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REC REPORT: Winter activities begin in Rossland

This Saturday, Dec. 1 marks the 19th Annual Rekindle the Spirit of Christmas!

This Saturday, Dec. 1 marks the 19th Annual Rekindle the Spirit of Christmas! Come visit the brightest little ski town in the Kootenays and get in the yuletide spirit!  Old favorites include having photos taken with Santa by Larry Doel, drinking some Christmas cheer, singing some carols and buying your Christmas tree from the Red Mountain Racers. Don’t forget your shopping lists and enjoy the hospitality and high quality shopping of the many unique boutique downtown shops.   As the sun goes down join the crowd in the downtown Square for the lighting of the tree, carol singing and the drawing of the coveted basket full of valuable merchandise.

As the Ski Season approaches, more and more people will be arriving in Rossland! If you’re looking for general information about the “going’s on” of the community, or you need to rent a place to live, or sell your old snowboard, check out www.bhubble.com. The Rossland Food Bank is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and is located on Columbia Ave, just past the outdoor swimming pool, before you get to the Miners’ Hall.  The Thrift Store is open on Wednesdays and Fridays and is a great source of sports equipment, clothing and everything else.

The Snow Dance, featuring Karli Harrison and No Excuse is on Saturday, December 1 at the Miners’ Hall. The event is sponsored by the Spirit of Red Social Club and tickets are available at Mountain Town Properties on Washington Street or from members of the Spirit of Red Social Club Society.  All proceeds go to the final costs associated with the Olaus Jeldness statue.

There are lots of new recreation programs starting in December and January. There is a Beginners Skate Skiing class starting on Dec. 4 and running for three weeks on Tuesday evenings, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Intermediate and Advanced Skate Skiing class starts the following night, on Wednesday Dec. 5 and also runs for three weeks. Both courses are taught by Andy Morel, with Kootenay Nordic Ventures.

In January, there are several new Art Courses starting – Animals around the World for children 5-7 years, Cartooning for children 6-12 years and Adult Art – all start the second week of January. If you’re interested in Pottery, there’s a Wheel and Handbuilding for Youth and a separate class for Adults, starting at the end of January.  Hip Hop & Jazz starts up mid-January, with classes for every age group – including teens and adults.  Karate accepts new students in January, with the Winter session starting Tuesday, January 8.  Karate is open to Youth ages 12 and up.

Public Skating for the week of Nov. 26-Dec. 2, is Friday, Nov.30 from 5-6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 6-7:30 p.m.  The 2:30-4 p.m. Public Skating time is canceled due to the Minor Hockey Tournament. For more information about admission prices and skate rentals, please log on to the City’s website, at www.rossland.ca. The information can be found under the City Hall > Arena page.

If you’re new to town and wondering about drop in hockey, there are two recreation times set aside. The Tuesday night Co-Ed Rec Hockey runs from 9:45-11 p.m. and the Sunday hockey runs from 9:15-10:30 p.m. The drop in fee is $10 per person, or you can purchase a 10X pass at the Recreation Department, for $80. The Saturday Co-Ed Rec Hockey is cancelled, so make sure you take advantage of the Tuesday / Sunday ice times.

Senior’s Duffer Hockey has started and runs on Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. If you love to play hockey and you can “play nice”, you’re welcome to come play during Senior’s Hockey. Players with varying skills are encouraged to come out and play with other “older” players in the spirit of fellowship and sportsmanship. All abilities are encouraged and welcome!

Lots of drop-in recreation in Rossland if you’re busy but looking for an opportunity to get some exercise and have some fun! Basketball is played at RSS on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. in the gym; Indoor Soccer is played on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. in the RSS Gym; Pickleball is also on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in the MacLean Elementary School gym; Adult Co-Ed Rec Hockey is on Tuesday nights from 9:45-11 p.m. and on Sunday nights from 9:15-10:30 p.m. in the Rossland Arena and Volleyball is played at RSS in the Gym on Thursdays from 7:30 p.m.  Zumba and Stretch & Strength are taking a break over the busy holiday season and will resume for Session #2, the second week of January, 2013.

The Recreation Department will start creating the Spring Brochure in the next few weeks.  If you’re new to town and interested in teaching a hobby or skill that you enjoy, please contact us to discuss opportunities for running a program.