Monday, August 29, 2011

Maskwa Sets Record at Nationals and End of Year Banquet and Atom party info

Very quiet day at Maskwa. It’s hot and sunny so I’m hoping more people will show up around lunchtime to take a swim. Thanks so much to Derek Bellemore who came early to help bail out the dragon boat for the recreational day campers. The lake was calm enough for the children to go out in the dragon boat this morning and they are enjoying the small yellow boats this afternoon. It's beautiful here this afternoon - where is everyone?????

Now it’s time to brag about Nationals:
Maskwa did a number of first. Jacob Steele and Robin Kendall got a gold in the Midget Men K2, which is a first as they are both bantams. And, a new Canadian Record was set in the Junior Women’s K-4 500m when Ciara Jerrett, Jillian Steele, Natalie Miller and Alexa Irvin won gold. Now, that’s girl power!

High Performance Paddling:
HP paddling starts this Wednesday at 4:30pm-6pm. I’ve had lots of emails about this and want to stress the following.
1. Anyone can join HP paddling – even if you didn’t do it in the summer and want to try it for a month then please sign up.
2. You must register and pay before you can start.
3. Fall Paddling runs all year and goes every day after school (you can pick which days work best for you if you are doing part-time) from 4:30pm-6pm and Saturday from 9am-10:30am.
4. Part-time is 3 days or less a week including Saturday and it’s $70 + tax
5. Full-time is more than 3 days and it’s $113 + tax
6. Keep in mind once you register it’s non refundable.
7. In terms of what you should bring: usual paddling gear and sneakers as they will be doing runs and workouts on rainy days. Once winter starts the coaches will be specific about what to bring and let paddlers know when those early morning swims will start.

End of year party for Atom paddlers (both girls and boys)

The club has arranged with Action Laser Tag a party for the Atom paddlers (again stressing here it’s for both girls and boys)
Place: Action Laser Tag
Outdoor Laser Tag Field
Located at 5249 St. Margaret's Bay Rd, Upper Tantallon, NS
Time: 11am-1:30pm
Price $5 per paddler
RSVP: Renee Field, Club Manager at manager.maskwa@gmail.com by Monday, September 5 to confirm attendance.

End of Year Banquet:
We’re changing it up a bit this year.
Maskwa BBQ at the club
Date: Sunday, September 18
Time: 2-5pm
Price $5/per person

RSVP: Renee Field, Club Manager at manager.maskwa@gmail.com for tickets by September 5, 2011.
There will be a cash bar/prizes and trophies handed out!

Maskwa will provide hot tea/coffee.
All plates, utensils, napkins and condiments for bbq

It is totally optional if you’d like to bring something to the end of year banquet. It certainly would be greatly appreciated and help to keep the costs down. Below is the list if you would like to bring something and please keep in mind that if you have children in more than one level of paddling please only bring one item. Again this is totally optional. Thanks so much.

Atom/Peewee paddler parents: Please bring a cold salad
Bantam paddler parents: Please bring a dessert (ie: cookies, squares, etc)
Midget paddler parents: Please bring drinks (pop/juice etc)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Maskwa Takes Bonze at Nationals in Men's K-4 1000m & updates


It started out raining, but now the sun is shining. Lots of paddlers are enjoying their last day on the lake. Today at 3pm we’re doing a final movie afternoon and it’s the first Harry Pottery movie.

For updates on how things are going with our Maskwa team at Nationals please check out canoewelland.ca.

I just found out that Maskwa’s Juvenile K4 won the Bronze at Nationals in the 1000 meter. Pictured (l-r) Jesse Scott, Matthew Beaver, Nathan MacKinnon and Benjamin Kendall showing off their Bronze medals. Way to go guys!

Today is the last Maskwa BBQ and the canteen’s last day also. I have received many inquiries about next week and wanted to clarify a few things.

1. Today is the last day for all paddling/swimming/kiddie kayak lessons

2. Last day for Canteen is today - it will be closed all next week

3. Adventure Recreational Day Camp is open all next week from 9am-4pm as scheduled and paddling will be from 11am-12:30pm and then again from 1pm-2:30pm.

4. The club, meaning Heritage Hall, will be open from 9am-5pm.

5. Lifeguards are on duty starting Saturday until Labour day from 12noon-5pm.

6. High Performance Training for all paddlers interested (meaning any Atom, Peewee, Bantam & Midget paddlers) starts Wed., Aug 31 from 4:30pm-6pm. If interested please come to the office so your payment can be processed and you can be added to the HP list.

Maskwa End of Year Banquet:

Sunday, September 18, 2011, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Right here at Maskwa!


Join us for an al fresco gourmet BBQ and awards ceremony right here at Maskwa Aquatic Club! Let's celebrate our achievements and party on!

For just $5 per guest, enjoy a main course, side and drink. Desserts also on offer.

For tickets, please RSVP Renee Field, Club Manager @ anager.maskwa@gmail.com no later than Friday, September 9, 2011.

We will be asking parents from each paddling level to bring something to the banquet. Thanks so much for your support.

See you at Celebration 2011!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

HRM Seeks Input into Proposed Changes to Districts

From: Debbie Hum, Councillor - District 16 Rockingham-Wentworth


Dear Residents;

As you may have heard, a recent NS UARB decision to reduce number of districts from 23 to 16 plus mayor has significant implications, one of which is need to redraw existing district boundaries.

That process is currently underway. Staff have prepared two possible scenarios for the proposed 16 district boundaries.
These may change, be tweeked, or redrawn based on citizens' input in a varied number of ways!

While our greater community - esp existing District 16 Rockingham Wentworth and District 21 Bedford, has and will continue to experience significant growth for a number of years ahead, under the HRM proposed two scenarios my existing district will see just as significant boundary changes which will be implemented in time for October 2012 municipal election. (the snowball effect from other district boundary changes).


Public input will be in a number of ways.

Also, since the original information link on District Boundary Review proposed 2 scenarios was posted on HRM website www.halifax.ca Additional maps and info have been posted.

It is important to hear from you on the proposed scenarios, fill out the survey and provide any additional comments/feedback. Please feel free to contact me and send me your thoughts and Clerks office
(www.clerks@halifax.ca) on District Boundary Review process and
recommended scenarios.

Please see below links.

Thank you for taking the time to provide input and feedback!


Kindest regards,

Debbie

Debbie Hum
Councillor-District 16
Rockingham-Wentworth



HRM Seeks Input on Proposed Changes to Polling Districts

(Monday, August 22, 2011) - On July 27th 2011, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review board (NSUARB) announced its decision to reduce the number of districts and Councillors from 23 to 16 plus the Mayor for the Municipal election in 2012. The decision requires HRM to submit a recommendation on the proposed boundary changes for review by the Board. HRM would like to hear from the public prior to making its recommendation. As a first step in consultation, an online survey, presenting options for boundary changes and seeking residents feedback is now available on HRMs website at: www.halifax.ca/boundaryreview.

We want to hear from as many residents as possible, says Chief Administrative Officer Richard Butts. The feedback we receive will help us determine appropriate boundaries for 16 polling districts that will provide equitable representation at the Council table.

Final boundary decisions will be made based on public feedback and in keeping with the legislative requirements set out by the NSUARB such as:

The number of voters in each district
That the number of voters in each district is about the same (+ or - 10%)
In certain cases the NSUARB allows for voter variance to be up to 25%

Communities of interest
Whether it is primarily an urban, suburban or rural district
The geographic size of the district.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will be holding public hearings on the proposed district boundaries. The dates for the Utility Board hearings have been set for early November.

For more information on NSUARBs decision or to read the full report, please visit:
http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Over $170 raised from Jockey Clothing for National Paddlers

A quick update to let everyone know that we raised $179 for our National Paddlers from our Jockey Clothing fundraiser. A special thanks to Lori Rafuse, Comfort Specialist, for donating 25% of her sales revenue to this fundraiser. Every little bit helps!

We are hoping to have the orders within two weeks and I will let everyone know they can be picked up at the club. Thanks again for your support ladies!

Hot at Maskwa Today


It's a hot sunny day here at Maskwa. Today Jennifer Spalding, who runs the Maskwa Canteen is prepping for the final cooking class for children. It's a take home Maskwa Picnic - the children will learn how to prepare 2 different types of salads, and wraps to feed a family of 5 all for $20. I, of course, signed up my daughter so I get to cross cooking off my list for supper tonight.

I wanted to highlight a few things:
This week is the last week of paddling/swimming/Kiddie Kayak lessons at Maskwa.

All week it's Open Dock at Maskwa and the children will also be doing a hike today, scavenger hunt tomorrow and on Friday we're planning a special Movie Afternoon inside Heritage Hall - this is a free event.

The Adventure Recreational Day Camp ends on September 2, 2011

Lifeguards next week are only on duty from 12noon-5pm.

In early September I will be emailing a survey to all members looking for feedback.

The end of year Maskwa banquet is scheduled for Sunday, September 18 from 2pm-5pm at the club and this year we're going to have a BBQ. More details including pricing etc and how the awards ceremony will go this year will follow soon.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Coyote Spotted Hemlock


Last night (Sunday) Aug 22 approx 11:30 pm, a Castle Hill resident reported seeing a coyote wandering around the property of 8 Castle Hill Dr.

The motorist and resident stopped to observe the coyote's activities.
The animal appeared very curious, and is approx 25-30 lbs.

The coyote then wandered through the back yard in the direction of Hemlock Ravine Park.

Details of the coyote sighting has been reported by the resident to the NS Dept of Natural Resources.
And this afternoon I spoke with an official at the DNR Waverley District office.

They have not yet confirmed it was a coyote. However there have been other coyote sightings this past year in the Princes Lodge/Hemlock Ravine Park area

For further information on what to do in case of a possible coyote sighting please go to:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/be-coyote-smart.asp

And I also appreciate hearing of any additional possible coyote sightings.

Thanks!

Debbie

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

Note from LA Dempster

Hi everyone:
I just wanted to send out a big congrats and thanks to the atom boys group. All summer these boys ran, paddled and swam harder and more than most. Their hard work payed off at the Atlantic Atom championships. Out of 39 races, 32 were top 3 finishes, of which 20 were 1st place finishes!!!! Amazing results!

I have coached at the atom level many times, and have never had the experience I have had this summer!

Thank you as well to all the parents who are always so willing to help, setting up the movie, loading (and unloading) boats, or helping to keep me on schedule, always appreciated.

Thanks also to Brian and Matt for allowing me to be involved. It was a lot of fun to work with you!

Hope to see everyone at the year end party and once again, you should be so proud of yourselves, you really accomplished a lot this summer!

Happy paddling,
Coach LA

Friday, August 19, 2011

Jockey Clothing Place your order by Monday to support National Paddlers


This is a special thank you to Lori Rafuse who is donating 25% of total sales to our National Paddlers.


Thank you to everyone who stopped by and eyed and tried on our new Jockey P2P Line!

Many mentioned our jeans were the best fit and best price ($79.00)! Did you order yours?

With girls/teens heading back to school - we have a great line priced better then some of our competition - love yoga wear - check it out, browse the catalog and knock some of the names off your lists! Christmas shopping is starting & what a better way to support your paddlers - with some of the proceeds heading back to your club!

I am attaching the link for those who had to run off before placing their order! Or never made it because of other commitments - Visit my page: www.myjockeyp2p.ca/lrafuse - head to the shop tab, put your items in your shopping basket - check out and fill in your mailing information -mention in one of the address lines "Maskwa Member" - so I can make sure your items count for our fundraiser for the High Performance Paddlers!

If you order and items are not the correct size - you can exchange!

It was a pleasure hanging with you all on Wednesday and hope to do it again soon!

Fashion Show link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMzpzAKkm-w&feature=relmfu

Lori Rafuse
Comfort Specialist
More then just underwear-Jeans Too!!!
Ask me about my Business!
www.myjockeyp2p.ca/lrafuse
902-462-8580

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Spaghetti Supper on Monday at Maskwa

National Fundraiser
August 22, Monday – Spaghetti Supper at Maskwa.

Enjoy a homemade spaghetti supper with meatballs, Caesar salad, garlic bread, coffee or tea and or drink along with dessert all for a great cause.

Time: 4-6:30pm
Price $12 a child’s plate & $15 adult

RSVP Friday, August 19 by 5pm to manager.maskwa@gmail.com.

Thanks so much for supporting our National Paddlers

Monday, August 15, 2011

Jockey Women's Clothing Party on Wed 2-4pm at the club

Hi everyone:
I am so excited that Maskwa is hosting its first Jockey clothing line geared for active women. Lori Rafuse is graciously donating 25% of total sales to our National paddlers. I know everyone thinks underwear when they think Jockey clothing but it is much more than that. Take a peek at their latest catalogue www.myjockeyp2p.ca/lrafuse. Lori can process cash, cheque or credit card. The event will take place inside Heritage Hall on Wednesday from 2-4pm.

This Thursday, Friday and Saturday is Peewee/Bantam champs at Lake Banook in Dartmouth and on Sunday it’s Atom champs at Orenda in Lake Echo. These events usually last all day so be prepared with food and water even though most paddling clubs will have canteen facilities it’s always good to have food on hand, or in my case as an adult a large thermos of coffee.

The children are enjoying the new basketball net and I'm on the hunt for a 2nd tether ball for the playground

I would also like to extend a huge thank you to RM for the use of the machine and operator. The children are enjoying the new sandy beach. Major, major thanks RM!!!!

Thursday, August 11, 2011







Well let me just say we had tons of FUN today at Maskwa! It was drizzly this morning but by 11am the sun came out. We started out with about 70 children but by noon that number had moved up to close to 150. I think the smell of Boston Pizza really motivated them to pop up to the club. A huge thanks to Boston Pizza for bringing Lionel the bear and the pizza that fed the hungry crew. Well it's almost 4pm and we're still cleaning up from the pie toss which raised $63 for our National Paddlers! At 4pm it's the PG-rated movie, Race to Witch Mountain and the teens are really looking forward to the Scary movie (Paranormal Activity) which starts at 7pm. Again all events are free but food/drinks can be purchased from the canteen. See below the Maskwa Fun Gallery of photos I took today - the children really all enjoyed themselves.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Environmental Home Assessment Program

Regarding: Environmental Home Assessment Program

The Nova Scotia Department of Environment through the non-profit organization Clean Nova Scotia provides free, and confidential Environmental Home Assessments in your riding area. All Nova Scotia homeowners who have a well and septic system at their residence are eligible for the assessment. We would like to ask you to let your constituents know about this free service. The purpose of the program is to provide home owners with information on how to manage their septic systems, how to test and protect the water from their wells and how to prevent oil spills on their properties. As an incentive for home owners with septic systems and wells to participate, there is a $100 rebate on their next pumping of their septic
system as well as some other free items, and for those who qualify there is a grant of up to $3,000 to upgrade their septic system. The details of this program and contact information are contained in the attached press release. If you are meeting with your constituents who are rural home owners please let them know about this program.

Sincerely,
--
Lisa C. Privett
Program Coordinator

Non-Essential Pesticides Education
and Environmental Home Assessment Program
Clean Nova Scotia
Inspiring environmental change
www.clean.ns.ca
p. 902.420.6593

Judo Demonstration Today in Gym

Hi all – Today starting at 11:30am is a special Judo demonstration. The Judo demo will be about 20-30 mins in length and the Judokas will demonstrate various throwing techniques, ground fighting utilizing armlocks, strangulations and hold downs. We will also add some realistic self defense aspects of Judo as well. Alex Scott and Liam Goulding will do most of the demos. Closer to the end of August they will be holding registration.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Maskwa Stole the Show at Junior Lifeguard Competition




The weather outside is frightful but the programs at Maskwa are delightful! Honestly the rain does not deter the children and all programs are on. I am looking closely at the weather for the rest of the week but I’ve learned that if I wait five minutes the weather will change so I’m hopeful that on Thursday the weather will clear and we will have a great Maskwa Fun Day.

I wanted to give everyone a quick update on a few things. Maskwa did great at the Junior Lifeguard Competition held on Saturday at Riser’s Beach, located just outside Bridgewater. This was my first time at this competition with my children and talk about a great time. Of course, the sun and heat certainly added to our fun. We had a number of Maskwa children participate: Erin and Jacob Davis, Nolan Field, Rileigh and Morgan Pugh-Toole and talk about one dynamic team. I think all together the Maskwa team must have taken home at least 20 first place ribbons. I sincerely hope that next year we get to host a mini-lifeguard competition at Maskwa. Lifeguard skills are something we should be working to develop and I was disappointed to discover that Maskwa was the only club from the Halifax area participating at the Junior Lifeguard Competition – which was extremely well organized. Special thanks to Laura Zevenhuizen, Maskwa's own lifeguard and instructor for keeping the Maskwa team pumped and ready to compete!

Once I touch base with Chad Brooks, our Head Paddling Coach, I will give an update on how our Maskwa paddlers made out during qualifying for Nationals. I know my son, Nelson a first year Bantam did the 6000 meter race competing with Midget boys on Friday afternoon and even he will admit that he was terrified. We were extremely pleased he finished the race and while at first terrified at the end he said he loved it and would do it again.

Also a reminder that the NS Lifeguard Society will be doing an Open Swim of 1km, 2km and 5km this coming Thursday, August 11 starting at 6:30pm with about 40-50 participants starting at Kearney Lake Beach and going directly by Maskwa. This is to remind all boaters and paddlers in the area to pay attention to people in the water on Thursday evening.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Lights are Working at Kearney Lake

Well it turns out we were wrong and in a good way. The lights are back on at Kearney Lake and working fine. Thanks again for all the help from our councillor Debbie Hum and the Department of Transportation for fixing this quickly.

Don't forget - busy week at Maskwa coming up so come prepared to have lots of fun!

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Kearney Lake Lights Won't Be Working Until Monday



According to Department of Transportation officials the traffic lights' control panel was struck by lightning and "fried". A new panel which won't get here until Monday at the earliest.

So these lights won't be working properly till later Monday or Tuesday.

The flashing yellow on Kearney Lake Road (KLR) and flashing red on the off ramps means under MV regulations, KLR has priority for motorists and those motorists trying to come off the ramps have to yield to a break in traffic on KLR.

Hence the backup of traffic on the ramps.

Our local Councillor Debbie Hum (major thanks Debbie) is attempting to get the Department of the Transportation to provide some traffic control police during peak times to help alleviate the build up on the on and off ramps.

With the sun finally shining this week we will have for the first time the Sackville Boys and Girls Club at our club using the dragon boat from 2-3pm and then enjoying our swim area from 3-4pm. They are very excited with this opportunity and I'm thrilled the sun has come out for them.

A reminder of events coming up:
Wednesday, August 10th - from 3:30pm-5:30pm Atom Special Movie Day

Thursday, August 11 - Maskwa Fun Day starts at 10am-2pm/Free-PG Movie 4-6pm and Scary Teen Movie 7-9pm. Boston Pizza is providing a slice of pizza to all the children and Maskwa will provide watermelon and drinks. This day is for all children including the day camp children and they are more than welcome to enjoy the free movie.

Friday, August 12 - Join the Maskwa community as we celebrate sending off our National Team with a piece of cake from 5-7pm at the club.

Wednesday, August 17 - 2-4pm Join us for our 1st Jockey Clothing Party - this is a fundraiser for Nationals and the clothing is active womens' wear.

Thursday, August 18-20 - Peewee/Bantam Champs at Lake Banook

Sunday, August 21 - Atom Champs at Orenda

Above are some pictures of the day camp children enjoying hiking to Popcorn Island and showing off their superhero capes.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Maskwa Flooded



Talk about one wicked rain storm last night. I'm sad to report that with all that rain it has washed away our beach and created large trenches. I've got our Custodian working on filling in those large pot holes but only once the water recedes will the beach show again. My past experience with this is it usually takes a couple of days so if the weather is good over the weekend, I'm optimistic the beach will show again by Monday. We are still open for business as usual. All swimming, paddling and Kiddie Kayak lessons are on as well as day camp.

With the weather not being great and the number of Maskwa people lower than normal for this time of year, Sweet and Savory Catering Limited who run our canteen will be closing early on some days. We will always give 30minute warning when the canteen will close and try for at least 1hr ahead so those children wishing to purchase something might have that opportunity.

Hope you all enjoy the pictures.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Little Italy Today and Discounted Yoga Classes for Members




Well the weather this week is not looking great but we will paddle until the thunder hits today which will be around 12noon. All swimming lessons are currently on as is Kiddie Kayak.

Today is our Little Italy day - for $25 your child from 1pm-3pm will learn how to make lasagna with meat sauce, Caesar salad and garlic bread fingers. The best part about it is that it will feed a family of 4/5.

We had 8 people join our cooking class today and by the looks of the pictures they had lots of fun.

I also had to share a few pictures from the day camp. Today they are working on their paper mache craft and having lots of fun. The weather has held off and I honestly the sun has started to shine - way to go sun!

One of our long time members has recently opened a yoga studio in Rockingham Ridge Plaza. Many Maskwa members will remember Kathryn offering yoga classes last summer. Kathryn never charged for her time and we used the money raised from her classes to help fund the new playground equipment. She has kindly offered a discount for all Maskwa members. Here is what Kathryn has to say to our members:

I recently opened a yoga studio (www.purefreedomyoga.com) in the Rockingham Ridge Plaza at 30 Farnham Gate Road and would like to offer Maskwa members a 15% discount on the 5-class pass with no expiry from now until Labour Day. The new website is loaded with information on the studio, classes and teachers. Members may purchase by phone if they are unable to come into the studio before September :).

Pure Freedom Yoga Studio
30 Farnham Gate Road
Rockingham Ridge Plaza
Phone: 431-FREE (3733)
Cell: 718-PURE (7873)
Fax: 431-4233
Email: info@purefreedomyoga.com
Web: www.purefreedomyoga.com

Good luck to all the paddlers at the Nationals! (Especially my son John who is competing in the war canoe)