Meghan Shanks hired as new R.R. Rec. Director

By Ken Johnston
Editor

There’s another new face around Rainy River and she is here to hopefully provide everyone with interesting and entertaining activities.
Meghan Shanks is the new Rainy River Recreation Board Rec. Director. She started the job February 4th, replacing Patrick Briere who was hired in November but left the position for another opportunity in the area.
Shanks studied Recreation and Leisure at Confederation College in Thunder Bay; her home town. As part of the program she had to do a placement and an internship. She did her placement with campus recreation.
From there she moved to Southern Ontario where she did a great deal of outdoor recreation activities. “I taught snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other activities mostly at outdoor centers in Southern Ontario,” said Shanks.
When the Rainy River Rec. Bd. began aggressively looking for a new director their efforts caught Shanks’ professor’s attention. “She got a hold of me knowing this was an opportunity I was looking for.” Within two weeks she was moved to Rainy River and on the job.
While winter is in wind-down mode, Shanks said there is quite a bit being planned for the remainder of the season. This Wednesday they will be kicking off a new after school program. “Kids will come and we will decide what to do. Perhaps we will play capture the flag or some other physical activity.” That program will run Monday and Wednesday every week right after school. There is a $1 charge for participating.
Next Monday, the very first Ontario Family Day holiday, they are planning to host an open house for the new fitness room at the RR Rec. Centre. There will also be Family Day activities for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The open house for the fitness room will be from 3-6 p.m. Monday and then again from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday of next week.
Shanks also plans to have some open ice times on the 16th and 23rd. “I will run some drills and then we will scrimmage.” Kids are asked to bring skates, stick, and at least a helmet. “If they have more padding that is good, but this will be an opportunity for kids that do not get to play hockey to play as well.” There is no cost for this activity (check the arena schedule for times on page four). Shanks did say they have some skates they can lend out at the arena for this activity.
She said that in March the annual RR Fig. Skating Ice Show is on tap for Mar. 1st and 2nd. While these activities are in the foreground she is busy planning spring and summer activities, including soccer. Work on Railroad Daze is also being planned by RR Community Coordinator Anthony Mason. Shanks is getting involved and said that they have applied for a grant to really make Railroad Daze a premier event again this year. “But volunteers are needed to make it happen so if you are interested call me (852-4446).”
Shanks is also hoping to host some seniors programs including a dancing club and possibly some exercise classes. “I am open to suggestions and encourage people of all ages to call or stop by and talk to me about them,” said Shanks. She is working 9-5 weekdays but that is subject to change as programs require her to be there at different times.
She is even up for creating a walking club and plans to participate herself. “Walking is very social. People talk and great ideas come from that,” said Shanks. “No idea is too far out there. Just let me know and we will see what we can do!”
Shanks said she is not shy and encourages people not to be when it comes to approaching her and offering ideas or their help as a volunteer. “We always need volunteers.”