Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 23/01) - Keeping the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex in tip- top shape takes a lot of effort.

Veronica Rogers is not complaining, though. Since about the first of November she started working there full-time as small equipment operator and maintenance person. For about two months prior to that she was employed part time.

Rogers got the training needed for driving the Zamboni, and enjoys using it, though she said it's actually harder to drive than a car.

"I find it hard, it's so big because of the front tank," Rogers said, adding with a laugh that things got better once someone suggested she stand up.

"You get the hang of it, like the speed and where to take your turns and that -- 'cause you don't go by the front of the tank, you go by the back. But it's fun."

She explained that flooding the ice is not as easy as some might think.

"A lot of people think that it's just a flat surface. But it's not, 'cause there's different levels to it, so you have to know how much water to put out, and how far down to put your shaver."

Rogers was quick to point out her duties involve more than just the arena, as there is also the curling club, plus meeting rooms upstairs and the main community room downstairs. She helps set up rooms for meetings, and then helps clean up.

She also does general maintenance and troubleshooting.

"Everything's computerized, so you always have to check the computer for any pump failures, any fan failures or anything like that."

Rogers works two weeks at a time doing the day shift, and then two weeks doing evenings. Originally from Nova Scotia, Rogers came to Inuvik in June, and said she hadn't done this line of work before.

"I know very, very little about hockey," Rogers confessed.

She said the rec complex is a really nice building, and that she likes her co-workers.

"It's sort of laid back. You know what you have to do. Everything's sort of timed because there's people going on the ice at a certain time, so you have to do this before you can do that, type thing," Rogers said.

"It's good work."