What's Up Yukon, October 16 2024

PHOTO: Bruce Barrett Photography

GREY MATTERS

Deborah McNevin is a relatively long-time Yukoner and a relatively short-time senior, part of the writers’

Sat on the park bench like bookends.”

- Simon & Garfunkel, 1968

Those of us of a certain age will now have this song stuck in our ears all day. The haunting melody–shades of melancholy paired with quiet contentment–is a perfect match for October. Harvest is in, thanks are given, and fall slides into winter.

It’s a good time of year to spend some time reflecting on friends and friendships. The friends don’t have to be old, of course, and neither do the friendships. You don’t have to talk every day or every week.

You might be close friends like friends in your ‘gang’. You might be less close but still valued friends like bridge buddies, political cronies, friends of the family, Facebook friends, sports aficionados, or online gamers/posters. You may have many values in common or you may just value your differing perspectives.

The main factors are that you like them and you are glad to see them when you do.

There are some friends you may no longer be in touch with, whether it’s because they’ve swept past the mortal curtain, they are too far away, or for other reasons. Last year two of my good, longtime friends left us. I miss both of them dreadfully, but I get to think about the memories I still carry in my heart.

Sometimes I hear their voices, too, particularly when either one would have been prepared to offer some good advice or express their exasperation. “Deborah, just go with it; it doesn’t matter in the long run.” “Deborah, time to rattle some chains.”

Whenever I hear a bawdy Eng-

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SUSTAINABILITY: Eileen brings years of experience in fostering collaboration among diverse groups. As a councillor, she will work to advance Whitehorse as a leader in municipal sustainability, ensuring that the city’s future is shaped by inclusive, community-driven initiatives.

LET’S CONNECT!

Explore Eileen’s approach on key issues by following on Facebook and visiting the website.

Cell: 867-336-1499

Email: eileenforcouncil@gmail.com

C Eileen MelnychukforWhitehorseCityCouncil Website: www.eileenforcouncil.ca

lish song–which isn’t often these days–I smile and think of one friend who had a very wicked sense of humour plus a great sense of fun, and could readily belt out all the words.

When I’m planning a trip somewhere, I think of my travel buddy who would admonish me to stop vacillating and just pick a place. “Settle for good and don’t worry about perfect,” she would say. That advice still helps me tremendously.

There are friends I hang out with on a regular basis. Sometimes there are little irritants that crop up here and there, but nothing we can’t get past and still stay friends. Our tolerance for each other’s peccadillos and peculiarities has increased over many years, as has our pleasure in each other’s company. At least, I hope so!

The older I get, the more I realize just how valuable friendship is. It is so worth time and energy to cultivate the ones I am lucky enough to still have, and to see if I can grow others.

One downside of not having had children is that I find it difficult to develop intergenerational friendships. I will keep an eye

open for opportunities suitable for my health and my ability.

I do find it interesting how few friendships from the workplace survive retirement. Without the regular interactions at work, it does take some attention and energy to maintain those friendships we value.

I count myself fortunate that I have some friends held over from that very long-ago time.

Friendships can be fragile. Sometimes an off-the-cuff comment can be taken as a firm commitment. Sometimes offence can be taken if you don’t wave and say Hi. This can be a major problem for those of us with sometimes iffy eyesight, or who don’t recognize people with hats/sunglasses/ masks.

The pandemic was hard on friendships for all kinds of reasons. Studies are showing we are now facing a pandemic of loneliness, and there are recommendations that doctors look at “social prescriptions” as loneliness can be bad for your health.

In this month of October, I hope that all of us can include our friends when we give thanks or when we list things for which we are grateful. I know I will. ■

Whitehorse Chamber Orchestra and Ballet

Friends taking a moment together

column with Deborah McNevin

collective for this column.

PHOTO: Aszak on Pixabay

AInside Lonnie Powell’s therapeutic drop-in drum circle.

s Lonnie Powell will tell you, “rhythm is everything.”

From the way we walk and talk to the sounds of nature, there’s a rhythm to everything. Taking some time to consciously experience those rhythms can help connect us to ourselves, nature and each other, according to Powell–and that’s what his Whitehorse Community Drum Circle (WCDC) is all about.

After taking a hiatus when life and work, drumming constantly for various artists, just got too busy and Powell was hit with a bout of burnout, he’s gotten the community drum circle he started alongside friend and collaborator, Dave Haddock, back up and running this fall. And he says he’s excited to get back into the groove.

“I’m really looking forward to just approaching it from a more ‘let it be’ perspective,” Powell says. “The circle itself is uplifting; I’m not going to go into the research about the neurological and psychological benefits–I’d say to most people, just show up and drum and see how it feels.”

Powell says managing the circle

and trying to carry all the participating drummers was his mistake–he’s learned that the right move is to facilitate the circle and step back to let the drummers do as they will.

“You get the circle going, and you get its momentum,” he explains.

Having dealt with addiction throughout his life, Powell credits drumming with both introducing him to a world of vices and helping pull him out of that lifestyle.

It was nearly 30 years ago that he participated in his first drumming circle in a treatment centre.

Eventually, he found himself visiting treatment centres to talk with patients and try to connect with them, when a friend suggested he bring in drumming as a way to connect and a form of therapy.

“I had never done much handdrumming,” Powell says. “Now, I love it.”

Having played on massive global stages with well-known musicians during his prolific career, leading a drumming circle was a much different, more grounding experience for Powell.

“There was this equilateral sense,” he says. “I’m playing with

them, not at them.”

While many participants come to the WCDC as beginning drummers, some never having drummed at all, Powell says each person is able to get something individual out of the experience, while being brought together by it.

He talks about Lillian Strauss, a participant who passed away in 2022, praising her childlike wonder and enthusiasm and saying she was a huge part of the community the drum circle facilitated.

“She was one of the first ones to talk to me about what it was doing for her, therapeutically,” he says. “It wasn’t so much the technique, it was the fact that she was so unapologetic and so into it, and I wish I could be more like that.”

The Whitehorse Community Drum Circle usually happens weekly or biweekly. Drums are provided and a donation may be requested on entry to each session. To learn more about the drum circle, and to find out where, when and how to get involved, search Whitehorse Community Drum Circle on Facebook and join the private group.

“Come and find your groove,” says Powell. “I’ve had many people say they can’t drum, and within weeks they’re buying a drum and I can’t get them out of the door.” ■

PHOTO: Lonnie Powell

Lonnie Powell’s therapeutic drop-in drum circle

GIDIOMATIC ORIGINS

Josephine Holmes is a copy editor and a freelance writer who grew up on the Prairies but whose heart definitely belongs in the North and to her granddaughters (the only ones allowed to call her “Grammy”). For this column only, she is exposing her somewhat-redneck roots.

rowing up on the Prairies hardly seems to qualify me as somewhat of a redneck, but I admit there has been this part of me, until now, that has secretly believed I am one. Come to think of it, I grew up listening to expressions such as “If the good Lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise” and “Bless your heart” (only it wasn’t really a blessing … more of an insult).

Then, about 15 years ago, some friends brought over Jeff Foxworthy’s You Might Be A Redneck If… Game, and—dang it if I didn’t get every single one of the questions right (not kidding!). We nearly killed ourselves laughing, so I’ve ordered it for Christmas this year and will take the Redneck litmus test one more time … just to double-check.

Recently, I met someone in the Qwanlin Mall parking lot who greeted me with “Hi, it’s been a long time!” I instantly shot back, “It’s been a coon’s age!” Then I burst out laughing and told her I had never, in my life, used that expression and hoped I never would again.

or three years in the wild, but up to 20 in captivity. Well, there’s a perfect example of quality over quantity

long time—perhaps over a span of months or even years.

Then I was surprised, unpleasantly, to read that the word coon, used as a stand-alone, was and still is a racial slur. Never to be confused with “in a coon’s age”.

You’re unlikely to hear this expression, unless you have a redneck friend like me. You’re more likely to hear expressions similar in meaning, such as “forever and a day”, “in eons” (not ions … a mistake I’ve made), “in ages”, or “for an eternity” (love the hyperbole in that last one, especially as an eternity could quite literally span someone’s lifetime).

A polar opposite of this idiom would be “in a heartbeat”. Or, “in a New York minute”. I don’t believe I’ve heard that expression used before, other than in song lyrics or in books or movies. Not in realtime, though I am now definitely going to look for an opportunity to use it.

But it got me thinking about that near-extinct expression. How long does a raccoon live, anyway? I wondered as I turned the ignition in my KIA, still smiling. As it turns out, they may live only two

Now, for the idiomatic origin of “in a coon’s age”. Somewhere in the mid-1800s, this American expression took hold. The raccoon took first prize in a competition against crows (“in a crow’s age”) when folks realized that raccoons lived longer than crows. And despite the relatively-short lifespan of a coon, the expression itself conveyed the idea of a very

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How long is a New York minute? Well, I’m guessing it’s in the blink of an eye, which is 0.1 to 0.4 seconds, according to the Harvard Database of Useful Biological Numbers (bionumbers.hms.harvard.edu/search. aspx), or as quick as a wink (I bet you’ve blinked just reading this sentence).

Anyhoo, thanks for hangin’ in with me for this idiomatic origin … It seems like a coon’s age. ■

You can expect friendly and welcoming care in an environment that relaxes even the most anxious patients. We all love what we do, and look forward to welcoming you and your family to our practice.

column with Josephine Holmes

PHOTO: wal_172619/Pixabay

A Coon’s Age

WEREWOLVES OF WHITEHORSE, AROOO… “Silent Horror Film Night”

“Clap for the Wolfman, he gonna rate your record high, Clap for the Wolfman, you gonna dig him till the day you die…” - The Guess Who Open Pit Theatre is offering an opportunity to indeed clap for the Wolfman, in all its venerable, cinematic glory. Released in 1941,

it is just one of the movies in the lineup of the Silent Horror Film Night, a fundraiser for the theatre company being held on October 26.

But the audience will be clapping to more than just the vintage classics on display. The celluloid gems on-screen will be polished with concurrent live performances, both musical and theatrical.

Two well-known local musicians will improvise an original soundtrack–live–as the action unfolds. Andy Slade will be tickling

the ivories on piano, while Olivier Clements jazzes up the proceedings on trumpet.

Bringing a third level of creativity to the show, Kate Clark is leading a troupe of actors. These masters of the macabre are tasked with inventing dialogue for the misters, monsters and madams miming their mutterings in these movies!

“They’re all very talented, and it’s always a lot of fun,” says Geneviève Doyon, co-artistic dir-

ector of Open Pit. “The actors are very funny, and on some films there will only be the musicians, so they can get as loud and as crazy as they want!”

Doyon says they have run similar events in the past, but the timing of this year’s event was an opportunity to get foolish and ghoulish. And that includes the audience members.

“It’s a dress-up event,” Doyon said. “We wanted to have a spooky feel because it’s just before Halloween, and people here seem to really like their costumes. And we have a photo booth as well.”

The playlist includes ‘The House of Ghosts,’ ‘The Man Who Laughs,’ and a German expressionist film that some consider the first horror movie, ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’.

While horror is the theme, the event will still include one of the most popular activities from past fundraisers. The paper airplane

contest was introduced to honour Air North, Yukon’s Airline, a sponsor of the theatre company. But Doyon says it has become a crowd favourite.

“People wait for it and practise at home. They really get into it,” she said. “They get really competitive and into their planemaking. And it’s really exciting to see a hundred planes going all at once.”

The contest also has an exciting prize. The plane that comes closest to the target wins a return flight from Air North. Other prizes include a punch pass for the Eclipse Nordic hot springs, and a print with hand-applied gold leaf by local artist Rosemary Scanlon.

The event gets underway at the Old Fire Hall, at 7:30 p.m. on October 26. ■

HOW ARE THINGS UNDER THE HOOD OF YOUR CAR?

Have you had a look under your hood, how are your fluid levels, what about your belts and hoses. Most owners manuals show you where to check fluids at, if you have to add any fluids make sure they are the ones for your car. The belts and hoses are sometimes a little harder to check, if you are unable to check them or have any questions, take your car to your mechanic so they can have a look at it for you.

Geneviève Doyon

PHOTO: Courtesy of Open Pit Theatre

Geneviève Doyon (R) with Olivier de Colombe

PHOTO: Universal Pictures

The Wolf Man (1941)

PHOTO: Universal Pictures

Scene from The Wolf Man (1941)

column with Mike Linder

Mike Linder is a writer whose heart remains

THE MIMICKING CREATURE

In mid-September 2008, I was conducting a 10-day investigation expedition around Squanga Lake and Little Squanga Lake, some 125 km southeast of Whitehorse, along the Alaska Highway.

The aim was to check out a number of occurrences that had been reported to me from around these lakes.

I had spent time around Little Squanga Lake and the connecting river for a few days. I noted a few interesting locations, but no specific activity or signs of our bushman. On Day 6, I moved on to Squanga.

I checked out campsites close to Hall Creek; nothing to my satisfaction. But I did find a dry piece of land on the west side, across from Hall Creek, where I planned to spend the last four days mostly observing the creek.

This campsite was about a metre above the waterline with enough room for my tent, a campfire and a chair, open on the lake side and a boreal type forest around the other sides.

All was quiet during the first couple days and nights. I had spent some time gathering wood for the fire, fishing for pike–that sort of thing. However, on Day 7, I heard movement to the west side of my campsite, in a deeply forested area of spruce trees. This movement did not bother me; probably a moose, I figured.

During that evening there were a few movements as well, closer it would appear, but I could not make out any specific details. I was under the impression that something was trying to check me out, to see what I was doing. Still, it did not bother me; I just kept on my guard.

That night was quiet, or at least I did not hear anything. At about 7 a.m. on Day 8, my first breath of cold air resulted in coughing. Then something coughed as well–just inside the forest line it seemed, not about the lake, nor an echo.

I coughed a few more times. Sure enough, mimicking coughs responded to mine: more and more refined, clearer and closer, it seemed.

While at camp during the previous days I had yelled on a few occasions, checking for an echo, and basically letting any possible bushmen know of my location … a trick often used by investigators while out in the bush.

I went about my business, lit the campfire, put on the coffee, sat by the fire to keep warm, and ate my breakfast in silence.

A while later I could hear movements once again … soft shuffles in the near vicinity. What could it be? My mind went through the list of possible animals, to no avail. The movement came from a bipedal entity, something heavy was clearly walking on two feet,

ambulating.

Sensing there may well be a Sasquatch close by, I placed my camera within easy reach, just in case this might be my lucky day for a photo.

But things changed, and quickly; for some unknown reason a confused feeling came over me, I gradually acquired a strange, deep feeling of uneasiness, a sense of fear for no apparent reason; hairs became erect on the back of my neck, and I was not feeling good at all.

I tried to put my mind at ease, to consider all possibilities, trying to make sense of it all. But to no avail; it seemed to get worse.

By now, I sensed I was not wanted in this location–a sort of sickening apprehension that something bad would soon happen. I became dizzy, moving slowly, totally confused. I decided it was time to leave, got busy taking the tent down, packing the gear in my canoe, killed the fire and got going.

More than two hours had passed since I started feeling uneasy. Where did the time go? Was it so bad that I lost my sense of time?

As I slowly paddled back to the main campground where I had left my truck, my mind gradually started clearing. But the questions still remain: what had happened? What was doing the mimicking? ■

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

Before his unfortunate passing in September, Red Grossinger was a retired major in the Royal Canadian Air Force, past president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 254, an outdoor enthusiast and Sasquatch investigator. This was his final column for What’s Up Yukon.

PHOTO: Courtesy of the author

Campsite on Squanga Lake

ATLIN 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

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

Soccer 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec Centre Volleyball 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Basketball 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Sundays

/ Softball 7:00 PM LSCFN Ball Diamond Archery 1:00 PM Carmacks School

FARO

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

HAINES JUNCTION

Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at: Little Green Apple

Sat Oct 19 Fire Cider Making

Workshop 2:00 PM Haines Junction, Yukon A cozy fall time workshop, Fire Cider is an age-old winter time tonic used to support the immune system and help ward off colds and flus, learn how to make this tasty folk medicine. Sat Oct 26 Halloween Costume & Dance Party 8:00 PM St. Elias

Convention Centre Bring in the spooky season, come dressed in your costume and dance your heart out! Tue Oct 29 Haines Junction

Community Association AGM 6:00

PM St. Elias Convention 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

Second and fourth Wednesday of every month Village Council meetings 7:00 PM St. Elias Convention Centre Village Council meetings are also held the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. [Remote attendance only]

Mondays

Fun with Food 3:30 PM St. Elias

Community School Learn new skills, share recipes and take food home!

Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM St. Elias

Community School Meet in the school

gym

Tuesdays

Romp & Run 11:30 AM Bill Brewster

Arena Drop in. Programming is for kids 4 and under and their parents/ caregivers.

Tea & Bannock – Haines Junction 1:00 PM https://whatsupyukon. events/tea-bannock-68ab07

Men’s and women’s sewing group 1:00 PM Mun kų

BGC Game Night 3:30 PM St. Elias

Community School Play, have fun, build skills and challenge your friends

Wednesdays

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

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.

COMMUNITY EVENTS... cont’d

DAWSON CITY

Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at: Dawson City General Store

Until Oct 17 Sharp Teeth - Curated by Sanaa Humayun ODD Gallery - Dënäkär Zho This body of work satirizes the use of feminine visual aesthetics in pop culture, and how this package can be reclaimed for a body of work that is holding tender relationships.

Thu Oct 17 Nico Paulo with guest Jared Klok 7:30 PM Dënäkär Zho KIAC Ballroom Nico Paulo is a Portuguese/ Canadian songwriter, performer, and visual artist. https://kiac.ca/calendarof-events/

Fri Oct 25 Food & Film Night 5:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Come out and feast on lasagna made by some of Dawson City’s best chefs. Vote for your favorite! Dinner will be followed by a screening of short films by Dawson City filmmakers

MONTHLY

1st Saturday of every month Coffee House & Open Mic Night Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) 7:00 PM family-friendly open mic night at KIAC. Admission by donation with all funds raised donated to a different community group each month. Last coffee house of the season May 4 to resume in the fall of 2024.

Weekly

Mondays

Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in 6:309pm Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with pottery. Newcomers

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

are welcome, though little instruction is provided. KIAC Classroom, back door.

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.

Summer Volleyball 7:30 PM Victory Gardens Outdoor Volleyball 18+ Free, drop-in - check both Victory Garden and Minto Park will take place at Minto Park until the grass is in at Victory Garden.

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) Selfguided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing.

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.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!

e Honourable Adeline Webber, Commissioner of Yukon is pleased to announce that Nominations are now open for:

e Order of Yukon

e Commissioner’s Bravery Award and e Commissioner’s Public Service Volunteer Award.

Deadline is October 27, 2024

For more information on the nomination processes commissionerofyukon.ca/awards

Phone: 667-5121

Email: nominations@yukon.ca

CFYT Trivia Night The Drunken

Goat Fun filled night of Trivia. Every other Wednesday. A variety of trivia categories! Come with your team or 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!

Fridays

Cards & Conversation 1:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/dawson-legion8336c3

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.

Saturdays

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 867-993-3734 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

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

Wed Oct 16 Halloween Planning

Meeting 7:30 PM Teslin Lake

Recreation Centre Take part in making this a great community event.

Tue Oct 22 Youth Moving Mountains 3:15 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Centre To register call 390-2530

Tue Oct 22 Season Kick off, Registration, Parent Meeting & AGM 6:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Centre 6:30 PM Registration & Parent meeting, 7:00 PM AGM, we aim to start practice Oct 30. Must be registered before being allowed to step on the ice!

Mondays

AA: Teslin Group (O) 7:00 PM

Catholic Church Rectory

Tuesdays

Adult Slo Pitch League 6:30 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

Adult Slo Pitch League 8:00 PM Teslin Lake Recreation Complex

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

The spectacular dancing Northern Lights are showcased, a

A copy editor and former editor of What’s Up Yukon, Ken Bolton has spilled more than a quarter-million freelance words over the magazine’s dam over the years.

FREEDOM. AND HEALING

Portuguese-Canadian is carving a niche as a singersongwriter … and keeping her options open

Nico Paulo was only two when she moved with her parents from Toronto to Portugal, where she spent her growing-up years.

“I had just graduated from design school in Lisbon and was looking for an internship. My parents said maybe I could take advantage of my dual citizenship. I was curious about it, too, so I moved to Toronto.”

It didn’t take long before being exposed to, and inspired by, her birth city’s lively musical scene led her to pursue her own musical interest as a career.

“Most of it is original. It’s funny, because growing up in Portugal, all the bands I sang with were mostly cover bands. There was definitely a discovery in Toronto, moving there and becoming a singer-songwriter.

With a father from France and a mother who grew up in Mozambique, she certainly wasn’t lacking in musical influences … European, African, North and South American (her native language of Portuguese gave her an entrée

into Brazilian music).

While she doesn’t like to limit her options regarding genres she’ll attempt–folk, indie-pop, et cetera–she knows the feelings she wants to evoke with her current offerings

“The dominant feeling is definitely freedom, I think. Freedom, and healing. Those are the two things that I seek when I do it.”

About four years ago, some friends and a former partner persuaded her to travel to Newfoundland and Labrador, a region whose economic and cultural ties to Portugal date back centuries.

“The first time I visited, I fell in love with it. Not necessarily with the idea of moving there right away. But I really connected with the city of St. John’s. Just the landscape and the epic kind of coastline.

When COVID-19 hit shortly after that, she decided to stay there for a while. That was four years ago.

Although there is a huge historical link between Portugal and Canada’s East Coast, there aren’t a lot of Portuguese people in St. John’s.

“There’s not a big community, like Little Portugal in Toronto. And visiting Montreal, you see all

the Portuguese shops and bakeries everywhere. Newfoundland doesn’t offer that, but people are nostalgic for it, and for the connection that they once had. So it’s nice to hear the stories.”

Since moving there, she has opened a design studio in St. John’s and been adopted into the city’s vibrant musical scene.

Paulo doesn’t come across as someone with an inflexible career path mapped out with military precision, but she didn’t let much grass grow beneath her feet before hitting a few major milestones in terms of public recognition.

Her self-titled debut album, recorded in a small cabin in southern Nova Scotia and released in April, 2023, was short-listed for that year’s Polaris Award in the folk category. It was also nominated for an East Coast Music Award (ECMA) in 2024.

She’s also not about to let early recognition become too distracting.

“I don’t think I take myself that seriously. I think I take things pretty lightly,” she says.

“The beauty of the self-titled record we released was that I really had no expectations at all. Of course, once you do it once,

PHOTO: Matt Horseman

Nico Paulo seeking freedom and joy on the Atlantic shore of Newfoundland and Labrador

then you build some sort of idea of how it’s going to be next, how it’s going to be recorded, how it’s going to be sold, and whatever.”

While Paulo acknowledges that there’s definitely pressure with a second release, she isn’t spooked by the so-called “second album curse” that many young artists with early success can experience. In fact, her second album is well into the preparation phase now.

“I feel like if you keep practising, keep arriving at your desk and doing the work the way it feels right to you, that’s all you can do.”

One of the downsides of music recently, Paulo says, is “understanding that the industry is a little confused at the moment. There’s a demand to transition into completely online and digital, which is not as comfortable, I guess, a format. It still feels new to a lot of people in the industry.”

She admits to being a “bit of a resister” when it comes to submitting to others’ expectations, such as, “OK, now we have to have a

TikTok account, or I have to have a Twitter account. It kind of comes down to I don’t feel like they are what I am, or that I really need them.”

One of the side-effects of early recognition is the expectation that a performer needs to get out and about, even if they feel most comfortable and productive in a recording studio, laying down tracks with other musicians, rather than sharing digital files from a distance.

Although Paulo acknowledges there’s “something beautiful” in the exchange of a live performance, she knows that constant touring can be “devastating” to a musician’s soul.

“Although I do love performing live, I think that if I had to choose one right now, I would do recording, because it’s more private. In my mind, it feels quieter.”

A good place to find Freedom. And Healing.

Nico Paulo will be onstage Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture in Dawson City, beginning at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 19, she will perform at the Yukon Theatre on Wood St. in Whitehorse, sponsored by the Yukon Film Society. ■

Freelance with Ken Bolton

WELCOME TO FALL!

Oct 22-23 CONSCIOUS AGING: AGING WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE (delivered at Normandy Living)

9am-4pm CRN 90591 $75+GST Register by Oct 18

Oct 28 NEW: GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) AND CRIMINAL LAW – PART 2

10am-12pm CRN 90592 FREE Register by Oct 21

Nov 1 LOSS IN THE WORKPLACE

8:30am-12pm CRN 90550

$125+GST Register by Oct 29

Nov 6 MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING (MI) (CRISIS AND TRAUMA RESOURCE INSTITUTE)

9am-4:30pm CRN 90593

$299+GST $269+GST Early bird registra on by Oct 16 Register through YukonU by Oct 23 Late registra on un l Nov 5 by emailing sam@ctrins te.com

Nov 13 UNDERSTANDING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

10am-12pm CRN 90597

Nov 21 FASD INFORMED SUPPORT

9am-4pm CRN 90598

Register by Nov 6

$50 + GST Register by Nov 14

Nov 22 NEW: ADMINISTRATIVE LAW FOR ADVOCATES

9am-4:30pm CRN 90599

$125 + GST Register by Nov 15

Nov 27-28 APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING

8:30am-4pm CRN 90600

$225 + GST Register by Nov 20

Dec 10 NAVIGATING DIFFICULT CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS (CRISIS AND TRAUMA RESOURCE INSTITUTE)

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 emailingsam@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

REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

• Contact Registrations & Records at 867-668-8710 EXT 2 and quote the CRN;

• Register by emailing registrations@yukonu.ca

GETTING BACK TO THE GARDEN

New show at YAC has colour, music, dance and death-defying aerials

The executive producers of ZGB Productions, Tori Beemer and Justin Ziegler, were still working on their first show together at the Heart of Riverdale, when they began pitching each other ideas for a new, largerscale collaboration.

“All of a sudden, we realized that the common denominator of all these ideas was the garden. It was pretty easy, to be honest with you. We had to cut some of our ideas out of the show, because they were too much,” Ziegler explains.

What could “easily” have run for four hours boiled down to an hour-and-a-quarter spectacle of original music, dance, and aerial circus acts that Ziegler promises will give audiences a post-harvest lift as the October nights begin to darken.

But what is it, exactly?

“In French, we have a very good word for this, which doesn’t exist in English, but it is English,” says French-born Ziegler, who

by Lorène Charmetant and Logan Bennett, the show involves seven dancers, four musicians and two aerial circus artists. Tying it together is leading lady Claire Ness, a multi-faceted artist and Yukon Circus Society founder, who also wrote two new songs: Welcome to My Garden and Vegetable Patch.

being super bruised for a while,” Braden says.

“It’s about hanging from your knees and getting bruises and burns on your knees. It doesn’t really go away. It just keeps hurting. I’m always just covered in bruises when I’m doing it, but there’s kind of a point where you don’t feel it any more.”

graduated in dance from that country’s National Conservatory, with the equivalent of a red seal in dance and musical theatre.

“We call it music hall. It’s a very easy storyline, or common denominator … music and dance and circus, songs and comedy,” Ziegler says.

“It’s like Cirque du Soleil, cabaret, and vaudeville. But in terms of scale, it’s nothing like Cirque du Soleil. We will recover financially,” he laughs.

With a musical spine composed

For aerial hoop artist Lexie Braden of Dawson City, the experience has been a bruising one—literally. But that’s just part of the job.

“It does take a bit of being in the hoop and building up those callouses, and getting used to

Braden grew up in Whitehorse, where she developed a love of dance in high school. She moved to Dawson in 2019. In university, she weighed the idea of making a career in performance.

After her second summer as a dancer at Diamond Tooth Gerties, she decided to take a flyer on circus, an art form that had intrigued her. When she heard of the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) in Vermont, she decided to sign up.

“I tried it for a month, and I got really addicted to it. My hands turned into, like bricks. They just get so calloused. I would do everything I could to keep the callouses on my hands.”

Braden had heard of Claire Ness before, but hadn’t met her until a few years ago..

“I really wanted to get in on that really cool circus stuff when I was younger, but I was doing

dance so much that it really didn’t line up.”

Ness, she says, has “connected a lot of circus crazies in one spot, and I really looked forward to the Sundays when I could see everyone. It’s a really nice kind of skill-trading event, where you can also work on your own stuff.”

Braden decided her “stuff” was hoop work, unlike her coaerialist in The Garden, Malorie Gendreau, who performs with silks.

“I like watching people do silks, But for myself, I hate doing them,” she chuckles.” I just do the hoops. That’s the one I’m most skilled in, I guess.”

spending three weeks together, weeding and sprucing up their garden for this week’s opening.

For the current show, Ziegler and Beemer assigned her the quintessential garden role of a spider. Her four-minute long piece was made specifically for this show, but with some bits she has done before, put together “in a different way”, with a dynamic to go with the music.

One challenge for Braden is that the other cast members have been able to work together in Whitehorse, while she has been rehearsing alone under a carport in Dawson. Another complication came from surgery she needed after a dirt-biking mishap this summer, which kept her from starting rehearsals in earnest until early September.

“It’s really nice that I can make mistakes on my own, or do things that are really ugly at first and I can fix them on my own, rather than thinking that it needs to be perfect from the beginning.”

Thanks to a YAC residency the ensemble has had the luxury of

In addition to Braden, Gendreau, and composer-musicians Charmetant and Bennett, The Garden’s cast includes musicians Daniel Witt and Michel Valières, as well as dancers Julian Beairsto, Michaela St-Pierre, Michelle Fisher Mayr, Marcy Mills, Nicole Murdoch, Valerie Herdes, and Sachi Kambara

Set design and construction were by Selene Vakharia, with Teagan Beemer providing visual design and posters.

As for Ziegler and Beemer, well … they’re already planning their next show.

“It’s going to be a very different project, on a different scale,” is all that Ziegler will divulge.

“We will take our time to build the next project differently, and we are going to take probably a few months to put out a call for this.”

The Garden runs October 17, 18 and 19 at the Yukon Arts Centre. Show time is 7 PM. ■

Open from 5 am daily at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport Hassle-free parking in the cellphone lot behind the Yukon Transportation Museum

PHOTOS: Elsie Smith, NECCA

Aerial hoop artist Lexie Braden

PHOTO: Lacey McLoughlin

ZBG Productions co-founders Tori Beemer and Justin Ziegler

Just 18 months before the 2026 AWG, the creator of the first sports sections at Yukon News in 1974 and Whistler Question in 1984 has emerged from retirement. Again. With all three grandies now in their teens, his targeted readership this time is 10- to 20-year-old Yukoners. But he doesn’t mind if adults and seniors read the copy, too.

THE REAL STORY OF HOW THE ARCTIC WINTER GAMES CAME TO BE

“It really wasn’t any more complicated than four or five great men making one great decision.”

The return of the Arctic Winter Games (AWG) to Whitehorse on March 8-15, 2026 is a really big deal and may someday be recalled as the Yukon’s finest hour.

After all, these were the games that Vladimir Putin’s Russia was supposed to host, which he blew by invading Ukraine. Then the N.W.T. was asked if they could possibly bump their 2028 games ahead to 2026 and save the day, but they said no for construction reasons.

summer day in 2023 and couldn’t help wondering what Games founder “Cal” Miller might have said if he were still with us and able to say anything.

I knew Cal well back in the early ’70s, not only as a regular in his Capital Hotel on Main St. in Whitehorse. He was even a “silent partner” in one of my prospecting ventures in Atlin. Although he wasn’t very silent when it didn’t pan out and it cost him $5,000 because he bought me a D-4 dozer to dig many trenches that had everything but gold in them.

And here is a little “Cal” Miller yarn very few people know: “Cal” was a nickname that stood for Calgary, where he grew up selling newspapers on street corners before he drifted out to Vancouver then up to the Yukon where he became a living legend before his time.

Next, the AWG international committee asked Whitehorse if we could pinch hit for Russia in 2026 in a kind of venue emergency. The reply–not a direct quote, was: “Cool. No prob, dude. Bring it on.”

I recall feeling very proud of our beloved little territory that

I never did find out his real first name but it definitely wasn’t Calvin. And, yes, it’s true he was the ‘father’ of the Arctic Winter Games but Cal’s language at the moment of creation was more colourful than the official version I just read in the AWG history.

Home heating professionals.

As the Yukon chill sets in, count on us to keep your home or business warm. No matter the weather, our reliable fuel delivery ensures you stay comfortable indoors all winter long.

Here’s what he really said to N.W.T. commissioner Stu Hodgson as the two of them sat in Québec City watching their hockey teams getting pummelled by provincial squads at the 1967 Canada Winter Games:

“This is BS,” Cal growled. “We should start our own games just for the northern territories and Alaska. Screw the provinces.”

Hodgson agreed, saying, “I’m in,” and the ball started rolling.

Yukon Commissioner James

“Jimmy” Smith (his real name) was known at the time as “Mr. Yes” because he never said no to any idea that benefitted his territory. Alaska’s governor, Wally

Hickel, was the same kind of guy, but I heard his response was “Oh hell yeah! Let’s do it.”

Yukon MLA (and later commissioner) Ken McKinnon hammered out the details with Hodgson in Yellowknife on Smith’s behalf. He once said they almost had a hockey fight over who got the first Games but were friends at the end.

It really wasn’t any more complicated than four or five great men making one great decision, and the first Arctic Winter Games were held in Yellowknife in 1970, with most of the interest and chatter being on who would win the men’s gold medal in hockey. ■

AWG Host Cities Since 1970

1970: Yellowknife, N.W.T.

1972: Whitehorse, Yukon

1976: Schefferville, Québec

1980: Whitehorse

1982: Fairbanks, Alaska

1984: Yellowknife

1986: Whitehorse

1988: Fairbanks

1990: Yellowknife

1992: Whitehorse

1994: Slave Lake, Alta.

1996: Chugiak, Alaska

1998: Yellowknife, N.W.T. 2002: Nuuk, Greenland Iqaluit, Nunavut

2004: Wood Buffalo, Alta. 2006: Kenai, Alaska

2008: Yellowknife

2010: Grande Prairie, Alta. 2012: Whitehorse

2014: Fairbanks

2016: Nuuk & Iqaluit

2020: Whitehorse

2023: Wood Buffalo

2024: Mat-Su, Alaska 2026: Whitehorse

Most Frequent AWG Hosts

Whitehorse 8

Yellowknife 5 Fairbanks 3

PHOTOS: Submitted by the author

Original 1970 AWG logo

Coolest AWG logo: Fairbanks 1988

MLA Ken McKinnon

James “Jimmy” Smith

Raymond Richard “Cal” Miller, founder of AWG

IDECADENCE DEFINED: STEAK OSCAR

tend to be frugal with steak and can often be seen shopping around for great deals. This landed on our dinner table tonight at roughly $15 a plate. The Keg down South is charging $50 a plate for this. Of course they use real crab meat. I’m going to bet that they have nicer plates and cutlery than me but most of us couldn’t tell the difference in terms of taste or quality.

Want to impress? This is one of our go-to’s for birthdays, invited guests and when we just want to indulge in decadence because we can!

INGREDIENTS:

• Rib eye steak

• Crab meat (pollock)

• Asparagus

• Potatoes

• Seasonings

• Garlic

• Lemon juice

• White wine

• Sour cream

• Bacon bits

• Bearnaise sauce mix

• Milk

• Butter PREPARATION:

Start your BBQ, brush it down and give it a good spray of veggie spray. Salt a medium-sized pot of water and add your favourite steamer insert. Keep the lid handy. Then season your steaks. I learned a long time ago to score the steak with a fork before I add the seasoning.

I always use (in this order) seasoning salt, Montreal steak spice and garlic powder. Use your fingers to sprinkle and crush the salt and steak spice, sprinkle the garlic powder. Then run your fork over it all to help it adhere to the steak. Flip and repeat on the other side. Dice up your garlic.

This is my way of doing this at home. I BBQ the steak, steam the asparagus and microwave the baked potato. Our favourite grocer recently had a sale on pollock crab: 1kg for $10, so I knew this was coming soon to our table as soon as I threw that into my cart. If I’m really trying to impress, I’ll fry up some bacon and chop some fresh chives for the baked potato but really, the steak, crab and bearnaise is the focal point here so don’t get too involved unless you want to. Total time from leaving the couch to yummy in our tummy is about 25-30 minutes.

you season it

Follow the directions for the bearnaise sauce but usually it’s 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of milk. Get the butter in a pot ready and the milk in a measuring cup. Prep your potatoes by giving them a good clean under cold running water then dry them off with a towel.

Prick along 4 sides about every 3/4 of an inch with a fork to let the steam out as they cook. Put them on a plate and into the microwave.

Use a frying pan to heat up the crab. Put in a good tablespoon of butter and have the white wine, lemon juice and garlic standing by.

What happens next will totally depend on good luck, awesome timing, divine intervention and how well you like your steak cooked! I prefer mine rare and my better half prefers medium rare, so I put hers on first.

Go have a rest for a minute, let that BBQ get nice and hot. The rodeo’s about to start!

Timing is everything here. You

can put the asparagus into the steamer and turn it on. When it starts to boil, get the steaks on the BBQ.

(Tip: spray the meat with veggie spray, not the BBQ now that it’s hot).

Put the Bearnaise sauce pot on to medium and the pan for the crab. Add the garlic to the crab butter as soon as it starts to melt.

Go back to the BBQ and turn the steak to get those nice char lines on the ‘good side’.

I can almost hear the Benny Hill theme song going in my head as I rush around now!

Whisk the sauce mix into the butter as soon as it’s melted and then the milk. Put the crab into the melted butter and add a splash of lemon juice and white wine. Set the potatoes on for four minutes at high in the microwave.

Whisk the bearnaise again so you don’t burn or clump it, then

head to the BBQ to flip the steaks. Run back in and whisk the sauce again, stir the crab and get your plates ready. Turn the potatoes over and microwave for another three minutes. (less for smaller potatoes).

As the bearnaise starts to thicken you will need to constantly whisk it. Hopefully, this happens just before your steak is done to perfection. Again, timing! Once the sauce is a good consistency, take it off the heat.

Plate the steak first. Crab goes on top then asparagus. Open up your baked potatoes and use some salt and pepper, then butter. Top with sour cream and bacon bits. Liberally coat the steak and Oscar with bearnaise and garnish with a little parsley.

Tell your friends that this will be $45 each– $7.50 for a glass of Merlot or Rioja plus, of course, the $15 parking fee and 18 percent gratuity! Then have a good laugh and enjoy a spectacular and decadent meal. ■

Score the beef with a fork before

Cooking the Asparagus, Bearnaise and crab

Plated

Absolutely Decadent!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

GREY MOUNTAIN ROOM, 1 Sumanik Drive

Available Positions on Board:President / Executive O cer (1 seat)

Treasurer-Secretary/ Executive O cer (1 seat)

Director at Large (3 seats)

Term: November 2025 to November 2027

Nominations run until October 23rd, 2024

To nominate someone for the board, please email o ce@yukonag.ca to request a nomination form

NORTH OF 60 CONFERENCE AND BANQUET

NOVEMBER 23, 2024

KWANLIN

DÜN CULTURAL CENTRE

Registration is open for the North of 60 event at yukonag.ca/news-events/events/ or email projects@yukonag.ca

Banquet tickets are available exclusively to YAA members until October 31.

Non-members can register now to be added to the waitlist. The conference is open for registration to all (members and public)

Travel Incentive: We are committed to ensuring everyone can join us.

Sponsorship Opportunity: Join us as a sponsor to showcase your commitment to Yukon’s agriculture community.

Fundraising Opportunity: If you belong to an agriculture-a liated organization seeking a fundraising platform, contact us to enter the draw for a chance to fundraise at our conference banquet.

Photography Opportunity: We are seeking a skilled photographer, whether professional or amateur get in touch if you’re interested!

For information contact: Projects@yukonag.ca

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, featuring fresh ingredients sourced from other talented producers right here in Yukon!

Seedling Sponsor: The RUSH

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Wed Oct 16 Northern Lights Judo Club - Try us out night 5:00 PM Elijah Smith Elementary School

Learn the art of judo at the Northern Lights Judo Club! Join us for a trial class and see why judo is a great way to stay active, build confidence, and develop discipline. All ages and skill levels are welcome! http://www.judoyukon.ca/

Thu Oct 17 - 19 Early Bird Squash Tournament

5:00 AM Better Bodies All levels of play are welcome! Guaranteed 3 matches, Friday pizza supper, Saturday breakfast and door prizes.

Sat Oct 19 Sport Yukon Fall Member Meet-Up

9:00 AM Grey Mountain Room (Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre)

Sat Oct 19 Squash Yukon AGM 6:30 PM TBD https://squashyukon.yk.ca/

Tue Oct 22 Mt. Sima Annual General Meeting

7:00 PM Mt Sima Come to the Mt. Sima Annual General Meeting. As a season pass holder, you’re automatically a member of the society! We’re also looking to fill 3 key board positions this year: VP, Treasurer, and Director at Large For more info email tluxemburger@gmail.com.

Wed Oct 23 Yukon Curling Association AGM 6:00 PM Whitehorse Curling Club Meeting to be held in person or virtual, email ykcurling@gmail.com for more info. Your participation is vital to the growth and success of curling in Yukon, and we look forward to your valuable input and insights.

Wed Oct 23 XC Skiing with your dog 5:00 PM Whitehorse Nordic Centre Would you like to ski with your four legs companion but need some advice and guidance? This course is designed to help you and your pupper start on a lifetime of

YPCBA Winter Basketball Tournament 5:00 AM Whitehorse Each team can have 3 nonFilipinos, with 2 allowed to play “at a time” during the duration of the game. Email cfaypcba2024@ gmail.com to register. https://whatsupyukon.

DPSAY Rise and Shine race 11:00 AM Copper Haul Staging Area https://dpsay.org/raceschedule-2024-2025/

Judo For Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00

Morning Strength and Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy Functional fitness training to be stronger and injury-resistant. All levels are welcome. Train ‘functionally’ with

NSA Co-owner Jeremy McCulloch. https:// northernstrength.ca/ Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM

Tuesdays

Avalanche Athletics Immerse yourself in a tranquil journey of movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http:// amitieyoga.c

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 1/2 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 and Conditioning 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more. https://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.

Zumba with Bonita 5:45 PM 7th Ray Studio

A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves.

Women’s Muay Thai 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. Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 6:45 PM Avalanche Athletics Immerse yourself in a tranquil journey of movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http:// amitieyoga.ca

Spirit Bear Karate 7:30 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.

ca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM Rest & Restore-Meditative Yin 8:30 PM Avalanche Athletics Suitable for all levels, offering variations and props to support individual needs. Bringing a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, water bottle and block are recommended.

Strength for the Endurance Athlete 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

6:00 PM

Whitehorse Archery Takhini Elementary 6:30

PM Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. https://www. whitehorsearchery.com/schedule

Spirit Bear Kobudo (Weapons) Karate 7:00 PM

The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http:// spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca

Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Intermediate 7:30

PM Grey Mountain Primary School This class picks up from where Learn to Fence ends. In this class students are taught fencing technique, strategy, and fitness.

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM

Stretch and Stabilize – Functional Conditioning 7:45 PM Grace Space Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class.

Wednesdays

Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial

Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Morning Strength and Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy https://northernstrength.ca/

Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada

Games Centre Yukon Elderactive has the Flexihall

is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged Elderactive Pilates level 1/2 9:30 AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!

Zumba with Bonita 10:00 AM 7th Ray Studio Zumba routines incorporate interval training

— alternating fast and slow rhythms — to help improve cardiovascular fitness.

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

Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

NSA Spin Classes 4:15 PM Northern Strength Academy NSA offers Indoor Cycling classes with certified instructors Adrienne Marsh and Maria Wise. Improve your conditioning and strength on the bike! https://northernstrength.ca/

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM Spirit Bear Karate 6:25 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre http://spiritbearkaratekobudo.

ca 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.

Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning 8:15

PM Avalanche Athletics Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning http://amitieyoga.ca

Thursdays

Strength for the Endurance Athlete 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 Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM Golden Age Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes.

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. https://bit.ly/3oiTBVz

Strength for the Endurance Athlete 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

Noon Hatha Yoga until Dec 7 12:00 PM Grace

Space Relax, energize and leave with more mental and physical space and capacity! Register online. http://cuts2.com/gmGhI

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling Eight Days Martial Arts

12:05 PM

Babynastics with Coach Ewan 1:00 PM Polarettes

Gymnastics Club A semi-structured parent and tot class for new movers, all the way to age 5.

Immerse your little one in song, socialization and a very colorful and stimulating environment. Free with membership. https://www.polarettes.org/

babynastics

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Eight Days Martial Arts

4:45 PM

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts

6:00 PM

Midnight Sun Fencing Club: Adult Beginner

7:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School If you are looking to learn fencing as an adult. In this class students are taught fencing technique, strategy, and fitness.

Fridays

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00

AM

NSA Spin Classes 6:30 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! https://northernstrength.ca/

Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 9:30

AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available.

eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/yoga-classes

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

Tai Chi Yukon outdoor practice 5:30 PM On the Wharf at the foot of Main Street. Call 335-4813 for more info.

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 Avalanche

Athletics A dynamic and invigorating practice is designed to awaken your inner strength and leave you feeling revitalized and empowered.

All levels, Bring yoga mat, comfortable clothing, water bottle and block are recommended. http:// amitieyoga.ca

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. https://northernstrength. ca/

Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:15 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available.

eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/yoga-classes

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling Eight Days Martial Arts

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! https://northernstrength.ca/

Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:15 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/yoga-classes

WELLNESS LISTINGS

Tue Oct 15 Friends and Family Support Group 5:30 PM A free support group for those with loved ones living with mental health concerns. Call 668-6429 or email admin@yukon.cmha.ca to register and for more information.

Fri Oct 18 Cleansing the Energy Meridians -Transpersonal Breath + Sound Works 7:20 PM Alpine Bakery Upstairs Start with transpersonal breathing to open and prime the body for the vibrations of sound, followed by live sound currents and vibrations of gong, singing bowls, didgeridoo, jaw harp, flute, and drum. Register online. https://www.yogayukon.ca/

Thu Oct 24 Northern Lights Dance & Wellness

Retreat 2:00 PM Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs Fusion Dance - Dancer Body Care - Hot SpringsGourmet Vegan Dinners And...the Northern Lights! The perfect Fusion.

Fri Oct 25 Relational Integrity - BASIC 6:00 PM Grace Space Learn theoretically and experientially from various resources and approaches: Dr. Gottman, Keith Witt, Martin Ucik, Mindfulness/ Hakomi Method, Right Use of Power, Integral Coaching, Expressive Arts and Yoga. http://www. gracespaceyukon.com

Sat Oct 26 Relational Integrity - Foundational 7:00 PM Grace Space Learn about Integral Coaching concepts, somatic approaches including breathwork, Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Internal Family System (IFS) as ways to understand ourselves and better relate with others. www.gracespaceyukon.com

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 332-5054 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. https:// 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 Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305

Wood St. Captain Martin House Infant Feeding Mondays 1:00 PM Yukon Midwifery Program Yukoners who are pregnant or have a baby under 12 months are invited to learn about feeding their infants and get support with challenges. Call 393-7120 to book a private appointment or drop-in.

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 Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

Healthy Babies Healthy Futures 12:00 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre An inclusive Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program for parental & infant support. Enjoy a Drop-In lunch and connect with other families. https://whatsupyukon.events/8kd

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 867-334-1725 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 867-334-1725 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

Inclusion Yukon

Overeaters Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM Overeaters Anonymous For more information contact oayukon@gmail.com for more information

AA No Puffin Big Book Study (C, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby

info@ vfwomenscentre.com https://vfwomenscentre. com/events Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM 311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or on zoom, Zoom ID 251-3635766, call 778-907-2701 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 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778-907-2971 for more info.

Community Kitchen 4:00 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

AA Detox Meeting (O, A) 1:00 PM 609 Steele St.1:00 PM AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:00 PM Online Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778-907-2971 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

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings 7:00 PM Inclusion Yukon

AAHospital Meeting (O, A) 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212

Over the past several years, retired teacher Dan Davidson has written numerous columns for What’s Up Yukon, including The Bookshelf, where he shares some of his favourites and Yukon-created

YOUNG LOVE FULFILLED AND THE QUEST FOR GOLD

By Sam Holloway

This book begins in the middle of the action so to speak; in media res, they call it. That almost always means that the author will have to back up and tell us how we got there, but this is how it starts.

“I crouched in the old truck out by the gate. Beside me, a Cooey single shot .22 rifle stood, loaded and looking awfully puny for what I might face. Lizzie’s dad would be coming with his high-powered rifle to shoot at me again. A dark cloud moved across the face of the moon, and raindrops drummed on the roof of the truck.”

The narrator is Lazlo Jar, and at this point in the narrative he is a mere teenager who has had the misfortune to fall madly in love with the daughter of a very evil Preacher Man, Harold Robinson, who mostly goes by that title.

As bad as the Preacher Man is, he’s probably not a whole lot worse than Lazlo’s father, who is clearly a waste of breathable air. That Lazlo grew up to be a decent young man is solely to the credit of his mother–though she really didn’t teach him anything about standing up to evil and overcoming it.

Lazlo and Lizzie spend as much covert time as they can together, in a touching, adolescent sort of way. But the Preacher Man has other plans for his beautiful daughter, and he leaves the area with her the day after the confrontation that led to the opening scene.

A year later, In desperation, Lazlo seeks advice from a fortune teller and gets a mixed result. He had already tried to find Lizzie and her father in Toronto and failed, but he returned there once he thought his brother was old enough to fill his shoes at home. The city was not a good place for him. He found a menial job and drowned his sorrows in booze.

Ironically, this led to some jail time and there he found $1,400 that someone had smuggled into his cell (we’ll skip over how that might have been done) and is able to use that to restart his life, hit the road, buy an old Fargo truck and head west.

Along the way he meets an old timer, Jim Whittaker, who persuades him to join his quest for gold in the Yukon. After numerous adventures, they find a strike that finances the rest of Lazlo’s

life, though a misadventure with a bear costs him his partner. By then a number of years have passed and the story has moved into the 1970s.

Lazlo has some good and bad encounters with some First Nations people and, through no fault of his own, finds himself pursued by the police for an assault on a native woman that he did not commit.

It takes some time to sort out, but the important thing is that he ends up in Dawson City, only to discover that Lizzie is there, having arrived after her father was arrested for stealing money from several churches where he had been an itinerant preacher. She had shown promise as a singer when she was young, and she makes a decent living at the Palace Grand.

The romance of the story is about how the two of them finally get back together after decades apart. This does not happen without a nasty struggle with the local big-shot miner who thinks he ought to own Lizzie, and a further

struggle against her father, who turns up after he is released from prison.

Financial security does not come without another dangerous trip to the mining claim with another partner. The first time it was bears; this time it was wolves.

This story is presented to us in five segments, but it really breaks down to four: young love imperilled; hard times in the city; a search for gold; lovers reunited; and happily ever after.

Once it is clear that this is a memoir by an octogenarian, some of the tension is removed from the events, but the story is nicely told and works either in print, which I read in mid-winter, or as an audio book, which I listened to on my last solo trip to Whitehorse in late July.

Sam Holloway has spent most of his life in the far northwest or the High Arctic. Prospecting for gold, he traveled hundreds of miles, often alone, in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. He lived some of what Lazlo experiences and says writing this book

was “a bit of a catharsis.”

He worked as a deckhand on the Mackenzie River towboats from Hay River to North Slope, Alaska. He was the editor of two history magazines, the Yukon Reader and then The Yukoner. The latter magazine, published by his wife, the late Dianne Green, ran to 32 issues, all of which can still be downloaded in PDF format from Yukoner.com

He has written stories for the late, lamented Whitehorse Star as well as the Yukon News, and some of these are collected in volume one of his Collected Stories which he published in 1998.

This book is not his only attempt at fiction. There was an earlier short novel called The Bushman, and there was an eightpart serial called The Goldseeker in The Yukoner, as well as a guide to gold seeking, Yukon Gold, that originally bore the same title as this novel. He has several projects underway, and we can expect to see more from him. ■

column with Dan Davidson

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Sam Holloway

Sam with his faithful old Dodge

FESTIVA

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

Sat Oct 19 Art Anonymous 7:00 PM Old Fire

Hall 50 plus pieces of original art displayed, beautiful food, music, bubbly and beverages. Tickets online. https://yukonartistrelief.weebly. com/

Until Oct 26 You Do You – Unorthodox

Portraits of Yukon Locals by Mark Kelly

Arts Underground Held in the Focus Gallery, a vibrant celebration of the unique spirit of Yukoners, captured over five years by local photographer Mark Kelly. https://www. artsunderground.ca/current-exhibitions

Until Oct 26 Life Nectar by Ashley Sinton Arts Underground Held in the Edge Gallery Pays homage to our sacral chakra, tuning into our authentic selves with the flow and fluidity of water. https://www.artsunderground.ca/ current-exhibitions

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. https://www. artsunderground.ca/current-exhibitions

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

Tue Oct 15 Erica Dee Mah & Christopher Tse 7:00 PM Old Fire Hall An intimate evening of music and poetry to celebrate the release

of Erica’s latest EP, “Paper Wealth”, and Christopher’s poetry book “A Song for the Paper Children”. Tickets online. https:// yukonartscentre.com/ Fri Oct 18 Caleb Tomlinson & Guests EP Release 8:30 PM Yukon Theatre Singersongwriter performs beautifully crafted, lyrical driven, alt-country and folk music. Joined by special guests. Licensed all ages event. Tickets online. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ caleb-tomlinson-and-guests-ep-release Sat Oct 19 Community Barn Dance 7:30 PM Church of the Northern Apostles The band for the evening will be Rick Avery and Megan MacLean. The caller will be Judy Greenhill. For more info judy.m.greenhill53@gmail.com or call 519 763 2494. https://whatsupyukon. events/si4

Sat Oct 19 Nico Paulo in Concert 9:00 PM Yukon Theatre An evening with Nico Paulo, folk-pop artist from St. John’s with opening act: Rob Dickson and friends. Tickets online. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/nicopaulo-in-concert

Fri Oct 25 Rendezvous Halloween Spooktacular Party 6:00 PM Mount McIntyre

Recreation Centre Come Join us for a night of Pup Crawl style games. Followed by DJ AlpenFlow!!! Don’t Forget to dress up for the costume contests! https://yukon-sourdoughrendezvous-society

Sat Oct 26 Dana Jenne john and The Bennett Sun 7:00 PM MacBride Museum Original songs by Dana Jennejohn, fiddle tunes, and sweet cover tunes of traditional and folk songs with the spin and twists of the band’s unique sound. https://brushfire.com/macbridemuseum/ MusicAtMacBride/588284

Sat Oct 26 Whitehorse Concerts – Buzz Brass 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre The programme, as inspired as it is inspiring, consists of timeless masterpieces that all audiences will be able to appreciate. Come and hear these works under the new incomparable light that Buzz Brass casts upon them! https:// yukonartscentre.com/ Sat Oct 26 The Haunted Raveyard 9:00 PM Rickys All Day Grill Whitehorse A spooktacular night of pulse-pounding beats and wicked vibes - DJs spinning killer tracks! Costumes are strongly encouraged! Cover at the door – worth every frightful penny! https:// whatsupyukon.events/e53

Mon Oct 28 Hawksley Workman 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Workman is a JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist, show-stopping vocals on songs about weather, love, heartbreak and tales of end-times. Tickets online. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/hawksleyworkman/

Monthly

Tuesdays

Acoustic Jam 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

Saturdays

Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00 PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill At Whiskey Jack’s every Saturday. whiskeyjacks.ca/

Sundays

Open Jam 8:00 PM 98 Hote

GENERAL EVENTS

Wed Oct 16 Words Out Loud - October 6:45

PM Arts Underground The October edition of Words Out Loud—our open mic event series for writers and readers alike. Featuring Kirsten Madsen & Jamella Hagen - Come early to get an open mic slot! https://whatsupyukon. events/yw1

Wed Oct 16 – Sat Oct 19 Hurricane Diane by Madeleine George 8:00 PM The Guild

Hall A hilarious evisceration of the blind eye we all turn to climate change and the bacchanalian catharsis that awaits us, even in our own backyards. Tickets online. https:// yukonartscentre.com/whats-on/hurricanediane-by-madeleine-george/ Thu Oct 17 2024 Municipal Election Day 8:00 AM Whitehorse Various Locations Polls will be open from 8am to 8pm at locations around Whitehorse. Preliminary results will be available and posted on the site on Election Day after the polls close and the votes are counted. https://www.whitehorse.ca/

Thu Oct 17 - 19 The Garden Nightly YAC Yukon Arts Centre Experience an awe-inspiring display of live and original music, theatre, dance, and circus, all brought together for an unforgettable experience Fri Oct 18 Boolesque with Babes in the Bush Burlesque 8:30 PM 98 Hotel An evening show featuring Ivanna Fitswell, Roz Rouge, Tessa Lation and Chérie Coquette! Pre Halloween Burlesque for all the sexy and scary fantasy! Sat Oct 19 Audition Notice - Animals out of Paper 9:00 AM The Guild Hall Newcomers and veterans of the stage are welcome! Great roles for two adults of any ethnicity and one role for a young performer of Indian or Pakistani descent. Email guildproducer@gmail.com for more info - Honorarium for performers. Sat Oct 19 Astronomy for Beginners 10:00 AM Yukon University Whitehorse Campus Explore star maps and learn how to read them, and locate celestial objects with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes. Observe sunspots and view them through specialised solar filters*. Register online. https://www.yukonu.ca/ programs/courses/astr-ce01

Sat Oct 19 Pet Portrait Mini’s 11:00 AM Humane Society Yukon Pet portraits are welcome to all breeds including pit bulls, huskies, labs, chihuahuas

descent. Email guildproducer@gmail.com for more info - Honorarium for performers.

Sun Oct 20 Pints & Pumpkins 12:00 PM Winterlong Brewing Co. Come and carve a pumpkin and enjoy some brews to help get in the Halloween Spirit. WE provide the pumpkins - while supplies last. YOU bring your own tools, creativity and carving prowess! All ages welcome!

Mon Oct 21-26 Yukoner Appreciation Week

2024 9:00 AM Whitehorse Various Locations

Enjoy the business Showcase, Sip ‘n Shop, Local Eats, and new-and-improved digital passport contest will return for all Yukoners to enjoy and support local!

Mon Oct 21 Immigration & Attracting the Right Foreign Workers 11:30 AM Yukonstruct Makespace A chance for individuals to meet 1:1 with professionals providing personalised advice to help them elevate their guide for Yukon Businesses to help them attract the right foreign workers or investors. Register online. https://yukonstruct.com/event/immigrationand-attracting-the-right-foreign-workers/

Mon Oct 21 The Productivity Paradox – HR Engagement Tips & Solutions 12:15 PM NorthLight Innovation Discover actionable HR strategies and solutions to remove bottlenecks, enhance performance, and reward productivity-driving behaviours, all while fostering business growth and profitability. Register online. https://yukonstruct.com/event/ the-productivity-paradox-hr-engagement-tipssolutions/

Mon Oct 21 WSCB 101 – An Introductory Workshop for Yukon Employers 1:00 PM NorthLight Innovation Offering free and confidential service, the Office of the Employer Advisor is an independent office dedicated to helping Yukon employers navigate Yukon’s Workers’ Safety Compensation landscape. Register online. https://yukonstruct.com/ event/an-introductory-workshop-for-yukonemployers/

Mon Oct 21 Business Taxes 101 with the Canada Revenue Agency 2:00 PM NorthLight Innovation Join the Canada Revenue Agency’s Liaison Officer Service to learn directly from the source with this tax season customised for businesses. Register online. https://yukonstruct. com/event/business-taxes-101-with-thecanada-revenue-agency/

Mon Oct 21 How to use Intellectual Property (IP) more Effectively 3:30 PM NorthLight Innovation Join CIPO to learn about six different types of intellectual property and how you can protect and enforce yours, even if you’re not an inventor. Register online. https:// yukonstruct.com/event/educational-servicesfor-canadians-on-how-to-use-intelectualproperty-ip-more-effectively/

Mon Oct 21 How to Protect Your Business’s Intellectual Property 4:30 PM NorthLight Innovation Join TechYukon and Community Futures BC to learn what support is available to you and your business as you protect your unique value proposition in the market. Register online. https://yukonstruct.com/ event/learn-about-how-community-futurescan-provide-business-services-and-loans-toentrepreneurs-in-communities/

Mon Oct 21 Trade Commissioner Service, Do business with the world 5:00 PM NorthLight Innovation Learn about the Trade Commissioner Service provides free support to help Canadian businesses grow with confidence by connecting them with our funding and support programs. Register online. https://yukonstruct.com/event/tradecommissioner-service-do-business-with-theworld/ Mon Oct 21 BDC - We are the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs 6:00 PM NorthLight Innovation Keep moving your business forward with our flexible financing solutions and expert advisor services. Register online. https:// yukonstruct.com/event/bdc-we-are-the-bankfor-canadian-entrepreneurs/

Mon Oct 21 Tax & Wealth Planning for Business Owners 6:30 PM NorthLight Innovation Get the combined expertise of a local Wealth Advisor and Accountant in this presentation that will give you information to plan for a secure financial future. Register online. https://yukonstruct.com/event/taxwealth-planning-for-business-owners/

Tue Oct 22 SPYA Training: Working with Clients 12:00 PM SPYA Gear House A 1-hour lunch time course, learn the best practices and what to expect when you move into the corporate world. Register online. https://spya. ca/

Tue Oct 22 Workshop - Learn Gelli Plate

Printing 6:00 PM Teegatha’Oh Zheh 3 hour introductory workshop, participants will learn how to use the gelli plate and brayers to make one-of-a-kind prints. All materials provided. Register online. https://arts-underground. myshopify.com/collections/workshops

Wed Oct 23 Whitehorse Connects 10:00 AM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre An opportunity for people to come together for a range of health and human services they might not otherwise access. Free Food, Live Music, Vet on site to provide advice and treats, Hair cuts (limited spots available) Tax preparation help, Housing solutions, Employment search help will all be available.

Wed Oct 23 Building Bridges - First Nations Business Partnerships 5:00 PM Decora An engaging event featuring a panel discussion with leaders from First Nations development corporations and their business

partners. Register online. https://www. whitehorsechamber.ca/yukonerweekevents

Wed Oct 23 Momentum of Isolation –Contemporary Dance from Radical System

Art 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre The performance explores the objective and subjective experiences through the individual, the group and modern society – a society with shifting values and an ever advancing digital way of life. Tickets online. https:// yukonartscentre.com/

Until Oct 24 Joker: Folie A Deux Nightly

+ Matinees Yukon Theatre Arthur Fleck institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.

Thu Oct 24 T4T Shop Time - End Table 5:30

PM Yukonstruct Makespace Participants are welcome to show up to socialise, eat pizza, take part in building the project if you’d like (building an end table) Register online or email Julaine@yukonwitt.org. https://whatsupyukon. events/53u

Fri Oct 25 The Rocky Horror Picture Show 9:00 PM Yukon Theatre An interactive screening! 19+ A licensed event. Sat Oct 28 show will include a drag performance. Welcome props: toilet paper, newspaper, rice/ confetti, small water guns, flashlight/glow stick, cards, rubber gloves, noisemakers, toast with nothing on it, party hat.

Sat Oct 26 Haunts and Holly Craft Fair

10:00 AM Jack Hulland Elementary School

Support local artisans! New vendors and many favourites from years past. Doors open at 9:30am for seniors and those requiring assistance. Please bring your reusable bags.

Sat Oct 26 Silent Film Night 8:00 PM Old Fire Hall Discover short horror silent films from the early 1900s while kick-ass musicians Andy Slade, and Olivier Clements improvise a live soundtrack and as top notch improv actors make up the dialogue before your eyes.

Sat Oct 26 Trivia Night (Members & NonMembers) 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Disney and Halloween trivia - Come in costume!! Play from home or in-person, cash prizes and bragging rights!! Come get your ghoul on! https://whatsupyukon.events/7yo

Sat Oct 26 Legion Auxiliary Annual Christmas Bazaar 10:00 AM Yukon Inn Yukon and First Nation Crafts, antiques, various home-based businesses, the Legion Auxiliary Bake Table and a Raffle! Are you interested in renting a table - call 633-4583.

Sun Oct 27 Gremlins 5:30 PM Yukon Theatre A young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.

Sun Oct 27 The Shining 8:00 PM Yukon

Theatre A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.

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 YTYP - The Haunting of MacBride

Museum (18 and under) 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.

Tue Oct 29 SPYA Training: Production Organization & Workflow 12:00 PM SPYA Gear

House A 1-hour lunch time workshop, and get all the tips and tricks you need to organise your production and create a seamless workflow. Register online. https://spya.ca/

Tue Oct 29 Bride of Chucky 8:30 PM Yukon

Theatre Come get your cheesy 90’s slasher fix!

Chucky, the doll possessed by a serial killer, discovers the perfect mate to kill and revive into the body of another doll.

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.

Monthly

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 dropin 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.

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

Play Pool 1:00 PM Golden Age Society

Becoming more limber and agile in your movements through playing billiards is a great benefit.

Play Whist 1:30 PM Golden Age Society Classic English trick-taking card game which was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the rules are simple, there is scope for strategic play

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.

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 Industry Night Lefty’s Well 8:00 PM All are welcome - 20% off everything for our industry family - hot dogs, tunes, games and happy hour all night! https://bit.ly/3L0J3Ce

Tuesdays

Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association francoyukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus.

QYS Drop-in 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

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

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 Training - Toastmasters

12:00 PM Decora Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters.

Practice 2 minute table topics

Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch

(Book of Alternative Services)

QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon Society & The Cache

Fireweed Community Market 3:00 PM Shipyards Park Wonderful aromas, delicious fresh foods, and unique artisans from our approximately 70 weekly vendors. Grab a picnic dinner and get that special gift. Enjoy local live music and other amusements from buskers.

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.

Crib 1:00 PM Golden Age Society Cribbage is an easy game to learn but hard to master. For more info call 668-5538.

QYS Drop-in Queer Yukon Society The Cache

2:00 PM

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.

Pokemon, Mtg: Youth Magic, Lorcana 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Sundays

Mountainview Church Sunday Service 9:30

AM Church In The Building 9:30 AM, 11AM or Church At Home 7 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM

Mountainviewwhitehorse.ca/Watch

Clothing Room 10:00 AM Whitehorse Church of the Nazarene Free of charge to anyone and everyone

Whitehorse United Church Worship Service

10:30 AM A caring community of faith, based on a foundation of Biblical teaching and spiritual truth

Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM

Whitehorse Seventh-Day Adventist Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 6333463.

Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church

KIDS & FAMILIES

Wed Oct 16 Music in Motion with Babies 10:00

AM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Please join us for a free, drop-in 30 minute session of music and movement designed for parents and babies led by Lianne Cranfield. https://yukonartscentre. com/

Until Oct 17 The Wild Robot Nightly + Matinees Yukon Theatre An epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. Tickets online or in-person at the box office. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/ schedule/the-wild-robot

Mon Oct 21 YFNW - Warrior Program 5:00 AM Yukon First Nations Wildfire For ALL youth aged 16-30 - Yukon First Nations Wildfire Warrior Program. Free entry - for more info call 667-7258 or email wilfred@yfnw.ca https:// whatsupyukon.events/da9 Fri Oct 25 Howl’s Moving Castle 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle. Tickets online. https://yukonfilmsociety. com/schedule/howls-moving-castle-1

Sat Oct 26 Wild Trick or Treat 10:30 AM Yukon Wildlife Preserve Join the animals for some Halloween fun, enjoy a bonfire, costume contest, special animal feedings, and of course there will candy! Regular admission applies.

Sat Oct 26 All Ages Halloween Concert 6:00 PM Boiler Room Lounge Get your spooky on with awesome bands - Timmy & The Lords of the Underworld, Thunder Rod, Unicorn Parts and Cows Go Moo!! $5.00 at the door! Goes until 10 pm.

Sat Oct 26 Kiki’s Delivery Service 3:00 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. Tickets online or in person at the box office. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/ schedule/kikis-delivery-service_2024

Sun Oct 27 E. T. The Extra Terrestrial 3:00 PM Yukon Theatre A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet. Tickets online or in person at the box office. https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/e-t-the-extraterrestrial-1

Sat Oct 26 The Dark Crystal 5:00 PM Yukon Theatre On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and to restore order to his world. Tickets online or in -person at the box office. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/ schedule/the-dark-chrystal

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. Register online. https:// whatsupyukon.events/lj5

Wednesdays

Yukon Family Literacy Centre - Summer Drop-In 9:00 AM & 12:30 PM Pioneer Hotel at Shipyards Park Summer drop-in, read, activities, learn and explore! If you are sick, please stay home. For more info call 336-8577 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

Wed Oct 16 Riverdale Community Association AGM 7:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre This is your chance to get updated on RCA activities and make a difference by joining the board! Fri Oct 18 2024 Yukon Heritage Symposium 10:00 AM MacBride Museum Meet new colleagues and catch up with old ones, be inspired by new ideas and trends, and share knowledge and best practices in heritage. https://www.heritageyukon.ca/

Sat Oct 19 Sport Yukon Fall Member Meet-Up 9:00 AM Grey Mountain Room (Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre)

Sat Oct 19 Squash Yukon AGM 6:30 PM TBD https://squashyukon.yk.ca/

Tue Oct 22 Mt. Sima Annual General Meeting 7:00 PM Mt Sima Come to the Mt. Sima Annual General Meeting. As a season pass holder, you’re automatically a member of the society! We’re also looking to fill 3 key board positions this year: VP, Treasurer, and Director at Large For more info email tluxemburger@gmail.com.

Wed Oct 23 Yukon Curling Association AGM 6:00 PM Whitehorse Curling Club Meeting to be held in person or virtual, email ykcurling@ gmail.com for more info. Your participation is vital to the growth and success of curling in Yukon, and we look forward to your valuable input and insights.

Thu Oct 24 Larrikin Entertainment AGM 7:00 PM Whitehorse Larrikin is pleased to join the chorus and create (yet) another opportunity to thrill you with tales of the past year’s activities and get you all pumped for future funtimes. Email to larrikinentertainment@gmail.com for more information.

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 Anti-Poverty 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/yapcsmonthly-meetings

Online Events

Tues Oct 22 For the Sake of the Children Workshop 5:30 PM Online Learn about family law and the effects of separation or divorce on adults and children. Registration and more information: flic@yukon.ca https://yukon.ca/ en/family-law-information-centre

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.

Many people packed up their boards and paddling gear at the end of the August long weekend. Some, like me, added a few layers to their gear pile, swapped a few items in the dry bags to enjoy fall’s glorious paddle season.

There are few things I enjoy more than autumn paddling. The feel of the crisp air while taking in fall vistas from the deck of my stand-up paddle board. The flocks of migrating birds set against a blue sky or landing in formation on the water in front of me.

MAGIC IN EVERY VALLEY

grooming, swimming and calling.

A solo trumpeter swan flew in making its call and landed close by. Four river otters played nearby; heads peaked out water, backs curled above the water’s surface

Pulling the board onto a small beach of a distant shoreline to forage for ripening berries or a perfect mushroom spotted through the trees. It’s quieter everywhere–people, paddlers and boats.

I had purposely held off on paddling Annie Lake through the summer. I was eager to catch it with the fall colours spread across the mountain slopes that flank its shoreline.

Every year, I make sure to venture out to the Watson/Wheaton Valley to be wowed by the vibrancy of the autumn foliage and the vertical expanse of the mountains at the valley’s south end. This time, I enjoyed its majesty from the waters of Annie Lake.

Annie made it worth the wait. Hours into the outing, I paddled into its central bay where I became part of its noon-time activity. I stopped paddling to enjoy the show as I floated on the still water.

An eagle perched atop a flattened spruce tree on the island to my right. A loon dove down and popped up in front of my board and swam alongside me; diving,

before submerging.

Another loon called from across the lake. A second bald eagle flew by. The island eagle flew past me to join it. Soon they become two

white dots moving past the aspenrich autumn-speckled slopes of the mountain.

It was 40 minutes before I picked up my paddle and made my way down to the south eastern tip of the lake.

After Annie Lake, friends arrived from B.C. to join me for the 50 Lakes project wrap-up: heading west to paddle the final few lakes and hit the official 50 lake tally.

Our little group of five started on Kathleen Lake, within the

Kluane National Park & Reserve (KNPR), then headed to Dezadeash and Yukon’s largest lake, the spectacular Kluane.

Let me say that the Yukon truly rolled out the majesty for us. The mountainous backdrops along with the vibrant colours made every landscape view an overwhelm of richness and beauty.

Our visitors, hailing from B.C.’s

Heading home from Kluane after the celebration of the final lake was bittersweet. I will miss the where next? moment that came after

west coast and mountain towns of Whistler and Squamish were blown away.

We finished our trip at Pine Lake. Possibly less majestic than

KNPR, but no less stunning. We enjoyed an evening paddle; explored the creeks and marsh area then toasted on the dock to celebrate the 50th lake paddled.

We settled into the campground for the night and enjoyed the show of the Harvest Moon and the Northern Lights. It was an easy trip to host. The Yukon did all the work, I was just along for the ride.

each paddle. The wonder of what joy and surprises the next lake would bring.

It was still not time to pack up the paddle board. The following weekend, I headed to the Southern Lakes area and enjoyed some quiet rainy paddles on Bennett and Nares lakes, the southern end of Windy Arm on Tagish Lake and across the B.C. border to Tutshi and Bernard Lake at Fraser.

As the first snow landed overnight in Whitehorse, I headed back to Schwatka; the first lake to shed its ice back in April. It’s the lake where my project began, which now feels like a long time ago.

Laying the paddle on my board, I floated for a while, grateful

for it all. For a summer full of magical moments. You know those moments… when you are overwhelmed by the beauty of a Yukon landscape.

When you’re blown away that it exists in our backyard and in every direction. And is accessible to us all year round.

Soon there will be no more open water. In a few short weeks, our lakes will start freezing over. The air and water temperatures will turn colder. The shorelines will be too icy to launch. Until then, I will keep my board close at hand, try to fit in a final autumn paddle and imagine the adventures of the next paddle season. It’s time to think about what magical moments are in store for the winter season ahead and what’s up next. ■

PHOTOS: Wendy Morrsion A windy shore of Kluane Lake in September

Annie Lake

Launching the SUP on Annie Lake

MONDAY

OCTOBER 2 1 -26

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

The Old Fire Hall