Job focuses on passion for fun
Gameti's new recreation co-ordinator gears up for New Year's Eve
Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Published Monday, December 9, 2013
GAMETI/RAE LAKES
Amanda Takazo-Apples is Gameti's new master of fun. Recently taking the job as the community's recreation co-ordinator, she spends her days finding ways to keep her community busy.
Amanda Takazo-Apples: Loves her job as recreation co-ordinator. |
"It's a good job," she said.
Takazo-Apples is familiar with the position. She served out a contract as Gameti's recreation co-ordinator in 2007 and said she is enjoying working for the community government again.
She rejoined the team on Nov. 25 and has already begun planning one of the community's biggest events of the year - its New Year's Eve.
Local band the Swinging Doors will be playing music at a dance at the community hall and Takazo-Apples plans on organizing games for kids and adults, including games for elders. One of the games will include balloons containing money, and elders will get the chance to pop and keep what they find.
Children's games will include musical chairs and a "freeze dance" where dancers will have to pause mid-dance when the music stops.
Takazo-Apples said there will also be a raffle with prizes, such as two tickets to Edmonton, winter gear including Polaris-brand ski pants and jacket, boots and a helmet, as well as camping supplies and a 50-inch television.
In order to raise money to help cover costs, Takazo-Apples said she has been doing some fundraising.
So far, fundraising efforts have included putting community members in "jail" for 15 minutes, with the help of the RCMP.
Volunteers paid $5 to participate and Takazo-Apples said it was a popular event, which raised about $70.
"They go and pick up people with handcuffs," she said. "It was fun."
She also held a bake sale and a community lunch at the local youth centre.
Takazo-Apples said she enjoys planning and organizing events.
She will be attending a course in Hay River within the next few months that is geared toward improving her skills.
"It's going to be with programming and planning, budgeting," she said.
She said for others who are looking for a career in recreation programming, there are a few things to keep in mind.
"I would tell a future recreation co-ordinator they have to have good planning skills," she said.
Takazo-Apples said recreation co-ordinators also work irregular hours.
"It's long hours at times," she said.
But, Takazo-Apples added she wouldn't have it any other way. "I love it," she said.
