Maskwa Registration is Up and Working

We are officially up and running again with our new on-line registration system. Please go to the website at www.maskwa.ca and click on the registration link. Please also take the time to read the instructions. You are only guaranteed a spot once I receive payment. I know the programs list how many people are "listed as registered" on the side especially for the Kiddie Kayak and Recreational Adventure Day Camps - that is actually not the case. Only once I receive the payment is a person in the camp. We take cash or cheque (no post-dated cheques, please).

I will be in the office most days from 9am-1pm. Please call ahead at 443-0178 ext: 221 to make sure I'm on site.

Also, Saturday, May 14 from 9am-2pm is our Open House. Hope to see many of you then.

Maskwa Phone is Working Again

Yes, my Maskwa phone system is back up and running. Hopefully there will be no more problems with the line. Registration glitched are almost fixed so please check back to our main website soon to register. Don't forget once you register I will need cash or cheque for payment - only once payment is received are you guaranteed a spot in our programs. I will be in the office next week from Tuesday-Friday from 9am-12pm. Please do call ahead at 443-0178 ext: 221 to ensure I'm not at a meeting. Thanks so much.

Phone System Not Working at Maskwa

Hi everyone:
The Maskwa phone system is having difficulties and a technician will be in on Thursday of this week to fix it. Please email me at manager.maskwa@gmail.com if you need to leave me a message.

Also our registration should be up and running this week. Thanks so much.

Georgeous Day at Maskwa

What a lovely day. I pulled up to Maskwa after a great meeting with John Moore and Brian Toole this morning - two guys who can work their magic at getting much needed funds for the Club - and was swarmed with loving adorable dogs! Yes, the crew of ladies from my children's elementary school, Ecole Rockingham Elementary School, were all finishing up their morning walk. It had me wishing I could join them. I tried to entice them to pop into the club for coffee but with wet dogs waiting I got the picture that wasn't going to work.

Then I got into the office to a (let's just say a lot of phone messages and emails) regarding registration. I would ask for patience here. This is a new on-line system and we're still working out the glitches, so that being said, we took it down until we get them straightened out. Hopefully it will be up by next week.

I want to apologize to Janice MacKinnon, because I mentioned in the last blog that Wendy Haley was my garden lady - wrong. It's Janice. So sorry Janice, let's just say life has been busy for me lately. Without Janice we wouldn't have any flower beds and I can't wait to see more green spread across them.

I've attached a recent photo of Natalie and Ian Miller on Kearney Lake and according to John Moore the Masters were already on the water. I think they are crazy!

Registration Has Begun

Registration has begun. Please check out the website at www.maskwa.ca. You will still have to pay by cheque or cash. If you would like to drop off cash to me I'm usually in the office from 9am-12pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays but please call ahead to ensure I'm in (443-0178 ext: 221). Thanks so much.

Also this came via email this morning.
Fred Van Horne is looking for volunteers to assist in the installation of the ADCKC Docks this Saturday, April 16th at 9:00am. Anyone who is willing to help out can meet at the Bell Aliant Racing Centre (please park in upper parking lot) on that date and time.

Cassie Edgar
Program Coordinator- Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada
Office: (902) 466-9925
programcoordinator@adckc.ca
www.adckc.ca

Registration Soon and Judo at Maskwa

It’s another rainy day and honestly, I’m not complaining. Rain is a hundred times better than snow. I’m so happy to see the beginning of green grass and fingers crossed the flower beds that Wendy Haley planted last summer will peek through. I should point out that last week when I popped down around suppertime a deer was eating something in the flower bed but it took off before my van got close.

I am getting lots of email and calls concerning registration and would ask you to check back at our website this week. Our goal is to have it go on-line this week and again a huge thank you to Ian Wood who has worked tirelessly to get our new system created and working. You will still have to pay by cheque or cash but trust me the new on-line system makes registering much more user friendly.

Many of you already know that the ATC Judo club is now calling Maskwa’s gym home, but I wanted to share a call this morning I had from a parent. Her son is participating in the Judo club and after checking out our facility he is very keen to try his hand at paddling. This is exactly what we were hoping for – crossover when sport groups work together. On that note, I had asked Sean Goulding with ATC Judo what they offer. Below is the list of programs.

The ATC programs are primarily based on age.
Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30pm-7:30pm = Children aged 5-8 years with lots of fun games and basic Judo

Mondays and Wednesday 7:30pm-9pm = Seniors and Competitive U17+ Judo

Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30pm-7:30pm = Juniors 9-14 years for Judo

Kick Boxing Tuesday/Friday at 5:30pm

Self Defense – Half day and full-day courses offered throughout the year and by request. Private lessons available as well.

Okay, have to say I’m totally eyeing the Kick Boxing, now if only I can get rid of some of my children’s evening sport lessons so I myself can enjoy myself. Maybe once the summer hits I will have more evening time for myself (okay, I’m laughing as I write this, but that’s the joy of children, right).

Information for Canadian Master Athletes

Hi everyone:
I'm catching up on tons of emails regarding registration for the 2011 paddling/swimming season and fingers crossed we go on-line with this next week. Please check back to our website at that time.

This information is for all Canadian Master Athletes who will or want to participate in the Worlds Master Championship 2011, Szeged, Hungary.


Hi,

My name is Edit Fried (45) and I'm a masters coach and paddler in Pointe Claire Canoe Club, Quebec. My husband, Alain Buliard (49) and myself are going to the Worlds Championship for Masters to Szeged, Hungary in August 27-28.

e are organizing our trip and would like to know if any other Canadians are participating so we can go as a group as well maybe enter crew boats together. Therefore we are interested of any of the masters in your club are planning to go, already bought their ticket or looking for help, boat rental, crew.


Thank you!

Edit


http://szeged2011.com/icf-masters-championships/welcome

Welcome - Donations for Creation of Grassy Area for Children

Okay I might be dreaming here but wouldn't it be great to create a grassy area for the children where they could rest with the shade of the trees or play a game of friendly soccer? I know the perfect location. Next to our second parking lot. The only problem is I don't have $3,800 - yup that's how much it costs for 10 loads of soil, 6inches deep to cover 835 sq.yd.

Once again I'm learning something - dirt is expensive.

I know this area would be a bonus to the children. I also know Chad, our Head Paddling Coach, thought it would also be a great place for children in-between their paddling sessions. I figure if we get the soil (tackle that first) then we get the Maskwa volunteer power to level the area and spread the soil. Next step - sods.

So, I got thinking who supplies sods - Farmer Clem's. I called Farmer Clem's head office and guess what? The President, Mr. Blois picked up his line. I should tell you here I gave a quick pitch - more like a plea for help. He has asked for more information. I fired off a letter outlining the need for a grassy area and how any help would be appreciated. I figure nothing ventured nothing gained. Now, I'm asking for all of you out there to send positive vibes our way.

Last summer with lots of fund-raising we managed to supply the children with a new-to-us playground. They love it.

This summer, I'm hoping we provide them with more grassy space.

If anyone knows of any other suppliers please email me at manager.maskwa@gmail.com. All help or donations greatly appreciated.

1st Maskwa Athletic Scholarship Created with Heritage Credit Union

Okay, I have to say I am very excited about the creation of the first Maskwa Athletic Scholarship Program. When I was hired as the Club Manager, my own personal goal was to develop a way to give added value to our high performance paddlers. The first thing I had hoped to create with one of our key sponsors was a Scholarship Program. Why you might ask? Well, what better way to say to our athletes that we value their time and commitment to the club, and the sport of competitive paddling than through the creation of a scholarship program to help lighten the financial burden when they move on to post-secondary. Many of our high performance athletes are not able to work part-time during the school year because of their training schedule and we understand that.

When I had my first meeting with Trudy Wells, Manager of Marketing, Ken Shea, President and CEO of Heritage Credit Union (HCU) and Annette Shumey, currently promoted to Branch Manager for HCU they were all receptive to the idea of the creation of a specific scholarship for our Maskwa athletes. It took a while for us to work out the fine details but I’m pleased to report that Heritage Credit Union is Maskwa’s Platinum Sponsor and that they have offered a $1,000 scholarship to a Maskwa athlete for 2011. The deadline for application has been extended this year to May 1, 2011. Please see the information below for specifics on this program.

Program Specifics:

As proud Corporate Sponsors of the Maskwa Aquatic Club, Heritage is pleased to offer our first MASKWA Athletic Scholarship Program which is open to grade 12 students who are members of Heritage Credit Union or are the child or grandchild of a member.

We are awarding a $1000 scholarship to the successful applicant once they have confirmed enrollment in a post-secondary program.

If you will be pursuing a form of post-secondary education full-time next year, you are invited to apply. Please review the enclosed scholarship information. As a partner in your education and your financial success, we also welcome you to speak with one of us about any financial needs you have now, or in the future. If you’re thinking about applying for a student loan or MasterCard, I’d encourage you to take a look at our competitive rates and exceptional service. We understand that your next step will be challenging, which is why working with us ensures that you can concentrate on your studies when you need to.

Thank you for your interest in Heritage Credit Union and good luck!




Heritage Credit Union Annual Scholarship

Information Package

Heritage Credit Union Annual
Maskwa Scholarship Information Package

Heritage Credit Union is pleased to offer the first Maskwa Athletic Scholarship as part of Heritage Credit Union’s on-going sponsor relationship with Maskwa Aquatic Club.

The Maskwa Athletic Scholarship will be based on the following criteria:

To be eligible for the Maskwa Athletic Scholarship, you must:
1. Be a current member of Maskwa Aquatic Club
2. Be enrolled in Maskwa’s High Performance Paddling program.
3. Be a member or the child, or grandchild of a member of Heritage Credit Union.
4. Be enrolled full-time for your first year at an accredited vocational program,
college or university for the 2011-2012 academic year.
5. Complete the application form and submit it before May 1, 2011.

Application Instructions:
1. Complete the attached application or request an electronic copy from Trudy Wells at trudy.wells@heritagecu.com.

2. Submit a letter of recommendations from Maskwa Aquatic Club’s Head Paddling Coach, Chad Brooks who can be contacted at chadebrooks@gmail.com.

3. Youth play a very important part in the growth and development of our credit union and our community. They offer fresh ideas, passion and commitment to the co-operative principles on which our business is based. Complete and attach a 500-word essay addressing one of these topics:

What is the single most important thing that you have done for your community in the past three years?

Or…

Explain how the Maskwa Aquatic Club’s paddling program has fostered your development?

Or…

Would you consider Heritage Credit Union as your future employer? Why or why not?

4. Community commitment plays a large part in our business and we support those who are equally as committed to their community. Briefly share (100 words/each max) with us your involvement in each of the following:
a. School activities
b. Work experience
c. Leadership experience
d. Awards and honors
e. Community service
f. Environmental causes
g. Athletic involvement

5. Submit all the requested information to Heritage Credit Union at 120 Kearney Lake Branch, Halifax, NS B3M 3P1 or submit by email all forms to trudy.wells@heritagecu.com. Information by also be faxed to (902) 464-0009.

6. If forms are submitted by email please provide a copy of the “Scholarship Completion Checklist” complete with your signature either by scanning/emailing, fax, mail, or via the Kearney Lake Branch.

The deadline for application is May 1, 2011

Determination Procedures:
All applications will be reviewed and judged by a Heritage Credit Union selection committee. The judges will base their scores for the essay on originality, clarity, and meaningful content. The overall score will be reflective of the level of community and school involvement, athletic performance and dedication, and acceptable academic achievement. Scholarship funds will be held by Heritage Credit Union until written verification is received as to the student’s acceptance into a 2011 program

Wanting Your Maskwa Stories/Open House etc

Spring is definitely in the air! I know it was -7 this morning but with the hot sun streaming through my office window, and the fact I can now see the basketball court once again, I’ve got an extra spring in my step today.

I have had lots of inquiries about membership rates/programs and our Recreational Day Camp program already. We are currently working on having our rates up for the first week of April with a new on-line registration process. You will still have to pay by either cash or cheque but the on-line system will make it easier to calculate your 2011 fees. We have kept the Family Plus cap so for families with two or more children looking to register at Maskwa and take part in both swimming and paddling this will probably be the most affordable rate for you. The great thing about our new system is that it will calculate your actual costs of programming and then advise you what your best option for membership should be. I have to say again a huge shout out to Ian Wood, a volunteer, who has done a tremendous job putting our new system together. It’s much more user friendly.

What I’m working on now is an 8-page tabloid spread which will be inserted in The Herald for hopefully the second week of April for the Clayton Park/Rockingham/Kingswood and Bedford South areas. This insert will highlight Maskwa, our sponsors and our success stories. That being said, I’d like to hear from you.

Send me in your stories about Maskwa. What you enjoy about the club or any pics you’d like included (send as jpeg or tiff file). I know a lot of people today who are parents came to Maskwa when they were kids – so I’m asking for you to tell me what it was like. Old and new stories are great. Please send them to manager.maskwa@gmail.com.

Also we are looking for great individuals who want to work for Maskwa in the following areas:
Paddling coaches
Lifeguards
Recreational Day Camp Instructors
Custodian.

Please send in your resume and covering letter to my attention and I will forward along to the right person.

We have also booked the time for our Maskwa Open House. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, May 14 from 9am-2pm at the club. Tell all your friends also. Program information will be up in April but for those new to the area or just discovering Maskwa this is your time for a tour of our facility, learn about our programs and come to meet our paddling coaches.

Well, that’s it for now. Again, talk about a gorgeous day.

Gift for Maskwa

What a wonderful way to begin my Maskwa morning. I was unloading books my girlfriend donated to Maskwa when up pulls a van I can't place. Turns out it was Trudy Needler, a member of our board, with a great gift for Maskwa the children/teens will love. It's a brand new fooseball table. It looks amazing. For now, I'm going to keep it in its box until the summer season begins because I have a few rentals who have asked for us to remove all the items in Heritage Hall. I can't wait for the children to see this. For those rainy days, we now have an air hockey table, ping-pong and a brand new soccer fooseball table. I will have to think about how we're going to configure Heritage Hall in the summer but I'm sure we can do it.

This morning I also realized only four more months to go until our new 2011 paddling/swimming season! I can't wait. This is the time of year I start to really hate the cold and looking out my office window at banks of snow does not help. Four months is not long. In that time frame I will be working on our 2nd Maskwa Newsletter, a new Maskwa 2011 flyer, a new rental brochure and of course getting my head wrapped around any new programs.

Okay, I might be dreaming here but I'd love to see a Saturday Maskwa market take place at the club for people looking to get homemade bread, vegetables and fruit and much more.

I have to add that behind the scenes, with the help of Ian Wood, who has been working long volunteer hours to put together our new on-line registration process, I feel confident that this year's registration system will be much more user-friendly. We are in the testing phase at the moment but our goal is to have it up by the first of April. I'm already averaging ten inquiries a week about our summer program and recreational day camp program so that's a good thing.

The road way and 2nd parking lot is icy once again but I've got a small order of gravel coming to be spread later today so the soccer children hopefully won't be slipping and sliding down the driveway.

Don't forget if you want to order your new Maskwa track suit to email me at manager.maskwa@gmail.com or call me at 443-0178 ext: 221 if you'd like to arrange a specific time to come in and try them on.

Enjoy your day. I'm hoping when I roll up the rim to my Tim's cup it's not play again.

Active Area Resident and Former Commodore of Maskwa Dies Suddenly

Tom Willdey, LCDR, CD, RCN (Ret’d), a long-time resident of the Rockingham area passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this past Saturday. He was active in our community, and a great parishioner at St. Benedict Parish, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Very community, Tom also served as past president of both Maskwa Aquatic Club and Rockingham Heritage Society. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Ronald MacDonald House, which was a charity close to his heart. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5449. Tom was a man who firmly believed “ask not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you.”

His sudden passing is especially, hard on his loving wife of 43 years, Juliana Belle Willdey (Turnbull), and he will be deeply missed by his children, Karla (David), Katherine (John), and Brian (Stephanie).

Visitations are 2-4pm, 6-8pm Wednesday, February 23 at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Thursday, Feb. 24 in Saint Benedict Parish, 45 Radcliffe Drive.

Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Ronald MacDonald House, 1133 Tower Road, Halifax or a charity of your choice.

Outdoor rink on Kearney Lake - sort of now covered in snow

It's a blistering, wintery day here at Maskwa this morning. I have to say that yesterday I enjoyed watching Sarah Kendall with her children, Robin and Stephanie and I think another friend tagged along, as they shoveled off a part of Kearney Lake for skating. I'm sure Ben wished he could have been there but alas he's enjoying the hot weather of Florida for his paddling training - and we wish him and all the paddlers the best. I meant to yell out to Sarah to pop in for some hot chocolate but found my head buried in grant applications. Sarah do bang on the door next time and I promise hot chocolate for you and the crew - I always keep some on hand in the canteen. I should also let Sarah know that the snow has almost reclaimed all her hard work. It is unbelievably windy up here but hopefully later in the week we'll get rain to wash away the fine powder of snow on the make-shift outdoor skating rink.

It was nice to see our new paddling coach, Jordan, he's actually not so new anymore as he's been with us since September, but this morning he was giving Brian Dugie a work out. Dan popped in to say hi which was nice - can you tell I don't get many visitors -lol.

If anyone would like to pop into the club for track suit sizing please email me at manager.maskwa@gmail.com. I plan to put our first order in by next Friday.

So on that note, I have to brave the elements once more and clear off my van. I soo can't wait for summer.

PS - One of Maskwa's own - Alex Scott, is competing on the NS Judo team for the Canada Games and tonight he's on the Rick Mercer show....I've been told he's actually going to beat up Rick - that I have to see! Way to go Alex! We are so very proud of you.

Icy Roads into Maskwa - Please Drive Slow

Hi everyone:
I wanted to warn everyone to please go slow when you are heading up to the club. The driveway and pathway into the club are sheets of ice. When I was there last night we actually had to help a coach get his car back onto the road. I called Kempton, our snow removal person who lives on Saskatoon Drive, and he's going to get a load of gravel to spread around today for the second parking lot and driveway into the club. I also noticed that with the high amount of snow in a short amount of time the garbage can by the trails got buried so if you plan to walk please don't litter.

I've set up the Maskwa track suits assorted by sizes inside Heritage Hall for those who want to try both the jackets and pants on. I plan to place an order by Friday,18. I'm really excited about these track suits and can't wait for my own. Since I'm working mostly from home this week - thanks to my water heater bursting and flooding my basement - please feel free to call my cell at 495-0212 if you would like to arrange a time to pop into the club to see the track suits and try them on. I will admit my best times are mornings but I can also do a few evenings.

I am also very happy to write that very soon we will come out with a formal announcement of the relationship Maskwa has forged with our Platinum sponsor.

Again if you need to reach me please email me at manager.maskwa@gmail.com. Have a great week.

PS - The pic I posted is what I'm dreaming off now because honestly if I didn't visualize this scene in my head I wouldn't venture outside.

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.

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.

February Recreational Day Camps at Maskwa

I am so excited to announce the launch of our two-week February recreational day camps during the school break, February 14-18 & February 21-25. The camps are for children in grades two through six and will operate from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday at Maskwa. Hot healthy lunches provided by Sweet and Savory Catering Limited. The ratio is maximum 30 children/per two instructors. To register and secure your spot today click on the registration link on the top of the Maskwa home page (www.maskwa.ca)

We are still working out the daily schedule of events and activities but we will be creating themed days: Pirate day, Spy Day, Geek Science Day, etc. The children will be doing one hour of yoga instruction twice a week, badminton in the dry land area of the gym and we’re going to create a Lego section in Heritage Hall, a reading area and arts and craft area for the children. The children will be going outside twice a day for walks, free play on the basketball court and volleyball courts (weather depending).

We have also booked some great and exciting programs to make the two week break special for the children. In the first week, J the Magician will be showcasing his magical talents on Thursday from 3-4pm and the children will get to take home a magical animal balloon of his creation. The following Wednesday we’ve booked the Reptile Show and they will give an educational talk about their 7 species of reptiles they will be bringing to Maskwa and yes the children will get to touch them. Mad Scientists will be dropping by for our Geek Science Day (date and time to be determined) but it’s a hands-on educational component for the children to learn about the fun of science and they will also get to take something home with them.

It’s sure to be lots of fun so sign up your child today. Any questions please call 443-0178 ext: 221. Have a great holiday everyone!

Renee Field
Club Manager
Maskwa Aquatic Club
91 Saskatoon Drive
(902) 443-0178 ext: 221

Maskwa February Two Week Day Camp Registration is up and running

Maskwa Aquatic Club is pleased to announce two-week recreational-based day camps starting Feb 14-18 & Feb. 21-25, 9am-5pm. The club will take a maximum of 30 children/per week in grades 2 through 6. We will have themed days, scavenger hunts, Mad Scientists one week, an educational hands-on reptile show on Feb. 23 (www.maritimereptileadventures.com/ ) and the amazing Mr. J magician the other week.



Hot healthy lunches provided.

Cost is $225/per child. Tax receipts provided.

Register today at https://www.maskwa.ca
Any questions call (902) 443-0178 ext: 221.



Secure your spot today so your child will have a fabulous February break.


Maskwa is located at 91 Saskatoon Drive, Halifax just off the Kearney Lake Road.

Maskwa Offering Two Week February Day Camps

Hi everyone:
I'm so excited. We have worked out arrangements so Maskwa can offer a two week day camp service for parents/students during the upcoming February 2011 school break.

The camp is offered for students in grades 2 through 6 and will run from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, starting February 14-18 for week one and February 21-25 for the second week.

This has been lots of fun to organize. I have hired one main instructor who is very qualified to deal with multi-aged students. Her bio is attached to the registration form. We will also be hiring one more instructor. Our ratio is two instructors for a maximum of 30 students per week and we are providing hot healthy lunches thanks to our caterer Sweet and Savory Catering Limited.

The fun part is we are creating themed days at Maskwa. We will be having pirate days/scavenger hunts/ a magic day with The Amazing Mister J - Magician/Entertainer (www.misterj.ca), Mad Science will be popping by one week and we will be incorporating recreation-based activities like yoga, dance, badminton into our day programs.

So, jump the line and register your child or children today by visiting https://www.esourceevent.com/register/register.aspx?EventName=maskwa

Any questions don't hesitate to call me at 443-0178 ext: 221. I hope to see many familiar faces in February.