GWSA 2020-21 Annual Report

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Silvertones Choir When the Evergreen Centre closed in March 2020, and then announced they would remain closed until further notice, we were disappointed but not surprised. Our last choir practice at the Evergreen Centre was March 13, 2020. We then had to cancel our planned sing outs at eight (8) nursing/retirement homes. Another disappointment because we know how much our audience really enjoyed seeing us come, and what a wonderful feeling it was for us to see a smile creep onto the faces of some of our most elderly and frail seniors. And yet another disappointment when our beloved Accompanist, MaryLynn Woods, retired from the choir, with a small send off and a thank you for all she has done for the choir and for many GWSA events with our very best wishes. We are a family of more than 50 members and still growing despite this pandemic. The Executive knew that, if we wanted to stay safe and be well, we would have to get creative in order to keep our choir together. Who best to do this of course is our two fearless leaders, Ann Sneyd, Director, and Doreen Muir, President. There would be no choir without their inspiring and creative leadership. Weekly emails began to arrive in our inboxes from Ann Sneyd. It was agreed that we need to keep in touch with members, and the Executive began monthly wellness phone calls to members to ensure they are coping well with the isolation most of us have been feeling. Much appreciation has been expressed by members for our concern about everyone’s well-being. Most of our members had no experience with Zoom. We would like to thank the GWSA for providing loaner iPads to some of our members and for assisting them in learning this new skill. Thank you also to Ross Knechtel for getting us started on Zoom. Also thank you to our new Zoom Hosts who have taken on the challenges of learning to Zoom on behalf of all of us: Doreen Muir, Barbara Moldenhauer and Lynda Annis. We began with an Executive meeting, followed by the Strummers who have now formed a group of their own. The Lullabye Grannies had a practice on Zoom and soon all 54 members were practicing every two weeks. In the Fall of 2020, and with emails and phone calls flying around, we settled on our music. As volunteers have not had access to the GWSA building because of the pandemic, Tonie MacInnis from the City pulled music from our files and arranged for pick up by our Music Co-ordinators, Patti DuGuid and Marion Cassolato. Our many thanks to them for sorting and getting music out to our members, some even delivered (safely) to their homes. Listening to Ann play the piano on Zoom and practicing in the confines of our own home by singing to the computer has been a most hilarious and challenging time for us all. But we are doing it and feeling so much better for keeping in touch. We have managed for over a year to keep our members informed and engaged through Ann’s Monthly emails and all the work she does to prepare for our bi-weekly Zoom practices, Doreen’s involvement with the Program Committee, and a willing Executive who go beyond what is required. We have not stopped thinking about the future. We look forward to practicing together when it is safe to do so in a comfortable space. We want to celebrate our 40 th + Anniversary in a special way when we are able and to catch up on each other’s lives in person. Music brings so much joy to us all. Submitted by Thelma Smeltzer 22
Silver Strummers The Evergreen’s Silver Strummers emerged from the Silvertones Choir, which has been a vibrant and enthusiastic group of seniors for many years. It was no surprise when their energetic Director, Ann Sneyd, suggested that, just maybe, a number of choir members might like to start strumming the ukulele. And, it also just happened the very talented Carolyn McLeod McCarthy was prepared to take us on and teach us how to play. (It probably helped that Carolyn is the daughter of one of our Strummers.) The brand new Silver Strummers was born!!! We started with approximately 20 players, and as of this month, there are 35 members listed on our roster. A number of our members already owned a ukulele, and our teacher was able to order new instruments and tuners for all who wanted them. All of us anticipated participating around a campfire with friends and family. Maybe even jamming in our garage with like-minded entertainers!!! Our official startup was January 31, 2020! Our group stayed after Silvertones choir practice on Friday afternoons to begin our new ukulele lessons. However, early 2020 turned out to be a rocky beginning. Not for lack of enthusiasm or arthritic fingers on the chords, but, this thing called COVID-19. In March, we were shut down, along with all the other activities at the Evergreen Centre. At the time, there was every expectation we would be back at the Centre in September, if not before. Wrong expectation………… Enter the wonderful new technology called ZOOM!!! Due to the strong leadership of Ann Sneyd and the “techie” knowledge of Carolyn McLeod McCarthy, we started up our virtual ukulele lessons on November 6, 2020. During that time of set-up, we certainly wish to acknowledge the support of our President, Becky Fiedler. On November 19, we formed the Silver Strummers Executive: Chairperson, Ann Sneyd; Instructor, Carolyn McLeod McCarthy; Vice-Chairperson, Darlene Pembleton; Secretary, Barbara Moldenhauer; Treasurer, Lynda Annis. We alternate Zoom practices every other week with the Silvertones Choir. These lessons have kept us all practicing our music, and, hopefully, starting to sound like we are improving our skills. Practice makes perfect, you know – keep working on those chords! Carolyn is diligent in forwarding us “YouTube” instruction videos, as well as numerous music sheets. We are learning a wonderful variety of music - everything from Happy Birthday to Danny Boy to Blowin’ in the Wind! The Strummers are an eager group and have taken on the challenge. We are picking those strings, singing along, and enjoying ourselves staying at home in front of our computer. Just wait till we are all together again in person!! The Silver Strummers have not only survived, but thrived over this past year. In March, the GWSA received a Federal New Horizons Grant! We are so thankful to have received an allocation of $2,800. This allows for funding to purchase 8 to 10 concert-size ukuleles, complete with cases and tuners, to have available for a “loaner” program. We have also ordered a minimum of 10 music stands, as well as strings, finger tips, and other incidental items to keep on hand. 23
Page 2 and 3: 2
Page 4 and 5: TABLE OF CONTENTS ..……………
Page 6 and 7: Human Resources Convenor for 6 year
Page 8 and 9: Organization Chart and Standing Com
Page 10 and 11: Finance Committee Report Roger Stev
Page 12 and 13: 12
Page 14 and 15: Governance Committee Report The Gov
Page 16 and 17: Community Support Services CSS Staf
Page 18 and 19: Succession Planning & Nominating Co
Page 20 and 21: The Web Team Report Members: Ross K
Page 24 and 25: Our Chairperson, Ann Sneyd, has bee
Page 26 and 27: some days in Room 4, when the Gym w
Page 28 and 29: City of Guelph Senior Services Repo
Page 30: 30

GWSA 2020-21 Annual Report

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?