Four Things to Highlight on Monday: Coyote spotted/Maskwa Auction/Donation/Track Suits

Hi everyone:
There are four things I would like to highlight on this sunny Monday morning - this is the calm before the big snow storm which my kids are already cheering on. I am not!

Coyote Spotted near Maskwa:
I wanted to let everyone know that on Sunday morning around 5:10am a coyote was spotted in a neighbours driveway on Saskatoon Drive. This is very close to Maskwa so please use caution. I know a number of people in the area like to walk their dogs off-leash on the Maskwa trails but I would ask you to please be aware that the Department of Natural Resources is in the process of setting traps to capture these coyotes. Coyote trap for those that don't know can capture loose dogs. The coyotes in the area (including one spotted in the vicinity around Hemlock Ravine by Grosvenor Elementary School) are coming out of the woods for quick food (think your household pet here and not kidding) and they are not afraid of humans. The coyotes moving into the urban area are not like the coyotes a couple decades ago - small and kind of cute looking. These new coyotes have mixed with wolves and they are big - in many cases bigger than a German Shepard - and they are not afraid of your dog or you. I will post a sign up by the trail area this morning to let walkers know of the coyote spotting but please spread the word.

Check here for more information on coyotes: http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/nuisance/coyotes-faq.asp

Wonderful Donation to the Club:
Also I would like to clarify a wonderful donation that Maskwa Aquatic Club received. Thanks to Cathy and Derek Day, owners of Silhouette Fitness on Parkland Drive, the club received over $30,000 worth of hydraulic weight equipment. This donation is very much appreciated by the athletes. This donation came about because one of our Maskwa members, Judi Wensel mentioned the need for weight equipment to Cathy Day and she was more than willing to donate the hydraulic weights to our club. I can't say enough how much the paddling athletes and the young hockey group who utilize our club on Sunday morning enjoy having the opportunity to use the equipment.

Cathy and Derek unfortunately are moving from Nova Scotia but I wanted to let people know that they are selling their beautiful house at 5 Lanshaw Close (it's a 4-Bdrm/4-Bath, over 4,000 sq.foot, custom-built house, R2000, has a beautiful manicured lawn, attached garage and potential for in-law suite). For more information on the house please feel free to email Cathy at cathy.day1@gmail.com.

Again a huge thanks to the Day's for the wonderful donation to the club.

Maskwa Annual Auction a huge hit:
I love the Maskwa auction and have to say a huge thanks to all the parents who really put this all together. Trust me I know this is no small feat. It went very smoothly and there were a ton of silent auction items donated along with wonderful live auction items we could bid on. I walked away spending more than my budget (hubby please do not read this, but the hotel room will be worth it - think no kids for a couple of nights -lol). I wanted to say a special thanks to Jim Bardos, owner of Kokomo's in Bayers Lake, for providing the great location, wonderful food and service. According to the tally made last night the athletes raised about $4,500 from the auction to help fund their upcoming Florida training trip where many go from 3-6 weeks for intensive training. A special thanks also to the local councillors like Debbie Hum, Mary Wile,and Peter Lund who came out to support the auction and to present Maskwa with a $13,000 cheque for our new War Canoe. Thanks so much.

Maskwa Athletic Track Suits:
I have been working with MICCO promotions to secure our new Maskwa track suits and thanks to Paul Bertrand's hard work we were able to showcase the new track suits at the auction. Paul is popping by the club this morning so we will have a variety of sizes for athletes to try on, including some youth sizes. The price for a full track suits (includes pants and your name on the Maskwa jacket) is $95 tax included. Maskwa caps are also available for $13.75 (including tax). Attached is a pdf of the track suits and very soon the information will be posted to our main Maskwa webpage. If you are unsure of what size you would like to order please email me at manager.maskwa@gmail.com to arrange at time to come into the club for to try on the suits. I'm usually here Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday's from 9-12pm but always call ahead to make sure at 443-0178 ext: 221.

This SUNDAY - Maskwa Auction & Social

Annual Maskwa Auction & Social!


Mark Your Calendar!

The Annual Maskwa Auction & Social is being held Sunday, January 30 at Kokomo's Family Restaurant,120 Susie Lake Crescent in Bayer's Lake

Sunday, Jan 30, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $5, which gets you a "paddle," enabling you to bid on the auction items, and to be entered into the draws. Children get in FREE.

Come warm up the winter by getting together with your summer friends from Maskwa for a fabulous afternoon of food, fun & prizes!

Enter to win a FREE Maskwa Family Membership! And Much, Much More...

Plus, bid on a dazzling array of auction items! Stay on for supper!

Come support our paddlers heading to Florida for Spring Training and add some Maskwa summer warmth to our chilly winter!

Coyote Spotted in Area

Hi everyone:
Please see below note about a coyote spotted in the area – take care where walking in woods around Maskwa and the Heart Shaped Pond.

COYOTE SIGHTING

It has been reported to the school that early this morning there was a
coyote sighting by the heart shaped pond and on the path between the
pond and the school of Ecole Grosvenor-Wentworth Park School.
Please advise your children to use the sidewalks
and stay out of the woods when walking to and from school.

This message was forwarded from our local HRM councilor, Debbie Hum
Please see Dep't of Natural Resources link below for more information and to report any coyote sightings:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/nuisance/coyotes-faq.asp


The school has reported the coyote sighting to Dept of Natural Resources, Jenny Costello. They are investigating.

Kindest regards,

Debbie

Debbie Hum
Councillor - District 16
Rockingham Wentworth
cell: 476 7212

Public Meeting for Bedford West - close to Maskwa

I received this information from our local HRM Councillor, Debbie Hum, and thought holy cow! Talk about a lot of people closer to Maskwa - lol. Seriously, development concerns everyone. If you can attend this meeting I would love feedback.

A public information meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, (if
the meeting is cancelled due to inclement weather, the alternate date will be
Thursday, January 13, 2011, same time and location) beginning at 7:00 p.m. at
Basinview Drive Community School, 273 Basinview Drive, Bedford, NS, to
discuss the following application: Case No. 16666 - Application by Cresco Holdings Ltd., for the lands of Cresco Holdings Ltd., to enter in to a development agreement for an approximately 38.5 acre site in the proposed Sub-Area 9 of Bedford West, located between Highway 102 and Kearney Lake Road in Bedford and Halifax. The proposed development would enable commercial and residential uses and proposes 318
multiple unit residential units and approximately 107,000 square feet of
commercial space.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive feedback regarding the above-noted
application. The applicant will be present to discuss the proposal. Planning staff
will be present to discuss the process and the application with respect to the
provisions of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for Bedford
and Halifax.

The meeting is open to anyone who wishes to attend to seek information about the
proposal and/or express any comments which they may have.
Planning Services, Sackville Office, 869-4260.

Maskwa February Day Camps

Okay, should I be worried that so far only 4 children are registered in my first ever Maskwa February Day Camps? My hubby will tell you I'm not sleeping at night because I keep waking up with this thought on my frontal lobe. Well, that's part of the reason, but the other part is my slipped disc in my back, which kills when I roll over in bed. But seriously, I am worried about this. I thought for sure people would be looking for a place to put their children - I know the thought of being home with my four children for two weeks is the third reason I'm waking up at night. My teenager said he'd help out but I didn't leave him much of an option...either that or no cell phone buddy. I know people tell you one should never bribe kids - I personally think those people don't have kids.

So this morning, I'm pouring over my budget for the camp, trying to think of ways to spread this word of mouth because there really is no marketing budget, with a heating pad on my back (yup). I know hate looking out my window at the cold snow, which makes my office feel even colder. So if anyone out there has a great idea how to spread the word about this camp please let me know.

I love the idea of coming to work in February with Maskwa once again filled with children. I really miss all the people and kids. Feel free to drop by. My office hours, I'm trying to keep to, are Monday-Wed from 8:30am-12noon. Visitors welcomed.

So once again the info on the camp:

Maskwa February Day Camps
Grades 2 through 6
$225/per week/per child
Hot Lunch included

Enroll your child today at www.maskwa.ca (top of page) for the two-week February Day Camps (Feb. 14-18 & Feb. 21-25)

Themed-fun days with a recreational base.
A visit from Mad Scientists, The Amazing Reptile Show & J the Magician.

Limited to 30 children per week.

Maskwa Auction Coming Up

Hi everyone:
Annual Maskwa Auction & Social!

Mark Your Calendar!

The Annual Maskwa Auction & Social is being held Sunday, January 30 at Kokomo's Family Restaurant,
120 Susie Lake Crescent in Bayer's Lake
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
$5 admission/buys you a paddle to bid on items.
Children Free

Come warm up the winter by getting together with your summer friends from Maskwa for a fabulous afternoon of food, fun & prizes!

Enter to win a FREE Maskwa Family Membership! And Much, Much More...

Plus, bid on a dazzling array of auction items! Stay on for supper!

Come support our paddlers heading to Florida for Spring Training and add some Maskwa summer warmth to our chilly winter!

Skate the Common Marathon this weekend

Hi everyone:
I wanted to let everyone know our own Maskwa former Commodore, John Moore, is the announcer at a key Canada Games, the upcoming Skate the Common Marathon taking palce this weekend on the Canada Games Oval on the Halifax Common. How very exciting!

Also a reminder that if you're interested in putting your children in the Maskwa February two-week day camps please register by going to the Maskwa homepage and click on the link at the top.

Happy New Year everyone!

Skate the Common in Halifax!

Marathon Skating International, the Dartmouth Speed Skating Club, and the Halifax Regional Municipality are pleased to announce the “Skate the Common” Marathon, which will take place as a part of the community festival “Skate: A Winter Celebration on Big Ice” January 8-9, 2011 at the Canada Games Oval on the Halifax Common.

This is a Speed Skate Nova Scotia sanctioned competition. The 25K and 40K events will be included in the Marathon Skating International Points Series, with points accumulated by skaters counting towards their season standing for purposes of the Pierre Gagné Trophy. Chip timing provided by MSI Sports Timing.


Featured events

5K Big Ice Icebreaker
Never skated in a marathon before? This event will appeal to skaters of all ages, with any type of skates. If you’ve been skating at the public skates at your local arena, you can do this distance – 12½ laps of the oval. But beware; it may awaken your interest in the longer distances!

10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge
Are you a hockey or ringette player, figure skater or recreational skater who’s known for their skating skills? Think you can go the distance? Take on the speed skaters in this 10 kilometre event – 25 laps of the oval!

25K Big Ice Challenge
10K just a warm up for you? This one has 62½ laps of the oval, and is a good test of your endurance and skating skills. And if you’re really serious, you can do the 10K first.

40K Going the Distance
This one is for the true marathoner. Who can complete 100 laps of the oval?

Age Classes: Women and Men will each have the following categories

Under 19 19-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+

Schedule:

Friday, January 7, 2011 5:00 – 7:00 PM Skater Check-in and assignment of timing chips
Practice time on the oval

Saturday, January 8, 2011 8:00 – 8:30 AM Late Check-in and assignment of timing chips
Warm up time on the oval
9:00 – 10:00 AM 5K Big Ice Icebreaker
10:00 – 10:30 AM Ice resurfacing
Late Check-in and assignment of timing chips
10:30 – 11:30 AM 10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge
1:00 – 2:00 PM Late Check-in and assignment of timing chips
Warm up time on the oval
2:00 – 4:00 PM 25K Big Ice Challenge

Sunday, January 9, 2011 9:00 – 9:30 AM Skater Check-in and assignment of timing chips
Warm up time on the oval
10:00 – 12:30 PM 40K Going the Distance


Registration and Contact:
You can register online through the RecConnect page on the Halifax Regional Municipality website:
If you need assistance with the online registration, you can call (902) 490-6666. For information, contact For information, contact Sheila McGinn at ai553@chebucto.ns.ca or 902-443-8781.

Fees:


5K Big Ice Icebreaker $15

10K Hockey Challenge
$15

25K
$30

40K
$30

25K and 40K combo
$40



Racing Rules: (to be updated later this month)
Slowest skaters will skate on the inside track of the oval. This will:

- Avoid accidents;
- Let slower skaters improve their times;
- Eliminate the need for faster skaters to call out each time they pass;
- Avoid erratic moves across the width of the oval.

Skater Number:
Place your number on the right thigh so it can be seen by the timers.

Electronic Chips:
Please return your chip immediately after your last event. You must use the same chip for the entire competition; no other chip will be handed out. You are fully responsible for the electronic chip return. You are also responsible to wear it in the race so that your time can be recorded and included in the results