18 minute read
The Art of Housesitting
Freelance with Gabrielle Dupont
Gabrielle Dupont is an adventurous spirit who loves to travel across the territory to discover hidden treasure.
SO YOU WANNA BE A HOUSE-SITTER …
Do’s and don’ts when caring for someone’s home
In the coming months, just like elegant trumpeter swans, many Yukoners will flock to warmer climates in search of sand and vitamin D. Even more so now with lifted pandemic travel restrictions. And, once again, the question of who will take care of “Rufus the dog” and “Tina the aloe vera” will pop up in the mind of eager travellers. Even in the absence of pets or plants, making sure the heating system still performs, as it should, is a prime concern for outbound homeowners. A trusted house-sitter is the answer for many.
House-sitting is quite common these days, and some advertise their services year-round. For the house-sitter, it allows a change of scenery from their own place or an opportunity to get pet love without the onus of pet ownership. But a good house-sitter is not just anybody you give your house key to.
If house-sitting is on your mind, these few tips will help you become the sought-after golden house-sitter.
Do your due diligence. Know what you are putting yourself through. Understand exactly what is expected of you and anything required in taking care of pets, plants and property. Looking after a house in Vancouver is not the same as in Whitehorse. Have an orientation visit before the actual house-sitting starts. You may want to make a list of questions first and bring it with you. Just as in any trusted relationship between human beings, good communication is golden. Be honest about what you feel comfortable doing (or not doing).
Experienced house-sitters have deal-breakers in order to decline house-sitting opportunities. Don’t hesitate to do so if you think you are being asked to bite off more than you can chew. Are you comfortable being out of town or in a house on water delivery? What about in a condo that backs onto a busy and noisy alley? Or taking care of a sick dog?
Speaking of pets, be certain to meet any animals, beforehand, that you will be caring for. It is much less stressful for both humans and animals to establish contact and trust while the owner is still around. Be clear about the degree of care you are willing to provide. This could be medicating a cat or bathing a dog. Discuss scenarios when it would be appropriate to bring the pet to the vet (and when not to).
Having a way to communicate with pet or property owners, while they are away, is essential. Do ask for emergency contacts, even if it means calling to a foreign country. For long stays, having a local contact, as well, is preferred. Make sure you have a roof over your head if the owners come back earlier than planned.
Taking care of a property can be intimidating for non-homeowners, but it can also be a fabulous opportunity to learn new skills. Starting a generator, keeping an eye on a water pump, and driving on sketchy rural roads can all be apprenticing for when your turn comes to own a place.
Heating and power issues are common. And just like Murphy’s law, when you think it could not get worse, it does. A dead furnace opens the door to frozen water pipes, which turns into cracked pipes and a flooded basement. Besides that, you are cold too. Would you know what to do?
Some house-sitters will not look after properties solely heated by wood. Even if you are knowledgeable and confident around a wood stove, ask for a demonstration on how to start a fire and reload the stove. Wood stoves come in many sizes and ways of operating. Don’t think that because you are familiar with your stove that it will be the same at your house-sit location. Ask when the chimney was last swept. If you are not comfotable with the answer, say so.
Most house-sitters receive money in exchange for their services—but not all. If you would like a token amount of gas money for looking after a rural property, have a discussion about it. A dent in your budget should not be a consequence of your house-sitting engagement.
If it helps, write an agreement about money, animal care and property maintenance. Do your homework; it will pay off in case of troubles.
House-sitting is a great way to experience diverse neighbourhoods and to learn new skills. Plus, you get to hang out with cool pets and with Tina the aloe vera. n PHOTO: Pixabay
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or email them to: events@whatsupyukon.com Please visit whatsupyukon.com for up to date event details. Some events may be postponed or cancelled after we print.
ART SHOWS
Until Dec 22 Suitcase Stories by Teegatha Oh Zhe Yukon Arts Centre Explores the Intersection of Art and Disability. Until Dec 24 Gold by Yukon Art Society Members Arts Underground New works by our members in a wide range of media, all based around a central theme. This year, artists have created pieces reflecting the theme ‘gold’. Until Jan 22 A God Show by the
Southern Lakes Artist Collective
Yukon Arts Centre Featuring Joyce Majiski, Helen O’Connor , Sandra Storey, Donald Watt, and many more. Until Feb 25 Archival Gold Favourites from the Vault Arts Underground Held in the Hougen Heritage Gallery, open for viewing Tue-Sat noon to 5 pm Until April 2023 Dis Orientation:
New Acquisitions to the Yukon
Permanent Art Collection Jim Smith Building There are more than 500 works by 275 artists in the collection.
LIVE MUSIC
Wed Dec 14 Whitewater Wednesday Night Jam 7:00 PM The Local Bar a open mic kinda show and all you have to do is bring in your instrument, find Jack and/or Peggy and we’ll set you up! No need to be shy. Wed Dec 14 VVinyl VVednesdays 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well Every Wednesday a local record junkie will be showcasing their collections for you, and maybe sometimes trade or buy. Thu Dec 15 Live Music Thursdays 7:00 PM 98 Hotel Thu Dec 15 Well Played - Open Mic 7:00 PM Old fashioned drop in Open Mic - Every Thursday - Hosted by Jon Eastlander! - Show up and write down your name, players will be called up in order. Thu Dec 15 Live DJs - Thursday Throwdown 9:00 PM The Local Bar Fri Dec 16 The Bleeders, Super Cycle & Spank Karr 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well Sat Dec 17 Music For Breakfast 9:00 AM 98 Hotel the last Saturday of every month. All New Members to The Breakfast Club Welcome. Music lasts until noon Sun Dec 18 Carols by Candlelight 7:00 PM Riverdale Baptist Church Everyone welcome! Free event! Christmas songs sung by candlelight, hot apple cider, cookies and a chocolatey treat to take home. Mon Dec 19 Live Music
Mondays at Whiskey Jacks
7:00 PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill Patrick Jacobson at Whiskey Jack’s every Monday with a weekly “feature performer” for the last set. https://www. whiskeyjacks.ca/ Tue Dec 20 Song in the Dark 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre A celebration of the human voice in song, chorus and spoken word. New compositions / writings include work by Scott Maynard, Ben Johnston-Urey, poet Peter Jickling, and Daniel Janke. http:// longestnight.ca/ Tue Dec 20 Open Mic Night with Patrick Jacobson 7:00 PM Best Western Gold Pan Saloon Performers are encouraged to bring their own instrument and mic. All are welcome. No cover.
GENERAL EVENTS
Until Dec 20 12 Days of Christmas Market 9:00 AM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Local indoor marketplace offering Yukon hand crafted and grown products from over 100 local vendors. Find unique art and crafts, farm products, specialty foods, preserves, spices, baked goods, body products, photography, books, and much more. Until Dec 21 Spruce Bog Boutique 10:00 AM Featuring original designs and handmade gifts of local artists and craftspeople toys, jewellery, ceramics, clothing and art, this is the perfect time to pick up an excellent handcrafted gift. Wed Dec 14 Spanish Conversation Group 12:00 PM Whitehorse United Church For more info Louise 867-687-7238 or Michele 867-333-6081 Wed Dec 14 Line Dancing 1:00 PM Golden Age Society Wed Dec 14 ArtWings Whitehorse 5:00 PM Best Western Gold Rush Inn Are you interested in arts around Whitehorse, want to be more social = better arts, wings are half price, Jacob and Norah from Nakai facilitating. Wed Dec 14 Texas Hold’ Em 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights! Wed Dec 14 Devotion 7:00 PM An aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the inspirational true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots. https://bit.ly/3XZNQcG Wed Dec 14 Intermediate Bluegrass Jam 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 A fun and relaxed jam, medium tempos, bluegrass and related genres (old-time, classic country, etc). Lots of opportunities to take a solo if you want, but not at all required. Email ian.boyce@ northwestel.netfor more info. Thu Dec 15 Public Speaking
Training - Toastmasters
12:00 PM Northwestel Building Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics to help you with presentations and speaking in front of people. Thu Dec 15 Lights of Life Opening Ceremony Elijah Smith Building 12:00 PM Let’s remember our loved ones together as we hang red tags. Whitehorse choirs will join us with gentle music during this well-loved community event. Hope to see you there. Thu Dec 15 Winter Solstice Member Celebration 4:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Members get together to celebrate the holiday season, potluck, drinks and prizes to be won. Thu Dec 15 Prayer 7:00 PM Mountainview Church We take some time to connect with one another to praise God and pray for our church, our leadership, our city, and anything else in our hearts.. Thu Dec 15 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.
Thu Dec 15 The Polar Express 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. Stars Tom Hanks. https://bit.ly/3F4V8Va Thu Dec 15 Devotion 8:00 PM An aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the inspirational true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots. https://bit.ly/3XZNQcG Fri Dec 16 Yukon NDP Open House 11:00 AM Join the Yukon NDP team for our annual holiday open house. Snacks and good conversations will be served! Donations for the outreach van are welcome.
Fri Dec 16 Dufflebag Theatres – A Christmas Carol 7:00 PM Yukon Arts Centre An exuberant version of the Charles Dickens yuletide classic! The main parts are played by audience members and the resulting hilarity promises a memorable experience for all! Suitable for the whole family. www.yukontickets.com
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Better Buildings
Get low-cost funding for improving your home or building’s energy use.
You can get up to $50,000 to reduce your home’s energy consumption. Property owners can get up to $100,000 to reduce the carbon emissions of their commercial and institutional buildings. Find out how to qualify for Better Buildings funding at yukon.ca/better-buildings. Contact Energy Branch energy@yukon.ca 867-393-7063 or 1-800-661-0408 and ask to be transferred.
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Fri Dec 16 Avatar: The Way of Water 7:00 PM Yukon Theatre Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https://bit.ly/3W08t6y Sat Dec 17 Yukon Amateur
Radio Association Coffee
Discussion Group 8:45 AM A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those are interested are welcome to join us in this casual event. Sat Dec 17 Barking Dawg Artists Market 11:00 AM 142 Mt Sima Road Snacks, beverages and amazing work by an eclectic group of artists! Sat Dec 17 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. Sat Dec 17 Avatar: The Way of Water 2:00 & 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https://bit.ly/3W08t6y Sat Dec 17 After Dark – A Cabaret 7:00 PM Blackbox Theatre a night of free food, talented performers, and stunning visual effects. This event is for ages 19+ only. https://bit. ly/3gtunQF Sat Dec 17 Yukon Outfitters Association Fall Round-Up 8:30 PM Alkan Air Ltd Banquet and dance featuring live country music performance by Tim Hus, and silent auction. https://bit.ly/3i1pRtg Sun Dec 18 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 Sun Dec 18 Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone Sun Dec 18 Whitehorse United Church Worship Service 10:30 AM a caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth. Sun Dec 18 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. Sun Dec 18 Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church Sun Dec 18 Avatar: The Way of Water 2:00 & 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https://bit.ly/3W08t6y Sun Dec 18 After Dark – A Cabaret 7:00 PM Blackbox Theatre a night of free food, talented performers, and stunning visual effects. This event is for ages 19+ only. https://bit. ly/3gtunQF Sun Dec 18 Author Reading with Jason Lane 7:00 PM WellRead Books Jason Lane will be reading his fantasy story from the recently released anthology We Who Are About to Die. The event is open to all. Mon Dec 19 Welding 101 5:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn basic welding in the 4 hour welding class. https://bit. ly/3FZR1uh Mon Dec 19 Euchre - For
Members and Signed in Guests
6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Euchre a trick-taking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you can sign in 2 guests MAX Mon Dec 19 & Tue Dec 20 Avatar: The Way of Water 6:30 PM Yukon Theatre Follows the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. https:// bit.ly/3W08t6y Tue Dec 20 Men’s Community Group Mountainview Church 5:30 PM We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests. Tue Dec 20 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 Tue Dec 20 Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us! Tue Dec 20 New Member Orientation 5:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Get comfortable in the Yukonstruct space, register online. Tue Dec 20 Woodshop Orientation 6:30 PM Yukonstruct Makespace Learn about the Yukonstruct wood shop and each piece of woodworking equipment. Participants will each get handson practice with some of the machines. https://bit.ly/WUY-hHU Tue Dec 20 10 Card Crib 6:30 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 https://bit.ly/3oWjB5W KIDS & FAMILIES
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays LAB Drop-In 12:00 AM Heart Of Riverdale For grades 8+, make beats, write, eat food. Tuesdays Baby Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Rhymes, music, stories, movement, art & outside time. Ages 6 - 24 months & caregiver, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Free drop-in.. Tuesdays Toddler Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Rhymes, music, stories, movement, art & outside time. Ages 2 - 4 yrs. & caregiver, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Free drop-in. Tuesdays Free Super Smash Bros. 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe All skill levels welcome! Please bring your own controller, and if you have a Nintendo Switch and/ or Gamecube controller adapter please bring them so that we can have multiple setups. Wednesdays Warhammer
Wednesdays - Age of Sigmar
5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Every Wednesday Thursdays Kill Team Thursdays 5:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe 6685750 Units can be drawn from both the core book, elite book, Kill team annual and white dwarf. Fridays Fridays Standard Format - Magic: The Gathering 6:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Legal sets = Ixalan, Rivals of Ixalan, Dominaria, Core Set 2019, Guilds of Ravnica, Ravnica Allegiance.Banned Cards = Rampaging Ferocidon Saturdays Pokemon Saturdays 12:00 PM Titan Gaming Cafe Call 668-5750 for more info. Wed Dec 14 Polarettes Preschool/Family Drop In 11:00 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club enjoy the gym as a giant indoor play space. A great place to practise skills or just play and explore! Open gym is for members only. Wed Dec 14 Strange World 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre A family of explorers attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.Tickets online or at the door. Fri Dec 16 Strange World 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre A family of explorers attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.Tickets online or at the door. Sat Dec 17 Strange World 2:00 & 6:30 PM Yukon Theatre A family of explorers attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.Tickets online or at the door. Sat Dec 17 One Starry Night 2:00 PM Christ the King Elementary A live nativity scene and then share the experience of Bethlehem in the school gym, along with snacks and games. Sat Dec 17 Polarettes
Preschool/Family Drop In
3:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club enjoy the gym as a giant indoor play space. A great place to practise skills or just play and explore! Open gym is for members only. Sat Dec 17 Kids Night Out 5:00 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club Register your child for a night of fun, games, snacks, and a movie. Parents get the night out you deserve! www.polarettes.org Sun Dec 18 One Starry Night 5:00 PM Christ the King Elementary A live nativity scene and then share the experience of Bethlehem in the school gym, along with snacks and games. Sun Dec 18 Strange World 2:00 & 6:30 PM Yukon Theatre A family of explorers attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures.Tickets online or at the door. Mon Dec 19 One Starry Night 2:00 PM Christ the King Elementary A live nativity scene and then share the experience of Bethlehem in the school gym, along with snacks and games. Mon Dec 19 Whitehorse Go Club 6:00 PM A&W Tue Dec 20 Stranger Christmas
– an 80s Themed Holiday Party
7:30 The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre Join us for a night of karaoke, trivia, and the splendour of the 1980’s when our annual holiday party heads ‘back to the future.’ Ages 12-18 ONLINE EVENTS
Wednesdays Live And Online Kundalini Yoga 8:00 AM Online Kriya, mudra, and mantra awaken your body and focus the mind. We will follow one sequence until you are able to find yourself in the flow, before moving on. Unfold to your own nature: do what feels good, soak in the good vibes, and watch this beautiful practice transform you. Kundalini has a powerful effect on the endocrine system, improving lymph drainage, hormonal balance, and mood. Wednesdays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www.rootedtreemassage. com/book-online. Fridays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community 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.you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/bookonline Mondays Yoga Wake up Flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help 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. Tuesdays Mental Health Awareness and Support Online it is essential that people build capacity to support those with mental health concerns. https://bit. ly/3GTz6T5
