February 2021 issue

Be active Get involved Make friends 

The Sentinel - February 2021

2 

Heather A. Oliver, RMT 

Orchard Park Office Centre 

Suite 129 

(Ignatius Jesuit Property) 

5420 Hwy 6 N., Guelph 

519-837-9244 

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

The Sentinel - February 2021 — Vol. 45, No. 6

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 

Emma Whittaker — 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 

A MESSAGE FROM THE GWSA 

BOARD 

The GWSA Board of Directors is seeking your input on our strategic 

planning efforts over the last several months. Strategic planning offers 

a number of benefits to any organization and the GWSA is no 

exception. A well-crafted strategic plan creates a focused vision or 

direction for an organization. It serves as the lodestar for board and 

staff decisions and is an effective communication tool for members 

and funding agencies alike. Over time, the GWSA has engaged in the 

strategic planning process but the most recent plan only carried us 

through 2015. Our organization has been overdue for another round of 

conversations about the direction of the GWSA, and the coronavirus 

pandemic highlighted some of our most critical needs. 

Over the last several months the Board of Directors, with input from 

staff and City partners, has engaged in extensive discussions about our 

desired direction. We’ve identified three strategic priorities and are 

seeking member input. They are: 

Our organization 

Our members and services 

Our voices 

Sustainable and viable organizational 

structure and resources (human, 

physical, technical, and financial) 

needed to support the future needs of 

the organization. 

Transformation and growth are needed 

in GWSA services to address changing 

need and growing population in both 

Guelph and Wellington. 

Communication needs to be widespread 

and available in a variety of formats to 

members and the community. 

The draft plan is published elsewhere in The Sentinel on pages 4-7. 

We’ve posted a survey on the GWSA website and ask that you let us 

know whether you agree or disagree with the priorities we’ve chosen. 

For each strategic priority, our survey provides an opportunity for 

additional comments from you. In the coming months, we will review 

your input and revise our plan before setting operational goals to 

implement the vision all of us have for the GWSA. 

To respond to the survey, please visit: 

https://forms.gle/GWEtTgN6s3edm38SA 

Please submit your response by March 1, 2021. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of the GWSA and for your 

thoughtful input on this important project. 

All the best, 

The GWSA Board of Directors 

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). 

The Sentinel - February 2021 

3

4 

How We Started 

Our Strategic Plan 2021-2024 

The GWSA arose from roots dating before 1970, when many seniors clubs were organizing activities for 

themselves. In 1972, a downtown Centre opened at the Old Governor’s residence behind the jail on 

Douglas Street. In 1975, the Guelph Senior Citizens Council (GSCC) started as the brain child of the then 

Mayor Norm Jary. The Sentinel newsletter was born in 1976 from a New Horizon grant, with articles 

from sixteen seniors organizations. The GSCC moved from Douglas Street to the Delhi Recreation Centre 

in 1980. A monthly “Evergreen Report” appeared in the Guelph Mercury. By 1983 the GSCC represented 

ten Seniors Clubs plus ten seniors residences across Guelph. 

After the seniors and the Rotary Club of Guelph made a presentation to the Guelph City Council, a Senior 

Citizens Advisory Board recommended a new Centre serve as a focal point and administrative 

headquarters for seniors programming. 

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) was adopted as a new name in 1988 with 600 

members, was incorporated in 1989, and obtained charitable and not-for-profit status. 

The Victoria Recreation Centre and the former Bowlerama sites were considered as possible locations for 

a new centre, and the promise became possible when the City purchased the latter site. A buy-a-brick 

fundraising campaign was launched, and seniors raised $1.2 million as their contribution to building the 

$2.8 million Evergreen Centre. $450,000 was contributed by the local Rotary Foundation which included 

an amount from the Estate of local businessman, Jack Skov for $350,000. The balance came from City 

funds, other grants, and major corporate and personal donations. 

The Evergreen Centre opened on February 19, 1992, as one of Canada’s finest seniors facilities. Since the 

opening, the GWSA and the City purchased adjacent retail space which was converted into additional 

room space. 

The GWSA remains true to its member-driven base and continues to evolve through strong partnerships to 

address the needs of seniors across the community. 

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) is one of the largest seniors’ organizations of its 

kind in Canada, providing diverse programs, activities, and services to Guelph and Wellington County. 

They currently have 2,800 members who participate in over 55 programs. This is the result of the 

dedication and hard work of over 500 volunteers, 13 board members and six staff. 

Strategic Planning Project 

Over the years, the organization has listened to their members and the list of activities and programs have 

grown to meet their needs and interests. The Board of Directors has decided to pause and reflect to ensure 

that the organization continues to meet the needs of older adults. Moreover, in September 2020, the Board 

of Directors embarked on a Strategic Planning Project in order to have bold conversations about the future 

of GWSA. The project included stakeholder interviews, an environmental scan and surveys. That work 

has culminated in the development of the Strategic Plan 2021-2024. GWSA has looked back at their 

accomplishments for the last 30+ years and looks forward to embarking on the next phase of their 

journey. 

The Vision, Mission and Values were reviewed to ensure they still articulate the realities of who the 

organization is and what they want to accomplish. The GWSA continues to be committed to the vision of 

a future that is progressive, accountable, and innovative in providing services to the older adult 

community. The mission that helps them achieve that is to enable older adults to be active, involved, 

make friends and age with dignity. The core values of involvement, innovation, integrity, and 

The Sentinel - February 2021 — Vol. 45, No. 6 

(Continued on page 5)

5 

(Continued from page 4) 

inclusiveness were determined to be foundational to every aspect of the organization and used to 

inform all that they do in pursuit of a community where older adults can Be active. Get involved. and 

Make friends. 

The three GWSA strategic priorities are: 

Our Organization. Our Members and Services. Our Voices. 

GWSA has always known that Our Organization’s core strength is the dedicated and committed 

volunteers, staff, and board members at GWSA. Building on the current staff and volunteer model that 

supports all GWSA activities will ensure that a strong infrastructure is in place to continue delivering the 

excellent services and programs for which they are known. Our Members and Services reflect our 

community, however, we recognize that our community is growing and changing. 

GWSA will ensure that the social, recreational and wellness programs are diverse and equitable while 

helping to improve the lives of older adults. And, Our Voices, whether those of the staff, volunteers and 

participants, and ultimately the community, all deserve to be heard. A variety of stakeholder perspectives 

and experiences will be used to help improve the organization and to reflect the needs of their 

community. 

Thank you to those who participated in the development of this plan. It provides the roadmap which will 

guide GWSA into the future with confidence. 

GWSA VISION 

A future that is progressive, accountable, and innovative in providing services to the older adult 

community. 

GWSA MISSION 

To enable older adults to be active, get involved, make new friends and age with dignity. 

GWSA CORE VALUES 

Involvement 

We will provide meaningful social activities and educational opportunities based on the interests and well 

-being needs of our members. Active participation by our members, volunteers, and staff in all aspects of 

GWSA will ensure that, together, we will achieve our goals. 

Innovation 

We will ensure our programs are designed to meet the ever-changing needs of older adults in our 

community. We will be open-minded to new ideas and new approaches to be responsive to the emerging 

interest and needs of our members. 

Integrity 

We will treat each other with respect and ensure we fulfill our individual and collective responsibilities 

and accountabilities. We will be honest, trustworthy, and consistent in all our interactions with each 

other. 

Inclusiveness 

We will invite all people in our community to be members, share their interests and take on leadership 

roles in our organization. Everyone connected to GWSA will have a sense of belonging, feel respected, 

valued and have a sense of supportive energy from leaders, staff and fellow members. 

(Continued on page 6) 


6 


Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges Analysis 

Strengths 

Volunteers are dedicated 

Large membership 

Building/facility 

Programs/activities 

Brand 

Partnerships 

Leadership 

Financial practices 

Policies and procedures 

Affordable for members 

Opportunities 

Increase in number of older adults in the 

area 

Increase in geographic scope 

Technological advances 

Increased partnerships 

GWSA is respected and well-positioned to 

advocate for growth in programs 

GWSA can grow from current hub model 

GWSA can build relationships in the county 

Weaknesses 

Diversity in all areas of the organization 

Communication systems 

Succession planning for leadership 

Limited space 

Volunteers are over-extended 

Programs at capacity 

No senior staff leader 

Funding structure and dependency 

Infrastructure needs to be modernized 

Challenges 

Diversity of programs to attract diverse 

population 

Reliance on one funder 

Reliance on volunteers 

Not all seniors are keeping up with changes in 

technology 

Space requirements 

Impact of COVID 

Few people doing majority of the work 

Strategic Priorities Overview 

The following Strategic priorities are based on the themes that emerged during the strategic plan project. 

Strategic Priorities are: 

Our Organization Sustainable and viable organizational structure and resources (human, physical, 

technical, and financial) needed to support the future needs of the organization. 

Our Members 

and Services 

Our Voice 

Transformation and growth are needed in GWSA services to address 

changing need and growing population in both Guelph and Wellington. 

Communication needs to be widespread and available in a variety of formats to 

members and the community. 

Below, each strategic priority has a stated goal as well as the reasons identified to establish that strategic 

priority. Objectives will help to identify focused activities required to assist in the achievement of the goal. 

Strategic Priority #1 

OUR ORGANIZATION 

Goal 

To strengthen the staff and volunteer infrastructure to support the effective achievement of the future 

organizational goals. 



7 


WHY? 

Organizational operations are the responsibility of a few dedicated staff and volunteers. 

Staff and volunteers are at capacity. 

Current organizational infrastructure will not support expansion of programs. 

Objectives 

Develop a succession plan for board members and other leaders. 

Complete an organizational review to establish the necessary staff structure to support the organization. 

Increase staff responsibility and accountability for the day-to-day matters that will allow the board to 

focus on strategic and governance matters. 

Increase staff responsibility to accountability to conduct operational matters that will support program 

and other leaders in the organization. 


OUR MEMBERS AND SERVICES 

Goal 

To ensure that everyone involved in GWSA not only reflects our diverse community but that programs and 

services are diverse and equitable. 

WHY? 

GWSA programs are currently primarily offered in Guelph. 

GWSA membership does not reflect the cultural diversity of the geographical area. 

Programs do not reflect the interests of our diverse community. 

Objectives 

Seek engagement from members and non-members about improvements required to create more diverse 

program offerings. 

Complete a gap analysis of all programs offered for older adults within the Guelph Wellington area. 

Develop a multi-year business plan to expand and improve programs. 

Create a culture of growth, innovation, and improvement. 

Develop partnerships with like-minded organizations to support development and expansion of 

programs and activities. 


OUR VOICES 

Goal 

To build momentum and support for GWSA through communication to all GWSA stakeholders and our 

community that is clear and transparent. 

WHY? 

Do not have up-to-date contact information for all members which is necessary to communicate more 

effectively. 

Need to modernize GWSA communication systems. 

Public is not aware of GWSA, especially people who are new to the area. 

Objectives 

Develop direct communication pathways to membership. 

Update GWSA technology to ensure it creates efficient and effective ways to communicate. 

Develop a communication plan to aid in understanding of older adult needs for social, recreational and 

education programs and to inform the community about GWSA. 


8 

GWSA Email Update for the Month of January 2021 

News from the Program Committee 

Activity Group Leaders are making the move toward Zoom for meetings and socialization. We are not 

bears and can only hibernate for so long. Many of us are adopting newer technology to seek 

companionship. Adapt, climb the learning curve, and enjoy the friendship of others. The following Activity 

Groups have made that move. Join them and have some fun! 

Book Club 1 has come on board to meet for the first time on Friday, January 29 from 1-2:30 pm. If you are 

interested in joining this very active group, please contact Veronica Sanchez (519-767-9991). 

Peer Learning is using Zoom to provide their members with topics for discussion from January 11 through 

March 24. Check out the January Sentinel or their website: https://gwsa-guelph.ca/peer-learning/. All the 

topics and dates and times are listed there. If you’re interested in attending, please contact Andrew Webb 

(226-500-4755) or Barb McLeod (519-823-2531). 

To register for classes, email peerlearning.gwsa@gmail.com, indicating which course or courses you wish 

to join. 

Watercolour Painters Club is using Zoom to encourage painters to submit their paintings and have 

discussion of techniques. If you are interested in seeing what GWSA painters are doing during COVID, 

contact Mary Mulholland (519-836-4889). 

Line Dancing remains socially connected by sending out emails with new dance instructions that the 

dancers can do in the comfort of their own homes. They are exploring how Zoom can help them keep their 

toes tapping. 

Scrabble will be setting up Zoom to stay socially connected. They’re also exploring the possibility of 

playing games while on the zoom call. After all, Scrabble keeps your brain functioning. If you’re interested 

in joining in, contact Beth Campeau (226-343-0415). 

Silvertones was the first activity group to embrace the use of Zoom. They use Zoom to practice every 

second Friday afternoon. They are in their own homes and their choir director, Ann Sneyd, provides 

instruction as if they were practicing in Room 2 at the Evergreen. If interested in joining our wonderful 

choir, contact Doreen Muir (519-831-8323). 

Silver Strummers, our newest activity group, uses Zoom for practice with their director Carolyn 

McLeod. This group has grown considerably, and everyone enjoys the social aspect as well as learning how 

to pluck those banjo strings. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Ann Sneyd 

(sneydann@gmail.com). 

The Photography Club was one of the GWSA’s earliest adopters of Zoom. Members share presentations 

of their own photographic lives, and guest speakers present a multitude of photographic ideas. This active 

group meets twice a month via Zoom. Please contact Bill Adam (olar57@gmail.com) for more information 

about how you can get involved. 

If you are interested in helping bring your group online, please call your group leader to discuss whether 

Zoom is a good option for you and your friends. It’s a great way to stay connected while staying safe. 

Take care. Stay safe. Stay home. 

Pat Gage 

Chair, GWSA Program Committee 



9 


All the Latest News 

Please be sure to visit the GWSA website often to stay up with the most current news and events. All 

announcements – and the latest Sentinel Newsletter – are always available on the main page: 

https://gwsa-guelph.ca/ Following are some highlights of recent news: 

Welcome, Emma Whittaker: New Manager of CSS 

The Community Support Services Group has a new face. 

Visit the GWSA website for more details about our newest employee: 

https://gwsa-guelph.ca/new-css-manager-appointed/ 

Province Issues a State of Emergency 

The province has issued a stay-at-home order effective Thursday, January 14, at 12:01 am. 

This is in addition to other new restrictions in response to a doubling in COVID-19 cases over the past two 

weeks, a looming threat of the collapse of the province’s hospital system, and alarming risks posed to longterm 

care homes. Visit the GWSA website: https://gwsa-guelph.ca/second-provincial-emergency-declared/ 

Guelph Family Health Team offers Free Webinars 

The Guelph Family Health Team has published their line-up of free 

wellness webinars offered between now and June. Many of the topics will 

be of interest to GWSA members. See the schedule here: 

https://www.guelphfht.com/wellness-workshops-and-programs. 

January Sentinel is Available Now 

Read online or download your own copy: 

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/65155876/january-2021-issue 

GWSA - Contact Us 

GWSA website 

GWSA contacts 

GWSA email updates 

GWSA donations 

gwsa-guelph.ca 

contact form 

subscribe here 

donate online 


10 

With the continued danger brought about by the 

COVID-19 virus, the possibilities of more virulent 

strains, along with the uncertainty of the distribution 

and effectiveness of the various vaccines, organizers 

Trevor Barton and Brian Holstein have regretfully 

announced that again this year, the Tea ‘n’ Tales 

summer storytelling festival at the Guelph Enabling 

Garden has been cancelled. 

The organizers had hoped that the summer-long 

Friday festival could resume this year, but the possible 

health threat to the many seniors who regularly attend 

is of prime importance. 

Evergreen Kitchen 

The City of Guelph is offering a frozen meal program at the Evergreen 

Seniors Community Centre. 

Here are the details: 

Purchase 5 meals for $25. 

 

 

 

Pre-order is mandatory. 

Call or email Becky M. at 519-822-1260 x2691 

or Becky.MacDonald@guelph.ca to place your order. 

You may choose either meat or vegetarian packages. If you require 

adjustments for allergies/dietary restrictions, please let Becky know 

at the time of your order. The kitchen will make adjustments when 

possible. 

Meals can be paid for in person or over the phone with a credit card. 


11 

WHAT PART DOES CUPID PLAY ON VALENTINE'S DAY? 

It's not all about St. Valentine! Cupid—that winged baby boy often seen on 

Valentine's Day cards and paraphernalia—is another symbol of this love-filled 

holiday, and it's easy to understand why. In Roman mythology, Cupid was the 

son of Venus, goddess of love and beauty. He was known for shooting arrows at 

both gods and humans, causing them to fall instantly in love with one another. 

While it's unclear exactly when Cupid was brought into the Valentine's Day story, 

it's certainly clear why. 

VALENTINE’S DAY GREETINGS 

In addition to Canada, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the U.S., Mexico, the 

United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began 

to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. 

By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social 

classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900, 

printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made 

cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s 

feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending 

Valentine’s Day greetings. 

Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. 

Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of 

the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colourful pictures known as “scrap.” 

Howland would design the cards herself, then instruct her employees - all women - on how each card should 

be crafted, using an array of trimmings: lace, coloured paper, “wafers,” cut-out flowers, and other items. 

These innovations made the cards superior to the commercial valentines of the day, which were often cheap, 

crude, comical, and even vulgar. 

Howland employed a large female workforce that continued to grow as orders increased. Her operation 

expanded to larger quarters on the third floor of the Howland residence. A century and a half before 

working from home was a thing, Howland was even employing women in their homes. She’d drop off 

boxes of supplies and designs and then have a courier pick up finished valentines the following week, which 

Howland would personally inspect. 

Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are 

sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (more cards are 

sent at Christmas). Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines. 

Esther Howland and examples of her Valentine card designs 


12 

JEAN McCLELLAND — IN MEMORIAM 

from Jean’s son Morgan 

With sadness, I wanted to share the passing of my mom, Jean 

McClelland, after a brief battle with a brain tumor. She passed away 

peacefully on January 15, 2021, at age 80; she was born December 2, 

1940, in Toronto, Ontario. 

Survived by her son Morgan, his wife, and three grandchildren, 

Sienna, Vivienne and Aaden. Jean will be remembered differently, but 

fondly, by all of the people whose lives she touched through the many 

committees, volunteer associations, social groups, and the long life that 

kept her active and involved in her community. 

Those who knew her, knew she was always ready with a poem, 

composing so many unique ones over her lifetime. If you were friends, she probably created one 

just for you. 

The following poem is “She Is Gone” by David Harkin, a fitting send-off. 

You can shed tears that she is gone 

Or you can smile because she has lived 

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back 

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left 

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her 

Or you can be full of the love that you shared 

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday 

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday 

You can remember her and only that she is gone 

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on 

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back 

Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. 

BARRY J.L. SCOTT - IN MEMORIAM 

Barry Scott of Guelph, formerly of England, passed away 

suddenly on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the age of 

74. Beloved husband of Deborah Scott. He was an 

exceptional Electrical Engineer, working for the 

Metropolitan Police Engineers in England and the London 

Borough Barnet, and then as an Entrepreneur for his own 

electrical company, Barry’s Electrical. 

Barry played darts for the Wooly Pub and was the current 

President of the GWSA Darts Activity Group. 

He represented Darts at the Program Committee meetings 

for several years. He was an excellent darts player and very often the highest scorer of the 

month. He was also our "Mr. Fix It" when things didn't work properly. 

Last year, Barry very generously constructed a Maypole for the GWSA Line Dancing 

Activity Group, and his creation can be seen in the May 2019 issue of the Sentinel. 

Barry will be greatly missed. We extend our sympathies to his wife Debbie and family. 


13 

Guelph loses one of its true builders with passing 

of Norm Jary 

Mr. Jary, Mayor of Guelph from 1970 to 1985 and 

a member of city council for 35 years, passed away 

Friday, January 8, 2021. He was 91 years old. 

Norm Jary was a legendary local political leader 

and familiar radio voice of CJOY radio whose true 

essence was family, respect and love for the 

community. 

“(Mr. Jary) had a style that allowed debate and 

dissent, but only to the point that civility was 

maintained,” Guelph Mercury columnist Al Ferris 

once wrote. “He respected his councillors’ opinions 

and encouraged compromise based on the needs of 

the city and not the whims of the latest fads and 

fashions.” 

Mayor Cam Guthrie considered Mr. Jary a friend 

and role model, regularly visiting him over the years. 

“I am personally grateful for Norm’s generous 

encouragement and advice to many, including me in 

my role as Mayor,” said Guthrie in a statement. 

“He never saw himself as a politician, but as a 

public servant. I feel fortunate to have met him, and I 

know that Guelph was fortunate to have him as a 

leader of our civic life for so many years.” 

City flags were flying at half mast in his honour. 

Kind words poured in from those that knew him 

and were influenced by him. 

“A mentor to many, a gentleman, a statesman. 

#Guelph loves you,” said councillor Leanne Caron. 

“Norm never stopped serving and supporting 

Guelph, and telling great stories,” said Guelph MP 

Lloyd Longfield. “Such a great example and a great 

loss.” 

“His voice will be missed but not forgotten,” added 

Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner. 

“Such a lovely man. Very supportive and 

encouraging of us newcomers. He loved his 

community and was a staunch and vocal defender of 

all that was great about our city,” tweeted councillor 

Cathy Downer, who served on council with Mr. Jary. 

Originally from Toronto, where he graduated in 

broadcasting from what was then known as Ryerson 

Polytechnical Institute, Mr. Jary was working in 

radio in Stratford when a friend recommended him 

for a sports job at Guelph’s CJOY radio. 

Retired CTV National News anchor Lloyd 

Robertson remembers when he and Jary worked 

together at a Stratford radio station. “I can credit 

Norm with getting me started in broadcasting 

because he gave me my very first show,” he said. “I 

was just a kid, 18 years old.” 

Robertson says he was a very kind man who you 

could always count on. 

Mr. Jary spent 40 years at CJOY, retiring as its 

news director in 1994. During that time, he became 

the voice of Guelph junior hockey, notably the 

Guelph Biltmores. He was given the opportunity to 

call the play-by-play of the New York Rangers in the 

mid-60s but was rumoured to have turned down an 

offer to do it permanently because he didn’t want to 

leave Guelph. 

It was civic duty and leading Guelph through an 

unprecedented period of growth that perhaps he will 

be best remembered. 

After two unsuccessful runs as the Progressive 

Conservative candidate for Guelph, he was elected as 

a city alderman in 1963. 

In 1970, he became interim mayor when Ralph 

Smith resigned. Seven months later, he was officially 

elected as mayor, a position he would hold until 1985 

when he took a step back and ran as a councillor for 

Ward 3, a position he would hold until he retired 

from politics in 2000. 

Mr. Jary would keep printouts of two editorials 

from the old Guelph Mercury newspaper where he 

was praised for “promoting honesty, fairness, 

approachability and impartiality” and “as a public 

speaker, he has no peers in municipal government in 

Canada.” 

In retirement, he remained active in the 

community, was a member of the GWSA, and was 

involved in a number of local charities, including the 

Norm Jary–ARC Industries Golf Tournament, a 

fundraiser for Guelph-Wellington Community Living 

that raised close to $1 million over 42 years. 

Mr. Jary was predeceased by his daughter Sandra 

and his beloved wife of 64 years, Jean, who he 

always gave much of the credit for his career. 

In recent years, he had been living at the Village of 

Riverside Glen. 


14 

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 

TBA 

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 


TBA 

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 

519-830-7735 

carolynmcleodmccarthy 

@gmail.com 

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) 

15 

Watercolour Painters Club 


Mary Mulholland (519-836-4889) 

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

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

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. 


16 


17 

Administration Office — 519-837-5696 

Guelph Family Health Team offers FREE Online Webinars 

The Guelph Family Health Team’s Wellness Matters program continues to offer 

FREE interactive webinars focusing on a variety of wellness and mental health 

topics to our community! You can use the information and tools you learn to help 

guide you during these difficult and uncertain times. Visit our website for a 

complete list of webinars and to view the Jan – June 2021 schedule. 

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! 


18 

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, 

The Sentinel - February 2021 — Vol. 45, No. 6 

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

19 

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 


20 

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 


21 

A call out to isolated seniors. Do you have a pair of 

pants you cannot wear until they are hemmed? 

A favourite shirt missing a button? A seam splitting 

on an otherwise perfectly good top? 

Sew On The Go wants to bring this free service to you. 

We will pick up your garment, repair and return it to your door. 

As a program of the Guelph Tool Library, funding has been made available for 

delivery costs. 

Call 226-501-5472 and leave a message, with your phone number, requesting a 

call back. The repair can be discussed and arrangements made. 

Or email sewonthego@guelphtoollibrary.org 

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 

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 


23 

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

If prearranged and prepaid by June 30, 2021 If prearranged and prepaid by June 30, 2021 

BIRTHDAYS 

Churchill, Lionel - Feb. 6 (74) 

Jagt, Nellie - Feb. 11 (92) 

Spears, Dwayne - Feb. 14 (59) 

PASSAGES 

Jary, Norm passed away on Friday, January 8, 

2021, at the age of 91. He was a GWSA member, 

former Mayor of Guelph and councillor. 

McClelland, Jean passed away on Friday, January 

15, 2021, at the age of 80. She was a former Board 

member, and belonged to many committees and 

clubs including Into Focus Photography and the 

Travel Club. 

Whitney, Mary Claire passed away on Friday, 

January 15, 2021, at the age of 88. She was a 

GWSA volunteer and drove for Outreach. 

Scott, Barry passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 

2021, at the age of 74. He was the leader of the 

Darts Club. 

Russell, Ken passed away on Thursday, January 

21, 2021, in his 74th year. He was the former 

Webmaster and involved in the Computer Club. 

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 


24

February 2021 issue

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