Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 06/02) - Keeping a town active is no easy feat, but that's the job of Kelly Noseworthy.

She came to Inuvik when her husband, Paul, came here to work for NorthwesTel and she started with the town as soon as she got to Inuvik.

"I originally applied for a job in accounts receivable and they noticed I had recreational experience so they offered me a position with the recreation program," Noseworthy said.

She took the job in recreation and shortly afterward, Theresa Ross, the co-ordinator, gave her notice and Noseworthy was offered the job. But she still has to finish up the summer program from her other job, too.

"Now, I'm doing both jobs," she said. "It's a very busy time of year right now, with finishing up with the summer students, the reports and evaluations and getting the winter programs started."

Her duties at the new position includes co-ordinating volunteers for bingos, the up-coming Terry Fox Run and budgeting for various programs.

"Every time I turn around it's something new," Noseworthy said. "With the season starting now, we're working out scheduling for hockey, speed skating and figure skating."

Once the scheduling is looked after, she said, she can catch her breath.

"As soon as they are started they all kind of look after themselves," she said.

With most of the rec programs and sports taking place at night and on weekends, the job requires some very odd hours -- and a patient spouse.

"Monday's a holiday, but I will work nine hours for sure, but because I'm working two jobs now, I'm at the office more so now than I'd usually be," she said before the long weekend. "I go in about 7:30 and leave at 5, but also have to go back in later to get things ready for the next day."

Her husband has been pretty tolerant of the odd hours.

"Once things settle down, we'll be able to get some time together," Noseworthy said.

So far, she's enjoyed the town and was surprised to find the wide variety of things to do in Inuvik.

"There is so much here to do -- it's amazing," she said. "There are so many different organizations and sporting events."

"There is also so much that you can offer back to the community."

Noseworthy said the job has provided her a great opportunity to get to know the people of Inuvik as well.

"If I came up here with any other kind of job, I'd probably be stuck behind a desk, not meeting anyone," she said.

"With recreation I'm meeting so many people and getting involved in all types of organizations."