What's Up Yukon, December 4, 2024 by What's Up Yukon

PHOTO: Mark Kelly Photography

TWELCOME BACK TO MOUNT SIMA

he Canada Cup Series, presented by Toyo Tires, is returning to Whitehorse from Dec. 4 to 8, 2024. The Yukon Canada Cup is a joint endeavour involving Freestyle Yukon, Freestyle Canada and Mount Sima.

“It’s been a lot of work for Freestyle Yukon’s board, in collaboration with Freestyle Canada as well as Mount Sima,” says Freestyle Yukon’s president, Nick Hull. “It’s been a lot of work with all three of our organizations to put this one on.”

With the ﬁrst two days of the event reserved for practice, days three through ﬁve will see both Big Air and Slopestyle competitions. As a Freestyle Canada-sanctioned event, rules are based on that organization’s guidelines.

The competition consists of one Big Air event on Dec. 6, followed by a Slopestyle qualification on Dec. 7 and Slopestyle finals on Dec. 8, the last day of the event. Awards for each competition will be given out at the end of each final.

be a great time to get together and watch these amazing athletes hit the huge jump and ﬂy through the air and do their crazy tricks,” says Hull. “It’s going to be a good time.”

The Canada Cup Freestyle national competition circuit was created to “support a competitive and sustainable domestic tour where freestyle athletes from across Canada can develop their competitive skills in all of our disciplines; Moguls,

Aerials, Slopestyle and Halfpipe,” according to the organization’s website.

“I would say definitely be looking forward to the Friday night, starting at 6 p.m. on the hill at Mount Sima,” says Hull. “It’s going to be an amazing event; there’s going to be a huge Big Air competition, with a lot of national Canadian athletes from all over Canada coming in.”

In addition to the competition on the cup’s kickoff night, attendees can expect to see food vendors, a beer garden by Yukon Brewing, and a DJ performance.

“It’s just going to

For Hull, the Yukon being able to host an event like this is a great opportunity for Mount Sima and for the territory’s winter sports community – especially because many other hills in Canada aren’t able to open this early.

“It’s a really great event for the Yukon as well as Mount Sima,” he says. “It brings a lot of activity and athletes from all over Canada who are able to use our hill pre-season. We’re one of the earliest hills open in Canada with the most snow.

“That’s really

cont’d on page 3

PHOTOS: Mark Kelly Photography

what it’s about – getting all this trafﬁc over to Mount SIma as well and having all these amazing athletes on our hill early, being able to train. It’s great that way.”

Around this time of year, the anticipation for the hill’s opening starts to really kick in for Hull. While the year’s ﬁrst snow isn’t exactly suitable for skiing and snowboarding, it still signiﬁes the coming of the winter season. With the territory’s cold, long and dark winters, it’s important to many Yukoners to have an active outlet during these months to keep them active, healthy and happy.

“As soon as the snow falls, we

all start getting excited in the ski community,” he says. “It’s just an amazing kickoff event; it goes on right as Mount Sima is opening its hill to the public, so it’s just a great busy time and we’re all excited for all the activity in Whitehorse and at the hill as well.”

Registration for athletes closed on Nov. 21, but competing athletes must check in onsite at the Mount Sima staff lodge. Lift tickets will be available for purchase each day of training and competition, with the presentation of the competitor bib.

Lift tickets cost $70 plus GST for the full day, with no half-day

tickets available. Each competitor is responsible for the purchase of a lift ticket for each event day. All athletes must also have upto-date aerial qualiﬁcations for jumps they are performing in all disciplines.

“It’s been great to work with all the teams,” says Hull. “Our board is all volunteers, so a huge thank you to all of them, a huge thank you to Mt. Sima and Freestyle Canada. […With that big event] Friday night, it’s going to be a great spectacle to see for sure.”

Freestyle Yukon is the territory’s ofﬁcial member-operated

ski club, offering freestyle skiing programs to support increasing interest in the freestyle scene. Programs range from those geared towards beginners to aspiring international competitors, in both recreational and competitive styles.

Freestyle Yukon’s coaches are certiﬁed under the National Coaching Certiﬁcation Program (NCCP) and offer children and teenagers skills for skiing and competing safely, according to the organization’s website.

For more about Freestyle Yukon and the Yukon Canada Cup, visit www.yukonfreestyleski.com

Ladies Podium Day 2 - 2023

Men’s Podium Day 1 - 2023

A TRADITION OF HOLIDAY DÉCOR

Exploring the history, evolution, and joy of Christmas ornaments.

The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and the excitement is in the air. Soon, families will gather around the twinkling lights of their trees on Christmas morning, eagerly unwrapping the presents that Santa has left behind.

Decorating the Christmas tree is one of the most beloved holiday traditions, transforming homes, hotels, shopping malls, and even ofﬁce buildings into festive wonderlands. You might even come across stunning outdoor trees adorned with dazzling Christmas lights!

What makes these festive ﬁrs and other evergreens truly special is the creativity that goes into their decorations. From whimsical themes to elegant colour schemes, each tree tells a unique story. Everyone has their own ﬂair, making each tree a delightful expression of holiday cheer.

But did you know that the tradition of decorating Christmas trees has a rich history? The ﬁrst Christmas trees began to appear in the 16th century in Germany, where they were decorated with candles, pine cones, and berries. As the charm of these trees spread across Europe, they captured hearts and ignited holiday spirit.

In the Americas, however, Christmas trees had a different journey. The Puritan settlers viewed them as symbols of paganism and resisted their use. Yet, in pockets of German settlements, the tradition persisted. But everything changed in the Americas in 1840 when Queen Victoria embraced the Christmas tree, displaying it as part of her festive celebrations. From there, the popularity of the Christmas tree skyrocketed!

Now, let’s talk about ornaments. In the early 1800s, a creative glassmaker named Hans Greiner began crafting these delightful decorations. The ﬁrst

ornaments were made from handblown glass and often lined with lead or other metals. Once the ornaments were cooled, they were painted by hand and then topped with a small cap and a hook.

While they captured the hearts of Europeans, it took a little longer for North Americans to jump on the ornament bandwagon.

In the 1880s, F.W. Woolworth, the founder of Woolworth’s ﬁveand-dime stores, took a trip to Germany. Here he discovered the glass ornaments and began plans to export them to America. By 1890, the F.W. Woolworth Company sold an astounding $25 million worth of ornaments, marking the beginning of a festive phenomenon!

Since those early days, the ornament industry has ﬂourished and evolved in many ways. In 1973, Hallmark introduced “keepsake” collectible ornaments, turning holiday decorating into a cherished hobby for many. From there ornaments became available in an array of materials–porcelain, wood, and even shapes like snowﬂakes, angels, and icicles.

The possibilities are endless, and it seems that anything and

Now Welcoming New and Emergency Patients!

Our dentists and team of dental hygienists have been proudly serving the Whitehorse community for many years. Come in for your first consultation and you’ll leave with something to smile about.

everything can be made into a Christmas ornament today. So, as the holiday season draws near, let your creativity shine. Whether you are sticking to cherished family traditions or trying something new, remember that the joy of decorating your Christmas tree is about celebrating the spirit of togetherness and making memories that will last a lifetime. Happy decorating, and may your holiday season be ﬁlled with laughter, love, and all things festive! ■

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.

Szymczuk

Angela Szymczuk is a freelance writer who has contributed many articles to What’s Up Yukon over the years.

PHOTO: Angela Szymczuk

TCOFFEE HOUSE REPORT

he November 2nd edition of the monthly coffee house at the Dënäkär Zho (KIAC) Ballroom featured a selection of hot tunes on a mild autumn evening, with eight acts running the gamut from a six-piece wind band (doing show tunes), two solo singers on guitar and banjo, a piano and vocal duet in French, and a couple of solo piano pieces.

The Robert Service School staff group, calling themselves the Tuesdays, performed two songs and were joined by trombone player, Flo, for a rousing rendition of “St. James Inﬁrmary”.

The latest incarnation of the River Bends, which is the usual house band for these events, closed out the evening, and then everybody pitched in and helped put the tables and chairs away. Admission collected for the evening will be given to the Humane Society.

It’s reported that all the coffee served that night was decaf. The audience, many of whom also performed, ran to about two dozen.

Coffee House/Open Mic nights occur monthly at the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture ballroom, usually on the ﬁrst Saturday evening of the month from September through to May. ■

EVENTS

PHOTOS: Dan Davidson

Betty asked her audience to choose between her two classical selections

Kim played some original material, and a Paul Simon tune rarely heard with banjo accompaniment

The house band was quieter than usual, but in fine form

Flo accompanied Kamille, and later performed a lost piece by Chopin

Sam Huxley offered a couple of original tunes

The Tuesdays are made up of current and former staff from the school

IDIOMATIC ORIGINS

Josephine Holmes is a freelance writer and former copy editor at What’s Up Yukon. She is a prairie girl, at heart, but loves the Yukon and has been a sourdough since 1994. The other thing she loves, aside from spending time with family, is being called “Grammy.”

THAT’S ALL SHE WROTE

When there’s just nothing more to say …

My mother was faithful to her army husband. He served four years in Canada, in the U.K. and in Continental Europe—in World War II. Florence and Joseph. Those were years of single parenting. The war effort required rationing and making do with what little they had (nothing was wasted), so they were also the days of planting, harvesting and foraging; of putting up vegetables and fruit for unforgiving winter months. And they were the days of bedtime prayers and lullabies for the children who were missing their fathers (and mothers).

Tucked deep between ﬂannel sheets, weighed down beneath a red Hudson’s Bay wool blanket, I gazed up at my mother’s face as she smiled wearily and then tenderly drew my bangs across my forehead. Then she began singing her version of a lullaby that originated in Scotland, in the 17th century, as the “Lass of Roch Royal.”

“Who’s gonna shoe your pretty little feet? Who’s gonna glove your hand? Who’s gonna kiss your red ruby lips when papa’s in a foreign land?”

Another of the lullabies she sang—one she no doubt sang to my brother during wartimes (he is 17 years older than I am)—was “That’s an Irish Lullaby,” written in 1913 by composer James Royce Shannon. And in 1944, Bing Crosby, one of my mother’s all-time favourite singers, released his version of the song, in the middle of these war years:

“Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, too-raloo-ra-li. Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don’t you cry. Too-raloo-ra-loo-ral, too-ra-loo-ra-li. Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that’s an Irish lullaby.”

I have stretched in my imagina-

tion to consider what life must have been like for my mother and father and of how they tried to cope with the nightmares after my father’s discharge in 1946 … after which life would never be the same.

I have wondered if my mother wrote to my father when the war drove them apart. She never spoke of that.

Oddly enough, this week’s idiom, that’s all she wrote, is one I have mulled over, recently, unaware of its connection to wartimes. Each November I remember what must never be forgotten … those individuals who gave of themselves so sacriﬁcially and paid so dearly. And the families who were left grieving and longing and who paid so dearly, as well, as war exacted such a heavy toll on all their lives.

The idiom is believed to have originated with wartime letter writing. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the soldiers who were called out and handed letters from back home, letters that would be opened swiftly but carefully … perhaps while other soldiers looked on and shared in some of the anticipation—perhaps with a sting of sadness as each was painfully aware that their own hands remained empty.

All eyes focused on the dirtstained hands of the soldier who was savouring a tangible connection to a loved one.

And those who were watching were at last rewarded as the soldier’s voice broke their reverie and was often accompanied by tears that were swiftly discharged by army fatigues.

“Dear Joseph …” And the ending … well, it always came too soon.

Then the silence would be broken once more—this time by another soldier: “Is that all? Is there more?”

To which would come the familiar response, in a tone of ﬁnality that all of them knew, all too well: “That’s all she wrote.”

At times, the letters were harbingers of unwelcome news: news of a death, of an illness or a tragedy; or news of love that had grown cold.

I am certain my mother must have written to my father, even though I was not privy to those intimate exchanges. Just this week, as I was writing this, there was a news story about World War II letters found within the walls of a home during renovations.

Wartime letters were cherished and were, most often, messengers of hope.

And this idiom, as with most idioms, took on a life of its own after its inception. Growing up in southern Saskatchewan, I heard it as folks were gathered around a dinner table or in the local cafeteria—anywhere, really, where neighbours met to catch up on local or national news and as they forecasted the outcome of crops and cattle.

It was in those places where “That’s all she wrote” organically became a way of concluding conversation. Occasionally it was

spoken with a tinge of disappointment. But more often it was said matter-of-factly and it carried with it the sense that life simply was what it was and that, most of the time, it was good.

Another convention for this idiom is to simply say it instead of saying goodbye, when there’s just nothing more to say—like this … And that’s all she wrote. ■

the gift of quality time together in nature & create unique, lasting memories. Annual memberships are all about access, discounts, and caring for the wild world around us! Open daily 11:00am-5:00pm.

PHOTO: Josephine Holmes

A letter written by the author’s mother, Florence Helen Fearnside

GREY MATTERS

column with Susan Clark

Susan Clark is a retired family physician who has been skiing and cycling in Whitehorse for the past seven years. She is also one of five contributors to Grey Matters.

THE JOYS OF GRANDCHILDREN, PART 2

An exciting (and challenging) weekend

As my granddaughter and I waited for a bus in the drizzly dark on a Vancouver street corner, tired and hungry, I reminded myself of the joys of grandparenting. Due to misreading of the bus schedule, we had ended up on the wrong bus and were now waiting for the correct one.

We were spending a grandmother/granddaughter weekend in Vancouver and one of the things she wanted to do was to take buses and sky trains as much as we could. I thought this sounded like a great idea. I forgot about the signiﬁcant walking this would involve!

At eight years old she had never spent time in Vancouver except for the airport, so everything there was new and exciting. Using transit and feet did mean route ﬁnding. I am not the most expert direction ﬁnder, so there was a fair amount of backtracking with my granddaughter grabbing my phone to show me the correct route. “Grandma, you have to follow these blue dots!”

New things for her included meeting and staying with relatives she had not met previously, walking through drifts of wet leaves, eating food that she would normally refuse, riding in the front seat of the sky train, and marvelling at the strange tall buildings in downtown Vancouver.

Her great uncle treated us to dinner out at an authentic Italian pizza restaurant. He asked her about her favourite pizza topping in preparation for ordering. She replied “pineapple”. Of course, there was no pineapple in sight, but she gracefully ate toppings that would normally be rejected.

The big highlights of the trip were seeing the Cirque du Soleil and visiting the Vancouver Aquarium. My granddaughter had seen the Cirque on television, as had I, but neither of us could imagine how amazing it was. The contortionist was a hit for her and since then she has been practising twisting her limbs into very strange positions.

That day we expanded our transit adventure to the Aquabus and another walk in the rain. Remembrance Day was a very busy day at the aquarium, especially with the rainy weather and parents looking for entertainment for their kids. My granddaughter insisted that we see absolutely everything, but especially the octopus and the sloths.

That involved many trips up and down stairs, dodging the most amazing variety of child transportation units (we used to call them strollers, but then strollers in my day didn’t have climate control, numerous compartments and food storage bins, etc.).

We absolutely could not leave until we’d seen both sloths in the rain forest area and at least one octopus. It turns out that the octopuses like to hide in shadowy corners, and one must be very lucky to see one. The tank with the octopus had viewing from both above and below, up and down a curving staircase littered with small humans trying to evade parental control and using “outside voices”. My watch kept dinging to warn me that the noise level was above safe levels!

I’m not sure how many times we went up and down that staircase. (I was terriﬁed that I would lose her in the crowd if I did not keep up or trip and tumble down the stairs.) Then suddenly there it was right in front of where my granddaughter was standing, a huge red octopus with its suction cups plastered to the window.

She commandeered my phone to take numerous photos. After that we stood in a long line for ﬁsh (what else?) and chips, and she informed me that halibut was now her favourite ﬁsh, and she would tell her mom and dad that was what she wanted from now on. Then it was the gift shop adventure with much deliberation on what to spend her money on, especially what to get for her four-year-old sister back at home.

All in all, we had a wonderful time together. I could not ask for a more cooperative and “helpful” companion, even if I did have to carry the backpacks with the snacks and water bottles most of the time and walk further and faster than was comfortable for grandma.

And be embarrassed by her taking over the route ﬁnding and knowing the correct spot to tap to pay for the buses and trains! She’s also a pretty good photographer.

PHOTOS: Demi Clark

The octopus at the Vancouver Aquarium

Downtown Vancouver from the bus

ENTER YOUR EVENTS ON-LINE

building on the basic crochet stitches.

Tue Dec 3 Film Funding in the Yukon 12:00 PM SPYA Gear House Contact clientservices@spya.ca for more information.

Tue Dec 3 Winter & Christmas Wreath Workshop 7:00 PM Decora Create a custom, fresh ﬂower and greens wreath, perfect for decorating your home or gifting to a loved one. https:// whatsupyukon.events/xp1

Wed Dec 4 - Sat Dec 7 Animals Out of Paper 7:30 PM The Guild Hall Animals Out of Paper is a funny, poignant play about the collision of mismatched people and the complicated ways we hurt, heal and love.

opportunity to find special presents for your loved ones and enjoy the festivities! https://fireweedmarket.ca/

Wed Dec 11 Longest Lunch Together 11:00 AM Yukonstruct Makespace Our annual Solstice Party in the event space where we’ll be celebrating the heart and soul of our community –YOU! Enjoy delicious food catered by Kit’s Kitchen.

or email them to: events@whatsupyukon.com

Please visit whatsupyukon.com for up to date event details. Some events may be postponed or cancelled after we print.

ART SHOWS

Until Dec 6 Future GenerationsShakaat 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.

Until Jan 17 Pixel Perfect: A Journey Drawing Outside the Lines by Riley Cyre YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery

Showcasing the vibrant and evolving artistry of 14-year-old Riley Cyre, whose digital creations reﬂect themes of empowerment, emotion, and selfexpression.

Until Jan 17 Threads of Change: 50 Years of Northern Fibres Guild YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery

Until Feb 20 The Land Speaks to Me by Jackie Olson YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery A rare glimpse at her collected works-in-process: Olson makes works that want to be returned to the land, and many of her works have already been curated back.

Until Feb 20 Land Mass by David Curtis YAC Yukon Arts Centre Gallery Dawson City-based artist David Curtis presents a compelling series of film and multimedia sculpture installations in his latest solo exhibition.

Until March 1 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

LIVE MUSIC

Fri Dec 6 Joel West, Jaime & Josh

Tetlichi 9:00 PM 98 Hotel Joel West, Jaime Tetlichi & Josh Tetlichi take the 98 stage for and bring us an evening of country, rock and fiddle!

Sat Dec 7 The Ohlala Choir Christmas Concert 7:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre A heartwarming night of meaningful singing in harmonies.

Sat Dec 7 DJ BB: All Vinyl Night 8:00 PM 98 Hotel Heat up dance ﬂoor with a mix of FUNK, SOUL & OLDIES on Vinyl with DJ Blair Breaks.

Sun Dec 15 Mini Messiah 2:00PM

Whitehorse United Church Join us for our favourite numbers from Part 1 of Handel’s Messiah, Featuring Katie Avery, Bryn Knight, Morgan Ostrander, Sarah Jane Poirier, Ben Johnston-Urey, and Whitehorse Community Chamber Choir, conducted by CD Saint

Fri Dec 13 Fancy Dancey – A Electro

Swing Dance Party 8:00 PM Leftys

Well Featuring CASE235 - Dress in your finest Winter Formal and come dance!

Drink Specials and the best electro swing tunes to dance to!

Mon Dec 16 Matt Andersen - Put The

Jolly In Your Holly! 7:00 PM YAC Yukon Arts Centre Join Matt Andersen for his special Christmas concert -

ecstatic gospel.

Monthly

Mondays

Gray Jay Café 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.

Tuesdays

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Wednesdays

Intermediate Jam - Bluegrass & Old Time 7:00 PM Whitehorse Legion biweekly Hosted by the Yukon Bluegrass

Society Karaoke 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Whitewater Wednesday 8:00 PM 98

Hotel

Thursdays

Ginger Jam 7:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Fridays

Live Music 6:00 PM Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House.

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Saturdays

Live Music at Whiskey Jacks 7:00 PM Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill. whiskeyjacks.ca/

Live Music 8:00 PM Lefty’s Well

Sundays Open Jam 8:00 PM 98 Hotel

GENERAL EVENTS

Mon Dec 2 Granny Squares! 5:30 PM

Itsy-Bitsy Yarn Store This class will introduce you to the skills required to crochet a classic Granny Square,

Thu Dec 5 Lunch & Learn: Makalu – A Graphic Novel Self-Publishing Journey 12:00 PM For anyone interested in self-publishing or learning about an entrepreneur’s path. Gain valuable insights from Esther Bordet’s journey and connect with like-minded individuals.

Thu Dec 5 Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop 6:00 PM Yukonstruct Makespace A fun-filled 2-hour session where you’ll create your own beautiful wreath, enjoy festive refreshments, and take home a special gift. https:// whatsupyukon.events/5203c1

Fri Dec 6 Share the Spirit Pancake Breakfast 7:00 AM Porter Creek

Secondary Enjoy a warm, festive morning with freshly made pancakes, hot Bean North coffee and a little sneer from The Grinch Fri Dec 6 Whitehorse Winterval

Santa Parade & Tree Lighting 6:00

PM Whitehorse Main Street Parade to start on 6th & Main Street and proceed down Main Street, turning left at Front Street and continuing until Santa reaches the beautiful tree by the City of Whitehorse for the magical lighting.

Sat Dec 7 Santa Photos 1:00 PM Decora Santa’s favourite helpers are back again this year and helping us fundraise for Yukon Theatre for Young People. All photos are by donation.

Sat Dec 7 The Yukon Party Christmas Open House 3:00 PM Whitehorse Elks Lodge 306 Enjoy some Christmas Cheer! Silent Auction! Email president@yukonparty.ca for more info.

Sat Dec 7 Wine & Paint Night –Christmas Tree 6:30 PM The Mini Makerspace Paint a festive tree branch with Meghann Atina, and have some drinks with Alannah. All supplies included.

Sun Dec 8 Santa Photos 10:00 AM Decora Santa’s favourite helpers are back again this year and helping us fundraise for Yukon Theatre for Young People. All photos are by donation.

Mon Dec 9 - Sun Dec 22 12 Days of Christmas Market 10:00 AM Kwanlin

Dun Cultural Centre Explore a wide variety of local crafts, artisanal foods, and unique gifts. It’s the perfect

Thu Dec 12 Lights of Life Opening Ceremony 12:00 PM Elijah Smith Building Join us to hang a red tag in memory of a loved one. Choral music and keynote speaker at the Elijah Smith building on Main Street. Call 667-7429 for more info. https://hospiceyukon. net/en/2021/12/07/lights-of-life/ Until Thu Dec 12 Wicked 7:30 PM Yukon Theatre A vivid reimagining of the classic The Wizard of Ozspotlights the untold stories of Oz’s most famous (or infamous) characters, namely the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friend, Glinda the Good Witch.

Sat Dec 14 Community Barn Dance 7:30 PM Church of the Northern Apostles Featuring a live band-Megan MacLeod and Rick Avery along with caller Judy.

Fri Dec 13 & Sat Dec 14 Chris Robinson with Sean McDonnell 7:00 & 9:30 PM Boiler Room Lounge Headliner Chris Robinson is one of the premier comics working in Canada, Sean McDonnell is a rising star in the Canadian comedy scene. Hailing from Vancouver. https:// www.jumpcomedy.com/

Monthly

2nd Monday Ukulele Group 6:00

holiday songs infused with raw bluesrock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and

easy introduction to electronics and small home appliance repair is a useful evening of DIY learning that you can take home.

2nd Thursday Music Trivia 7:00 PM

Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Come on out and test your music knowledge! Teams of no more than 6 people.

Last Friday Pioneer Women of Yukon

12:00 PM Golden Age Society

3rd Sundays Messy Church 3:00

PM Christ Church Cathedral church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. Crafts, singing and food will be the focus.

2nd & 4th Sundays Grade 8 – 12

High School Youth Group 6:00 PM

Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https://mountainview. church/connect/youth Monthly

Weekly

Mondays

Mtg: Competitive Commander 6:00

PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Women’s Bible Study 6:00 PM

Women’s Bible Study. Refreshments are served followed by the study. For more info check out www.mountainview. church or email rachel@mountainview. church.

Ukulele Group 6:00 PM Golden Age

Society

Euchre - For Members and Signed in Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Euchre a trick-taking card game for four players, two on each team, As a member you

Tuesdays

Bridge 12:00 PM Golden Age Society Café de l’amitié 2:00 PM Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) Le Café de l’amitié est un rendez-vous hebdomadaire et une occasion de rassemblement pour les francophones de 50 ans et plus.

QYS Drop-in 2:00 PM Queer Yukon

Society The Cache Language Skills for Ukrainians 5:15

PM Yukon Learn A discussion group workshop provides a relaxed and friendly environment where learners can practise and learn English conversation skills.

Weekly Shuffleboard Tournament

6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch

254 For members and signed in guests. A double knockout style competition and games are limited to 6 ends or 15 minutes

Chess Club 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles Love Chess? Want to learn? Looking for Competition? Join us!

SuperSmash Bros, Mtg: Commander

6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles 10 Card Crib - Members & Signed In Guests 6:00 PM Whitehorse Legion

Branch 254 Whether you are a seasoned crib player or a beginner, come play! Learn tips and tricks and have some fun! https://bit.ly/3KP0B5s

Wednesdays

Multicultural Connection Group 11:00

AM Multicultural Centre of the Yukon –MCY Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn about parenting in different cultures. A free lunch program for immigrants and refugee families. Lunch and transportation provided. Call 332-1803 for more info.

Spanish Conversation 12:00 PM

Whitehorse United Church Call 3336081 for more info.

Anglican Holy Communion –Whitehorse 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral The Book of Common Prayer, 2nd Wednesday of the month

Sew & Tell All – Elders Hangout 1:00 PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre

Facilitated by Kwanlin Dün Elder-in-

Residence Shirley Smith, everyone welcome. Feel free to join and start a beading project or work on something that you’ve already started! For more info email culturalprograms@kdcc.ca

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

Texas Hold’ Em 6:00 PM Whitehorse

Legion Branch 254 For signed in members and guests. Bragging rights!

Mtg: Modern, Warhammer Age of Sigmar 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Thursdays

Public Speaking TrainingToastmasters 12:00 PM Decora Guests are always welcome. There are many roles to learn at Toastmasters. Practice 2 minute table topics

Anglican Thursday at the Cathedral 12:10 PM Christ the Church Cathedral Bring a lunch (Book of Alternative Services)

Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public Library Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Find out what role playing games are all about! Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are always welcome.

Mtg: casual Commander, Warhammer 40k & Kill Team 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Mountainview Church Community Group 7:00 PM 16 years or older?

Mountainview Church Community Group! We’ll share some snacks and talk about what the bible has to say about discipleship.

Fridays

Coffee & Chat 11:00 AM Golden Age Society Coffee and chat is a way to connect with your community, develop friendships, and have fun.

Mtg: Pioneer, YuGiOh Casual 6:00 PM Titan Gaming and Collectibles

Saturdays Yukon Amateur Radio Association

Coffee Discussion Group 8:45 AM

A&W Restaurant Hams from outside the Yukon and those interested are welcome to join us in this casual event. Cribbage - Members and Signed in Guests 2:00 PM Whitehorse Legion Branch 254 Masks are mandatory. Members must have a valid 2021 membership and they may sign in 2 guests MAX.

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

Sundays

Mountainview Church Sunday

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

Mountainviewwhitehorse.ca/Watch

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

Whitehorse United Church Worship

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

Secondhand Clothing Bizarre 2:00 PM Whitehorse Seventh-Day Adventist Church Clean clothes needed and donations accepted if in good condition. Please call before dropping clothes off and for more info 633-3463.

Sunday Gatherings 3:00 PM The Northern Collective Church

KIDS & FAMILIES

Sat Dec 7 The Great Stocking Experiment 12:30 PM Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre Decorate a stocking, enjoy a holiday-themed movie, Leave your stocking with us and see if Santa fills it with treats! Leave your stocking with us and see if Santa fills it with treats! Then pick up between Christmas & New Years.

Sat Dec 6 & Sun Dec 7 Moana 2 2:30 PM Yukon Theatre Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/ schedule/moana-2

Sat Dec 7 Sizzie & Vaila: Hats in the Attic Book Launch 2:00 PM Yukon Family Literacy Centre Meet and greet with local author and artist Susan McCallum and co-author Louise Profeit-LeBlanc

Sat Dec 7 Santa Land 3:00 PM Shipyards Park Hot drinks, photos with Santa, sledding, skating, a fire pit and games! Dress warm, byos (bring your own sled) and helmet.

Wed Dec 11 Moana 2 (French Version)

5:30 PM Yukon Theatre Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced. https://yukonfilmsociety.com/ schedule/moana-2

Until Dec 12 Moana 2 6:00 PM Yukon Theatre Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, longlost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced. https:// yukonfilmsociety.com/schedule/ moana-2

Monthly

1st & 3rd Saturdays Grades 5 - 7 Junior Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church Passionate about giving kids opportunities to have fun & make new friends, while teaching them about Jesus & His great love for our world https://mountainview.church/connect/ youth 2nd and 4th Saturdays Grade 8 - 12 High School Youth Group 7:00 PM Mountainview Church A positive place for your teen to hang out on the weekend. Take part in games and activities, learn about the Bible, and deepen faith. https://mountainview. church/connect/youth

Weekly

Tuesdays

Story Time 10:30 AM Whitehorse Public Library Join us for stories, songs & rhymes! A free drop-in program for children ages 0-5 and caregivers at Whitehorse Public Library Parent-Child Mother Goose 10:30 AM The Child Development Centre Celebrates the power and pleasure of songs, rhymes and oral stories. Bonding time with your little one or to learn for later.

Wednesdays Community Connections 1:30 PM Yukon Family Literacy Centre An intergenerational story time and craft program. Meet local elders, have a coffee, do some crafts, and make a friend!

Thursdays

Transformations Along The Chu Nikwän 1:30 PM Yukon Visitor Information Centre Join Amber for a free walking tour every Thursday along the Whitehorse waterfront to learn about the Yukon First Nations people and the history of the Yukon. Pathfinder Role-Playing Game for Youth 3:30 PM Whitehorse Public

YOUR VOICE MATTERS:

Curious about projects shaping Yukon’s future and want to participate in their assessments?

YESAB’s neutral assessment process contributes to protecting the environment and the social, economic, and cultural well-being of First Nations and residents.

Public comments play a key role in our assessments. Visit yesab.ca to learn more, and go to yesabregistry.ca to participate in projects.

Library Youth 11-17 are invited to join, no experience necessary.

MEETINGS

Weekly Tuesdays

Rendezvous Rotary 6:30 PM Tony’s Pasta and Seafood House Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Tony’s Pasta and Seafood. Come and join us for fun, and fellowship.

Thursdays

Toastmasters Decora 12:00 PM Sundogs Toastmasters Club. Club is open to all interested parties and we provide constructive feedback to help develop public speaking skills.

Monthly First Monday Klondike Snowmobile Association Board Meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon https://ksa.yk.ca/comingevents/ First Monday Yukon Amateur Radio Association Monthly Meeting 7:00 PM EMO Building Discussion of club business. Prospective hams are welcome.

Third Thursday ASAY board monthly meeting 7:00 PM Sport Yukon 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

Thu Dec 5 Insurance 101 12:00 PM Online Contact clientservices@spya.ca for more information.

Wed Dec 11 Financial Organization 101 12:00 PM Online

THE POST-IT NOTE AND THE GREENHOUSE

little

a stack of Post-it notes and wrote: Grow Things Get a Little Dog Write!!!!

She looked at me and said, “Now I have a retirement plan,” then stuck the Post-it note on the side of her computer screen, where it sat for years. Conversation over!

For years my lovely wife, Pam, and I had an ongoing conversation. One that I wouldn’t leave alone and she didn’t really want to deal with. We were both working full time jobs, really busy, commuting almost 2 hours a day on top of our 8+ hour shifts.

You see, Pam is slightly older than I am and I had this nagging question for her. My logic was sound to me.

“You’re going to retire earlier than I will, so what is your retirement plan? It will be a lot easier for me to work around yours than for you to have to retire around me still working”.

We went back and forth for years until one evening I asked her again and told her, “You know I’m not going to give up until I get an answer.” Well, that got a bit of a rise out of her and she grabbed

Pam has her Master Gardener’s ticket and is a very accomplished and published writer. She also had a little bichon shih tzu dog when I met her, who sadly passed away a number of years ago. This looks like a great plan to me! Fast forward to 2020. I was laid off due to Covid. Pam was working hard at her management job in the mining services industry, navigating the constantly-changing landscape of her corporation’s daily – at times – changes to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.

March 11, and the world as we knew it shut down on March 12.

to think about retiring.

We were also in the middle of buying our house and land. We actually got an accepted offer on

Specializing

As the winter evolved into spring and ﬁnally early summer, the snow melted and we could start making plans for our new home. I was stuck at home alone every day while Pam was at work in an ever more stressful environment. I decided to build her a greenhouse so that she could start

We had bought an old ‘garagein-a-box’ frame for $50 the previous summer from the local buy and sell, and had just about all of the materials that we would need for me to build it. The area next to the garden where we wanted the greenhouse to sit is very uneven so I thought that I would start with a subﬂoor that I could level and

then secure the frame on top. At first I had no idea how to accomplish this, especially as the feet would settle into the ground over time with the weight of the structure. Then Dawson (Dodge, The Town of the City of Dawson) saved me! I had lived up in Dodge for quite some time and remembered that many of the buildings up there are built on pilings! So I staked out where the greenhouse would go and used the highest part of the area as my starting point. I built the subframe in four sections, each being 6 1/2 feet by 12 1/2 feet long as the frame was 12 X 24. It worked like a charm and in no time I had a nice, flat, 13X25 foot floor next to the garden.

I have to say that as a pro musician for years, the thought did cross my mind of just stopping

cont’d on page 11 ...

column with Gary Atkins

Gary Atkins is the editor of What’s Up Yukon, and

Things Yukon.

Winter’s hard on the roof

Starting the subfloor

Coming together nicely

First night in the new greenhouse with Bear Dog and Pam Raised beds

PHOTO: Gary Atkins

PHOTO: Pam Atkins

PHOTO: Gary Atkins PHOTO: Pam Atkins

there and using that awesome space as either a stage or dance ﬂoor. But no! This is for Pam’s retirement plan, so I pushed on. Besides, we were supposed to be in our ‘covid bubble’ so we couldn’t throw a massive party with live music, anyway.

I still wasn’t 100 percent sure how I would turn the frame into an enclosed greenhouse, but Pam was so excited every day when she got home from work to see the progress that I just pressed on. In no time the frame was assembled and secured to the foundation.

This is where Google became one of my best problem solvers. I learned that a roll of 6 mil poly was 105” wide, 8’6”. Also that Canadian Tire had opaque tarps sized 10X12 feet for $20 each. I grabbed my measuring tape and ran out to check a few things. Sure enough! If I run some strapping here at the top then two tarps will cover the roof and the poly will cover the walls in one piece. A few more runs of strapping to secure the poly and it looks like this will work just great!

The next thing to ﬁgure out was building the end walls. With my construction skills and a bit of dusting off of my trigonometry, which I really hadn’t used much since high school, I made some rough blueprints, pulled out the table saw and got to work.

Over the next few days it all went together without a hitch. Everything held together with staples, tuck tape, zip ties and a few sheet metal screws. We had a greenhouse! Pam was so happy the day that I ﬁnished that we spent the evening just sitting in there with the dog, having a couple of beers and celebratory ‘nips’.

I got busy building some raised planter beds. I mean, who would

want to be bending over to work in their retirement? We had some old kitchen cupboards in a shed out back that I converted into a workstation and got started mixing soil and ﬁlling the beds. That summer of 2020 will forever go down as one of our most enjoyable ever. Our new home and our new greenhouse! Watching the plants grow, enjoying our evenings together in there just talking about the future. It was our respite from the craziness of the world and Covid and it was one step closer to making Pam’s retirement a reality. It became our sanctuary.

That ﬁrst summer, we were thrilled to watch our bounty grow: beets, carrots, beans, cucumbers, squash, radishes, basil, sage, dill and parsley. I built some groundlevel outside planters where we grew potatoes, strawberries and raspberries.

Our garden had grown over but in the winter of 2020-21 we bought a great little compact tractor with a rototiller attachment and resurrected the garden in the summer

of 2021.

The greenhouse roof takes a bit of a beating every winter, and every spring I head into town and buy two new Canadian Tire tarps to re-do it. I think this spring the price had gone up to $24 each and I also had to replace the poly in some spots. A small price to pay for our greenhouse that has cost us less than $400 to build and maintain for four wonderful summers of enjoyment and bushels of fresh, organic and healthy produce. It really does taste so much

better than store-bought produce.

At Christmas time in 2020, Pam decided that it was time to retire. Every year since then we get our

For the complete list, please scan the QR code or visit our website

seeds started upstairs in the big south facing patio window. We follow the Yukon Planting Calendar and the ﬁrst things to get started are the tomatoes, precisely on March 15.

By the time we are ready to harden the plants and move them into the greenhouse, we usually have close to 200 tomatoes, 100 peppers of all varieties, plus cabbage, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, squash and three or four different herbs and spices ready to go. It’s always an exciting day when we start to seed again and start thinking about spring around the corner and the excitement of a new year of growth. Looking at the greenhouse through the cold and dark days of the winter always ﬁlls us with hope and gives us a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.

It was funny. This last March Pam was in hospital and not speaking very well. The Doctor asked her what date it was. I told the Doc that since Pam’s been retired, we have to usually look at our computer to ﬁgure out what day it is, let alone the date. The Doc then asked, “Well, do you know what year it is?” “2024,” Pam said.

“Great, do you know what month?” “It’s March,” she replied. “Well done! Now what is the date?”. Pam was stumped. I looked at her and said, “It’s tomato day.” “MARCH 15th!” she yelled. That’s my girl!

As Bruce Springsteen sings, “from small things mama, big things one day come.” Never count out the power of a slightlyperturbed but determined lady with a Post-it note and pen in her hand. ■

PHOTO: Gary Atkins

Bounty growing

PHOTO: Gary Atkins

Homegrown tomatoes

PHOTO: Pam Atkins Basil and Sage

THE TRAPPER’S LIFE

RAIN OR SNOW – WEAR YOUR FUR!

The fur’s pelt

Most furs consist of two types of hair: dense, short hair called underfur for warmth, and longer, stronger hair called guard hair, which provides protection from the elements.

Your fur garment with lots of guard hair can be worn when it’s raining or snowing. When going back inside, shake it out and place it on a well-padded hanger and leave it in a well-ventilated room (dark if possible), to dry slowly. Do not place your fur item in the sun when it’s wet. Keep it away from direct heat – otherwise the leather will shrink – and never use a blow dryer. Don’t comb or brush

chinchilla (from Canadian farms). When plucked or sheared, the fur article will become lighter and sleeker for a more feminine form. For men it’s otter, ﬁsher and coyote (do you have a vision of Mountain Man?).

Consider these 5 scenarios.

Keeping warm: Say you’ll be exploring an area of the Arctic or be mushing your dogs, then use caribou (their hollow guard hair keeps warmth locked in!) or a goose down-ﬁlled strong coat with a wolverine, wolf or coyote ruff. If breath accumulates on your hood lining, wolverine fur is best because you can just ﬂick

it when it’s wet.

Furs that have no guard hair visible have been sheared. Mink fur commonly will be sheared to reduce its weight, but due to the guard hair not “guarding” the underfur, it is therefore exposed and water droplets could reach down to the leather. Plucking is what’s also done to women (ouch) in beauty salons; the whole guard hair, oftentimes of mink and beaver, will be ripped out.

Which type of fur is right for me?

Choosing a furry piece depends on your lifestyle. Most popular furs for women are mink, fox and

the droplets off. In general, a garment with lots of underfur keeps you warmest.

Keeping dry: If you live in an area that’s damp a lot of the time, then fur lining (the fur’s hair is inside the coat, keeping you toasty when the humidity is jungle-like) or fur with lots of guard hair like beaver, mink, sable (marten) or coyote is the way to go. Don’t use sheared or plucked furs, as the water would penetrate the leather.

Durability: The most durable furs are otter, beaver and mink, then raccoon, coyote, marten and ﬁsher. Your vest will also last longer if it’s not sheared, plucked, or dyed.

Appearance: Dark furs will hide dirt better. Furs with long guard hair will repel it. Should you be wanting to sip your martini outside a bar in balmy Palm Springs, then opt for lightweight chinchilla, fox or rabbit.

Cost: Quality, size, length and processing/manufacturing/workmanship will determine the cost. The most expensive furs are mink, sable, ﬁsher, bobcat, lynx and chinchilla. Creative new designs with technological advances will produce a coat that is knitted, has intarsia, is dyed or combined with other furs or shearling (sheepskin). A full-length coat of mink, fox or beaver can be had from $5,000 to $10,000. Half of that price gives you a muskrat, possum or raccoon coat. The cheapest is a coat made from rabbit fur.

A word on sealskin: this is the most durable of all furs because of its thick leather, but it has no underfur, just guard hair, and is therefore not that warm. Nor can it be worked into a body-hugging tailored short coat.

How to wear your fur jacket

Should you decide to wear perfume, make-up and hair spray, it is a good idea to wear a (silk) scarf around your neck so as not to stain the fur, which will absorb these products. Our smell-good spritzes contain alcohol which will dry the leather and stiffen the guard hair, remove the fur jacket’s sheen and make it sticky, which then will attract dust that will stick to it. Don’t wear brooches. If you must, do it on a piece you won’t be hanging on to, or which is not a family heirloom. The pin of the brooch stabs a hole in the fur’s leather which could become a tear. Carry a purse as opposed to a bag with a shoulder strap. A strap will break the hair or create a bald patch.

When you’ll be sitting down, remove your coat and hang it on the chair, place it across your lap or, if you’re keeping it on, hitch it up so that you won’t be stretching the leather.

This column has been compiled with information gleaned from fur.ca ■

column with Sonja Seeber

Sonja Seeber and her husband Paul are Yukon trappers who live in the Pelly Mountains and have developed a lifelong passion for the trapping lifestyle in the North.

ART AND PHOTO: Cindy Carey Yukon mittens with beading, leather and dyed beaver fur

ART AND PHOTO: Minnie Clark Minnie with her upcycled mink jacket, coyote hood and caribou tufted hair (dyed purple) closure

PHOTO: Supplied by Sonja Seeber

Our friend Rudi, sporting Paul’s red fox coat

PHOTO: Supplied by Sonja Seeber

The author, wearing an inherited mink hat

Leela Gilday

PThe Unknown Chef has fed you at many local restaurants for years, and has decided to share some recipes he has developed, and others he stole from other chefs.

PRIME RIB ROAST

rime rib, arguably the best cut of beef, is great as a steak or a roast but a roast with all the ﬁxings is hard to beat on a chilly winter day, special occasion or a nice Sunday dinner.

Now, I’m not going to lie: this one wasn’t cheap to plate. Although, after all is said and done, it still came in at about $11.50 per plate based on an 8 ounce serving. I went to see our favourite butcher and asked him for a nice roast. He asked me whether I’d prefer the loin end which is leaner or the large end which is generally fattier. I, of course, chose the fattier end.

Beef, as many people are unaware, is one of the store-bought meats that you can actually safely consume raw, as in steak tartar. The Keg ages its beef for 28 days, twice as long as most storebought 14-day-aged beef. That’s what makes it so tender–the beef is starting to break down. I left this roast sitting in my fridge for almost two weeks after I brought it home before I cooked it, to further age it.

Prime rib roast should be cooked at 15-20 minutes per pound for rare, 20-25 for medium rare, 25-30 for medium. For anything more than medium, please just buy a chicken or pork roast instead!

Ingredients:

• Prime rib roast

• Olive oil

• Montreal steak spice

• Seasoning salt

• Garlic powder

• Garlic

• Red wine

• Potatoes

• Carrots & peas

• Sour cream

• Whole milk

• Butter

• Salt

• Brown sugar

• White pepper

• Nutmeg

• Bisto beef gravy mix

• Flour

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 425F and prepare your roast and roasting pan. For the pan, add about 1/4 cup of water and a 1/4 cup of red wine, sprinkle a little salt and garlic powder. For the roast, I like to wash it under cold water then pat dry with a towel. Infuse the roast with some pieces of garlic. Cut some cloves of garlic into 1/8 inch slices, make holes with a paring knife in the meat and slide the garlic slices inside. It’s easiest to leave the knife in, pull it to the side and just slide the garlic down the knife into the meat.

2. In a large mixing bowl add olive oil, steak spice, garlic powder and seasoning salt, then roll the roast in the mixture. The goal here is to cover the entire roast in the seasoned oil so keep rolling side over side, end over end until the entire roast is well covered. Transfer the roast into the pan and put in the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes at 450F. Then cover and reduce temperature to 325F. You can baste the roast every 30-45 minutes if you like. This also gives you an opportunity to add more water and wine if things start to dry out. You’ll need these pan drippings and moisture to make gravy later. Tip: I have a magnetic white board on my fridge. When any kind of roast, turkey or chicken goes into my oven, I write the exact time on the whiteboard. That way I can calculate the timing of starting potatoes, vegetables, setting the table and making gravy. Timing is key to ensure that your roast and sides are all ready at the same time.

3. Peel and cut about 1 to 1 1/2 medium sized potatoes per plate. Put them in a saucepan with cold water and season with salt. Set this on the stove. Peel and slice about two carrots per plate and add them to a saucepan with equal amounts of salt and brown sugar. Brown

sugar really enhances the taste of vegetables. Set this on the stove as well. Calculate when you expect your roast to be perfect.

4. 20 minutes before the roast will be ready, turn the potato water on to a medium-high boil. When the water for the potatoes boils, turn on the carrots to a medium-high boil. After the carrots have boiled for about 5 minutes, add frozen peas, bring it all back to a boil then reduce the heat to minimum to keep things warm.

5. Just as your roast is ready, remove it from the roaster and put it on a plate in the oven. Turn the oven down to 190F. Put the bottom of the roasting pan on a large burner and set to medium-high heat. Drain some of the potato water and veggies water into the roasting pan.

6. Please don’t overcook the potatoes. If they get waterlogged they will turn to mush and not whip properly. I mentioned in

an earlier article that I would show my secret to making the best mashed potatoes in the universe. They’re actually whipped potatoes. Here you go.

- While the potatoes are cooked but still ﬁrm, drain the water, using the lid for the saucepan. Immediately add 2 tablespoons of butter and replace the lid.

- I use a fork, not a masher to mash the potatoes, getting all the little lumps out. You can leave a few lumps if you want but to get the smooth, soft whipped potatoes, get rid of them all. Add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream and a decent shake of the white pepper and nutmeg. (Nutmeg is DA BOMB in mashed potatoes! Secret weapon!).

- Whisk the potatoes again with the fork.

- Add enough milk to soften things up and whisk again. Transfer to a bowl and place in the warm oven.

7. For the vegetables, drain the

water, add a good tablespoon of butter and cover with the lid. Once the butter has melted, stir it in, transfer to a bowl and place in the oven to stay warm. Take your roast out and set it aside to rest.

8. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons each of beef Bisto and ﬂour, in about 3 cups of water. Whisk well and add to the water in the roasting pan. Keep whisking this until your gravy is a nice medium thick consistency. Remove from heat when it is.

When you carve the roast, remove the bones by carving along the bone, then cut into slices against the grain. If I’m presenting on the dining room table for guests, I’ll wait to carve at the table so I can ask them how thick they want it. I’ll also bring the potatoes, veggies and gravy boat for them to serve themselves. Dinner buns and a really nice red wine will complement this beautifully. Hopefully one of the guests brought a great dessert! ■

PHOTOS: Courtesy of the Unknown Chef

Oil and season the roast

Infusing your garlic

Prime rib roast with all the fixings

Dawson City Holiday Gift Guide

Suppor t local businesses and give the gift of a Dawson City experience this holiday season. The perfect way to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories—all just a shor t trip away!

Self Care!

Harsh winters can be hard on your body and mood! The Beauty Stick f rom Rockpile Remedies helps reduce inﬂammation, heals scars and nourishes the skin. The Magnesium Body Butter f rom Lunar Lixirs helps tired muscles to rest and repair

From Ancient Voices Natural Products, The Spirit Lifter (Mood Enhancer Tonic), will help stabilize mood swings and enhance a positive outlook.

Keep it Cozy!

Give the gift of coziness this winter! Threadsnorth creates hand embroidered pillows and is available at local stores like Dancing Moose. Kith & Kin carries xurious cashmere socks. heck out Dawson City rading Post and This N That for hand-knitted hats, gloves and scarves f rom local artists.

Book Worms!

Maximilian’s Gold Rush Emporium is your destination for a diverse selection of books, including works f rom talented local authors! Explore Splinter & Shard by Lulu Keating, dive into The Pit by Tara Borin, and uncover the gripping tale of Bury Your Horses by Dan Dowhal. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling ﬁction or local talent, you’re sure to ﬁnd your next great read here.

T gl

Inspired by Nature!

Hob Mons c lu

For the nature lover in your life, many local artisans offer online purchases. Pictured here: Monstera pin f rom Jahier Studio, Flower bead print shoes f rom Klondike Hobby Crafts, Pansy earrings f rom Owl Eye Designs Dancing Moose carries jewelry f rom Canadian made Ebony + Sparrow

Art Lovers! Staycation!

Discover unique, one-of-a-kind pieces at P.B.G Gallery! Featuring a curated collection of local artists, explore stunning jewelry, pottery, prints, and more. From the vibrant Pink Milk Drink to the captivating works of Bennie Allain, Philomene, and Dan Brown Hozjan, there's something special for every art lover

Gift cards for Dawson City's best hotels, eateries, and our spa make the ideal present for anyone looking to unwind and explore our historic town. It's the gift of adventure, relaxation, and local charm all wrapped up in one!

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Sat Dec 7 Tune up your ski technique 12:00 PM Whitehorse

Cross Country Ski Club Get pro advice to ski more eﬃciently, If you are an advanced skier looking at skiing more eﬃciently, sign up for this 2h workshop.

Sun Dec 8 Curl for Kids’ Sake

9:00 AM Whitehorse Curling Club Whether you’re a seasoned curler or a first-timer, everyone is welcome to participate in our fun curling tournament—no experience is necessary! Come out, have fun, and support a great cause! https:// yukon.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/

Fri Dec 13 Christmas Tournament

5:00 AM Better Bodies

Sat Dec 14 Don Sumanik Ski

Weekend – Competitive Race

12:00 PM Whitehorse Nordic

Centre An exciting competitive classic ski race. https/zone4.ca/ event/2024/loPDeL/

Sun Dec 15 Don Sumanik Ski

Weekend – Chase the Sun

12:00 PM Whitehorse Nordic Centre a fun-filled community event celebrating the legacy of Don Sumanik. https//www. whitehorsenordiccentre.ca/ donsumanik

Sun Dec 22 DPSAY Ibex

Excursion 1 race 11:00 AM Ibex Valley https://dpsay.org/raceschedule-2024-2025/

Mondays

Judo For Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM

Northern Strength Academy

Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon

Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged Babynastics with Coach Libby 10:30 AM Polarettes

Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www. polarettes.org/babynastics

Noon Strength & Conditioning

12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy

Indoor Cycling 12:05 PM

Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days

Martial Arts 12:05 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Kids Muay Thai 4:45 PM Eight Days

Martial Arts KIDS MUAY THAI a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. Open to ages 8 - 12.

Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM

Northern Strength Academy

Ladies Kickboxing 6:00 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.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Eight Days

Martial Arts 7:30 PM

Tuesdays

Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top

endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Flow and Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30

AM Grace Space This dynamic and invigorating practice is designed to awaken your inner strength and leave you feeling revitalized and empowered.

Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM

Northern Strength Academy Specifically designed for the retired population, but open to anyone. Fall/Winter Yoga with Barbara 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church Yoga for all levels, everyone welcome, drop-in, for more info call 335-1996.

Babynastics with Coach Libby 11:15 AM Polarettes Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.polarettes.org/babynastics

Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05

PM Eight Days Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 1:00PM

Northern Strength Academy

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Indoor Cycling 5:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM

Northern Strength Academy Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM Takhini Elementary Whitehorse Archery is a non-profit club for the recreational shooter, hunters, and those who just want to work on their skills. www.whitehorsearchery. com/schedule

Stretch & Stabilize - Functional Conditioning 7:00 PM Grace Space

Purposeful movement with our Functional Conditioning non-yoga movement class. http://amitieyoga.

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

Wednesdays

Muay Thai Kickboxing 6:00 AM

Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Morning Strength & Conditioning 7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Midweek Morning Warm-ups 9:00

AM The Guild Hall Start your day with gentle, and energizing warm up. Led by Jacob Zimmer and guests. Drop in, by donation. Sign Up Appreciated - Upstairs at the Guild Hall https://whatsupyukon. events/51584e Elderactive CGC Flexihall 9:00 AM Canada Games Centre Yukon

Elderactive has the Flexihall is Booked for you! Some activities get your heart pumping, while others get your mind engaged

Elderactive Pilates level 1 9:30 AM

Northern Lights School of Dance

Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!

Elderactive Pilates level 2 10:40

AM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!. http://cuts2.com/jiacg

Noon Strength & Conditioning

12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Elderactive Pilates level 1 12:00 PM Northern Lights School of Dance Energizing Level 2 Pilates tailored for seniors. Elevate wellness with gentle movement!

Ladies Kickboxing 12:05 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout. Move & Meditate - Slow Vinyasa Yoga 12:10 PM Grace Space Movement and mindfulness with our Moving Meditation - Slow Vinyasa Yoga. http://amitieyoga.ca

Line Dancing - Beginners 1:00 PM

Golden Age Society

Elderactive Intermediate Hiking 1:00 PM ElderActive Recreation Association Leisure Walking is similar to Nordic walking but is suitable for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed pace Line Dancing - Experienced 2:00 PM Golden Age Society

Indoor Cycling 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! northernstrength.ca/ Strength & Conditioning 5:30

PM Northern Strength Academy Functional strength class teaches compound multi-joint lifts that improve athleticism, strength, coordination, power and more.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Thursdays

Strength for Endurance 6:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 7:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Tai Chi for Seniors 10:00 AM

Golden Age Society Come early, bring water, and wear comfortable, smooth soled indoor shoes. Lifting for Longevity 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels.

Lunchtime Fitness Classes 12:00

PM Northern Strength Academy

Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. bit.ly/3oiTBVz

Strength for Endurance 12:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy Join our supportive running community and hone your technique, speed and pace with the Yukon’s top endurance coach. Inclusive for all levels

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts

Strength & Conditioning 1:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy

Babynastics with Coach Naomi 3:30 PM Polarettes Gymnastics Club A stimulating environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www. polarettes.org/babynastics

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts

Ladies Lift 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts

Whitehorse Archery 6:30 PM

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

Fridays Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 AM Eight Days Martial Arts

Indoor Cycling 6:30 AM

Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Morning Strength & Conditioning

7:30 AM Northern Strength Academy northernstrength.ca/ Strength & Conditioning 12:00 PM

Northern Strength Academy

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 12:05 PM

Eight Days Martial Arts The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Strength & Conditioning 5:30 PM Northern Strength Academy

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - teen classes 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Muay Thai Kickboxing full body workout.

Saturdays

Flow & Fly – Vinyasa Yoga 8:30 AM Grace Space A dynamic and invigorating practice to awaken your inner strength. http:// amitieyoga.ca

Ladies Lift 9:00 AM Northern Strength Academy opportunities for women to find community, learn to lift, improve performance, and build strength.

Strength & Conditioning 10:00 AM Northern Strength Academy

Saturday Morning Strength and Conditioning 10:15 AM Northern Strength Academy Full-body movements to improve functional strength. Suitable for all levels and aligns with NSA’s strength programming. northernstrength.ca/

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu - drilling 12:05 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Open Mat 12:05 PM 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! northernstrength.ca/

WELLNESS LISTINGS

Winter Nutrition

Tue Dec 3

Workshop 6:30 PM Whitehorse

Public Library Come join the ACC Yukon Section for a workshop on winter nutrition! Learn how to best fuel your body for your next adventure!

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. whatsupyukon.events/4en

Last Monday Blood Collection and Lab Work 9:00 AM Queer Yukon

Society The Cache Blood Work and Lab Collection Clinic! We will provide regular clinics for blood collection & lab requisitions

Last Sunday Spoonie Support Circle 2:30 PM Queer Yukon

Society The Cache A low-key community hangs, engaging in peer support in facilitated conversations on topics brought forth by participants, and meet other spoonies! For details and to register islairhysrathlin@gmail.com

Mondays

Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Yukon

Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House

AA Life Ahead (O, A) 7:00 PM 509 Hanson St. Held in person or by zoom – ID 251-363-5766, call 778907-2701 for more info.

AA New Beginnings Group (O, A)

8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral (Hellaby Hall)

AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Tuesdays

Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Yukon

Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O) 12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House

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

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 251-3635766, call 778-907-2701 for more info.

Wednesdays

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly)

8:00 AM Closeleigh Manor Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Call or text 867-334-1725 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

Al-Anon 12:00 PM Sport Yukon

Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

7:00 PM Inclusion Yukon

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

Porter Creek Step Meeting (C)

8:00 PM Our Lady of Victory

Thursdays

Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Yukon

Aboriginal Women’s Council A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.

AA “Joy of Living Group” (O)

12:00 PM 305 Wood St. Captain Martin House

Polar Group (O, A) 7:30 PM 311 Elliott St. & 4th Ave. Held in person or on zoom, Zoom ID 251-3635766, 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.

VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and shower.

Community Kitchen 5:00 PM

Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

7:00 PM Yukon Employees Union Al-Anon 7:00 PM Trinity Lutheran Church Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

AA Whitehorse Group (C, A) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral

Saturdays

AA Detox Meeting (O, A) 1:00 PM

609 Steele St.1:00 PM

AA Yukon Unity Group (O) 1:00

PM Online Zoom ID 482-518-9588 PC 334796 call 778-907-2971 for more info.

VFWC – Drop-In 1:30 PM Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre FREE! Drop-In. A safe welcoming space. Drop-in includes laundry and shower.

Community Kitchen 5:00 PM

Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.

AA Hospital Meeting 7:00 PM #5 Hospital Rd. Room 1212

Sundays

AA Detox Meeting (O, A)1:00 PM 609 Steele St.

AA Yukon Unity Group 1:00 PM

Online By zoom – Zoom ID 482518-9588 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

CAR CARE Tips

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.

HWHAT’S THAT?

Wouldn’t he?

C’mon. Chances are it’s 40 below. What he really does is light a huge bonﬁre of waste lumber, downed trees, last year’s Christmas tree, and seven-year-old income tax records, then dances around naked. But that’s 100

mm. It might be a winter campﬁre. It might be a creche or something Christmasish. There is a decorated tree in the background.

Or maybe something Celtic. Or Druidish. Have you seen anybody dancing around it in robes? Or maybe even naked? Did Druids

wear robes? I know certain Celts what don’t wear much, but mostly they live down South.

Ah. The Winter Solstice! A lapsed Pseudo-Celtic-ShintoRastafarian-Agnostic-Druid lives here and he probably dances around naked on the 21st of December.

yards away and only for one night.

So let’s conﬁne our imaginations to religious signiﬁcance. In true Agnostic P.C.S.R.D.fashion:

I dunno. It’s up to your own imagination. Think of it in whatever way suits yer fancy. I calls it Woodhenge. The result

of letting an Agnostic mess around with a mini excavator and a bunch of spruce burls.

I lied about dancing around naked. You think I’m crazy?

Semper ubi sub ubi! It’s winter! ■

column with

Carl Maguire

Carl Maguire is the Old Guy best remembered for taking a school bus through the McDonald’s drive-thru in about 1987, and ordering 52 chocolate shakes.

PHOTO: Kiyoshi Maguire

Semper Ubi Sub Ubi

PHOTO: Carl Maguire Woodhenge

A&A Contracting

A-1 Deliveries

Acera Insurance

Air North

All West Glass

Alpine Health Supplies & Services

Alpine Sundecks

Angellina’s Toy Boutique

Annie Lake Trucking

Anonymous

Arcrite Northern Ltd.

ATCO Electric Yukon

Aurora Inn Barbers II

BBQ King Chinese Restaurant

Beautiful You Laser and Aesthetics

Better Bodies

Big Bear Eatery & Tap House

Bliss Hair Salon BMO

Borealis Fuel and Logistics

Boss Sheet Metal Ltd.

Builders Supplyland

Bullet Hole Bagels

Electrical Shop Limited Feed Store

Felix Robitaille - Yukon’s Real

Estate Connection w/ RE/MAX

Fireweed Helicopter

Fireweed Lions Club

Frame Shop

G-P Distributing

Great Canadian Dollar Store

Grey Mountain Lions Club

Guillevin International Co.

Campground Services

Canada Flooring

Canadian Tire

Casa Loma

Casino Mining Corp

Castle Rock Enterprises

Centennial Motors & Soapy’s Car Wash

Changing Gear

Checkered Flag Recreation

Cinderwood Kitchens

City of Whitehorse

Coast Mountain Sports

Coates Services

Coldwell Banker

Oﬃce Supply Center

Philmar R.V. Centre

Porter Creek Collision

RC Cranes & Construction

RE/MAX Action Realty

Red Fox Heavy Duty

Royal Bank of Canada

S&S Art Designs

Scott Kent MLA Copperbelt South

Scouts Yukon

Sidrock

High Calibre Contracting

In Bloom Flowers

Independent Grocer

Indian Craft Store

Inspired Interiors

Integra Fuel Centre

Integra Tire

Jacobs Industries

John’s Auto

Kilrich Industries

Klondike Motors

Klondike Welding

Lister’s Motor Sports

Locksmith Services

Crowe MacKay LLP

Cultured Fine Cheese

Dairy Queen

Dall Contracting

Diﬀerent Lengths Hair Design

Driving Force

Due North Maternity and Baby

Low Cost Mini Storage

Mac’s Fireweed Book Store

Matheson Oil Burner Service

McDonald’s Restaurant

Meadow Lake Golf & Country Club

Metro Chrysler

Midnight Sun Emporium

Monarch Insurance

Murdoch’s Gem Shop NAPA

New Age Drilling Solutions

Newmont Coﬀee Creek Project

Nors - Local Volvo

Equipment Dealer

Signature Home & Erik’s AVU

Skookum Asphalt

Small’s Expediting Services

Softball Yukon

Stacey Hassard MLA Pelly Nisutlin

Stacey’s Butcher Block

Super ‘A’ Foods - Porter Creek

Super Save Propane

Superior Propane

Superior Rooﬁng and Renovation

T D Canada Trust

TA Firth & Son Insurance

Taylor Architecture Group

The Ridge Bar

Total Fire Protection

Total North Communications

Trails North

Trinity Technology Yukon

Vision Express

Weld it

Well-Read Books

Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce

Whitehorse Elks Lodge

Whitehorse Motors

Whitehorse Toyota

Winterlong Brewing

Yukon Apparel

Yukon Brewing

North 60 Petro

North End Gallery

North of Ordinary

Northerm Windows

Northern Crochet company

Northern Lights Optometry

Northland Beverages

Numa Crafts and General Store

Yukon Clean

Yukon Hillbilly Services

Yukon Nissan

Yukon Spa & Cafe

Yukon University

Continuing Education

Yukon Yardworks

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 veryone is welcome.

Mondays Caregiver & Tot Drop-in 10:00 AM

Atlin Recreation Centre This is an unstructured hour for You and your Littles to get social and run wild. This IS NOT a drop off, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Call or email 993-4102 atlinarc.coordinator@gmail. com for more info.

Yukon Communities:

Wednesdays AA Yukon Unity (OM)

3:00 PM Online Yukon Health Centers, Live Video Meeting Beaver Creek, Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson City, Destruction Bay, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake. Online users’ sign in info: yukonbcdistrict52@gmail. com

CARCROSS

Sat Dec 7 Southern Lakes Market

Loop 10:00 AM Embark on a delightful journey with the third annual Southern Lakes Market Loop! Vendors and talented crafters offering a variety of handmade goods and unique gifts.

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 After School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks

Recreation Centre Learn To Curl (All Ages) 4:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Open Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Hockey 5:30 PM Carmacks Rec

Bakers & Makers 6:00 PM Carmacks

6:00 PM Carmacks

Carmacks

1:00 PM

Sociel 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Rec Centre Public Skate 7:00 PM Carmacks Rec

7:00 PM Carmacks Rec

School Club 3:30 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Skate 4:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Court 5:00 PM Carmacks Rec

Night 6:00 PM Carmacks Rec

6:30 PM Carmacks Rec

Skate (19+) 7:00 PM Carmacks

Pong + Foosball Night Carmacks

COMMUNITY EVENTS...

DAWSON CITY

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

Until Dec 7 Flight (Cage) by Anne Steves ODD Gallery Welsh-Canadian artist Anne Steves - exhibit featuring tufted wool rugs, photographs, and her own written reﬂections.

Tue Dec 12 Drawlidays V - Exhibit

6:00 PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Drawlidays V is a secret santa portrait exchange. Portraits created will be hung and on display in the ODD Gallery ONE NIGHT ONLY.

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 are welcome, though little instruction is provided. KIAC

Classroom, back door

Drop-In Pickleball 5:30 PM Robert Service School

Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:45 PM Robert Service School Ages 16+Free - Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

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

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 3:00

PM Haines Junction Health Centre

BGC Rec in the Gym 3:30 PM St. Elias

Community School

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.

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.yukon. net/services.html

AA: “Yukon Unity Group” (O) 1:00 PM Haines Junction Health Centre

MARSH LAKE

Sat Dec 7 Southern Lakes Market

Loop 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre Embark on a delightful journey

Tuesdays

St Paul’s Anglican Church Morning

Prayer 9:00 AM St Paul’s Anglican

Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican

Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

Hand-Building Pottery Drop-In 6:30

PM Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) Self-guided group studio time for those with some experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, little instruction is provided.

Wednesdays

St Paul’s Anglican Church Morning

Prayer 9:00 AM St Paul’s Anglican

Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening

Prayer 5:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican

Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

Welcome Wednesday Supper and Games 6:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church

QYS Drop-in 1:00 PM DCMF Oﬃce

Screen Printing Drop-in 6:00 PM

Klondike Institute of Art & Culture

KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor)

Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with screen printing.

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!

with the third annual Southern Lakes Market Loop! Vendors and talented crafters offering a variety of handmade goods and unique gifts.

Last Wednesday of every month MLCS board meeting 7:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Tuesdays

Play Bridge 1:00 PM Marsh Lake

Community Centre

North of 60 Seniors Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Wednesdays

South of 6 10:00 AM Marsh Lake

Community Centre 10:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays

Shuffleboard Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM

Fridays

Beginner Yoga Marsh Lake Community Centre 10:00 AM

Youth Gym Drop-In Marsh Lake

Community Centre 6:00 PM

Saturdays

Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM

Sundays Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 11:00 AM

MAYO

Pick up your copies of What’s Up Yukon at: Haldane Services

MOUNT LORNE

Sat Dec 7 LMCA Christmas Fair 11:00 AM Mount Lorne Community Centre From custom-made crafts to your favorite home-based goods and services, there’s something for everyone. A festive atmosphere, support local creators, and bring home special gifts that will be cherished by your loved ones.

1st Tuesday Monthly LAC Meeting Lorne Mountain Community Centre

Mondays Run Club 6:00 PM Lorne Mountain

Community Centre

Yoga with Jess 6:00 PM Mount Lorne

Community Centre Beginners welcome, all equipment provided. To register or for more info email yogajessyukon@ gmail.com.

Drop-In Yoga 7:00 PM Lorne Mountain

Community Centre By donation all levels welcome

Tuesdays

Active Fun Fitness Class - Drop In 6:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Improve your balance, ﬂexibility,

Drop-in Volleyball 7:30 PM Robert

Service School Ages 13+ - Free

Fridays Cards & Conversation 1:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. whatsupyukon.events/ dawson-legion-8336c3

Open Studio Drop-in 1:00 PM

Klondike Institute of Art and Culture

(KIAC) Enjoy KIAC’s bright, airconditioned space to create and focus on your artistic practice. Even better- we’ve waived the drop-in fee this day.

Drop-in Bouldering 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free - drop-in - all ages

Saturdays

Youth Parkour Tumbling 12:30 PM

Robert Service School All AgesFree – Drop-In. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Open Studio – Drop In 1:00 PM

Klondike Institute of Art & Culture

KIAC Classroom (enter via backdoor) Space to create and focus on your artistic practice.

AA North Star Group Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867993-3734 for more information

Sundays

Anglican Church Service 10:30

Anglican Church Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City. Corner of Front and Church Streets at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson City

Adult Drop-In Basketball 6:00 PM

Robert Service School Ages 16+Free - Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

strength and endurance in this indoor class led by Colleen Ennis. Drop in, admission by donation. Suitable for mature youth & adults. https:// whatsupyukon.events/fhm

Thursdays

Community Drop In 11:00 AM Mount

Lorne Community Centre

Run Club 6:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

OLD CROW

Mondays

Men’s Night At The Rec Centre 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow

Community Centre

Tuesdays

Kids Gym 3:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Adult Sewing 6:00 PM John Tizya

Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Youth Gym 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Wednesdays

Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal

Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 966-3015 for more info.

Adult Card Game Night 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Sundays St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM St. Luke’s Church 867-993-5381

ROSS RIVER

Tuesdays

Sewing Night 7:00 PM The Hope Centre

Wednesdays

Family Bible Study 8:00 PM The Hope Centre

Fridays

Family Game Night- Coffee House 9:00 PM The Hope Centre

Sundays

Church Service 12:00 PM The Hope Centre

SKAGWAY Alaska

Sat Dec 14 White Pass Santa Train

11:00 AM White Pass & Yukon Route

Train Depot The Annual White Pass

Santa Train is arriving at the Skagway

Depot - a 1 hour ride (Alaska Time)

Complimentary to all! No reservations required. https://wpyr.com/ santatrain2024/

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

Pickleball 12:00 PM Teslin

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

Sun Dec 8 Trappers Workshop 9:00

AM Tagish Community Centre Learn modern wolf trapping techniques with expert Jacques Jobin and Bryce Bekar in this one day course for beginner and experienced trappers alike. Free lunch and networking opportunities.

First Monday of every month Carcross

Tagish Renewable Resources Council 1:00 PM Tagish Community Centre

First Monday of every month Tagish

Advisory Council 8:00 AM Tagish

Community Centre

First Tuesday of every month Tagish

Community Association 7:00 PM

Tagish Community Centre

Second Thursday of every month

Tagish Local Advisory Council 7:00

PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays

Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish

Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon Yukon Learn at Tagish Library 2:00

PM Tagish Community LIbrary Targeted literacy programming by Yukon Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon.

Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM Tagish

Community Centre

Thursdays

Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish

Community Centre Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish

Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Tagish Local Advisory Council

Meeting 7:00 PM Tagish Community Centre .

Saturdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish

Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

TESLIN Mon Dec 2 Rec Society Seniors Dinner 5:30 PM Rec Plex Thu Dec 12 21 Annual House Lighting Contest & Hay Ride Village of Teslin Oﬃce Enjoy horse drawn sleigh rides through town. Hotdogs and hot chocolate around the bonfire.

Mondays AA: Teslin Group (O) 7:00 PM Catholic Church Rectory Wednesdays

WATSON LAKE

Dec 7 Santa Visit 11:00 PM Watson

Lake Super A Bring your littles to be Santa, free photos with Santa, enjoy festive treats.

Sat Dec 7 Annual Watson Lake Ski Club Auction 6:00 PM Watson Lake Recreation Centre Charcuterie and midnight snacks served.

Sun Dec 8 Cribbage Tournament 1:00

DISCIPLE OF DISCIPLINE

Colleagues say “Coach Bobby” trains eight days a week

Robert Woodman can be found, at almost any time of the day or night, training or teaching at the facility where he holds the title of head coach. Woodman is on-site “eight days a week,” according to colleagues. It is tempting to add “13 months a year.”

Most days begin before the sun rises, and he seldom leaves the gym until well after dark; routinely putting in 16-hour days.

“I’m there at six in the morning, and I leave about 10 most nights,” he said, “Except for Fridays,” he added with a laugh, because he’s back for a day of sparring on Saturdays.

“It’s just, I love training. When I was working another job, I’d drive by and see the lights on and feel like I was missing out.”

Woodman holds a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, and has taken instruction and practised in a number of different styles; his experience reﬂected in the diverse training options available to students. His school, Eight Days Martial Arts, offers classes in multiple disciplines, which include Muy Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, and traditional wrestling.

Coach Bobby, as he’s called in the gym, is not content to merely stay current and maintain an elite-level skill set in these diverse

styles. While continuing with his own training, he is constantly seeking to expand his and the club’s repertoire, bringing new techniques or innovations to the Yukon, not necessarily from the styles already in play.

“I like to mix it up,” he says. “Take a little bit of everything. I study a lot of great people, a lot of great instructors. There’s always new things to learn, you never stop, and I have to be able to demonstrate what I bring back.”

Woodman brings an unusual philosophy to the club’s training approach. As he likes to experiment and train across disciplines,

his students are also encouraged to look beyond the dictates of any particular style of martial arts.

“I try not to push them into one way of being,” he said. “I try to let them ﬁnd what works for each student. They can ﬁnd their own styles, depending on what they’re good at.”

An unorthodox approach, but the club has had success at tournaments in the South, and Woodman has also received personal recognition; Sport Yukon named him the Coach of The Year for 2023.

“I was very surprised, I didn’t know I was nominated, it never crossed my mind. They sent an email two days before the banquet,” he said. “It’s huge, though. It solidiﬁes all the hard work.”

That hard work has also taken a physical toll, as he needs surgery after blowing out an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] in his left knee, and has meniscus dam-

age to both legs. Despite some instability and the knee occasionally buckling, Woodman has not changed his routine.

“Jiu Jitsu is one of those styles that you can still train, and I’d go crazy if I couldn’t. I get itchy after a couple of days off,” he said. Woodman doesn’t have time, it seems, for injuries or anything else that might slow him down. It’s that same attitude he projects when asked about future plans.

“Keep building the team. Keep building the gym. I’d like to go to more prestigious tournaments, bring in bigger names,” he said. In a nutshell: he is focused on doing more! For Coach Bobby, an eight-day week would appear to be a necessity. ■

Mike Linder is a writer whose heart remains in the Yukon, while his feet continually carry him to places unknown.

Freelance with Mike Linder

PHOTO: Submitted by Robert Woodman Coach Robert Woodman

Demi Leduc

PHOTO: Gary Atkins

Coach Bobby sparring in the gym

PHOTO: Submitted by Robert Woodman

Coach Robert Woodman

2024 BIG AIR NIGHT 2024 BIG AIR NIGHT

Friday, December 6th 6-8pm Friday, December 6th 6-8pm

OUTDOOR PARTY! ❖ BEER GARDEN ❖ Food and Drink

Walk up to the Big Air to watch competitors from all over canada compete and cheer on our local athletes