FAhead by a half century. Adventuring over 50 in the Yukon.
LETTING THE HAND OF HALLOWEEN LINGER
or our family, Halloween is about scares and laughs. And, well… candy, too.
Our love of skeletons dates back to when I was manager of the Marsh Lake Community Centre and hung out with a dancing skeleton decoration every Halloween. My kids and I loved it it.
The story of Philippe started from a design project for my oldest son while homeschooling during Covid. He designed a digital logo for Skylark, our camper van. From a fi ery ball in front of the van came the story of Philippe, the fabulous Frenchman, and how he died.
Philippe the skeleton has been with our family for a few years now. Last Halloween, instead of getting packed away, he came in from the cold after a cross-country ski. He never left. Even skeletons enjoy hot drinks in winter.
Philippe continues to make us laugh. Sometimes he makes our guests a little nervous and, occasionally, scream out loud. As a roommate, he’s quiet and respectful. We like having him around.
But don’t let us speak for Phillipe. He’ll tell you all about himself.
Let’s start with the obvious. How did you die? I was hit by a meteorite fragment on the Taku Arm of Tagish Lake. That was almost 25 years ago.
How did you come to live with the Morrisons? It was sometime during Covid. They found me in
their camper van, the Skylark. Nice ride. Now I’m chillin’ in Whitehorse.
What is your relationship like with the Morrison family? Bien sûr, I’m the cat’s favourite person in the house. I play with him whenever he wants. The dog is okay, but he is no minou. The people let me be my truest dead self.
We hear that you love TikTok. What is your favourite video? ForGotham#batman#cat Who doesn’t love Batman and black cats?! And you love games. What is your favourite? Chess. I’m a classy dead Frenchman.
What is your favourite drink? Hot chocolate after an afternoon of XC skiing. Creamy, thick drinking chocolate, just like in the Paris cafés.
What kind of music do you listen to? French orchestral music. Did you see the exquisite performance by French pianist Alexandre Kantorow of Ravel’s “Jeux d’eau” (Water Games) as the rain drenched Paris during the 2024 Olympics opening ceremonies? Magnifi que!!
What is your favourite place in the Yukon? I was really enjoying Tagish Lake before I died. Did you know that it’s over 119 km long and 354.48 km2? Skating on the Windy Arm side is on my bucket list.
What has been your favourite evening? I enjoyed a lovely birthday party evening surrounded by fabulous women and great food. No one thought it was weird that I was hanging out with them.
What are you looking forward to this year? I overheard that the family is getting me a black cat for Halloween. C’est génial!
Any parting thoughts? The Yukon is the best place to be, dead or alive. La mort est bonne. Happy Halloween everyone. ■
Open from 5 am daily at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport
Hassle-free parking in the cellphone lot behind the Yukon Transportation Museum �/blackwolfbistro �/blackwolfbistro
PHOTOS: submitted by the author
Enjoying French orchestral music
Hooked on TikTok
Lexi the cat’s favourite playmate
Skylark sticker
Skiing on a misty Halloween night
This
and JUNO Award-winning indie-rock band have
resolute
FALL AND WINTER FORAGING
Many associate foraging for wild medicines and foods mainly with the snow-free months of the year, but there are actually several very resilient plants that are here for us even when the north wind has blown off the last of the autumn leaves and snow has begun to fall.
In fact, it almost feels like these hardy plants are here for us by design just when we need them most. Flu season, the peak time for infl uenza, varies from year to year but it generally begins in the fall and continues on through the winter and early spring.
Even if you practise exceptional hygiene and have an active and healthy lifestyle, it’s possible that you’ll get sick sometime this year.
Whether you want to give your immune system a little extra boost before you come down with something, or you feel as if it’s already got you, here are a few natural healing allies we’re lucky to have available to us here in the boreal forest of northern Canada. Not only do they all have superpowers to share in terms of combating fl u season, they have a long list of other benefi ts as well.
Whenever you go foraging, be sure to properly identify what you’re harvesting. Spend some time researching its correct use. Take only what you need. Be respectful and show your gratitude in whatever way feels natural to you.
CRANBERRIES
known as lingonberries, or by a variety of other names, cranberries can be found in circumpolar regions around the globe.
They’re famous for their healing effects on urinary tract infections, they stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, and also improve appetite. They’re very high in vitamin C and other immune-supportive nutrients, making them an excellent addition to your diet during fl u season.
The best time to pick them is any time after the fi rst frost, because they’ll be sweeter. As the snow begins to pile up, they’ll become harder to fi nd, but you may come across some still hanging onto their branches after the snow melts in early spring. Birds and bears also enjoy them.
JUNIPER
health, bladder infections and to prevent or cure a cold. Juniper berries can be used as a seasoning, a trail snack and even as a survival food. The dusty white powder on the surface of the ripe blue berries is a type of yeast. You can add a few to your dough the next time you’re making bread to give it an extra nudge.
Traditionally juniper has been used as a tea for sore throats, congestion, chest pains and other respiratory problems. The branches can be used in saunas and were historically burned in hospital rooms to disinfect and cleanse the space. The berries are used to give gin its unique fl avour; the smell of juniper wood is said to repel moths; and the ashes of the burnt twigs can be used as a powder for brushing your teeth.
Juniper is a very powerful
This is probably the best-known plant on this list. Picking cranberries in the fall is a favourite activity for many Yukoners. Sometimes
Although referred to as berries, juniper berries are actually female seed cones. They take up to three years to ripen and turn dark blue, and you can often see green “berries” on the same plant.
The needles have antimicrobial qualities and these can be gathered at any time.
Like cranberries, juniper has often been used for urinary tract
medicine and should be used in moderation. It’s not recommended for people who have kidney problems.
ROSE HIPS
While cranberries and juniper berries can quickly become hidden after the fi rst big snowfall, rose hips–thanks to their height–can be found and enjoyed for much longer. These vibrant red “hips” are easy to spot, especially against a blanket of white snow.
As the winter progresses they will become softer but their high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants will remain present. Whether you dry them for tea
or freeze them to later turn into jam, jelly or syrup, rose hips make an excellent cold remedy and a powerful immune system booster.
Avoid eating the tiny hairs inside that surround the seeds as they can irritate your mouth and intestines if you eat a lot.
SPRUCE SAP AND NEEDLES
Spruce tips are harvested in spring but the other parts of this highly versatile tree can be gathered year-round. Although often used as lumber and as fi rewood, spruce has so much more to offer.
Cambium, the inner bark of the tree, is a traditional survival food. It can be eaten raw, boiled like noodles or dried and ground into a fl our. Spruce branches, much like juniper needles, are a wonderful addition to a sauna when placed on hot rocks and splashed with water. They release an aromatic and antiseptic steam and it’s said that inhaling the vapour from the boiled needles can help with bronchitis.
Spruce is also another excellent source of vitamin C. Spruce tea (made from the needles or the sap) can be used for coughs, colds and congestion. It’s been used to help with pneumonia, whooping cough and croup and according to Beverley Gray’s book “The Boreal Herbal”, spruce gum (sap) can be used as a lozenge for coughs and sore throats. It can also be used on an open wound to protect it from germs thanks to its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
USNEA
Usnea, also known as Old Man’s Beard, is a type of fruticose lichen that can be found growing on spruce trees and contains high levels of usnic acid, which has been used as a mild antibiotic for generations.
Thanks to its anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, usnea has been used for bacterial infections, strep throat, pneumonia and bronchial problems. Internally, it can be taken as a slow simmered tea (decoction) or as a tincture and externally as a powder for wound care (such as for staph infections) or an anti-fungal bath. It combats fever and infl ammation and supports a healthy immune response.
Like all lichen, usnea grows very slowly so it’s best to harvest just a little bit, preferably after a big storm, when you can pull it off of fallen trees and branches. ■
*Always use herbal medicines in moderation*
SOURCES
Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska, Western Canada, The Northwest by Janice J. Schofi eld
The Boreal Herbal: Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North by Beverley Gray Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute gwichin.ca/plants Harmonic Arts youtube.com/@ harmonic_arts
Jessica Surber is a writer who loves being in the mountains and working with plants. She divides her time between Peru and the Yukon.
with Jessica Surber
Photo by BREAKS OUT. Source: pexels.com
PHOTO by Kristen Munk. Source: pexels.com
PHOTO: Jessica Surber
OGARLIC PRAWN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
Alfredo is a truly Italian dish which dates back well over a century to a restaurateur named Alfredo di Lelio who named his own very simple white sauce after himself.
ur home is our sanctuary. We don’t like to make things diffi cult for ourselves, especially when it comes to dinner. But we do like to eat well,
As with most of you, we’re pretty busy, so quick, cheap dinners that take almost no time at all are a staple in our house. This came in at about $5 a plate and is so good.
Sometimes when I’m busy working or doing chores I forget to take something out of the freezer to thaw for dinner. Recently this dish has become a staple in our house as it’s so quick and easy. My wife asks, “What’s for dinner tonight?”. I reply with, “I forgot to take anything out so I guess Garlic Prawns”. She has never said “Oh no! Not again!”.
You can improve this by using fresh, jumbo prawns, but the idea here is a quick and delicious supper that takes about 20 minutes of hands-on time. I’m using frozen prawns so the difference is slightly chewier prawns but we don’t seem to mind. It still tastes great!
INGREDIENTS:
• Prawns
• Fettuccine noodles
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• White wine
• Milk (whole milk is best)
• Flour
• Butter
• Cooking Oil
• Salt
METHOD:
You can save yourself some time by buying shelled and deveined prawns. Put a colander in a bowl and run cold water over them for about 15 minutes to thaw them. This will take longer or shorter, depending on how many prawns you are thawing. We usually thaw 8 or 10 per plate. Keep the water running until they are all soft and
fl exible. Shell and devein if necessary.
Do Not make the newbie mistake! If your bowl is covering the drain of your sink – it will turn into a really bad day for you when the sink overfl ows! Don’t ask how I know this! Make sure that the water is running slowly through the colander and bowl, into the sink and draining away. Prepare your pots for the pasta and sauce. Prep your garlic. Your timing is going to be: thawed prawns, boiling pasta water. Go!
If you’re in a real rush, you can start to heat your pot for the fettuccini pasta on maximum, while the prawns are thawing. Salt the pasta water and add enough of your favourite cooking oil to put a very light coat across the top of the water. This prevents the pasta from becoming sticky.
Add the pasta after the prawns are thawed and the water is at a rapid boil. Always add the pasta end-fi rst. If you drop it in sideways it won’t get a proper coating of the oil. I use a wooden chopstick to give it a good stir.
In an appropriate-sized frying pan, melt a tablespoon of butter on medium heat and add the garlic. Once the garlic starts to cook, add the prawns, white wine and lemon juice. Stir it and fl ip the prawns a few times while you get your Alfredo sauce together.
If you’ve been following along with my previous recipes you will have noticed that for seafood, my go-to is: garlic, butter, lemon
juice and white wine. You will never go wrong with this. I use the same for even grayling and trout out at the lake when I’m camping.
A TRADITIONAL ALFREDO SAUCE uses butter, heavy cream and parmesan cheese. When I’m in a restaurant I’ll use cream to thicken the sauce. At home I don’t go through enough cream before it goes bad to justify the expense of keeping it in the fridge. Instead I use a combination of a béchamel and alfredo.
Béchamel is a white sauce that uses butter, milk and fl our to thicken. When we also add in the parmesan, it becomes a very passable alfredo sauce.
Heat about a 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan or skillet. Once
that’s melted you can go one of two ways. You can either stir in a couple of tablespoons of fl our and whisk for a couple of minutes; that’s the traditional way to do a béchamel, then whisk in the milk, or you can do like I do.
I put the milk into a measuring cup, 1 1/2 cups, then add the fl our and whisk it until it’s lump free, then whisk it into the butter. Add your parmesan, about two heaping tablespoons full, and continue whisking until the sauce is the desired thickness.
You don’t want it too runny but you also don’t want it to be really thick. You want to be able to spoon it onto your pasta and still be thin enough to run down into the pasta. If it gets too thick you can always whisk in a little
more milk to thin it down.
Plate the pasta fi rst. Add some ground salt and black pepper on the pasta next. This is a secret that really helps make things tasty with all pastas. Place the prawns on top and scrape the drippings from the pan at the same time. Spoon liberal amounts of the sauce and garnish with parsley.
Share with family and friends and when they compliment you on your amazing culinary skills, always say “Grazie mille!”. Then remind them that they should always pick up the latest copy of What’s Up Yukon for this and other awesome, quick, and easy recipes.
Buon appetito, piatto pulito! ■
Viene servita la cena!
Thawing your prawns
Butter, white wine, garlic and lemon juice base
Pasta, sauce and prawns on the go
PHOTOS: Unknown Chef
The Unknown Chef has fed you at many local restaurants for years, and has decided to share some recipes he has developed, and others he stole from other chefs.
Freelance with The Unknown Chef
FALL PROGRAMS
Nov 13 UNDERSTANDING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
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9am – 4pm CRN 90601
$299+GST $269+GST Early bird registra on by Nov 19 Register through YukonU by Nov 26. Late registra on un l Dec 9 by emailing sam@ctrins te.com
Dec 11 INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND FAMILY LAW – PART 1
10am-12pm CRN 90602 FREE Register by Dec 4
Dec 12 SIT IN MY PUDDLE: THE ART OF EMPATHY AND HOLDING SPACE
10am-11:30am CRN 90603 FREE Register by Dec 5
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• Contact Registrations & Records at 867-668-8710 EXT 2 and quote the CRN;
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ACTIVE LISTINGS
Mondays
Judo For Jiu Jitsu Eight Days
Martial Arts 6:00 AM
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
Babynastics with Coach Libby 10:30 AM Polarettes
Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.polarettes.org/ babynastics
Noon Strength & Conditioning
12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy
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 Eight Days
Martial Arts 6:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM
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.
Martial Arts 7:30 PM
Stretch & StabilizeFunctional Conditioning 7:00
PM Grace Space Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. http:// amitieyoga.ca
Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM
Flow and Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM Grace Space This dynamic and invigorating practice is designed to awaken your inner strength and leave you feeling revitalized and empowered.
Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Specifically designed for the retired population, but open to anyone.
Fall/Winter Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church Yoga for all levels, everyone welcome, drop-in, for more info call 335-1996.
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 Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM
Strength & Conditioning 1:00PM Northern Strength Academy
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight
Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM
Indoor Cycling 5:00 PM
Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Ladies Lift 5:30 AM
Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
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/
Midweek Morning Warm-ups
9:00 AM The Guild Hall Start your day with gentle, and energizing warm up. Led by Jacob Zimmer and guests. Drop in, by donation. Sign Up Appreciated - Upstairs at the Guild Hall https:// whatsupyukon.events/51584e
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 Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!
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/ Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.
Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00 PM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!
Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 12:10 PM Grace Space Movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http://amitieyoga.ca
class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days
Martial Arts 6:00 PM
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
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days
Martial Arts 6:00 AM
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.
Lunchtime Fitness Classes 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. bit. ly/3oiTBVz
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 Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM Strength & Conditioning 1:00PM 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
Walking is similar to Nordic walking but is suitable for those who prefer a slower,
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM
Recreation Association Leisure
Ladies Lift 5:30 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.
Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM
Whitehorse Archery
Takhini Elementary 6:30 PM Whitehorse Archery is a nonprofit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www.whitehorsearchery. com/schedule No-Gi Jiu Jitsu
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM Whitehorse Archery Takhini Elementary 6:30 PM Whitehorse Archery is a nonprofit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www.whitehorsearchery. com/schedule
Fridays
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM
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
Thursdays Noon Hatha
Yoga 12:00 PM Grace Space
Energizing blend of Hatha and Kundalini with Pranayama (breathwork), Friendly and Community oriented space! http://www.gracespaceyukon. com
Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight & Mondays 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 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM Strength & Conditioning
5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - teen classes
Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM
Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:30 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 PM Northern Strength Academy
Saturday Morning Strength and Conditioning 10:15 AM Northern Strength Academy Full-body movements to improve functional strength. Suitable for all levels and aligns with NSA’s strength programming. northernstrength.ca/
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM
Open Mat Eight Days Martial Arts 12:05 PM
Sundays
Circus Sundays 10:00 AM
Avalanche Athletics We will have equipment for people to try out, including stilts, juggling stuff, aerial silks, aerial hoop, static trapeze, spinny things, balance things…
NSA Spin Classes 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy NSA offers Indoor Cycling classes with certified instructors Adrienne Marsh and Maria Wise. Improve your conditioning and strength on the bike! northernstrength.ca/
WELLNESS LISTINGS
Wed Oct 30 The Hormone Rehab Workshop 6:00 PM
Yukonstruct Makespace
This workshop is ideal for women who are struggling with period problems and/or
perimenopause issues. Receive handouts with tasty recipes & a mend your hormones cheat sheet to help you take action asap.
Wed Nov 6 YAWC Mental Health & Wellness Conference
The Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre Whitehorse
A unique opportunity to come together and explore the mental health challenges impacting Indigenous communities
Thu Nov 7 2024 YSPOR
Health Summit 8:00 AM Yukon University The primary purpose of the summit is to exhibit the work the unit is doing and supporting in the Yukon territory. Themebuilding capacity with youth.
Fri Nov 8 Live Music Power of Breath 7:20 PM Alpine Bakery –Upstairs Power of Breath with Lonnie Powell, Philippe Mouchet + Erica is accelerated, rhythmic breathing sustained over a period of time, in a safe setting.
Mon Nov 11 Remembrance Day Restorative Mini Retreat 1:00
PM Alpine Bakery Upstairs A time to retreat, regroup, centre and restore; to slip away to nurture body, mind and spirit; to connect to your higher self.
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
1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month The Prenatal Lunch Network 12:00 PM NVD Place (Old Canadian Tire Building) A free prenatal lunch network. Each week will feature a different activity. Call 3325054 or 332-6476 for more info.
1st Wednesday QYS
2SLGBTQIA+ Parent & Guardian Peer Support Nights
6:00 PM Queer Yukon Society
The Cache We want to provide a space where parents and guardians of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth can find connection and support from their peers.
2nd Wednesday Blood Collection and Lab Work
9:00 AM Queer Yukon Society
The Cache Blood Work and Lab Collection Clinic! We will provide regular clinics for blood collection & lab requisitions
1st Thursday of every month
Men’s Gathering 5:00 PM A safe place for men to connect with each other and learn traditional teachings. For more info contact Rob at 332-5708 or Rob.McLean@kdfn.net
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
Last Monday Blood Collection and Lab Work 9:00 AM Queer Yukon Society The Cache
Blood Work and Lab Collection Clinic! We will provide regular clinics for blood collection & lab requisitions
Last Sunday Spoonie Support Circle 2:30 PM Queer Yukon Society The Cache A low-key community hangs, engaging in peer support in facilitated conversations on topics brought forth by participants, and meet other spoonies! For details and to register islairhysrathlin@gmail.com
Mondays
Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM 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
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 (O, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall)
AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral
Tuesdays
Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM 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 ARKA Brotherhood Men’s Circle: Porcupine Squad 6:30 PM Whitehorse A confidential, structured space that empowers men to transform themselves into self-aware, self-disciplined, empowered and trustworthy leaders. Email mjvernon@gmail.com for more info. http://www. arkabrotherhood.com
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.
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 867-3341725 for more details
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
Community Kitchen 11:30 AM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, 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 Sport
Yukon Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
AA No Puffin Big Book Study (C, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall) Porter Creek Step Meeting (C) 8:00 PM Our Lady of Victory
Thursdays
Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM 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
Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM 311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or on zoom, Zoom ID 251-363-5766, call 778-9072701 for more info.
Fridays
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 482518-9588 PC 334796 call 778907-2971 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.
Community Kitchen 5:00 PM
Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM Yukon Employees Union Al-Anon 7:00 PM Trinity Lutheran Church Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
AA Whitehorse Group (C, A) 8:00 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 482518-9588 PC 334796 call 778907-2971 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.
Community Kitchen 5:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.
AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212
Sundays
AA Detox Meeting (O, A)1:00 PM 609 Steele St.
AA Yukon Unity Group 1:00
PM Online By zoom – Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 For more info call 778-907-2971
If you sense your car drifts or pulls to one side, you could have a wheel alignment problem. The alignment of your vehicle’s wheels can affect the way it handles. Your car may drive fine, but when you look at your tires, you may notice that they are wearing. Your steering wheel could also feel not centred. Our team of professionals can align your wheels by placing your vehicle on a wheel alignment machine. This machine uses laser guided measurements to allow our mechanic to set and adjust the suspension components back to the factory specifications. You can prevent the impact of wear and tear on your tires, reduce pulling and feel confident in a safer drive.
ATLIN Thu Oct 31 Halloween in the Rec Centre Lounge Atlin Recreation Centre Come dressed in costume – prizes for best dressed – spooky specials all night. Sat Nov 16 Family Fun Night 5:30 PM Atlin Recreation Centre Potluck
- Silent auction - Games and fun for everyone! Call 250-651-7663 for more info.
Sundays
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 Nov 2 Beaver Trapping Workshop 9:00 AM Skookies Camp Learn to flesh a beaver pelt and learn some of the fundamentals behind beaver trapping. Facilitated by Jacques Jobin and Bryce Bekar. Lunch and all materials included. Sun Nov 3 Whitehorse Chamber Orchestra and Ballet 3:00 PM Haa Shagóon Hídi (Our Ancestors House) Carcross/Tagish Learning Centre Whitehorse Chamber Orchestra with Heart of Riverdale present selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and other favorite ballets.
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
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 Volleyball 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Baseball / Softball 7:00 PM LSCFN Ball Diamond
Tuesdays
Carmacks Library 1:00 PM
Laser Tag 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Wednesdays Carmacks Library 1:00 PM
Soccer 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Baseball / Softball 7:00 PM LSCFN Ball Diamond
Thursdays
Carmacks Library 1:00 PM
Pickleball 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Basketball 8:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Fridays
Soccer 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre Volleyball 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre
Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at: Discovery Store Van Gorda
First and Third Tuesday of every month Faro Council Meeting 7:00 PM Town of Faro Tuesdays Parent
6:00
Centre Provide feedback, input and become a board member. The association is seeking nomination for its new president! RSVP by email belle. piche60@gmail.com Fri Nov 1 Yukon Trapper Education
COMMUNITY EVENTS... cont’d
DAWSON CITY
Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at:
Dawson City General Store
Fri Nov 1 - Sat Nov 3 Yukon 48
Video Challenge Dawson City, YT 48 hours to create a short filmopen to all ages, filmmakers may work individually or in teams, create in any genre, and must have “Key” incorporated into the film. For more info email filmfest@kiac.ca.
Fri Nov 1 Begonia - Live in Concert 7:30 PM Dënäkär Zho KIAC Ballroom Pegged as Canada’s breakout alt-diva, Begonia has built a legion of fans online and at her legendary live shows.
Sat Nov 2 46th Annual Dawson City Museum Auction 6:00 PM Dawson City Museum Face off in a bidding contest for the best scores in live and silent auctions, delicious food & drink and fun games & prizes (including a prize for best costume!). For more info call 993-5291, or email info@ dawsonmuseum.ca
Fri Nov 8 Yukon 48 Video Challenge - Screening 7:00 PM
Dënäkär Zho KIAC Ballroom Screen all short films submitted by local filmmakers produced on the weekend of Nov 1-3 for the Yukon 48 Video Challenge - in Dawson City and Whitehorse. For more info email filmfest@kiac.ca. https:// www.dawsonfilmfest.com/48/index. html
Until Dec 7 Flight (Cage) by Anne Steves ODD Gallery WelshCanadian artist Anne Stevesexhibit featuring tufted wool rugs, photographs, and her own written reflections.
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.
BGC Game Night 3:30 PM St. Elias Community School Play, have fun, build skills and challenge your friends
Wednesdays
Water Wednesdays 1:30 PM Pine Lake Come Join us every Wednesday for an afternoon of paddling in the traditional cedar dugout canoe! Da Kų Cultural Centre.
Seniors and Elders Refreshments and Games 2:00 PM Haines Junction
Seniors Residence
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.
AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 3:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre
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
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
Weekly
Mondays
Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in
6:30-9pm 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
Adult Drop-In
Basketball 7:45 PM
Robert Service School Ages 16+ -
Free - Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.
Drop-In Pickleball 5:30 PM Robert Service School
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, 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)
QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Office
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
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.
CFYT Trivia Night The Drunken Goat Fun filled night of Trivia. Every other Wednesday. A variety of trivia categories! Come with your team or
Fridays Stories and STEM Activities 10:00
AM Haines Junction Library
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 St. Christopher’s Church 10:30 AM 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
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
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
join a team when you arrive!
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!
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! DropIn! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawsonlegion-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 - dropin - 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 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.
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
Thu Oct 31 Spooktacular Halloween Party 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Music - Costumes & Games
1st Tuesday Monthly LAC Meeting Lorne Mountain Community Centre
Mondays Run Club 6:00 PM Lorne Mountain Community Centre
Drop-In Yoga 7:00 PM Lorne Mountain Community Centre By donation all levels welcome 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.
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 Thu Nov 14 Yukon Trapper
Education Workshop 6:00 PM Yukon University Dene Cho Kê’endį Campus In this basic trapper training workshop learn about ethics, regulations, rights and responsibilities and more. Call to register 667-5652 https://yukon.ca/ trapper-education
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
Mondays Live Music Red Onion Saloon 6:30 PM Live music every Monday
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
Mon Oct 28 Wilderness First Aid - CPR C 9:00 AM Yukon University – Teslin Campus Ever wonder what to do if help is not immediately available for someone who is ill or injured? This course qualifies for the 40 hour Wilderness First Aid 2018 Guiding Regulations for Yukons National Parks. For more info call 390-8800 or email gcurran@yukonu. ca Fri Nov 8 - Nov 10 4 on 4 Fun Tournament Teslin Recreation Complex 2 x 25 minute periods, teams responsible for reffing. To register, call 390-2530.
Mondays AA: Teslin Group (O) 7:00 PM Catholic Church Rectory
Wednesdays Pickleball 12:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex Dominos 1:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre Drop in seniors Pickleball 7:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex
Fridays Open Arena 7:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex
Saturdays Parent & Tots 2:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex
WATSON LAKE Tue Nov 5 Watson Lake Minor Hockey AGM 5:30 PM Watson Lake Recreation Centre If you are interested in joining the board, please attend.
Daily Northern Lights Space & Science Centre Shows 11:00 AM The spectacular dancing Northern Lights are showcased, a video that is broadcast in the NLC’s domed 100seat theatre daily throughout the summer season. Plays daily on the hour starting at 11:00 AM
Second Saturday of the month Watson Lake Direct Aid 2:00 PM Northern Lights Centre
Tuesdays Smart Recovery Meetings 3:00 PM Wye Lake Cabin Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services For more information, email joey.mitchell@ yukon.ca or call 332-3187 Pickleball & Badminton Watson Lake Secondary School 7:00 PM
Wednesdays Drop-In Ninja Tumbling 5:30 PM Watson Lake Secondary School All ages welcome. Adults are welcome too, come to do some stretching or try some handstands etc.
Fridays Friday Night Lanes 7:00 PM Call 335-7979 to register
Saturdays
Baptiste Power Yoga 7:00 PM Fees apply. A muscle-shaping and mindsculpting workout, work at your own level and ability, set to electronic music.
Sundays
St. John’s Church Service 10:00 AM St. John’s Church Service (867) 5362932
Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School
joints.
Approximately 10 years later, our paths would cross again. What was always meant to be finally merged, and the last 15 years of adventure with my best friend have been the most amazing time of my life.
Whether we are in the middle of a blown-up lake in a dinghy, drunkenly Indian leg wrestling, going to the hospital together, or butchering an animal, one thing is for certain: we are always trying not to pee ourselves laughing.
There will be a few stories of our escapades throughout these journals, and I might have to tweak the story a bit to protect the guilty; the very, very guilty. Between the two of us, we are quite the conglomerate of skills. Shawnalee is well known for her culinary skills and can turn a rabbit turd into a gourmet meal. I am the mechanic. Both of us being outdoors women, born and raised in the Yukon, there is nothing we can’t tackle together.
So our idea of a girls’ night out is not quite the norm. We both feed off adventure; nature is our happy place. We do have a history of getting in trouble together, as we both absolutely cannot resist the commonly-arising question, “Ooo… what’s over there?”
Not being able to say no, has seen us in four- foot swells in a 12foot dinghy, 4x4ing over mountain passes in two feet of fresh snow, inches away from getting fishing lines caught around the prop on a blown-up Aishihik Lake, and almost being swept out to the ocean in a plastic Canadian Tire Jon boat. One thing is for sure: we always make the most of it and have a blast doing it, no matter the circumstances.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunny July evening, and we decided to go to a pike-fishing hole I had never taken her to before. We loaded up my 17-foot fibreglass freighter canoe and fishing gear, and off we went.
Shawnalee has always spoken of finding “Walter”, The biggest and baddest slough shark, alligator, snaggle toothed monster of the deep. We had come close many times, and she would give them a kiss and release them
gently back home.
How we managed to catch anything that night after the shenanigans and laughter, I will never know. The fishing was a little bit slow at first, but I warned her about 9 p.m., when the water starts bubbling from the wake of the monsters, aka “the witching hour”.
As the hour approached and the sun started to set, everything went dead quiet, like every small mammal’s heart stopped beating. You could hear a pike fart if you stood still. The water was like black glass, with tips of reeds moving from the alligators below.
We had caught a few smaller ones that we would keep for harvesting. That’s when Shawnalee latched onto a fish that would alter the course of our night.
You can tell pretty much instantly whether you are dealing with a little snot rocket, or Moby Dick himself, by the series of little jerks or a very strong forceful lock down. I could write a book in itself about the many noises and facial expressions Miss Shawnalee Sears makes when something is jerking her rod.
I could tell by the series of “Ooo’s”…and “he’s a bleepin’ big boy, come here!” that she had latched onto a decent-sized fish. It was getting quite dusk-like out, so his dark green body blended perfectly in with the black depths below.
He was surprisingly quiet, barely breaking the surface. But I could tell that he was a doozy by the way he was pulling the boat around. This is when I got my phone out and started videoing the event, which eventually made it onto YouTube.
As Shawnalee slowly directed the sharp-toothed beast alongside the boat, a series of profanity followed by, “He’s too big. He has to go back” made the decision that she was just going to unhook him in the water and let him go.
Now, Shawnalee is notorious for giving fish kisses on the head before releasing them. She is also well-known for her gentle care in setting them loose.
This barracuda must have fallen in love with her; with one flick of a tail, he launched his 42-inch
body out of the water to reveal how big he was, opened his gaping razor mouth, promptly bit her in the face and landed in the boat, thrashing our gear all over the place.
That is when I dropped my phone.
It went from a peaceful beautiful evening to a panicked frenzy as the crocodile was trashing the inside of my boat, throwing tackle, rods and paddles all over the place. Trying to keep my distance from his deadly mouth, I pounced on him and settled him down.
When I looked up, all I saw was blood splattered on Shawna’s face. “Where the heck is all the blood coming from?” I asked. Shawna replied, “Rita, look.”
She pushed her tongue up against her lip to expose a large gash in her upper lip, that opened up like she had been filleted, blood pooling out of the fresh new flap in her face. That’s when I noticed the blood trickling from her opposite eyebrow, where he had sunk his upper tooth.
“So… you want a picture with him?” I inquired. She sarcastically stated “Uhh, yeyaah…duh!”
I realize now how crazy we both were for allowing him another chance to attack her by holding him for a picture. He could have returned for his revenge and finished off turning her face and fingers into shredded cabbage.
Shawnalee gently released Jaws back to the depths, where we knew that even though he was not legal to keep due to his size, one had to wonder whether, if we had fillitted him, he might have saved a few small children’s lives, and a few cute ducky ducks.
Unfortunately. we had to call it
a night, and it was now going to be a long night at emergency getting the cuts cleaned up and sutured. One has to take fishing wounds very seriously, as they have an extremely high rate of infection. We loaded up the boat and gear and were on our way.
While Shawnalee was waiting for medical attention,she texted me a picture of a sharp-toothed beast she found embedded in her canvas sandal. The murderer had actually bitten her foot while thrashing in the boat. I can’t even imagine the look on the doctor’s face when she told him the story. Seven stitches later saw her face put back together. We have had many adventures since then, and she is still on the search for the legendary “Walter”. That evil monster could not have been him, as we believe Walter is a lot kinder.
I usually like to add a lesson or two to each one of my stories, but there really isn’t much to be learned here, except never to underestimate the razor-tooth demons. That fish could easily have sliced Shawnalee’s face into ribbons. She is very lucky she got out of it with just seven stitches. Happy fishing everyone, and keep your rods bent! ■
PHOTOS: Rita Snith Fishing wounds
Pike tooth embedded in Shawnalee’s sandal
Big
Sunday DECEMBER 8, 9 am-1pm
Join Us for Curl for Kids Sake!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon is excited to announce our annual winter fundraiser, Curl for Kids Sake, so mark your calendars.
Whether you’re a seasoned curler or a first-timer, everyone is welcome to participate in our fun curling tournament—no experience is necessary!
Enjoy a delicious lunch while you mingle and support local youth. In addition to the tournament, we’ll have a silent auction with fantastic items, door prizes, and even more activities to keep the day exciting! Bring your own theme this year, so if your team wants to dress up, color coordinate or show up in costume feel free to do so!
Come out, have fun, and support a great cause! Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the territory. We can’t wait to see you there!
To register a team, sponsor the event, or donate a silent auction item, contact Dale Abbott-Smith at: mentoryukon.org 867-668-7911 bbbsyukon@gmail.com
THE HOLIDAY WHERE EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY
Halloween marks a time of year fi lled with yellow leaves, morning frost, pumpkin-spiced everything, spooky décor, dressing up, and a heck of a lot of play time!
Growing up, Halloween was always a wonderful experience. It was the holiday that I always looked forward to and one I continue to look back on with the fondest of memories.
I still remember my mom pulling out the big box of costumes for my sister and me to dig through, my cousins coming over to trick or treat, and Sleepy Hollow playing on the television. Bedtime did not exist that night; we would be out until our feet hurt and our treat bags were heavy and full.
Honestly, Halloween is just the best.
A big part of that is the fact that it is a time of year where kids are truly allowed to just be kids. They’re allowed to be loud, excitable, sugar indulgent, and fully immerse themselves in play. They are encouraged to get dressed up, make-up and all, and become any of the characters their imaginations have dreamt up.
On top of that, they are greeted at each door they go to by adults who are smiling at them and rewarding their acts of play with candy and enthusiasm.
But I think one of the most important amazing things about Halloween is the fact that it isn’t just for kids. No, adults can get in on
the fun and play too.
Children and adults alike are out on the street engaging in playful antics as they enjoy scares, laughs and the crazy decorations. You see just as many adults dressed up and getting into the spooky spirit as you do with the younger folk. Halloween provides an open invitation for people of all ages to let loose and have some fun.
After all, who doesn’t like the idea of dressing up like your favourite character or creature for
a couple of hours–all in an attempt to make people smile (or scream in terror, depending on your sense of humour)?
In my household, Ghostbusters has been a long-standing Halloween tradition. My husband is
a huge fan of the franchise, and Halloween is the perfect opportunity for him to get our son in on the action.
The two of them enjoy going all out, complete with “working” proton packs that the hubby has poured his heart and energy into crafting.
When I see the joy it brings to my four-year-old as he and his dad get dressed up in their matching suits and run around busting
ghosts, I cannot help but feel eternally grateful for this corememory-making moment.
Because play is something that we all need in our lives, especially as we grow older. Our lives get so busy, and the stresses and demands of everyday life take their toll on each of us. That’s why I have learned the importance of embracing those moments where happiness and playfulness can take over.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS:
PARTICIPATE IN YESAB ASSESSMENTS
Curious about projects shaping Yukon’s future and want to participate in their assessments?
YESAB’s neutral assessment process contributes to protecting the environment and the social, economic, and cultural well-being of First Nations and residents.
Public comments play a key role in our assessments. Visit yesab.ca to learn more, and go to yesabregistry.ca to participate in projects.
When we can be silly and let our imaginations take us back to a simpler time of playing with our friends, wearing creepy costumes or some fairy wings, and enjoying a candy bar (or two) without feeling guilty about it.
Halloween truly is the holiday of play. The shy ones can put on a mask and suddenly become the life of the party. The ones who are constantly told to quiet down fi nally get the chance to holler and hoot.
Those who prefer to stay home and give out candy get the chance to make the day for the decorated folks knocking on their doors. And those with a passion for artistry can break out their carving tools for some jack-o-lantern fun.
But for those of you who are not big on dressing up (or Halloween festivities in general), my advice would be to turn off those lights and snuggle under the covers with a loved one and a good ol’ scary movie.
It’s true: everyone is entitled to their share of enjoyment on Halloween. It’s designed that way. Whether you’re on the hunt for enough candy to last you the rest of the year, or just looking to spend some quality time having a blast with a friend or loved one, there is something about this holiday that will work perfectly just for you.
So get out there: trick or treat, bust some ghosts, stay safe, and play! ■
Elsie Jordan made the Yukon her home in 2014. She has a passion for storytelling, with a focus on family (mis)adventures featuring a unique Yukon feel to them.
column with Elsie Jordan
PHOT:O
Elsie Jordan
Mini Ghostbuster
Busting ghosts
SUNDAY UNDAY NOVEMBER OVEMBER 10 0
HALLOWEEN VS MELBOURNE CUP
Which is weirder?
I was 27 when I experienced my fi rst non-Halloween. I was in a youth hostel in Tasmania: a big house perched on the top of a hill that would have made a perfect haunted house. There were no decorations, no bowl of candy by the door, nobody in costume.
I was shocked. I had just assumed that every country celebrates Halloween. I was deeply disappointed, as I had been looking forward to my favourite holiday for weeks.
Nobody else seemed to care. They were sitting around playing guitars and harmonicas in the big lounge room overlooking the town. I soon learned that many of them were Aussies, working as fruit pickers on nearby farms.
They viewed Halloween as a weird American holiday. They told me that Australians are very proud of being unique and don’t like being infl uenced or pushed around by the Americans or British. Their other argument–which I had to agree with–is that letting your kid’s knock on doors and ask strangers for candy is a crazy concept. As a child, I remember my parents cutting up any apples we were given in case they had pins in them. We always dumped our loot onto a sheet for our parents to inspect it.
I told the hostelers about how fun it was to go Halloweening in our neighbourhood, stopping to swap stories with other trick or treaters about which houses were scary, or giving out the best treats. I remember hearing about one that was giving out cans of pop… and regretting going there, because my bag became so heavy.
I also told them about how fun Halloween was as an adult: getting to dress up to go to work, going to the bars and
I don’t think they ever found anything suspicious, but Dad always took all the little Oh Henry! bars.
parties, acting like a different character. But they weren’t im-
pressed. They said that they could have “fancy dress” parties (Aussie for “costume party”) whenever
they wanted. They didn’t have to wait until October 31st.
They did say that Halloween was slowly starting to creep into the country, probably due to the American TV shows they were watching in Australia.
Thirteen years later, I moved to Australia and watched Halloween worming its way in. By the time I left, in 2016, many houses in the newer neighbourhoods were putting out jack-o-lanterns and handing out candy.
The generation of kids that learned about Halloween from watching shows like The Simpsons, and whose parents wouldn’t let them trick or treat, are now letting their kids enjoy the seasonal celebration.
According to surveys done by the Australia Retailers Association and the Roy Morgan research company, that generation is continuing to lead the surge. Over a quarter of the population planned to celebrate Halloween by dressing up, handing out candy, decorating their house,or partying with the 35-49 year olds embracing it the most.
But don’t feel sorry for the rest of the adults, because they get to dress up for their annual celebration of the Melbourne Cup on the
fi rst Tuesday of November.
Dubbed “The Race that Stops the Nation” the Melbourne Cup horse race has been celebrated Australia-wide since 1861.
It is only a public holiday in Victoria (the state of which Melbourne is the capital), but quite a few adults around Australia take the afternoon off, don their fanciest clothes and fascinator hats (a big fl ower or design clipped to their hair), and go to their local race course to party and place some bets.
Businesses decorate their stores. Many adults don’t go to their local races, but still dress up to go to work for the day. Tipping contests are organized in staff rooms where you can bet $1, $2 or $5 to draw a horse’s name out of a hat and win the pot if your horse wins.
More serious punters can place bets at their closest bookmakers or local racetrack.
At 3 p.m., most televisions are tuned into the famous horse race. Many businesses lock their doors. And everyone watches the race–which. Which is over in less than four minutes!
And Aussies think Halloween is weird. Go fi gure. ■
column with Donna Lawther
Donna Lawther is a long-time Yukoner, pour-painting artist and author of Harry the Hug Monster.
PHOTOS: Donna Lawther
Halloween meets the Melbourne Cup
The 2013 Myer Fashions on the Field competition at the Melbourne Cup
Back from my first time out trick or treating when I was three
1000 TICKETS PRINTED!
1000 TICKETS PRINTED!
2024 Remembrance Day
This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony is taking place at the Canada Games Centre. Remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, by wearing the Legion’s Red Poppy
Money raised is used to provide assistance to our Veterans, to support youth & senior activities and to provide medical assistance
Join us at the Canada Games Centre on NOVEMBER 11th at 10:20 am for the Remembrance Day Ceremony. Everyone is invited.
Whitehorse Transit will be 9:30am to 10:15 and 11:45 to 12:15 Bus Times: 9:30, 9:45, 10:00, 10:15 to CGC and 11:45, 12:00, 12:15 from CGC
Our Yukon Veterans paid for our freedom through their sacrifices, at the cost of their lives or with lifelong injuries.
Proudly wear the poppy as a sign of Remembrance of the sacrifices made by Veterans.
