Look At You Now!
Darrell Hookey, What’s Up Yukon’s first editor, looks back on the magazine’s roots and how it grew into a Yukon staple.
A different kind of volunteer
Tom Gibbs doesn’t get as many hugs as he used to. As the president of the board of Special Olympics Yukon these past five years, he isn’t working with the athletes as much and he isn’t able to give out as many of those encouraging hugs.
A different kind of volunteer Read More »
Sharing a love for film
There are meetings.There is paperwork.There are grants to apply for and cheques to sign.But, for Jessica Hall, being the president of the Yukon Film Society
Sharing a love for film Read More »
A sense of community needs a voice
Sarah Crane will tell you that her Riverdale community is “a great place to live” with its close proximity to downtown and the diversity of its residents. And the trails.
But Crane knows there is one more element that needs to be pursued every day: a sense of community.
A sense of community needs a voice Read More »
Animals need the Humane Society; the Humane Society needs people
Everybody knows that the Humane Society of Yukon takes care of our beloved animals in distress at the society-run Mae Bachur Animal Shelter. But who takes care of the people who take care of the animals?
Animals need the Humane Society; the Humane Society needs people Read More »
Supporting great health care in the Yukon
Philip Fitzgerald was embarrassed when he is asked about his greatest sense of accomplishment as the chair of the Yukon Hospital Foundation.
Supporting great health care in the Yukon Read More »
He is a steward of the trails
To begin to understand Mark Daniels, you must first discard the stereotypes of a snowmobile owner. Yes, the president of the Klondike Snowmobile Association (KSA)
He is a steward of the trails Read More »
A friend indeed
Dorothy Bradley leaves her vehicle at Eagle Bay Park, where Whistle Bend Way and Range Road meet, and walks to the bench overlooking McIntyre Creek.
He brings heroes to life
Have you seen the gamers and sci-fi fans and people dressed up as action heroes from the comics and board games? Well, Paul Scholz is
He brings heroes to life Read More »
RCMP Musical Ride returns
“The best place to view the ride is from up high,” says Inge Sumanik. “But, for me, it is standing next to the fence and
RCMP Musical Ride returns Read More »
A hot dog by any other name …
To devote an entire issue of What’s Up Yukon to the celebration of the hot dog, one must completely understand exactly what a hot dog
A hot dog by any other name … Read More »
Carpentry is not just for the guys
This is the story of a carpenter. If you did not see the accompanying photo, you can be excused for imagining it is about a
Carpentry is not just for the guys Read More »
Programmers work miracles
Oh what a wonderful time we live in. If you are in a strange, new city and need to know where the best coffee is
Programmers work miracles Read More »
Swans are an ‘easy sell’
Sylvie Binette probably has the easiest job at the Department of Natural Resources. As a wildlife viewing technician, it is her job to make the
Swans are an ‘easy sell’ Read More »
Grazing around the world
Don’t you just hate it when you place your order for a dinner, after agonizing for 10 minutes, and then see something even better being
Grazing around the world Read More »
The only personality test that works
There are people out there who think they know everything they need to know about me just because: I’m a Scorpio. I’m a white male
The only personality test that works Read More »
I’m Just Saying – kids sports
Last month, I was at Takhini Arena at 7 o’blessed clock in the morning to interview some figure skaters. I waited until I returned to
I’m Just Saying – kids sports Read More »
Even ethical hypnotists can have fun
“I’m an ethical hypnotist,” says Gavin Hooper by telephone from his Vancouver home. That’s too bad, because the Whitehorse audience at the Yukon Convention Centre
Even ethical hypnotists can have fun Read More »
People are talking about Air North
Joe Sparling, the co-founder and president of Air North, says he hears many of these stories through the comment cards. “The one that catches my
People are talking about Air North Read More »
The Streetlight Blues
“I used to stand at my son’s bedroom window, when he was two or three, and look northward to see stars,” says Forest Pearson, a
The Streetlight Blues Read More »
Comfort food can be healthy
“It is really nice here,” says Virginie Hamel as she looks at the high ceilings and natural woods of the Meadow Lakes Golf Club chalet.
Comfort food can be healthy Read More »
Something different is always brewing
Winterlong Brewing Co. is absolutely, positively, not a mass production brewery — in spite of market forces. The owners, Marko and Meghan Marjanovic, call market
Something different is always brewing Read More »
For the love of beer
Kaori Torigai loves beer in much the same way others love baseball. Or World of Warcraft. Like baseball, there are a mind-boggling array of statistics
For the love of beer Read More »
Mentors now visiting Yukon entrepreneurs
It is possible to come up with a million-dollar idea. But, from that eureka moment to seeing your bank balance tip over into seven figures,
Mentors now visiting Yukon entrepreneurs Read More »
A new place to knit
Jackie Yaklin is a true knitter. If you see her at the dentist office, she likely has knitting needles in her hands conjuring up something
A new place to knit Read More »
Family earns a home; the community wins a family
Jeff Wolsynuk looks like his happiness will burst out at any second. Tanya Butler looks relieved and content. The couple is sitting in the kitchen
Family earns a home; the community wins a family Read More »
Learning to fly just got easier
In a second-floor office of Alkan Air, there is a bulletin board that holds photos of pilots with their aircraft. The pilots are smiling –
Learning to fly just got easier Read More »
Yukon College won’t give up on you
“I thought no one cared.” This Yukon College student can be forgiven for being surprised. Just over 10 per cent of students at this institution
Yukon College won’t give up on you Read More »
He built a better greenhouse
There are two kinds of gardeners in the Yukon: those who can grow tomatoes and those who can’t. With Yukoner Bob Sharp’s Solar Growing Greenhouse Kit
He built a better greenhouse Read More »
Only woodfire for this ethical bean
The best cup of coffee I’ve ever had was at the table of Philippe and Leandra Brient in the log-hewn home they built themselves. Outside
Only woodfire for this ethical bean Read More »
Entrepreneurs share success
Just because you have a great idea for a business, it doesn’t automatically follow that you have an idea of how to get it up
Entrepreneurs share success Read More »
Pregnancy: There’s an App for that
The excitement of a pregnancy is fuelled by the unknown and profound changes that it brings to you and your family. Filling in that information
Pregnancy: There’s an App for that Read More »
The Steampunk Ball starts here
If you were on a committee to provide decorations for a dance, your shopping list will likely include balloons, streamers and crepe… lots of crepe.
The Steampunk Ball starts here Read More »
In praise of Whistle Bend
As I turn from Mountain View Drive and toward our Whistle Bend home, I am yet again gobsmacked by the sudden and looming sight of
In praise of Whistle Bend Read More »
Happy Anniversary, Arts Underground
Arts Underground celebrated 10 years with the launch of a show called ten. ten features art by the Yukon Arts Society Members.
Happy Anniversary, Arts Underground Read More »
Hypnosis is a serious business
The office is spacious, warm, comforting. An oh-so-welcoming leather sofa and recliner are along the far wall under a soft pool of light. One wall
Hypnosis is a serious business Read More »
YAC’s sound investment
Every seat in the Yukon Arts Centre costs the same. Yet the sound is not the same in each seat. That is why some people
YAC’s sound investment Read More »
Good beer is like fine wine
“Tasting beer is a very similar process as tasting wine,” says Kaori Torigai, president of the Yukon Beer Festival Society.
Good beer is like fine wine Read More »
Something to hold
We have a young, emerging artist in our midst who still has a fondness for that old-fashioned medium … of paper. Yeah, Heather Von Steinhagen
Celebrating stewardship
When Shea Newnham goes to Wolf Creek Campground, he can still see the trail that he helped build as a Yukon Youth Conservation Corps (Y2C2)
Celebrating stewardship Read More »
Wicked Wickets: YHMA pegs its hoop dreams on croquet
Nancy Oakley has a cool story about the likely origins of croquet. (As the executive director of the Yukon Historical Museums Association and convener of
Wicked Wickets: YHMA pegs its hoop dreams on croquet Read More »
Namaste, bro
Some people like to “hit” the gym, to “pump” iron for those “ripped” abs. See a theme, there? Yoga, on the other hand, is all
First Nations share through fashion
Producer of Adäka Fashion Show’s goal is to see the Yukon’s traditional fashions, dance regalia, & bush garments fully represented.
First Nations share through fashion Read More »
Serving dinner by the truckload
There is the story of an ice cream shack in Carcross that had no ice cream for the weekend. So, an employee of G-P Distributing
Serving dinner by the truckload Read More »
Fun with math
Emil Imrith laughs easily when he is asked about the stereotype we have for physicists: nerdy types in lab coats standing in front of a
Rock this wall
I like blank, plain walls in the kitchen. Uncluttered and simple. If the paint is the same colour as every other wall in the house,
Fun Fair tips by Nash and Thayer
What are those? “Whiffle balls.” What are they for? “Tic-Tac-Toe.” Five-year-old Nash Battersby is about to school me in the art of winning prizes at
Fun Fair tips by Nash and Thayer Read More »
The fiddle remembers
Harold Routledge did not remember that he had built this fiddle with his own hands; but the tunes, and the skill to play it, were
The fiddle remembers Read More »
The paperless office
It’s not really a truck with a paper shredder in the back; it’s more like a shredder-onwheels. And when you see the shredder-on-wheels parked outside
The paperless office Read More »
Jake: pet Santa
Jake will be getting presents from Santa Claus, and his dog, Spencer, will too. What about the dogs & cats at the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter?
More than one way to count down to Canada Games: Figure skaters take it one step at a time
Kevin Caron measures the time to the Canada Games by the number of spins he can do in the air. The pre-novice figure skater figures
International Curling Bonspiel is ready to go
Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre expecting to entertain 400 to 500 curlers and guests at the 53rd Annual International Bonspiel, 2014
International Curling Bonspiel is ready to go Read More »
Music Yukon wears many hats
MusicYukon opened doors to the resource centre last September with a promise of funding from Economic Development’s Strategic Industries.
Music Yukon wears many hats Read More »
A loppet runs through it
INUVIK Contrary to what some wise guys in Whitehorse believe, there are trees in Inuvik, N.W.T. and its annual Top Of The World Ski Loppet
A loppet runs through it Read More »
Main Street cruise
Those of you who took a cruise during the Spring Break raise your hands … not so fast, Hookey. But don’t feel sorry for me
Main Street cruise Read More »
Tropical paradise north of the Arctic Circle: Inuvik Family Centre to open April 2
INUVIK The newest vacation hot spot in the North could very well become Inuvik. On April 2, the Inuvik Family Centre will officially open its
Tropical paradise north of the Arctic Circle: Inuvik Family Centre to open April 2 Read More »
Muskrat love … Inuvik-style
Residents of Inuvik love their muskrats so much, they named a jamboree after them. Muskrat Jamboree is a celebration of spring and one of its
Muskrat love … Inuvik-style Read More »
The Little Film Festival that could
It’s a film festival in a town that doesn’t have a theatre. It’s an international film festival in a town that doesn’t have an international
The Little Film Festival that could Read More »
I’m Just Saying … An editorial
It has been brought to my attention that the term, “Mount Ernie” is derogatory. Let me go on the record to say I have used
I’m Just Saying … An editorial Read More »
Our boxers respected Outside
Levi Commons, of the Yukon Amateur Boxing club, returned from the Alberta Bronze Gloves tournament with a gold medal. Edujardo Aragon and Micah Hoeschele, of
Our boxers respected Outside Read More »
Local gymnasts all win medals
The Polarettes Gymnastic Club faced its first competition of the year and earned quite a few medals. The West Coast Gymnastics Invitational was held Jan.
Local gymnasts all win medals Read More »
Who is the fittest?
For the fourth year, the Polarettes Gymnastics Club is challenging anyone and everyone to see who is the fittest. On Feb. 13, at its facility
Who is the fittest? Read More »
Badminton takes it to the next level: Looking for new players to join the pool
“I don’t believe we’ve ever been competitive,” says Gary Burdess, president of the Yukon Badminton Association. Yet, in 106 weeks, he hopes to send eight
Badminton takes it to the next level: Looking for new players to join the pool Read More »
Elegance and decadence on a cold night
Like many Yukoners, I had dinner at La Gourmandise Creperie and World Cuisine when it first opened last fall. It was a wonderful experience, but
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Yukon Quest is anybody’s race
Although the number of sled dog teams is down this year to 21, and the reigning champion is not returning, Stephen Reynolds thinks these factors
Yukon Quest is anybody’s race Read More »
Frostbite brings music from all over the world: It’s the Thrill on the Hill
The Canada Council grant made it possible for the committee to decide on a “chase list” that just happens to coincide with Barnes’ “wish list”
Frostbite brings music from all over the world: It’s the Thrill on the Hill Read More »
Ivan Zenovitch takes centre stage: Now that you can see him … don’t take your eyes off
“I want to stop standing on the side of the stage and looking in … I want to stand in the center and look out.”
Ivan Zenovitch takes centre stage: Now that you can see him … don’t take your eyes off Read More »
Finding beauty in all the right places: Artist teaches how to appreciate art
Emma Barr is helping people find more beauty in their lives. As a professional artist of mixed media, that has always been her goal.
Finding beauty in all the right places: Artist teaches how to appreciate art Read More »
Clowns running amok at Yukon Arts Centre: Humour in the finest traditions of Bugs Bunny
Skating on wash buckets, pratfalls, explosions and fart jokes – Fart jokes! What can be better than fart jokes? – combine for a rollicking fun
Clowns running amok at Yukon Arts Centre: Humour in the finest traditions of Bugs Bunny Read More »
A game: Google Golf
This is where we have some fun. I will throw out a challenge and we will see how you, the reader, throw it back. I
A game: Google Golf Read More »
Overheard in a Whitehorse garage
AFFABLE SERVICE DESK GUY: Good morning, sir. How can I help you today? CUSTOMER: Well … I just got here last week, so I figured
Overheard in a Whitehorse garage Read More »
Random acts of kindness
“The road leading out of Takhini North has a sharp turn and it is icy. Instead of following the bend, my red Ranger truck kept
Random acts of kindness Read More »
First Issue “I’m just saying”
Dennis Fentie is the premier of the Yukon and watches over an annual budget of $550 million … but I don’t care about that. I
First Issue “I’m just saying” Read More »
Generation ‘why-not’
Those of us in the workforce who are over the age of 30 have one thing in common: we have nothing in common with those
Generation ‘why-not’ Read More »
Sweet-smelling success
Becki Brauen, literally, began her business, Lilli Pie Lotions, in a garage six years ago. Literally, she pounded pavement and knocked on doors; she set
Sweet-smelling success Read More »
Should employees be allowed to use work computers for personal use?
THOSE WHO SAY YES, SAY: As computers become more and more sophisticated, they become more and more useful. And, the more useful they are, the
Should employees be allowed to use work computers for personal use? Read More »
Hot items and hot coffee go hand In hand
The most popular door leading into Board Stiff is the one that opens from Bent Spoon Café. “We encourage people to carry coffees in,” says
Hot items and hot coffee go hand In hand Read More »
Should I hire a young person or someone with experience?
THOSE WHO CHOOSE YOUTH SAY: Let’s face it: whomever you hire will likely be gone within five years. Workers are transient these days and that
Should I hire a young person or someone with experience? Read More »
Banding together for business
For this issue, I interviewed three people who, in the business world at least, walk in very different circles. There was Craig Hougen and Mary-Jane
Banding together for business Read More »
She’s the boss
There is a commercial on television that implores people to “fire your boss” and become self employed. Catchy line. In many ways, it sums up
Just the sweet sounds of Africa
“There is no political message as we are not a political group,” says Thomeki Dube, a singer with Black Umfolosi. Then he adds, “That way
Just the sweet sounds of Africa Read More »
A ‘higher’ standard of Llving
Some friends of mine have a beautiful home in Hidden Valley. From their hot tub on the back deck, they can bathe in the tranquillity
A ‘higher’ standard of Llving Read More »
Something old, new, borrowed for Rendezvous
“Forty-four and so much more” is more than just a slogan around the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous offices as it prepares its 44th winter carnival. Executive
Something old, new, borrowed for Rendezvous Read More »
Tennis moves indoors
The tennis season in the Yukon is too short … so it has moved indoors. To help get the word out, Tennis Yukon is holding
Tennis moves indoors Read More »
Just for the love of music
The Mennonites are known for their love of singing. And that is exactly why the West Coast Mennonite Quartet will be performing at the Yukon
Just for the love of music Read More »
A church for the rest of us
I wish there was a church for atheists. Yeeeaaaahh, that’s going to need some explaining: I see church as a place of fellowship and a
A church for the rest of us Read More »
The world watches as winter burns
For nine years, Burning Away the Winter Blues was a grassroots event that allowed Yukoners to come together at the Spring Equinox as a torch-wielding
The world watches as winter burns Read More »
The first First, is better than the last Last
I remember the first time I climbed a tree … and it is not because I got my knee caught and my father had to
The first First, is better than the last Last Read More »
Cool comes to Coasters
Donald Ray Johnson may be the coolest to come to Whitehorse. He’ll play Coasters with Yukoners Dave Haddock, Brandon Isaak and Ed White.
Cool comes to Coasters Read More »
Thaw Di Gras is winter’s ‘going-away party’
The closer you get to the Arctic Circle, the more you deserve a good blow out as the end of winter approaches. Instead of shaking
Thaw Di Gras is winter’s ‘going-away party’ Read More »
The many artful faces of eggs benny
I love Eggs Benedict. It is the ultimate comfort food for me … on weekend winter mornings that is. So, imagine my joy as I
The many artful faces of eggs benny Read More »
Jazz Yukon welcomes highly acclaimed pianist
Playing solo is something Robi Botos loves. The jazz piano player, born in Hungary but has called Toronto home these past 10 years, loves to
Jazz Yukon welcomes highly acclaimed pianist Read More »
Quiche? Yes. Pansies? No.
On March 1, I saw a headline on the front page of the Globe and Mail that gladdened my heart. It was, “This Spring, Real
Quiche? Yes. Pansies? No. Read More »
May is the dirtiest month
As I behold my 18th spring in the Yukon, I have been spared the anxiety and frustration of previous disappointments that are collectively known as
May is the dirtiest month Read More »
Faro’s sheep and cranes ready for their closeup
Faro’s Crane and Sheep Viewing Festival has attracted international attention before as it grows yet again in its fifth year.
Faro’s sheep and cranes ready for their closeup Read More »
The power of Joy’s words
“Just words?” It is a rhetorical question Senator Barack Obama asked of Senator Hillary Clinton when she criticized his “flowery” speeches. The point was made
The power of Joy’s words Read More »
Grace under fire
The hands move as they do in Spain, the hips move as they do in Africa and the shoulders sway as in Cuba. It is
A lightbulb, a chair and a bowl
It must be a magic trick, because Andy Massingham is going to hold the attention of a Yukon Arts Centre audience for one hour with
A lightbulb, a chair and a bowl Read More »
Singers sing sea shanties
“They are clean drinking songs,” says Barbara Chamberlin, half laughing and half pleading. “There is such a thing.” The conductor of the Whitehorse Community Choir
Singers sing sea shanties Read More »
Paradigm shift slips on a plastic bag
“Paper or plastic?” has become a cliché for those no-win decisions we must make everyday: plastic is an oil-based product that chokes wildlife and is
Paradigm shift slips on a plastic bag Read More »