Marsh Lake Community Centre

		Spring 2007 Welcome to the MLCC announcements page... Please scroll through to get the latest, or click here for community wide news. JS

	In Marsh Lake, real men ride motorcycles, eat quiche at our cool brunches and wear the afghans they win!	6 May 2007 It's May and there's so much to talk about. Are you on the edge of your seat? The May calendars are out for the community centre. I don't have them up on the web site, so I'll attach one here for you. Three big days to announce for May. First is Mother's Day. Our lovely brunches will be coming to a close for the summer this month, and our last one is Mother's Day. LeaAnn and the gals are doing it up in style. $15, with 2 seatings (at 10 and 11:30). You need to book please. And a quick heads: up we're about 2/3 filled up already. Second big day is Sunday 20-May. At 1pm we're holding an open house to discuss summer programming for Marsh Lake. We've already got lots of ideas penciled in (art camp for kids, monthly flea market, etc.) Come on out and let us know what you think. And starting from 2 pm the brand spankin' new Jackalope deck will be opening up. Hopefully the snow will be gone before we start serving summer refreshments on the deck. Saturday 26-May is another biggie. That's the day that we (the big community we) are going to be rebuilding the free store. After a day of good old community building, the Marsh Lake Community Society is having their AGM. It's at 7pm at the centre and it's being held on a Saturday evening so we can retire to the Jackalope right after. Two more announcements before I let you go... drum roll please.... First of all, I would like to introduce to you Simi (Morrison) our new Recreation Director! My job is shifting to half time as Community Centre Guy, and Simi is going to fill her boots with rec programming. Simi lives up the McClintock Valley Road and loves chocolate, dog mushing (and Colin). Please come out and say hi / talk to her about programming. Simi's first idea is to get some flowers growing around this place. Let her know if you want to help out. Last announcement is that the newsletters are out. If you don't already get one in the mail and would like to, please just let us know. Or you can pick one up on-line or here at the centre.

	Spring is here, so keep a sharp eye out for wildlife signs. Watch your step.	26 April 2007 I attended the Yukon Energy meeting yesterday. With this record snowpack, it looks like we're in for a high lake year again. I've agreed to post lake levels and projections on a regular basis. Last Friday we had some great volleyball and this week will be more of the same. Later on Susan rang the bell at the Jackalope! Good times, good times. This week's movie - for the younger folks and those not inclined to hang out in the clubroom - is Strictly Ballroom (one of my top 10 all time faves). I will be editing out about 15 seconds to make sure it's suitable for all ages. To keep with the dance theme, I'm excited to announce that we will be opening with the award winning animated short "Boar Attack" by our very own Jay White. Saturday at the Jackalope, Drew's got a pictionary tournament lined up. My suggestion? Get on Jay White's team. Sunday morning is of course our brunch. Blair has RSVPed for 10 bikers! He said there might even be more of them but they ran out of fingers. If we get any of those bikers in the kitchen doing dishes later, I will send round the picture! Brunch is from 10-12 am. Cost is $12 and as usual, please RSVP to me.

	Isn't nature wonderful? Yeah yeah yeah yeah!	18 April 2007 Okay, last Friday was great at the community centre: food, volleyball, kids playing games and the Jackalope. This Friday will be more of the same. I've decided to move the movie matinée to movie night. This week I've got "The Gods Must Be Crazy" (opening with Wallace and Grommit "The Wrong Trousers"). Sunday is Earth Day. I have been asked to help out with events at Mt Mac during the day. So I thought we could try and do something in the evening. I am hosting a community presentation on Climate Change at 7pm here at the community centre. Blair has been teasing me that he's going to show up to provide the opposing view, and I say "bring it on". Next Tuesday, Juergen has asked me to let you know that there is a high voltage awareness workshop going on at the fire hall. It's being put on by Yukon Electric. All are welcome to attend; just let Juergen know - 660-4121. On Wednesday 25-April at 7pm, Yukon Energy is hosting a public meeting here at the community centre toto give Marsh Lake residents information about this summer's expected water levels, with an explanation of how snowpack is related to this issue. And then Sunday 29-April from 10-12 is our second last brunch of the season. RSVP early, RSVP often!

	Photo by Dr. Ken Quong taken at Swan Haven	11 April 2007 Quick note today, and sorry for the late notice. Saturday 14-April there are a couple of things going on here at the community centre. The teens are organizing a ski day at Mount Sima and they've arranged for a bus (generously donated by Takhinni Transport). It's a great chance for all of us, and the teens, wish to invite adults, parents & kids as well. We can bus-pool our way to the hill for a sunny day of skiing/snowboarding at the end of the season. I'm uncertain how many people are wanting to go, so can you please give me a call, or reply via email. We're meeting here at the community centre at 9 and returning at 5. Mt. Sima is offering us the group rate (which is slightly discounted from the regular price).The teens have also arranged that if there's enough interest then those who don't wish to ski can go bowling in Riverdale. Saturday night we are hosting the opening of the Wildlife Art Exhibit from 8pm at the Jackalope. This exhibit runs in conjunction with the Celebration of Swans (the photo below by Dr. Ken Quong is part of the exhibit). And of course the Jackalope and the gym are open this luck Friday 13-April. This afternoon we had the celebration of life for Archie who passed away last weekend. It was a heart-warming event, and Tillie and family have asked me to pass on how touched they were by the show of support.

	Yeah, I remember the night the Jackalope opened - good times, good times.	3 April 2007 Did you see the moon tonight? Wow. Susan and I walked out onto the lake to watch it rising. It would have been great if we didn't keep sinking up to our hips in the snow! Welcome April. The new community centre calendar is out, and you can download it by clicking here. Half way through the month we have a number of events to take note of. On Sat 14-Apr, the teens are organizing a ski-day at Sima. All are welcome. That night we'll have the opening of our first ever art show: the Celebration of Swans, Wildlife Art Exhibit (that's art of wildlife, not by wildlife). The opening will be at 8 pm at the Jackalope. The next day we start our new weekly Movie Matinée at 1pm. We're charging a whopping $1 for admission. I've already started to take RSVPs for this month's brunch (29-Apr) and for our special brunch on Mother's Day where we have two seatings. And Drew is madly planning and prepping for the first month of Jackalope-ness. Friday 6-12 (lining up with volleyball) and Saturday 8-1. The opening was a blast. Scott Snider's food was dee-licious, and the company was warm and welcoming. The bell already got rung twice (thanks Harlan and Debbie)!

	Flex your arm muscles at the Jackalope	30 March 2007 Well there's only one event left in March and it is none other than the Grand Opening of our clubroom, the Jackalope! Saturday night from 6 pm to 1 am. Here's some more info. Drew (Whittaker) is our brand new, good to go, fill your boots clubroom supervisor. Hi Drew! Marsh Lake folks and friends are welcome to join the club and to come on down and socialize. Memberships are $30 for the year - you can pay by cash or cheque. The bar will be cash only. On Saturday, food is also available. Local entrepreneur Scott Snider is cooking. For the month of April, Drew has set the open hours to Fridays 6 pm to midnight and Saturdays 8 pm to 1 am. Hours will grow depending on demand. As well, we're working to get the deck opened and licensed for the summer. Lots of events coming up for April. I'll send another note around shortly with calendar info. Saw my first eagle this past Monday. I'm sure we're all ready for the big melt.

	Long may your big jib draw! Happy St. Pat's and happy spring too!	21 March 2007 It's the first official day of spring and I spent the day shovelling snow-bergs off our deck and now it's... snowing? I'm not sure if you could say we came in like a lion, but I can gaurentee you we're going to go out like a slush puppy. Our St. Pat's pot-luck was an amazingly good time. Check out the picture below of the many nationalities toasting the Irish: Canadian, German and Newfie! Rita, Shirley & Bucky once again did a top job of organizing and hosting the event. And as is usual at all of our community events many hands pitched in. To those of us who missed out on the home made ice cream - see you at the front of the line next time. It's been a while, so time for me to remind you of our regular events... - first Tuesday of the month is our Wellness Clinic with Irv (blood pressure, blood sugar, talking about your helath). 1-3 pm - third Tuesday of the month is Wellness + Foot Clinic (we'll help you keep those pigglies wiggly). 1-3 pm - every Tuesday morning 10:30-12:30 is kid's time with songs, stories, crafts and getting wild in the gym - every Tusday afternoon 2-4 pm is our North of 60 Café (fun, goodies, b.s. and cards with golden aged folks) -every Wednesday 5-7 pm is badminton in the gym (we specialize in badminton couple's therapy) - every Wednesday 6:15 - 7:30 and Sunday 10:30 - 11:45 is yoga drop-in (come bend your mind and body) - every Thursday 5-9 pm is Teen chill night and - every Friday 7-9 pm is community volleyball And now for what's coming up... - Tomorrow night is Hockey Night In Marsh Lake (da-da-Da-da-da) Teens vs adults. The gloves are off. - This Sunday is our oh-so-deliciious Maggie and Lea-Ann brunch from 10-12. $12 cheap. There's only a couple of these left before the summer break, so RSVP to me if you would like to attend. - Wednesday 28-Mar is the next Society meeting. 7pm. Elections are coming up. - Sat & Sun 31-Mar & 1-Apr is a First Aid class. $125. Call or email me for more info. And finally Saturday 31-March starting at 6pm we have the Grand Opening of our new clubroom the Jackalope (le Jacquelope). C'est formidable!

	Jackrabbits on Bob Lake Watch out for the wild- life!	13 March 2007 First things first, I want to send out a big congratulations to everyone that worked at, volunteered for, played in, and cheered on the Canada Winter Games. Yukon spirit and Northern hospitality shone through. There's a lot happening at the community centre in the next few weeks and it's all fun: - This Saturday we're hosting a St. Patrick's Day community pot-luck dinner. Bring food and good cheer. Cocktails at 5:30, dinner at 6:30. All welcome. - This Sunday Lara Melnik is puttung on one of her funky beading workshops. From 1-4pm. Cost is $40. Check in with John as there are a few spots left. - Thursday 22-Mar the teens are calling for a community hockey match: Teens vs Adults at 7pm. Check out their posters, they're quite funny. - 25-Mar is the last Sunday of the month and of course that means... brunch! 10-noon. As usual please RSVP to me. Already, this will be our third last brunch of the season. - The weekend of Saturday 31-Mar, Irv is hosting a basic first aid course. The cost is $125. Contact Irv (at 660-4130) or me. - Finally, Saturday 31-Mar, we're gearing up for the official opening of our new Clubroom. Watch for more Jackalope details coming soon. It's good to be home. Even though there's tonnes of snow out there, I can feel spring coming around the corner...

	More snow?!? For iced cake!	22 February 2007 OK, tomorrow is a holiday (happy Heritage Day everyone) and the start of spring break and the start of the Canada Winter Games. At the community centre, it is of course volleyball night. Starts at 7pm. Go ahead break with tradition and be here at 7. This Sunday is brunch Sunday (last Sunday of the month). 10 to noon. Delicious food at $12 measly dollars. Hosted by Lea-Ann and the Marsh Lake ladies. With a supporting cast of Marsh Lake men in aprons, who I'm sure love the quiche. RSVP to me please. On Sunday I will be leaving for 10 days. I've been invited to give a series of presentations on climate change down in the US. I'm sorry I will miss spring break as I'm sure it will be fun at the community centre. Not to worry, we'll be open regular hours with an all-star cast of volunteers keeping it humming along. I'll be back early in March... watch for St. Patrick's Day pot-luck, our first ever Euchre tournament, a Laraware beading workshop, a first aid course and finally (drum-roll please) the launch of our clubroom.

	First Annual Marsh Lake Great Paper Airplane Competition	16 February 2007 Happy belated valentine's day. Two events that I wanted to bring to your attention. This Saturday we're hosting an afternoon of paper crafts starting at 1pm. We, Brianna and I, have a whole bunch of plans. We've got some paper tricks lined up (e.g. fun with a mobius strip), origami, stuff to make beautiful teeny indoor kites that really fly... But the big event of the day has to be the First Annual Marsh Lake Great Paper Airplane Competition! Prizes will be awarded for the highest flown, furthest thrown and fanciest design. Now you may be sitting there thinking, "why do kids get to have all the fun?" Dispel this thought from whence it came. This event is open to all ages. My only suggestion is that if you're sensitive to sound, then bring earmuffs, 'cause I've seen some very enthusiastic Marsh Lakians when it comes to paper airplanes. I may have to pull out the megaphone! The second event I wish to remind you of is our ever-so-lovely community brunch. As usual it's hosted by Lea-Ann and the girls (and the boys in aprons who help to wash up). Last Sunday of every month, it's coming up on the 25-Feb. Mark it on your calendars and please RSVP to me by phone or email. This month the tables may well be decorated with origami.

	The new neighbour!	4 February 2007 I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago about the cow moose and her two calves. They're still in the neighbourhood and just this morning the three were out pruning our saskatoon bushes. Sally Lyons sent me a note yesterday to say that the mother had begun to get aggressive. Both she and Roland next door have been charged now. So all folks around Judas Creek, please be careful while enjoying these three. Since I'm writing you this note, I'll also let you know that the February community centre calendars are up on the notice boards and the web. You can download them here.

	Fresh from our snowy ski trails!	2 February 2007 A couple of days ago there was a Marsh Lake Community Society meeting at the centre. It was full of the usual riveting discussions about policies, rules, budgets, motions etc. Just when we were about to adjourn, Drew called out "Hey, I thought we were going to come up with a name for the new clubroom?" There were lots of ideas put forward, and the winner is... The Jackalope! In order to celebrate this christening, we are planning our first ever Jackalope Soirée on Saturday 10-Feb, starting at 7pm. We'll have the barbecue going, music playing and some good old community cheer. And why are we choosing 10-Feb? Cause that's the evening of the Loppet and all the volunteers can gather to celebrate another amazing race. This is the 13th year of the Marsh Lake Classic Ski Loppet. With all of the great volunteer work going into it, this year is shaping up to be another big success. After no snow last year, we're back on our beautiful trails - and for those of you who've been out there you'll know it's like an amazing winter wonderland. Registrations need to be in by Monday 5-Feb. They can be dropped off at Tillies, Coast Mountain or at the Community Centre (note the Community Centre is closed Mondays, so you only have until Sunday to drop it off here). Bib pickup is from 10:30 to noon at the community centre on race day. Race start times begin at noon for the younger crowd and at 1pm otherwise. There's refreshments for the racers along the course. We'll have a concession running up at the centre and the Awards Ceremony takes place at 4pm in the gym. Woot woot! Last announcements: we had 8 out for hockey last night! Every Thursday at 7pm. Sunday is the start of Susan Gwynne-Timothy's Core Energy class from 2-3 in the gym. Monday 12-Feb is the Fire Society AGM at 7pm. Tonight is v-ball. The picture this week is of Jaana just after skiing - she's who gives the community centre it's super-clean Finnish finish. Feel free to bring cookies to the centre for her as well as for the rec directors.

	Winter sun rising on snowy Mt. Lorne	26 January 2007 A couple of days ago I saw 3 moose on the ski trails on my way to the centre! A cow and two calves. I tried to get a picture of them, but they were off in the trees pretty quickly. But I did manage to get a picture of Lorne at sunrise looking across Bob and Marsh Lakes. I'll stick it to the bottom of this email for your enjoyment. Time for me to give you a few dates: This Sunday - is our beautiful brunch from 10-12. You can take a chance at the door, but we would prefer if you RSVP so we can get a sense of the numbers. Wednesday 31-Jan - is the next Marsh Lake Community Society meeting. On the agenda is final voting on the clubroom. Thursday 1-Feb - is hockey with the teens (adults are welcome) and a full moon ski! Sunday 4-Feb - is the first class on Core Energy hosted by Susan Gwynne-Timothy. The goal of the class is to tune into and tap the energy within us all. It runs from 2-3pm and this is the first of four weeks. See below for Susan's full description. Saturday 10-Feb - is our lucky 13th annual Marsh Lake Classic Ski Loppet. Like the twelve before it, this shaping up to be another fabulous event! Saturday 10-Feb - right after the Loppet we'll be hosting our first Jackalope Soirée in the clubroom! Après-ski starts at 4pm and the shindig proper gets under way at 7pm. Monday 12-Feb - is the Fire Society AGM at the community centre. Let's get out and show these folks the support they deserve. Last notes: We had a lovely little launch for our sweet little library. Special note of thanks to Jacquelin, Pat, Hannah, Louise, Jody, Susan and Lorna for all of their volunteer work to build this little gem for the community. And special congratulations go out to Nicole and Drew on the arrival of their 9 lb baby boy - our newest Marsh Lakian!

	On Saturday 20-Jan we hosted our big little library launch. Woohoo!	19 January 2007 Today is an exciting day. The light is starting to come back, it's beautiful out and I have two exciting announcements for you. We have Mount Sima passes. A little different than past years, these are being distributed to say thank-you for community service. My youth assistants and I came up with an idea to give out passes to teens (age 13 and up) for 2 hours of community service, passes to kids (ages 7 through 12) for 1 hour of community service, and a pass to younger kids for participation and just being a good sport. There are also some passes for parents who would like to accompany their kids. We have made up a list of the youth we know who have helped out around the centre, and we'll contact them directly. But if you know of anyone who has contributed their time to the community, please just let me know. These passes are to reward community service and not just community centre service. 2nd big announcement... tomorrow is our official, grand, gala big little library launch. It runs from 2-4 pm. There will be goodies, and the unwrapping of some special book donations, a little book sale of duplicates we've got and fun hooplah in general. I will also get a chance to publicly thank our Fabulous Library Committee (FabLibCom) who have done amazing work putting this sweet little library together. And thank-you to all of you for donating so generously from the community. As Tagish Elder, Angela Sydney said "reading makes you wise." I'll leave it at that for now. Oh and 1 week until our next brunch. Oh and the teens started hockey last night and they were wondering where all the grown-ups were for Hockey Night in Marsh Lake? Oh and only 3 weeks left till the 13 annual Loppet! Oh and volleyball tonight. Oh and yoga drop-ins going strong. Oh and Susan Gwynne-Timothy wants to start a class on tapping into core energy. Oh and our lost and found is full. Oh and...

	34 birdies recovered from the lights! Look out - here comes Sam!	12 January 2007 Our big news this week? John Bell and a colleague of his from YTG came in and raised the lights in the gym. Thanks John and Jason! Some of you are probably thinking - what's the big deal? Well the lights have been getting in the way of volleyball, basketball and badminton. And when they raised the lights they also recovered all of the badminton birdies that had landed on top. I couldn't believe it when I counted up 34 birds recovered. What the flock! Volleyball is going to be fun tonight! If you happen to be one of the mad crowd of paper airplane lovers (or the parents of one or more of this mad crowd) - think of the higher lights as a slightly more challenging target. Speaking of paper airplanes, Brianna and I are hosting a paper craft day on Saturday 17-Feb: airplanes, origami, tiny indoor kites (oooh)... Watch for details. We didn't get out playing ice hockey last night because it was a little too cold. The teens are still keen to have adults join them for Hockey Night In Marsh Lake, every Thursday from 7-9. People have been calling to check to see if the centre is open when it gets so cold out. I think this is a great idea. So far I've always been able to get in, but if there is a time that I can't open because of the weather, I'll leave a message on the answering machine (660-4999). This coming Tuesday is a big day. We start our new preschool program Parent-Child Mother Goose. And since it is the 3rd Tuesday of the month, we have our double bill Wellness & Foot Clinics. Irv comes out to do the Wellness Clinic and Darlene and Susan come out to take care of people's feet who are having a tough time reaching them themselves. And of course every Tuesday afternoon is our North of 60 Café. Last week we celebrated Jean Cook's birthday with some delicious home made cake. Last reminders for today's announcement... Fun Drawing Folks - see you this Saturday; our big little library launch happens Saturday 20-Jan 2-4pm; and reservations are now open for brunch number 3, last Sunday of the month 28-Jan.

	Cleaning off the rink for skating & hockey!	3 January 2007 Our second community brunch, on old years morning, was another big success. Counting volunteers we served 115 plates of delicious food! My apologies to those of you who wanted to come but were unable due to the numbers. Next one is 28-Jan - last Sunday of every month. New Years folks gathered around the rink. This wasn't a community centre event - it was a full on informal community event. There was skating, hockey, a few fireworks and some very good cheer. The unofficial 3 stars on the rink (les trois étoiles de la patinoire): Robin Hamilton, Jeremy Nugent and Isaac Pumphrey! And with a quick breath we're into programming for 2007. New calendars are up on the boards and the web. Also the events page on the web now shows the week at a glance (and you can scroll forward or back). What's upcoming? Well, you already know about the North of 60 Café, the Wellness Clinics, Volleyball & Teen Chill nights. I've told you about badminton, yoga drop-in and our fun drawing class (getting full). I've mentioned the hip-hop class for teens tomorrow night and also the open house meeting on Sat 6-Jan from 2-4 where we'll discuss the community trails project and the clubroom rules. New on the horizon: on Tues 16-Jan we're starting a 10 week program called Parent-Child Mother Goose. Tiff Tassane and Miriam Verhees are hosting this program for 0-4 year olds and their parents. It's an interactive group program with rhymes, songs and stories. Call Tiff at 393-4900 to register or get more info. On Sat 20-Jan we're going to have the official launch of our Marsh Lake Library! We'll have books, hooplah, stories, treats and a little book sale too. It's from 2-4. OK, time to go, but two more things. Tonight is a full moon, and every full moon there's a group of folks that meets at 7pm to scoot around the trails by moonlight. It's a really lovely experience. Last note - you may have already heard that while we were having a happy new year, somebody or somebodies was creating a stupid new year at the transfer station. Once again our dump has been struck by senseless vandalism, burning down the free store and damaging the office. This is/was a petty destructive act and I personally find it insulting to the people who worked to raise the buildings, to Manfred and Clay who have been doing a great job to make it a better place for us all, and especially to Gloria and Marce who have been such an amazing driving force behind it all. I encourage everyone who sees or speaks to these people to pass on your heartfelt support. I for one will be first in line to volunteer the day we re-rebuild. I understand that the dump is already back up and running on its regular schedule. Thanks also to Fire and Rescue for dealing with this on their holiday!

	Watching and waiting for Mr. Santa Claus!	28 December 2006 Well, the kids and teens had a great time on Christmas-eve-eve! There were crafts and goodies and games. One of the new games was hula-drag - the young kids all hung on to a hula hoop while Jesse dragged them around the gym on their bellies. It was great fun! I will need to get new hula hoops. My favourite moment was just before Santa arrived. Anticipation was very high. Check out this picture taken by Mike. Santa brought presents of books for all the young boys and girls and he brought pizzas and hot chocolate for the teens. The community centre calendar is nearly out for the new year and I'll send out an announcement when I get it up. For now, I need to let you know about a few things. First, yoga is now Sundays at 10:30 and Wednesdays at 6:15 and the folks involved have decided to make it drop-in style. Thanks Robin! Yield to the Yin. And now I am very pleased to announce our first art class! Yes, you can draw! The Fun Drawing workshop is especially for folks who always wanted to draw, but are convinced they can't possibly learn how. Our very own George Dimsdale is hosting this class and he'll help to prove that you've got what it takes. 4 weeks, begins 13-Jan, Saturdays from 10-12. Cost is $25/person and class size is limited to 8 people. A few more reminders: tomorrow night is our last volleyball game of the year. Be there or be square. Tonight and next Thursday, Zoë Verhees, is going to do some hip-hop dancing at 7pm. All teens are welcome. This Sunday from 10-12 is our second brunch. As it is New Years Eve morning - we will be selling some champagne and oj. And as Sunday is new years eve, a few of us are planning to go out for a skate on the rink! Last note for today: Saturday 6-Jan from 2-4 the Community Society and the Local Advisory Council are hosting a joint public forum. Topics include the proposed trail system to connect up the subdivisions along the lake, and the new clubroom at the community centre.

	Happy winter solstice everyone.	18 December 2006 Santa is Coming to Town... We're having our Kids' Christmas party at the community centre on Saturday - December 23rd from 1 to 4pm. For the younger ones (ages 0 to 9 or so), plans are to run around the gym, do some crafts, see Santa, who will arrive around 2pm, have some light snacks and sing songs. The older kids (ages 10 or so and up), will get together from 5 - 8pm+ to skate / play hockey and have hot chocolate and pizza for their Christmas party. All are welcome, but can you please RSVP to this email with names and ages of kids. Please and thank-you! Other stuff this week: At 1:30 on Tuesday kids of all ages are getting together to ski on Bob Lake where it's nice and flat. Please bring along any extra skis you have for kids who might be without. Also on Tuesday we have our year end triple whammy - Wellness Clinic, Foot Clinic and North of 60 Café. Come on down and feel good, get happy feet and have fun to boot! This week, we might even have an apres-ski visit by the kids. I have had a special request put in by folks, so starting this Wednesday we have Badminton from 5 - 7pm (or as they say in French cinq a sept). You can play regular badminton, or you can play couple's therapy badminton where the bird is any issues in your relationship and your raquet is swingin' in time to Latin Salsa music... Or you can just play regular badminton. Last reminder, our second community brunch is coming up Sunday 31-Dec. Please RSVP to me for that one too. Any men who wish to volunteer to help clean up, let me know.

	Welcome to Marsh Lake ... where every day is an adventure.	12 December 2006 What a Christmas Party! Quelle soirée de Noël! The room was beautiful, the food was grand, and the mood was festive. Many thanks to Donna, Sophie, Bill, Blair, Judy, Harlan, Janet, Sheen, Louise, Mel, Lucy, Tom & Jill, Helen, Jaana, Dave, Brianna & Daniel! Skiing? The cross country trails are ready - thanks to Jim our very own snowman! The Loppet team has been meeting in preparation for our lucky 13th annual Marsh Lake Classic. And Tuesday 19-December we're inviting all kids to come out and have some fun skiing around Bob Lake. Please bring any extra skis and boots you might have for kids. Skating? The rink is ready - thanks to Blair our very own iceman! It's great to have the rink ready, but it takes a lot of work to keep up. Everyone can help out in some very simple ways. Don't leave pucks lying on the rink - they end up trashing the snow blower. Shovel whenever you can - especially along the boards where it's tough to clean. And please turn off the rink lights when you're done. I know there are some rinks out on the lake as well. Jim and Jacquelin Fowler have invited folks to skate on theirs. As a courtesy, can skiers and snowmobilers please take the time to go around the lake rinks. Thanks. Other stuff on the horizon? Tuesdays at 2pm are our North of 60 Cafés. And next Tuesday (19th) we also have our double bill Wellness and Foot Clinics from 1-3pm. Saturday 23-Dec is the kids Christmas party and Sunday 31-Dec is our second community brunch. The Marsh Lake News is out! Get it in the mail, or pick one up from Tilley's or the community centre. Or download it here.

	Our new youth staff here at the centre!	4 December 2006 Well it's a real winter wonderland out there! Jim has been track setting and Blair has been flooding the rink! We're all set for the big Christmas dinner and dance. You can eat some turkey and then work it back off by shakin your tail-feather. Some reminders: it's a community pot-luck where we supply the turkey and ham. $10 and you pay as you come in, but please RSVP to me ahead so we can arrange seating. cocktails at 6:30. I'm also happy to announce that this past week we hired two winter youth assistants - Daniel MacKenzie and Nathan O'Grady. Plus Brianna Craig has agreed to come back to help mentor. They're starting to organize stuff for Thursday evenings - now known as Teen Chill. Non-teens are welcome at the centre on Thursdays as well, but just be aware that I've given full control of the stereo to the youth! Robin and Ewa stopped by yesterday afternoon and we've decided to go for a full moon ski tonight (Monday). If you're interested, meet at the community centre for 7pm. Bring a headlamp.

	Yúka and kids with the Canada Winter Games torch at the bonfire!	29 November 2006 Well it's Wednesday so I imagine I'll see you at the community centre tonight for yoga, or the Community Society meeting at 7pm (where we'll be talking about the club license) or for Wednesday night basketball. So much to do, so little time. Remember, that Saturday 9-Dec is the Marsh Lake Christmas Dinner and Dance. It's a pot-luck where we supply the turkey and ham! Yukon formal, cocktails at 6:30. Tickets are $10. Please RSVP to me here so we can get a sense of numbers. This is an adults only event, but we've got our elves busy planning a kids Christmas party for 23-Dec (the morning before the night before the night before Christmas). What else? Tuesdays continue to be an active day at the centre for young and old. In the mornings kids come for snacks stories and play. In the afternoons older folks come for snacks stories and play. Oh the symmetry! Irv comes on the first and third Tuesdays to provide a Wellness Clinic. The 3rd Tuesday is our extra special Wellness/Foot Clinic! Fridays are volleyball. Sunday afternoons at 1:30 is kids soccer where we learn some skills and then run around and play. This past Sunday it was -40C but we still had 90 people at our first community brunch! Folks had rosy cheeks, the food was deee-licious and there was a happening little craft fair. Many thanks to Lea-Ann, Rita, Shirley, Sophie, Lucy and Susan (and as usual the host of others that just pitched in). I think we might need to call upon a few more of us men-folk to get involved as well! To those of you who planned to make it for brunch but couldn't because of the crazy cold weather - sorry to have missed you, but don't worry cause we've got another one coming up on 31-Dec!

	It's chilly beautiful and snowy out there... ripe for a big fire!	17 November 2006 Tomorrow, Saturday 18-Nov is our huge community bonfire. Folks are gathering from 1pm to play badminton and ping-pong in an impromptu tourney. Any kids that would like to run with Yúka and the Canada Winter Games torch, should meet before 5pm at the Firehall. We'll run it down have a few words of celebration and then light the bonfire! We'll have a concession with hot chocolate and hot dogs. We'll cook them for you or you can go out and roast 'em yourself. Wednesday 22-Nov is our first Yoga class. It's now full, but if you're still interested in stretching your body and mind, please let me know as we're trying to organize a Saturday's class as well. Starting again this Sunday at 1:30 it's soccer for kids, from now till the New Year. We'll split the gym in half and work on skills based on age. As usual we'll end up with a game at the end. A week this Sunday on 26-Nov, it's our first community brunch, hosted by Maggie, Lea-Ann and the ladies. Check out the menu on the posters - oooeeee! The cost is $12 measly bucks, and it's half price if you're half Malcolm Taggart's height. How tall is Malcom? Come and check out our community measuring stick - he's at the top. Please RSVP to me at the community centre if you plan to attend, so we can judge numbers. That day, Helen and Jienna have convinced me to give folks a chance to show off and maybe sell some Christmas goods. We're saving a full blown Christmas craft fair till next year when we've had more time to plan, but I will set out tables for folks to show their stuff at $5 a table so we can get a bit of a teaser for next year. Again, please contact me for more details. And what about Christmas? We're having a Yukon Formal dinner and dance for adults on 9-Dec. We supply the turkey, you supply the fixins. We supply the music, you supply the mixin. Posters are on their way. For the kids we're planning a party on 23-Dec. Later on that day we'll have a time for just the teens to get together to hang out. OK. It's Friday night volleyball again. Last week we had close to 50 people out! We decided as a group that we should expand this to another night as well. So, as a group we've changed the calendar to read Sat Sun Mon Tue Fri Thu Fri! What? 2 Friday nights? Yep one at the end of the week and one mid-week. Come out on either one or come out on both. Are we allowed to do that? I've just checked the rules and there's nothing to say that I can't. I attribute this to the empowerment of cookies. Keep 'em coming.

		10 November 2006 So much for fall, cause here comes winter! Brian (Tuskey) called me yesterday to say that the skiing on Bob lake is excellent right now. He thinks it would be a great time to kick off the season with a little waxing clinic. He's bringing his waxing bench to the centre this Sunday at 10am. Bring your skis, wax etc. down to the gym and we'll go out for some winter fun afterwards. What else is coming up? Well, pull up a chair... Susan and Darlene, are hosting our first Foot Clinic, Tuesday 15-Nov at 1pm. Now don't think that this is an opportunity for a free foot massage by two of the cutest RNs this side of Whitehorse. A Foot Clinic is for folks who have a bit of trouble reaching their feet. Andas it happens it's being hosted by two of the cutest RNs this side of Whitehorse. So come on out, bring a wash-tub for your feet, a towel and get your pigglies wiggly. Next Saturday 18-Nov is our huge community bonfire, and we're going to light it with the Canada Winter Games Torch! At 5pm kids can join Yúka the CWG mascot to run the torch from the Firehall down to the bonfire wood-pile at the community centre. After a few words of commemoration, we'll light the bonfire and then we'll all oooh and aaaahhh and step back before we singe our eyebrows. We'll open a concession in the hall to sell hot chocolate and hot dogs (looking for a couple volunteers for this please). Marshmallows are on the house! Wednesday 22-Nov we're starting our first winter program here at the centre: Yin Yoga. This is group yoga which will be hosted by Robin and Angela using a dvd. Space is limited, so please register through me here at the centre. Last - Calling all teens. It looks like we will receive funding to hire two youth assistants for one night a week to promote and organize teen sports and activities here at the centre. Are you interested in helping out and earning a little money? Email or call for more info. Deadline to apply is 21-Nov.

		4 November 2006 This morning was cool, crisp and beautiful. The lake was misting andstarting to freeze up. I love this place. Then I came in to the community centre and the heat was out. Mind you I didn't have it as bad as the Fire and Rescue folk who were hear from early this morning, learning about some new jaws of life. 4 hours and 20 phone calls later, I think we've now got the heat back on. And the Fire and Rescue folks? Well Donna and I gave them so much chili and coffee, they'll probably be awake all night farting. So pretty much business as usual. It's been over a week since I last wrote, but I don't want you to take this personally. As many of you will know, it just means we've had a lot on the go. We had 100 or so Marsh Lakians here for our first community wide pot-luck hosted by Shirley and Rita. Click here to see their thank-you on the community page! Then on Hallowe'en eve itself, we had 50+ costumed, very excited, pre-trick-or-treating kids here. Wow! Let's just say I was "whelmed". I had a team of 5 teens: Pete, Zoe, Jesse, Vera and Daniel (aka Igor H. Umpback) and 3 adults (Michele, Jay and I) putting the party together. Thank-you motley crew and all who helped on the hallowed eve itself! Jay White went above and beyond the call of duty when he buried himself in a grave to scare us on our walk through the woods - in the old playground outhouse hole. Now that's scary & stinky! Now it's November. Above our regular events of Wellness Clinic with Irv, North of 60 Café, preschool story-time, Folleyball Fridays... Click here for our Upcoming Events page. And there are a few other things in the works as well: an official launch of our new library, starting some Wednesday night classes, hiring two teen rec assistants, flooding the rink, getting our club room license in place...