The Spring Brochure will be in your mailboxes next week! There are lots of new and exciting programs coming up, including; “Cartooning for Teens”, “Violin for Beginners”, knitting classes, “Medieval Art class” and “Star Dance Quilting.” If you don’t receive the city’s information in your mailboxes, please phone the recreation department and we’ll forward it to you electronically. If you prefer a hard copy, please come in to city hall to pick one up.
Thinking about running for council? An informative workshop, hosted by Mayor Greg Granstrom, will help to give those considering a position on council a clear understanding of council’s roles and responsibilities and the impact the duties of office will have on their life in general. This workshop is not for “campaigning” — it’s to equip and encourage those who are considering a position on council. There are two sessions to choose from. Session 1: Tuesday, May 17, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Session 2: Thursday, May 19 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held in the Rossland Arena lounge. The lounge can be accessed from 3rd Ave, up the stairs above the public skating entrance. To register, please contact the recreation department. Registration is $5.00 and all proceeds will go towards KidSport — an organization that ensures all children can afford to play.
The B.C. Seniors Games are coming to the West Kootenay Aug.16 - 20 and are being hosted in Castlegar, Nelson and Trail. The 55-plus B.C. Seniors Games promotes active participation in fitness and wellness in sport, recreation and education for B.C. Seniors. This annual four-day celebration attracts about 3,500 seniors participating in up to 26 events. The Kootenays are classified as Zone 6 within the province, and the goal is to encourage as many seniors as possible to participate in the event of their choice and to continue their interest in the months and years to come. The Zone 6 executive and sport co-ordinators hold monthly organizational meetings to help seniors stay informed throughout the year and to enjoy some social events. For more information about the games, or to inquire about registering as an athlete, please contact Barb Roberts, Zone 6 director, at barb-zone6@telus.net or 250-362-9489. For more information about the games, log onto www.bcseniorsgames.org.
If you have a child who is interested in participating in a league or club in Trail, like Stingrays or baseball, please check out the city’s website (www.rossland.ca) for information on the financial assistance policy. The policy is called the “Financial Assistance for use of Facilities, Pools and Parks Policy” and its purpose is to provide financial assistance for use of recreation facilities and complexes in another municipality in the Greater Trail Area. Rossland council may provide financial assistance to members and volunteers of non-profit groups and clubs whose purpose is recreation and competitive programs. Applicants must fall into one of three categories ‘ children up to the age of 18 years, physically and/or mentally challenged individuals, or senior citizens over the age of 55 years. The policy guidelines and application forms are on the city’s website. If you have any questions about the policy, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
The B.C. Sailing Association is running summer camps for kids in Nelson this August. This is the second year they’ve chosen Nelson as a location to run the Mobile Optimist Sailing School and last year the camps filled quickly. The camps are taught by professionally trained and certified coaches. No experience is necessary and you don’t have to be a member. Children range in age between six and 15, with the average being approximately 10 years.
Children will learn the basics of sailing in a unique environment focusing on fun and boating safety. Participants will learn some terminology, knots, and how to sail by means of games and activities both on and off the water. Seven-foot Optimist sailboats as well as two-person kayaks will be used in the program. By the end of the course, students will be able to safely sail and kayak on their own! In addition to these skills, the program develops confidence and leadership in its participants. For more information, log onto www.bcsailing.bc.ca.
There’s an excellent conference for parents, teachers, childcare professionals and grandparents coming up in the Kootenays. The West Kootenay Early Years Conference “Connecting for Children” on April 8 and 9 offers workshops and discussions on a wide range of topics, including; “Encouraging Positive Behaviour”, “Outdoor Adventuring and Curriculum”, “Separation and Divorce: Putting Kids First”, “Anxiety as a Learning Barrier” and “Pitfalls of Praise”. For more information about the conference, or to register for it, please log on to; www.thekoop.ca and click on “Early Years Conference.”