December 2020 issue

The Sentinel - December 2020

2 

Heather A. Oliver, RMT 

Orchard Park Office Centre 

Suite 129 

(Ignatius Jesuit Property) 

5420 Hwy 6 N., Guelph 

519-837-9244 

Registered Massage Therapy — NOW REOPENED 

Do you enjoy having a greater sense of calm and 

well-being? Are you needing to have your muscles 

feel more supple and at ease? 

Do you want a massage session blended with 

soothing heated stones? 

With over 20 years of Registered Massage Therapy 

experience, Heather invites you to come for a 

massage that is provided in a welcoming, calm 

environment. Please check out her website for more 

detailed information. 

www.healingwithnaturestouch.com 

Heather Oliver, RMT is a member of the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario) 

The Sentinel - December 2020 — Vol. 45, No. 4

3 

The Guelph/Wellington Seniors Association 

A non-profit organization based at the 

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 

http://www.gwsa-guelph.ca 

Ross Knechtel - Webmaster 

Directors & Officers 

Becky Fiedler — President 

Brian Smith — Vice-President 

Roger Stevens — Treasurer 

Tonie Sacchetti — Secretary 

Directors 

Pat Gage Ken Fugler 

Wenda King Athar Khan 

Ross Knechtel Mike Woof 

Adam Rutherford 

The Sentinel Team 

Carol Croft — Adminstrator, Printer 

Linda Green — Editor, Printer 

George Hughes, Ken Pagniez — Printers 

tba — Delivery Supervisor 

Bill Shephard, Ray Miller — Part-time 

Assistants 

All of the above GWSA members 

are Volunteers. 

GWSA Community Support Services Staff 

Cheri Herdman — Manager 

Audrey Bishop — Administrative Assistant 

Margaret Iutzi — Move Well Co-ordinator 

Molly Roberts — Eat Well Co-ordinator 

tba — Eat Well Co-ordinator 

Paula Frappier — Outreach Co-ordinator 

All others working for CSS 

are GWSA Volunteers 

City Staff 

Adam Rutherford — Program 

Manager 

Darci Burgess — Customer Service Clerk 

Tonie Sacchetti — Recreation Program 

Director — Senior Services 

Becky MacDonald — Recreation 

Co-ordinator — Volunteers 

Jocelynn Desroches — Chef 

Janice Walls — Assistant Cook 

Don Harris — Facility Maintainer 

Lorne Wollis — Cleaner 

Harvinder Marjara, Nathan Luck, Mary 

Loudoun — Customer Service Clerk II 

Lynne Briggs — Manager of Recreation 

Services 

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 

A City of Guelph Recreation Facility run in 

partnership with the Community Services Department 

of the City of Guelph and the Guelph/ 

Wellington Seniors Association 

683 Woolwich St., Guelph, ON, N1H 3Y8 

Tel.: 519-823-1291 / Fax: 519-823-8972 

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm M-F 

(closed Statutory Holidays) 

Read The Sentinel on our website, 

www.gwsa-guelph.ca 

ISSN: 0383 817X 

NOTE: Disclaimer—The Sentinel and the GWSA do not necessarily agree 

with or support statements in the Sentinel made by advertisers, or submissions 

by writers (no political or religious topics please). 


4 

GWSA Email Update for the Month of November 

Welcome to the GWSA Email Updates. If you wish to forward this email to a friend, you may do so using 

this link. The November issue of The Sentinel is available on the GWSA webpage as are back issues. 

Paper copies of The Sentinel are not available at the Evergreen Centre. 

In and Around the GWSA 

Dave Elgar of the Evergreen Canoe Club Resigning 

Dave Elgar, senior Canoeing Instructor, and Trip Co-ordinator of 

the GWSA Evergreen Canoe Club announced his resignation. Dave 

has served with the Evergreen Canoe Club in these capacities since 

the second year of the Club founding. Dave is the consummate 

outdoorsman and canoeist. Dave will be moving north to a horse 

riding farm he and his young family have purchased. This is the 

ideal setting for Dave, as the property is quite large and includes an 

extensive tract of hunting woodlands, along with a trout and salmon 

stream next door. 

We all owe a great deal to Dave. Every one of us can appreciate his 

wonderful mentoring, when, on a raging river, we plant our paddle 

just at the correct time and in the correct place to save us from a 

very wet experience, or worse. 

Thank you, Dave, from each and every one of us who has been 

through or is in the Evergreen Canoe Club. We hope you will visit 

us often and wish you and yours every success in your new 

adventure. 

John Ness, President, presents a 

commemorative engraved paddle to Dave 

Elgar, Senior Canoeing Instructor and Trip 

Co-ordinator of the Evergreen Canoe 

Club, upon his resignation. 

Quilting Club - Spreading Christmas Cheer 

Shh! Don’t tell anyone, but the GWSA Quilting group and Craft group 

are busy making small Christmas surprises to tuck into one of the 

Christmas food deliveries for our Community Support Services clients. 

A neighbourhood chipmunk stopped by for a snack as quilter Jean 

Hilborn worked on her yoyo trees one beautiful fall day. We’d tell you 

more about what the quilters and crafters have up their sleeves, but that 

would spoil the surprise! 

If you’re the crafty sort and would like to help spread some Christmas 

cheer, please get in touch with Pat Gage (pat.gage@gwsa-guelph.ca). 

In and Around Guelph 

City of Guelph Seeking Volunteers 

The City of Guelph is updating their 2014 Solid Waste 

Management Master Plan. The updated plan will provide 

strategic direction for the next 25 years. Although the City has 

been engaging the community, they reached out to the GWSA 

to recruit several seniors, 75 and over, who are willing to be 

interviewed by phone. If you are 75 or over, and have a 

connection to services the City provides (waste collection or 

site services at their facility) or if you’re interested in the topic, 

please contact Phil Jensen to indicate your interest in 

participating. When you reach out to him, please identify the type of City service you receive: curbside or 

service provided to your building. There are general waste management ideas his team would like to 

explore. You are also welcome to volunteer even if you don’t receive City services. 

(Continued on page 5) 


5 

(Continued from page 4) 

Phil’s contact information is: 

Phil Jensen 

T 519-822-1260 x 2636 | F 519-767-1660 

C 519-820-1691 

E phil.jensen@guelph.ca 

Learn more about The City of Guelph Solid Waste Management Master Plan. Check it out on their website 

at https://guelph.ca/plans-and-strategies/solid-waste-management-master-plan/, or, go to Have Your Say 

Guelph at https://www.haveyoursay.guelph.ca/ and share your ideas about reducing waste and reusing 

materials. 

Guelph Dining District Wrapping Up 

The outdoor dining district in downtown Guelph has closed for the season. The last weekend of operation 

was November 8 and 9. 

Changes to Traffic Signals at the Evergreen Centre 

Pedestrians now have a five-second head start to cross the street before cars get a green signal at several 

Guelph intersections, including at the traffic light on Woolwich Street at the Evergreen Seniors Centre. This 

article contains a complete list of the intersections with changes. 

Financial Information for Seniors 

Online Financial Seminars 

The Canadian Foundation for Economic Education is offering free seminars for seniors. They include topics 

such as 

learning how to set and reach financial goals 

adapting, planning for and managing retirement from a financial perspective 

how to recognize various expenses and plan a practical budget 

learning how to continue saving in retirement 

planning and starting a second career 

coping with the loss of a partner or spouse 

making estate arrangements 

These workshops will also address the financial challenges of living in a COVID-19 pandemic. Click here 

for details. 

Avoiding Interruptions in Guaranteed Income Supplement Benefits 

The federal Canadian Minister for Seniors advises that, to avoid any interruptions in the receipt of benefits 

in January 2021, Guaranteed Income Supplement recipients who have not already filed their 2019 income 

tax should contact Service Canada by calling 1-800-277-9914 (English) or 1-800-277-9915 (French) or 

should file their taxes electronically with the Canada Revenue Agency. That way, we can ensure that you 

continue to receive your benefits when you need them the most. 

COVID-19 Pandemic Response Update 

COVID-19 Transmission and Mask Policy Changes 

The Canadian Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Teresa Tam, has acknowledged that Covid-19 can be 

transmitted by aerosol particles as well as by droplets as previously communicated. She has also changed 

the recommended guidance for masks recommended for use by Canadians. Canadians are now advised to 

wear masks made from three layers of fabric. The government’s detailed recommendations are 

available here. Instructions for making non-medical masks and face coverings are available here. Masks 

should be made of two layers of tightly woven fabric with a filter. Non-woven polypropylene fabric is being 

recommended as a filter material. This material comes in different formats. It is commonly used in reusable 

shopping bags (the non-plasticized types) and is machine washable. Non-woven interface fabric is another 

(Continued on page 6) 


6 


source of non-woven polypropylene. The material comes in different weights. You may wish to try 

different products to get a mask that works for you. 

Masks made and sold by the GWSA Quilters Club were typically made of two layers of tightly woven 

fabric and they were sold in a variety of different designs. Some of these designs included an opening, like 

a pocket, to accommodate an extra filter. These masks can be readily converted to three layer masks by the 

addition of either a filter or an extra layer of fabric. 

Flu Shot Information 

This year, it is more important than ever to protect oneself by getting a flu shot. The Canadian Minister for 

Seniors, Deb Schulte, has the following advice: 

In Canada, the flu is among the top 10 leading causes of death. Seniors and those who live in nursing homes 

or other long-term care facilities are at greater risk of getting flu-related complications such as pneumonia, 

worsening of chronic health conditions, hospitalization or even death. 

The flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu, and it can also reduce the severity of flu-related 

complications. While the flu shot will not protect you against Covid-19, it will help reduce your chances of 

being infected with Covid-19 and the flu at the same time, which could lead to more serious complications. 

It is best to get the flu shot between October and December, so that you are protected during the height of 

the flu season. It can take up to two weeks for your body to build protection against the flu once you are 

vaccinated. So get the flu shot early to protect yourself, your family and your community! 

Locally, flu shots are available at your doctor’s office, at pharmacies and through Wellington Dufferin 

Guelph Public Health . Each option has its own requirements. Some require appointments and some require 

pre-screening before coming to their location. Flu vaccine is currently in short supply some places. Check 

ahead with your provider of choice to ensure a positive experience for all involved. 

In addition to getting the flu shot, you can help prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses by 

practicing the following healthy habits: 

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand 

sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. 

Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm. 

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. 

Dispose of used tissues in a lined waste container and then wash your hands. 

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toilets, phones and door handles. 

Stay away from others if you feel sick. 

If you have symptoms, isolate yourself from others and contact your health care provider or local public 

health authority for guidance. You may need to be tested for Covid-19. 

Ontario Colour Coded Covid-19 Control System 

Ontario has announced major changes to how it will impose Covid-19 restrictions and shutdowns, 

introducing a new colour-coded, tiered system that outlines clear criteria for when to impose lockdowns and 

closures. 

The five categories include Prevent (green), Protect (yellow), Restrict (orange), Control (red) or Lockdown 

(grey). 

Each stage comes with a set of criteria, giving local health units and business owners some level of 

predictability when it comes to pandemic-related restrictions. The status of key indicators for each health 

unit area will be monitored on a regular basis and updated as the indicators mandate. 

The status of the health units is here and details of the criteria can be found here. The latest information on 

The Sentinel - December 2020 — Vol. 45, No. 4 

(Continued on page 7)

7 


the situation in the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph public health unit is here. 

Federal Approval for Rapid Covid Test by Local Company 

Precision Biomonitoring, a local Guelph company, has received approval for their SARS-CoV2 Triplelock 

Test Strips from Health Canada. This is the first approval of a rapid test system developed by a Canadian 

company. More information is available here. 

GWSA - Contact Us 

GWSA website 

GWSA contacts 

GWSA email updates 

GWSA donations 

gwsa-guelph.ca 

contact form 

subscribe here 

donate online 

“Stay Together...Keep Distance” 

A NOTICE FROM THE BOOK NOOK 

Hello everyone, I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. 

I have been advised by Pat Gage, Chair of the Programme 

Committee, that the Board has approved members may return any 

books they signed out from the Book Nook to be returned only to 

the front desk, as the library will remain closed until September 

2021. 

Thank you all in advance for returning our books. 

Chris Fraser 

Librarian 


8 

New Expert-Developed Tool Helps Individuals Assess Their Risks 

Associated with Visiting Others During COVID-19 Pandemic 

myCOVID19VisitRisk provides risk assessment and education to visit more safely 

Today, the National Institute on Ageing released myCOVID19VisitRisk, an online decision aid designed by 

Dr. Samir Sinha and a team of experts to assist individuals, families, and friends in considering the risks 

associated with visiting with others during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Building on the success of previous decision aids recently created by the NIA to help older adults and their 

caregivers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic-related decisions, there emerged a need to develop a more 

sophisticated tool to specifically assist individuals, families, and friends in understanding and discussing 

their risks associated with visiting with others,” said Dr. Sinha, director of health policy research at the 

NIA. 

The myCOVID19VisitRisk decision aid has been designed over the past 3 months to provide individuals 

with a mechanism to assess their level of risk in acquiring and/or dying from COVID-19 during visits. The 

questionnaire is based on criteria selected and weighted by infectious disease, epidemiology, and 

occupational health experts, including age, sex/gender, pre-existing health conditions, and visit 

considerations. Each questionnaire generates an individualized visit risk categorization of low, moderate, or 

high, along with an individualized score of between 1-100. Each individualized visit risk assessment result 

is bolstered by general public health information to help the user better understanding the risks associated 

with visiting with others during the pandemic. 

Are you planning to visit family or friends this holiday season? 

The @RyersonNIA #myCOVID19VisitRisk Decision Aid has been designed to provide you with a 

mechanism to assess your level of risk from #COVID-19 when visiting with others. 

Assess your risk today at www.covidvisitrisk.com. 

The decision to visit with family or friends during COVID-19 is difficult. Being informed of our risk 

around visiting with others can make that decision easier. The @RyersonNIA #myCOVID19VisitRisk 

Decision Aid has been designed to help you assess your level of risk from COVID-19. 

Assess your risk today at www.covidvisitrisk.com. 


9 

From The Sentinel Team 

We would like to wish one and all 

A Very Merry Christmas and 

A Very Happy & Safe New Year 2021! 

Carol Croft 

Linda Green 

George Hughes 

Ken Pagniez 

Bill Shephard 

Ray Miller 

George Smith 


10 

GWSA Groups & Activities Contact Information 

You may be required to show your up-to-date GWSA membership card at any activity. 

Art In The Hall 

Evergreen Hallway 

TBA 

Art Studio In 2 

Evergreen Room 2 

Brenda Brooks (519-824-3392) 

Tuesdays 6:30-9:30 p.m. 

Weeks 1, 3, 5 and Wednesdays, 

1-4 p.m., Weeks 2, 4 

Badminton 

Evergreen Auditorium 

Jeff Millard (519-993-1362) 

Tues. - 7:00-9:30 pm - E 

Thurs. - 9:00 am-12:00 noon - E 

Fri. - 10:00 am-12:30 pm - E 

Sun. - 1:15-3:15 pm - E 

Mon. - 1:00-4:00 pm - West End 

Wed. - 1:00-3:30 pm - West End 

Casual Bicycling 

Various Locations in and 

around Guelph 

Ned Coates (519-835-9799) 

Wed. - May 1 - Oct. 31 

9:00 am to Noon 

Bid Euchre 


Sharyn Richards (519-803-9500) 

Mondays - 6:15-9:00 pm 

Thursdays - 1:00-4:00 pm 

6-Hand Bid Euchre 


Dot Smith (519-836-6448) 


Book Club 1 

Evergreen Board Room 

Veronica Sanche (519-767-9991) 

Last Friday of month - 1-2:30 pm 

Book Club 2 


Christine Trimble (519-823-2086) 

3rd Friday of month 1:30-3:30 pm 

Bridge - West End Lion’s Lair 

David Pinkney (519-780-5302) 

Mondays - 12:30-3:15 pm 

Bridge - Evergreen 


David Pinkney (519-780-5302) 

Tuesdays - 6:30-9:00 pm 

Peter Traulsen (519-265-2376) 


Improving Bridge 


Pauline Smith (519-835-8694) 

Fridays - 9:00-11:30 am 

Bunka Art Group 


Diane Barber (519-763-2996) 

designbunny@rogers.com 

Wednesdays - 9:15 am-noon 

Canasta 


Lionel Churchill (519-835-4155) 

Wednesdays - 1-4 pm 

Canoe Club 

John Ness (519-994-8611) 

canoeclubmembership@gmail.com 

Chess Club 


Dave Wurr (519-509-1032) 

Fridays - 9:30 am-noon 

Computer Club 


Ross Knechtel (226-706-4058) 

Ken Chupa (519-829-2476) 

September, November, January, 

March, May 

2nd Monday - 7:00-9:00 pm 

Craft Club 


Judy Montgomery (519-824-8047) 

Fridays - 8:30 am-1:30 pm 

Cribbage 


Audrey Young (519-824-5891) 

Joy Halliburton (519-822-9714) 

Elaine Miller (519-836-7874) 

Tuesdays - 12:45-4 pm 

Darts Club 

Evergreen Auditorium - Stage 

Barry Scott (519-830-0081) 

Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 

10:00 am to 12:00 noon 

Dominoes 

Evergreen Dining Room 

Bev Baker (519-265-9139) 


Euchre on Monday 


Maureen Baird (647-519-2006) 

Mondays - 1:00-3:30 pm 

Euchre on Wednesday 


Audrey Young (519-824-5891) 

4th Wednesday - 1:30-4:00 pm 

Euchre on Friday 


Peter Smith (519-217-8986) 

Fridays - 1:00-4:00 pm 

Golf 

Ted Pritchard (519-826-6121) 

Mondays, May to September 

Hearing Improvement 


Sharing Information about 

HEARING 

Meet 1st Wed. of every month 

From October to May 

2:00-3:00 pm - it’s free 

Call Marianne at 519-822-3946 

Line Dancing 


Phyllis Carnochan (519-836-9415) 

Mondays - 9:30 -11:45 am 


Mah Jongg 


Georgia Taylor (519-265-8816) 


Instruction available 


Peer Learning 


Geoff Richards (226-820-2950) 

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 

(times as assigned) 

Into Focus Photography 


Jean McClelland (519-763-4881) 

jeanmcclelland@rogers.com 

2:30-5 pm - last Monday of every 

month - $24.00 a year 

Pickleball 

Rudy Simon 

Neville Newman (519-400-9136) 

gwsapickleball@gmail.com 


Tues. - 9:00 - 12:00 noon 

(Beginners & Intermediate) 

Friday - 12:45 - 4 pm 

(all levels of play) 

West End Rec Centre 

Tues. - 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm 

(advanced play) 

Thurs. - 2:15 - 5:00 pm 

(all levels of play) 

Quilting 


Beryl Drohan (519-827-0120) 

Mondays - 12:30-4:00 pm 

Scrabble 


Beth Campeau (226-343-0415) 


Shuffleboard 


Elaine Bigam (519-824-6498) 

Ilbigam@gmail.com 


Wednesdays - 1:30-3:00 pm 

Silver Seven Skating Club 

Exhibition Park Arena 

Corner of Exhibition & 

Division Sts. 

Sharon O’Sullivan (519-848-2084) 

Saturdays - 8:00-9:50 pm 

Silver Strummers 

Carolyn McLeod McCarthy 

Silvertones Choir 


Doreen Muir (519-831-8323) 

Choir Director - Ann Sneyd 

Pianist - tba 

Fridays 1:00-3:30 pm 

Ski Club 

Evergreen Parking Lot by 

The Enabling Garden 

Shane Hamilton (519-994-2204) 

Email: crs.hamilton@gmail.com 

Mondays from January to the end 

of March 2020 

8:00 am car pool at Evergreen 

to Blue Mountain 

6:00 pm return to Evergreen 

Evergreen Snooker Club 

Evergreen Snooker Room 

Nick Harris (519-836-4547) 

Daily - 9:00 am-4:00 pm 

Tuesday - 7:00-9:30 pm 

1st Thursday of every month 

7:00-9:30 pm 

Table Tennis 


Ursula Rodrigues (519-837-3782) 

Evergreen: 

Monday - 3:30-6:30 pm 

Wednesday - 9:00 am-12:45 pm 

Saturday - 9:00 am-12:00 noon 

West End: Friday - 1:00-4:00 pm 

(WE - except July/August) 

Texas Hold ‘Em Poker 


Mike Rooke (519-824-2472) 


Walking Club 

April to October 

Thursdays - 9:30 am-12:30 pm 

Brenda Langham (519-836-8366) 

Gord Clegg (519-824-3293) 

Watercolour Painters Club 


Mary Mulholland (519-836-4889) 

1st & 5th Wed. - 12:30-4:00 pm 

3rd Wed. - 9:00 am-4:00 pm 

11 

West End Art Group 

Rm 2 West End Rec Centre 

Nancy Baker (519-822-6653) 

September - June 


Membership is $20.00 

West Hills Art Group 

Rm 2 West End Rec Centre 

Dale Vardy (519-823-5746) 

bdvardy@rogers.com 

Jan. - June; Sept. - Dec. 

Thursdays - noon-4:00 pm 

Membership is $25.00 

Writers Club 


Ross Coulter (519-821-3993) 

2nd & 4th Thursdays - 1:00 pm 

Be 

active. 

Get 

involved. 

Make 

friends. 


12 

SILVERTONES CHOIR 

The Silvertones Choir and Strummers continue to be as active as possible 

during this pandemic lockdown and remain positive with their main objective 

to be ready for 2021 when, hopefully, they can celebrate their 40 th Anniversary. 

Regular Zoom meetings are held for both groups and the Executive Committee. 

New music has been distributed for practice and we are all focussed 

on future performances. 

Together we are safe and strong and work on our part to keeping those 

around us healthy. We wish that for all Sentinel readers and members of the 

GWSA. 

Finally, however you address the season, we wish you all a great upcoming 

Holiday Season and good luck for 2021. 

Merry Christmas! 

Evergreen Kitchen 

The Chef’s in the kitchen preparing homemade frozen meals and baking fresh 

bread at your request. 

5 meals for $25.00 

Options: 

Vegetarian or Chef’s choice (meat and/or fish) 

Packages are ready for pickup between: Monday to Friday from 9:00-3:30 at 

the front desk. 

Homemade Fresh Bread 

$4.50/loaf 

White or Molasses 

Please place your order for bread with Jocelynn 

519-822-1260 ext. 2696 

Monday to Friday before 10:30 a.m. 


13 

Administration Office — 519-837-5696 

GWSA-Community Support Services thanks the GWSA Craft Group and the GWSA Quilt 

Group for the many beautiful, hand-made items they donated. All of the scarves, microwave bowls, 

placemats and other wonderful pieces are being given to Community Support Services clients 

participating in the weekly food delivery program at Christmas. We are so grateful to the many 

people who gave their time, their energy and their talent in producing beautiful items for our 

beautiful clients. 

The Diabetes Support Group is continuing to meet during the pandemic! We meet twice every 

month on the second and fourth Monday from 2 to 3 pm. We talk about diabetes, the pandemic and 

life! Contact Molly at 519-400-7905 or mroberts.gwsa@gmail.com if you’d like to join us to find 

out how to connect by phone or computer. We’d love to have you join us! 

GWSA-Community Support Services was so sad to hear of the passing of their 

colleague and friend Sophia Podrozny. Sophia had worked for GWSA-CSS since 

the fall of 2015, initially helping with a pilot project at our Grange Street 

location. Sophia went on to facilitate programs at 576 Woolwich Street, 

410 Waterloo and 33 Marlborough Street. Sophia was adored by her clients in CSS 

and she will be missed by all of us. 


14 

GWSA Email Updates 

Each month, approximately mid-month, the Membership 

and Marketing Committee at the 

GWSA sends out the GWSA Email Update. It 

highlights a few of the exciting things happening at 

the GWSA, important communications from the 

Board, and upcoming programs by CSS 

(Community Support Services). 

You can subscribe to receive the GWSA Email 

Update by completing the steps below: 

1. To begin, please send an email to: 

subscribe@gwsa-guelph.ca . You can enter 

Subscribe in the Subject line, or just skip that 

part, it will work either way. In just a few 

minutes, you will receive a message with a link. 

2. Click on the link you received, fill in the appropriate 

fields, and click “Subscribe to List”. 

3. To ensure you really want to receive GWSA 

Email Updates – and to make sure all emails are 

error-free – we’ll send a message asking you to 

confirm. 

4. Once you respond to the confirmation message, 


your registration is complete and you’ll receive 

our Welcome Letter. 

You can also subscribe from the “Popular 

Links” section on the GWSA website. Starting 

the process from the web page will take you to 

step 2 above. Simply follow through with steps 2 

to 4 to complete the process. 

You can expect to receive your first GWSA Email 

Update approximately mid-month after you sign 

up. 

You can unsubscribe from the GWSA Email Updates 

at any time by clicking on the “unsubscribe” 

link that is displayed at the bottom of every update. 

Membership & 

Marketing Committee 

This graphic by Unknown Author is 

licensed under CC BY-ND

15 

No Job too Small - Call Ned Coates 

519-835-9799 

nedcoates7@gmail.com 

INTERIOR PAINTING 

… the third generation 

Wild Child 

Holistic Dog 

Grooming 

by Sandra Lee Berry 

- Home visit 

- Serving Guelph’s Senior community and 

the heartbeat at their feet 

- Catering to small dogs up to 20 lbs. in 

weight 

- Using all natural products, non-toxic to 

your pet and to our planet 

- Services: nail trims, bath & brush, 

mini-groom and full pet trim for easy 

at-home maintenance 

Phone: 

647-678-2848 

519-821-4189 

Email: 

sandraleeberry@gmail.com 

Helping families to buy and sell since 2007. 

Contact Jackie to enquire about Riverside Residence on the 

Park — We have a waiting list, so call today. 

HOMELIFE POWER REALTY INC., BROKERAGE* 

1 & 2 Bedroom Units for Rent at 671 Woolwich Street, Guelph 

• Clean & quiet seniors building next to the senior centre 

• High rise building with elevator access 

• Walking distance to Wal-Mart plaza and other amenities 

• Ensuite bathrooms available 

• On site laundry 

• Heat & Hydro included 

For viewings and more information call Michel at: 519-400-0297 


16 

Wellington Foot Clinic 

Professional Footcare & Custom Foot Orthotics 

Jessica K. Mann 

Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist 

Professional, Safe Treatment of a Variety of Foot Conditions 

- Nail Disorders, Corns, Callus, Warts, Ingrown Toenails & much more 

- Custom Foot Orthotics 

- Covered by most extended health insurance providers 

- No referral needed!!! Free parking 

- Morning, Evening and Saturday Appointments Available 

3 – 245 Edinburgh Rd S. (enter off Municipal or Edinburgh) 

519-546-3737 wellfoot@outlook.com 


17 


18 


CHRISTMAS 1944 IN GUELPH 

by Gladys Robson 

It was a crisp, quiet evening. The moonlight was bouncing off the snow banks like fireworks at a July 1st 

patriotic display. It was December 1944 and, after going out to church, Jack and Lorraine and their five children 

walked home along Waterloo Avenue. The industrious residents along the street had cleared their sidewalks 

so passage was easily and quickly done in the bitter cold. All the houses were lit up inside with lots of 

activities going on. In the kitchens, the mothers were making chocolate fudge with the help of their daughters, 

and the boys were up to no good. They were shaking the presents under the tree from Aunt Jenny and 

wondering what was in those wrapped boxes. Is it the same knit sweaters as last year, or did they get a miniature 

John Deere tractor to play with? 

During that afternoon, when Lorraine was making tea biscuits, Jack had gone down to Wyndham Street and 

purchased a very tall evergreen tree for fifty cents. Before going out to church, Jack had fastened two wooden 

planks together with the older boy, Kevin’s, help. He then attached them to the bottom of the tree so it 

would stand up straight. 

But he was feeling uneasy. During the singing of 

“Silent Night”, Lorraine had sat down with a plunk. She 

was feeling queasy and had a very distinctive green 

tinge to the skin on her face. Jack hoped that Lorraine 

was up to fixing Christmas dinner tomorrow. However, 

if Lorraine was sick in bed, probably Barbara and her 

sisters could probably put out a fairly decent meal. 

After getting home and getting their heavy winter coats 

off, everyone gathered in the living room to decorate 

the tree. Jack pushed all thoughts of Lorraine’s health 

out of his mind. Once all the paper string, popcorn 

strings, and hand-me-down decorations were put on the 

tree, George had the pleasure of plugging in the lights. 

Barbara had been in the kitchen making hot chocolate. 

Everyone sat around drinking hot chocolate and admiring 

the tree. Lorraine played the piano and, during the 

singing of Christmas carols, cousins Shirley and Cliff 

walked in. They had just gotten off the bus from Toronto. 

All the children wondered what Santa would bring 

them this year. The same pyjamas as last year, or could 

they possibly get new skates, which they would try out 

on the river at the bottom of the street. 

After saying goodnight, everyone went to bed. The four 

girls slept in one room and the three boys in a different 

room. Marie woke up first in the middle of the night 

and called out to Elsie, “Did you hear that noise? It sounds like a kitten is in the house. And where is Betty? 

Not in her bed. Let’s get up and see what is happening.” Their Dad met them out in the hall and said, “You 

might as well go back to bed, but you will find a surprise under the tree in the morning.” Everyone went 

back to bed, but only a couple of the younger children fell asleep. 

The next day dawned with the sun streaking through the windows. Everyone ran through the hall to the living 

room. Under the tree was a white cradle. Inside was a brand new sister named Gladys. A Christmas miracle 

for a new baby on Christmas Day, a new year to look forward to, and maybe even the end of the war in 

Europe.

19 

CREMATION: $1935 +hst BURIAL: $5995 +hst 

If prearranged and prepaid by December 31, 2020 If prearranged and prepaid by December 31, 2020 

BIRTHDAYS 

Coulter, Ross - Dec. 6 (81) 

Miller, Ray - Dec. 10 (75) 

PASSAGES 

Podrozny, Sophia passed away on Thursday, 

Nov. 12, 2020, at the age of 59. She had 

worked for GWSA-CSS since 2015. 

McCrossan, M. Helen, passed away on 

Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, just 49 days shy of 

her 95th birthday. Loved mother of Carol 

Croft, Sentinel Administrator. 

JUKEBOX SATURDAY NIGHT 

DJ Services — Have Music Will Travel 

Special Birthdays — 60th and up 

Anniversaries — Retirements 

Christmas Parties — New Year’s Eve 

Surprise Parties — Jack and Jill Parties 

How about an Old-Fashioned Rock & Roll Night 

Celebrate With Music - 

Oldies Unlimited 

We play all your favourites from 

the 50s, 60s, 70s and some 80s/90s. 

Did you like the Disco Era or 

Old-Fashioned Country 2 Step? 

We’ve got that too!! 

The Jukebox is Full and 

Ready to Go! 

To Avoid Disappointment — Book Early 

Peter Smith: call or text 

519-217-8986 

Email: giantclassics@gmail.com 


20 

Membership Benefit: 

Every Day is Seniors Day 

at Bulk Barn! 

For years, Bulk Barn has offered a Seniors Day 

discount every Wednesday. Anyone over 65 

years of age enjoyed a 10% discount on regular 

priced merchandise. Now, Bulk Barn locations 

in Guelph are offering this 10% discount every 

day for all GWSA members. Show your 

GWSA membership card to take advantage 

of this special offer when you shop for your 

favourite regular-priced Bulk Barn products. 

Available at: 370 Stone Rd. W across from 

Stone Road Mall, 49 Woodlawn Road W in the 

Walmart Plaza, and 103 Clair Road E at the 

Pergola Commons. 

$25.00 discount coupon 

with this ad 

Please call 519-821-6683 


21 

COMING JANUARY 2021 

A free clothing repair and minor alterations service for isolated 

seniors. 

Sew On The Go is a program of the Guelph Tool Library. 

We will provide a no-contact pick-up for your clothing item and return it repaired. 

Just contact the Guelph Tool Library at 226-501-5472 to request a call back. 

Or email: sewonthego@guelphtoollibrary.org 

There will be a 2 item limit per booking. Common repair and minor alterations include: hems, 

seams, missing buttons, zippers, shoulder seams, buttonholes, and waistlines for men’s pants. 

Sew On The Go uses 

only experienced sewers. 

Donations are welcomed! 

Made possible by grants from the 

United Way Guelph Wellington 

Dufferin and the Guelph 

Community Foundation as part of 

the Federal Government’s 

Emergency Community Support 

Fund. 

The service that volunteer Snow Angels provide 

contributes a tremendous amount to the overall 

well-being of our community. Volunteering with 

the program is truly ‘the neighbourly thing to do’ 

and is a great way for families to volunteer 

together, or high school students to complete their 

40-hour community service requirement. 

A volunteer snow removal service for seniors 

and persons with disabilities 519-822-1155 

In partnership with the City of Guelph, we offer 

a volunteer snow removal service for eligible 

seniors and persons with physical disabilities. 

During a significant snow event, after the 

residential streets are plowed, volunteers visit 

their match within 24 hours to clear the windrow 

(the accumulation of snow left at the end of a 

driveway). 

Last year, 73 Snow Angels contributed 949 

hours of snow shoveling service. In total, 184 

residents were helped during the winter season of 

which one shared, “without the help of our Snow 

Angel, it would be difficult for us to stay in our 

home.” 

Residents eligible to receive this service: 

- Must reside in the City of Guelph in a single 

dwelling or semi-detached house with private 

driveway. 

- Are unable to remove their own snow and cannot 

afford to pay for snow removal. 

- Have no able-bodied person living in the 

household to shovel snow. 

- Must be a senior citizen (aged 65 years or older) 

and/or have a physical disability. 

Please note that the People and Information 

Network (PIN) reserves the right to ask for 

documentation verifying proof of disability and/or 

inability to pay for private snow removal services 

in order to ensure services are provided to those in 

our community who truly require assistance. 


22

December 2020 issue

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?