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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 Brian Smith—President tba — Vice-President Roger Stevens — Treasurer Tonie MacInnis — Secretary Directors Pat Gage Ken Fugler Wenda King Teresa McKeeman Ross Knechtel Adam Rutherford The Sentinel Team Carol Croft — Adminstrator, Printer Linda Green — Editor, Printer George Hughes — Printer 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 Paula Frappier — Outreach Co-ordinator All others working for CSS are GWSA Volunteers City Staff Adam Rutherford — Program Manager Sheri-Lyn Roy — Customer Service Clerk Tonie MacInnis — Recreation Program Director — Senior Services Becky MacDonald — Recreation Co-ordinator — Volunteers Jocelynn Desroches — Chef Don Harris — Facility Maintainer Lorne Wollis — Cleaner Lynne Briggs — Manager of Recreation Services E S C C 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 <strong>November</strong> birthstone is topaz, signifying honour and strength, and once thought to bring longevity and wisdom. The flower is the chrysanthemum, representing cheerfulness. It sounds like a month designed for seniors returning to the GWSA! Over half of our members have already picked up their new membership cards. Be sure to ask at the Evergreen desk if they have an envelope with your name. Many have been surprised to see that their renewal dates were extended during the shutdown. While you are there, you might want to register for all your favourite activities, unless you prefer to do that online. To avoid waiting lists, it’s best to enrol as soon as you can. We are reassured that our reopening allowed members to return in good time, and hundreds are meeting for their activities. As regulatory authorities adjust requirements, we keep adapting to a cycle of frequent change. Now that organizations cannot keep a record of vaccinations, everyone must provide Ontario Proof of Vaccination, along with government-<strong>issue</strong>d identification and contact tracing information each time they enter. As waivers are no longer required, it is no longer necessary to <strong>issue</strong> or show IPP Access cards. With capacity limits loosening, we hope to have more space available in activity groups. Please follow each group’s approved return-to-play plans, and contact Pat Gage, the Program Committee Chair, before making any changes. That helps us remain within guidelines and take care of each other. Exciting things are happening. The Evergreen Restaurant has reopened. The Book Nook library is open daily until 1:00 pm, so you can return your books and find new ones, while enjoying the colourful fall view over the river. The Snooker Room is back in action with re-felted tables and new covers, and upgraded equipment. And, you can now sign up for the Festive Holiday Trip planned for Niagara Falls. Reserve your space today, while you can! Did you know that the GWSA’s Community Support Services (CSS) has been contributing to the Seniors Community Food Market, a weekly “farmers-market” style setting happening across Guelph? Community Support Services is an integral part of the GWSA and supports hundreds of vulnerable seniors in the area. If you know someone who might benefit, please check the website for all of their available services. If you are looking to become involved, a few committees need members, some activity groups are seeking leaders, and the Succession Planning Committee is screening for new directors. This is a members-driven organization and there is something for everyone! Simply contact Becky MacDonald at the Evergreen Centre if something sparks your interest, or if you have skills and talents you’d like to share. It is time to play at the GWSA! 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). T S - N <strong>2021</strong> 3