March 2023 issue

Be active Get involved Make friends

The Sentinel - March 2023

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What can I expect?

As a client of Stepping Stones Palliative

Concierge Services, you will have a variety of

options available to you. We can help you set

up a comfortable and safe space at home

where you will be supported by our team,

which consists of nurses, PSWs and a

palliative physician, so that you can focus your remaining time on your loved ones. Or, if

you prefer to be cared for in a facility, we can assist you with available options and navigate

the referral process.

Our Services

Our list of services are tailored to all stages of your Palliative Care journey:

• PSW and Nursing Care

• Navigating the Health Care System

• Consulting Services

• End of Life Doula Services

• Liaising with Your Health Care Team

• Advanced Care Planning

• Legacy Planning & Projects

• Physician Consultation

• Respite Care

The Sentinel - March 2023 — Vol. 47, No. 7

www.SteppingStonesPCS.com

info@SteppingStonesPCS.com

1-866-980-1430

The Guelph/Wellington Seniors Association

A non-profit organization based at the

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre

http://www.gwsa-guelph.ca

Directors & Officers

Linda Jeffrey — Executive Director

Pat Gage — President

Donna Keating — Vice-President

TBA — Treasurer

TBA — Secretary

(City Recreational Co-ordinator)

Directors

Ken Fugler

Charlie Bishop

Wenda King

Sam Montoya

Janice Robertson

Elizabeth Steggles

Yvonne Thomas

Adam Rutherford (City Program Manager)

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.

City Staff

Adam Rutherford — Program

Manager

Jill Hunt — Customer Service Clerk

TBA — Recreation Program

Director — Senior Services

Becky MacDonald — Recreation

Co-ordinator — Volunteers

TBA — Chef

Rotating — Facility Maintainer

Lynne Briggs — Manager of Recreation

Services


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

It is so nice to feel the warmth of the sun shining a bit more and the

evenings staying lighter later! YAY!

The message this month will be updating you about GWSA Board

Members attending City Council to delegate on the 2023 draft city

budget.

President Pat Gage, Vice President Donna Keating, Director Elizabeth

Steggles and Executive Director Linda Jeffrey attended the City Council

meeting.

President Pat’s presentation to Mayor Cam Guthrie and City Council

members spoke to many notable factors important to mention including:

• The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is one of the largest

seniors’ organizations of its kind in Canada, providing diverse

programs, activities, and services to Guelph and Wellington County.

• We are a not-for-profit corporation and a registered charity, managed

by a volunteer Board of Directors, and hundreds of dedicated

volunteers.

• We partner with the City of Guelph in the operation of the Evergreen

Seniors Community Centre where we offer 50 programs and

activities to more than 2,000 members.

• We appreciate that these continue to be challenging times and we

want to thank the City for approving the emergency funds we

received during the height of the pandemic, which allowed us to

deliver fresh food to vulnerable seniors in our community.

• We also want to thank the City of Guelph and specifically Adam

Rutherford, the Program Director at the Evergreen, for the flexibility

offered regarding payments we were required to make as part of our

Community Benefit Agreement.

President Pat continued with reference to a meeting requested last

November, relating to the GWSA Board’s desire to assist the City in

moving forward with the Older Adult Strategy, which was approved by

Council in 2012. Other remarks included noting the significant loss in

United Way Funding and the impact of that in relation to delivering

Community Support Services to older adults in the city.

In closing, it was firmly stated that, “we are here today to say thank

you for the mutually beneficial partnership we currently enjoy with the

City and to urge you to move forward with the Older Adult Strategy.

Cities around Guelph are joining the World Health Organization

(WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly cities and communities.

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is committed to a future that

is progressive, accountable, and innovative in providing services to the

older adult community. We are also prepared to build partnerships and

seek funds from the Federal and Provincial governments to deliver

initiatives which will create an improved quality of life for older adults in

Guelph.”

Well Done!

Donna Keating

Vice Chair/Vice President

Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA)

donna.keating@gwsa-guelph.ca

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).


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NOTIFICATION FROM YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As an organization, we have weathered an extremely challenging couple of years. Last year,

we lost 76% of our funding from the United Way and, during the same, time our membership

numbers dropped significantly. Inflation pressures have also had an impact on our bottom line

which is why, earlier this year, the Finance Committee recommended to the Board that we raise

our Membership Fees 10%. The Board unanimously passed this recommendation.

The GWSA’s mission is to enable older adults to be active, get involved, and make new

friends. In the coming months, we will also be re-evaluating the activity fees of all our groups.

If you need fee assistance in participating in any of our programming, please reach out to our

Executive Director to access the FAIR Program.

On April 1 st , Membership fees will increase by 10% + HST:

$35 (+ $4.55 HST) = $39.55: pick up Sentinel ($36.16 previous fee)

$42 (+ $5.46 HST) = $48.17: Sentinel delivered to your door within city limits

($42.94 previous fee)

$60 (+ $7.80 HST) = $67.80 Sentinel mailed to your home ($62.15 previous fee)

We remain thankful for your continued membership which allows us, in partnership with the

City, to provide a supportive environment and a variety of programming we know you enjoy.

Your Board of Directors

WANTED

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association Board of Directors is seeking an individual

with financial experience to sit on the Board as Treasurer. You will assist the Board in

our mission to enable older adults to be active, involved, make friends, and age with

dignity. You share our vision of a future that is progressive, accountable and innovative in

providing services to the older adult community.

Responsibilities include:

• Attending monthly Board meetings 3 rd Wednesday

• Attending quarterly Finance Committee meetings

• Act as a signing officer for GWSA accounts and contracts

• Work collaboratively with the GWSA Bookkeeper to prepare reports for the monthly

Board Meetings and the Annual General Meeting

If you are interested in this volunteer position or know of someone who might be

interested, please contact Pat Gage, President (pat.gage@gwsa-guelph.ca) or Linda

Jeffrey, Executive Director (linda.jeffrey@gwsa-guelph.ca).


THE EDITOR’S PAGE

Did You Know….

by Linda Green

Here are some interesting facts about food:

• Almonds are a member of the peach family. They are

the oldest, most widely cultivated and extensively used

nuts in the world.

• The oldest known vegetable is the pea. It has been found

in Stone Age settlements 8,000 years ago.

• You use more calories eating celery than there are in

celery.

• Eating raw onions is good for

unblocking a stuffed nose. Onions are

low in calories and a good source of

vitamin C, calcium, potassium and

fiber. They also help circulation.

• The colour of a chili is no indication

of its spiciness, but size usually is –

the smaller the pepper, the hotter it is.

• Before the 17 th century, cultivated

carrots were purple. Dutch farmers

bred mutated white & yellow carrots

with wild varieties to create the orange

carrot which is sweeter than the

original.

• The avocado has the most calories of

any fruit.

• Limes, lemons, rhubarb, raspberries, blackberries &

cranberries have the lowest sugar content.

• Strawberries are not berries but bananas and

watermelons are.

• Coffee is the world’s most popular stimulant.

• There are more than 1,000 chemical compounds in one

cup of coffee.

• Too much caffeine can cause heart palpitations.

• Eating an apple in the morning is a good alternate to

having coffee. Apples contains fructose which is a natural

sugar that can wake you up naturally and help keep you

going. Apples contain carbohydrates

which the body needs to get moving

and stay moving, and apples are also

a great source of fibre.

• There is no such thing as blue food –

even blueberries are purple.

• There are about 40,000 different

kinds of rice. Rice is grown on more

than 10% of the earth’s farmable

surface and is the main food for half

the people of the world.

• No two cornflakes look the same.

• Salt is the only rock humans can eat.

It is one of the few spices that is all

taste and no smell.

Special Printing For Members

Do you have a need for printing (i.e., bookmarks, booklets, calendars,

dinner menus/programs, club bylaws, annual reports), large or small

quantities, black & white print (10¢ per page) or colour (30¢ per page)?

If so, please contact Carol Croft or Linda Green, either in the Sentinel

office (we’re not here all the time, though) or by email at sentinel@gwsaguelph.ca,

or leave a message at the front desk. You must be a GWSA

member to take advantage of this.

We will try to accommodate you with your project as much as we can.

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DONATIONS

To donate easily, with a credit

card, visit our website

www.gwsa-guelph.ca and click

on the ‘Donate’ button or call:

519-823-1291

March 10, 2023, is the deadline for

submissions for the

April 2023 Sentinel.

Email submissions to: sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca

or drop yours off at the Evergreen Front Desk.

Distribution of the April issue

is on March 30, 2023.

Editor is not responsible for quality of submitted photos

(but we’ll do our best).


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Volunteer Corner from Becky MacDonald

Upcoming Volunteer Awards

Senior of the Year Award

This award is given by a municipality to recognize an

outstanding senior who, after age 65, enriches the

social, cultural or civic life of the community.

Deadline: April 30

If you are interested in nominating a fellow

volunteer, please speak to Becky in the main office on

Mondays or Wednesdays, or email

becky.macdonald@guelph.ca .

Orientation and Training

All volunteers will be required to complete the

mandatory Orientation & Training. The trainings can

be completed from the comfort of your home online.

For those who do not have access to a computer,

training dates will be set up for you to attend in the

near future.

Please contact Becky MacDonald

becky.macdonald@guelph.ca for more information and

if you have any questions.

GWSA COMMITTEES

Email Updates. Marketing and recruitment experience

would definitely be assets, but are not required.

Special Events

Looking for a team of volunteers to assist with

planning, organizing and running special events (e.g.,

Remembrance Day ceremonies) throughout the year for

the members and community.

Travel Committee

Our committee leader needs members who want to join

others in the group to help brainstorm, organize, plan

and possibly escort trips, travel, and tours for those

seniors who love to go places! Come join in, meet new

friends, and have fun!

Welcoming & Information Desk

Looking for energetic, friendly, outgoing individuals to

assist with greeting, providing tours and answering

questions about the centre during the week, Monday to

Friday. Two shifts available, morning and afternoon in

the main lobby.

Openings for a Secretary

If you like to take minutes and looking to give back to

your seniors association in the morning once or twice a

month, two committees (Travel and Governance

Succession and the Board of Directors) are in need of a

secretary to record minutes during the monthly

meetings.

Governance Committee

Assists the Board of Directors with the development

and review of bylaws, policies, and procedures for the

Association. Morning meetings are 4-6 times per year.

Experience in governance with a not-for-profit

organization, and comfort working with documents or

willingness to learn would be assets.

Membership & Marketing

Meet on the 2 nd Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am. The

committee reports to the Board for all membership and

marketing initiatives, focusing on the maximum

interest of members and advancement of the Board’s

Strategic Plan. The Committee provides content and

messaging advice to the webmaster for the website and

social media accounts and prepares monthly GWSA


Bistro 683

Coffee Volunteer: If you like working with people,

providing customer service and making coffee/tea, the

Monday afternoon position is vacant from 12:15-3:00

either weekly or every other week. Tasks include:

clearing tables, making coffee, assisting the kitchen

team when needed and more.

Kitchen preparation and serving Mondays:

Volunteer in the kitchen assisting the chef with food

preparation and serving customers ordering food and

eating in or taking to go.

Dishwasher Mondays:

Volunteer in the kitchen assisting with washing dishes

using the industrial dishwasher and completing other

tasks during the shift.

How to get involved?

First, complete an online application form: https://gwsa

-guelph.ca/1749-2/

No computer? Pick up a paper application at the

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre front desk.

Second, you will be contacted to set up an interview

followed with training.

If you are a current volunteer, you are more than

welcome to take on more than one position. Follow up

with Becky for more details.

For more information about a particular position or

about volunteering in general, contact: Becky

MacDonald by phone 519-822-1260 X 2096 or email:

becky.macdonald@guelph.ca

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GWSA NEW MEMBER RECEPTION

MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023

EVERGREEN SENIORS COMMUNITY CENTRE – ROOM 4

3:00 – 5:00 pm

The Membership & Marketing Committee extends an invitation

for new members to attend a Reception at the Evergreen Seniors

Community Centre, 683 Woolwich Street, Guelph.

This is an opportunity to meet new members, members of the

Board, and activity leaders who will be available to provide

information about their activities.

Please reply to wenda.king@gwsa-guelph.ca if you will be

attending.

Be Active Get Involved Make Friends

CANOE CLUB 2023

The Evergreen Canoe Club (ECC) is an instruction-based canoeing experience that extends through the

whole summer. It gives active seniors an opportunity to combine physical activity with mental activity

while exploring the natural beauty of Guelph’s local river systems. We just go out and have fun!

The season starts at the Meet-N-Greet in early April and extends through to the traditional canoe

cleaning and storage in October. Training sessions are held through the month of April followed by a

skills assessment on the pond at Marden Park. Further training can be provided at the discretion of the

instructor.

Be aware that river canoeing requires a certain level of physical stamina and dexterity that is beyond the

level of some seniors. For your own safety and the safety of others, the instructors will not confer your

full membership if you cannot demonstrate that you are able to perform what is required of you during a

typical canoe outing.

Unfortunately, at present we have a waiting list to join the Club. Wait-listed persons will only be

sent an email invitation to register for the ECC Activity with GWSA if space becomes available.

As a member, you can enjoy a 2-4 hour canoe paddle on either a Thursday or Friday from May through

September. We start bright and early at 8:00 am at the Riverside Park entrance parking lot at the end of

Marilyn Drive.

Once you are on the water, Trip Leaders will help guide you along local rivers such as the Grand, the

Conestoga, the Eramosa and the Speed. Weather and river conditions are monitored both before the trip

and throughout to optimize your safety. On occasion, trips are cancelled due to inclement weather

conditions.

The Club is a friendly mix of novice, intermediate and experienced canoeists who are eager to share

their stories and experiences over a lunch on the bank of a flowing river.

For more information, or to be added to the Wait List, email .


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Free Pension Clinic

March 21 or April 18 from 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

in the Board Room at the

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre,

683 Woolwich St., Guelph

If you have any questions about Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Old

Age Security (OAS), come and speak to a Citizen’s Services Specialist.

Book an appointment. We can:

• Review applications to ensure proper completion

• Answer questions regarding death benefits, disability, etc.

• Accept applications for submission (paper format)

• Status of application inquiries.

• Amend information previously submitted (e.g., change of

address, phone, direct deposit information)

• Life Certificate Signing

• Personal Access Code Issuance

• Any other Service Canada-related inquires

Register at RecEnroll.ca or at the front desk of the Evergreen Centre.

Course code for Pension Clinic March 21, 2023 - 35618.

Course code for Pension Clinic April 18, 2023 - 35619.


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GWSA Group & Activity Reports

ALL Activity Groups require that you MUST have an up-to-date GWSA Membership to participate.

Art in the Hall

All of the art groups and artisans will

have an opportunity to show off their

wares and offer items for sale if they

wish. A portion of the cost will go towards

the GWSA, and staff at the cash

will be familiar with how to process

these payments and ensure artists receive

their funds, again, if they wish to

sell their creations.

A contract will be sent out to all

groups to review; it outlines how the

shows will run. I intend to change the

art monthly and to be present the second

Monday of each month to put up a

new show. Some shows will run longer

and we may have special presentations.

I plan on going through the list of

groups alphabetically as presented in

the Sentinel. Please start to think about

the piece you would like to hang, present

and showcase.

Further information will be forwarded

to all groups.

Badminton

After a busy year, including regular

playtimes, tournaments, clinics, and

social activities, the program year is

drawing to a close. Our year is ending

with some specific skill-based micro

clinics open to all members who want

to improve their skills. The clinics are

popular and we are very fortunate to

have several skilled in-house members

who volunteer to share their expertise

with everyone.

Book Club 1

Our group meets in the Board Room

on the last Friday of each month from

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For March, our

selection is “Long Range” by

C.J. Box. Our April selection is “The

Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See.

Monthly fee is $3.00. At present, we

have a waiting list.

Bridge

GWSA welcomes all Bridge players

with a basic knowledge of the game to

enjoy playing bridge in a friendly and

comfortable environment. We offer

both Recreational and Duplicate

Bridge. No partner? No problem! We


mix and mingle with a room full of

eager players so that everyone has a

partner for any of our regularly scheduled

games.

Bridge-Recreational

Join us for recreational bridge in the

afternoon or evening.

Tuesdays 6:30-9:00 pm Evergreen

Room 3

Thursdays 12:30-3:30 pm Evergreen

Room 3

Bridge-Duplicate

This group is for individuals who have

already taken bridge lessons and

would like to work on improving their

game. Volunteers are on hand to coach

you.

We request you know the Bidding

Basics. We will make you comfortable

playing Duplicate Bridge with Duplicate

Boards and using Bidding Boxes.

Fridays 9:00-11:30 am, Evergreen

Room 3.

Bunka

Bunka embroidery is created by using

a unique combination of punch needle

and special silk-like rayon thread.

When completed, many pictures resemble

delicately shaded paintings. In

fact, the needle is held and operates in

much the same manner as an artist’s

brush or pencil. We do not teach classes

or have an instructor, so you

should have some experience in the

craft, and members are required to

purchase their own supplies. Every

Wednesday from 9:15 a.m. to noon in

Room 3. Currently there is a wait list.

See Bunkawithflair.com.

Canasta

Come out and join our friendly group

for a game of Canasta. We welcome

all levels of players. If you are new to

the game, we will be glad to teach you.

Join us on Fridays from 9:00 to 11:30

a.m. in Room 3. Contact canastagwsa

@gmail.com for more information.

Chess

Do you enjoy the game of chess?

Come out and make friends! Our club

is open to players of all levels. We are

primarily amateur players simply out

for the joy of casual chess, although

with enough interest, we could organize

small tournaments. We meet on the

second and fourth Friday of each

month in the Evergreen Board Room

from 10 a.m. to noon and we ask for

$2 per person each time for the

GWSA. And don’t worry if you don’t

have a chess set - we have three sets as

well as a digital clock for those interested

in a time control!

Computer Club

Here are the topics we will be learning

about at our meeting on March 13:

Gmail, Windows 11 22H2 (File explorer

with tabs, Windows 11 clipboard,

User interface changes), The

“oops” key, how to permanently delete

files/folders (vs Recycle bin), Antivirus

packages for Windows, and

ChatGPT.

Computer Mentoring

There are two mentors available every

Monday from 1-3 p.m. to answer your

questions. We can help with Windows

PCs and Android smartphones and

tablets. And now we are able to assist

iPad and iPhone users!

If you are using a laptop computer,

please bring it with you. The fee is $3

for members of the GWSA and $5 for

non-members. Please register at the

front desk for each class before joining

us in the Computer Room.

Craft Group

The ladies of the Craft Club are very

busy making beautiful articles for our

store. We continue to make hats, mitts

and scarves to donate to the needy. We

have had a few of the GWSA members

also donating these items so we

can reach as many as possible.

Guelph Wood Carving Club

est. Circa 1986

A well-established wood carving club

of mostly seniors (both men and women)

has operated in the Guelph area for

decades.

We do carving in the round, like car-

(Continued on page 11)

(Continued from page 10)

toon characters, birds and wildlife,

spoons, bowls, etc.

Other carving techniques include

relief carving, marquetry, and pyrography.

Training is available.

Meets Monday evening 6:00 pm-

9:00 pm in Evergreen Room 2.

Cribbage

Come on out on a Tuesday afternoon

for a friendly game of Cribbage in

Room 3 of the Evergreen Centre. The

room is open at 12:30 pm and we start

playing at 1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome

and we play 8 games, with prizes

at the end of the afternoon. If you

are not sure of how to play, we have

instructors to help.

NEW - Cross-Country Ski Club

(Pilot Project)

The GWSA cross-country ski club

will bring its members together to

cross country ski both locally and at

more distant locations, generally up to

1 hour driving time, sometimes more.

Given the variability of our local

weather, day and time of outings will

depend on weather and snow conditions.

Participants must be physically

able to participate, bring their own

equipment and have previous cross

country skiing experience.

The club is intended to become a

formal GWSA activity group next season

if the current season is deemed

successful.

If interested in joining, please contact

Mel van Harten at 519-400-0319

or email me at:

mel.vanharten@gmail.com.

Line Dancing

Evergreen Auditorium

Phyllis Carnochan

(519-836-9415)

Donna Holmes (519-831-0943)

Monday Classes

9:15 to 9:30 am - Line Dance Step

Tutorial (brief review of steps)

9:30 to 10:30 am – Beginners

(Beyond the Basics)

10:45 to 11:45 am - Intermediate

(Are you up for a challenge?)

Thursday Classes

1:00 to 2:00 pm - Introduction to Line

Dancing (No experience needed)

2:15 to 3:15 pm – Beginners

(Beyond the Basics)

The cost is $2.00 each time you

come. Sign up for line dancing at 519-

822-1260 ext. 2694.

Mah Jongg

Mah Jongg has started up again in

Room 4 on Mondays from 2:30-4:30

p.m. except the last Monday of the

month when it will be in the Dining

Room. It is a game played with tiles,

similar to Dominoes. Instruction is

available for those who don’t know

how to play.

Into Focus Photography

We are a friendly group of amateur

photographers with equipment ranging

from mobile phones and point-andshoot

cameras to fancy DSLR models.

We share a common interest in photography

as a hobby and we learn from

each other. New members are always

welcome. Our regular meetings are on

the last Monday of every month in

Room 4.

If you are interested in joining, contact

Stu McCannell

(smccannell@rogers.com).

Pickleball

Pickleball is a sport in which four

players use solid paddles made of

wood or composite materials to hit a

perforated polymer ball over a net.

The sport shares features of other racquet

sports: the dimensions and layout

of a badminton court and a net and

rules similar to tennis, with a few

modifications.

This sport is for people of all

ages who are looking for some fun,

laughter, socialization and exercise.

It’s easy to learn, but can be challenging

for those with a competitive nature.

All levels of skill invited. Pickleball

equipment is provided.

Shuffleboard

Come on out and join our group. Enjoy

some gentle exercise, friendship

and fun. Membership is available to all

paid-up GWSA members for a $10 fee

every six months. Register the first

time you play. Beginners are welcome

and instruction is available. The group

plays Tuesdays and Wednesdays from

1 to 3 p.m.

Silver Strummers

The ukulele orchestra is an unqualified

success story! There are now 30 individuals

who have joined the Silver

Strummers. We welcome ALL skill

levels, beginner through advanced!

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We will provide you with all the information

you will need to get started. If

you would like to try the universally

accessible and friendly instrument of

the ukulele, please contact Eva Quan

519-820-1032.

Silvertones

The Silvertones members practise

weekly in Room 3 on Fridays from 2

to 3 p.m.. We do have a few openings

so please contact Doreen Muir @ 519-

831-8323 if you would like to join our

choir or would like more information.

Rug Hooking

We have been gathering as a group of

rug hookers at the Evergreen Centre

since February 2022. Traditional rug

hooking is both art and a craft. Many

beautiful and unique items are made

by pulling loops of fabric or yarn

through a stiff, woven base such as

burlap or linen. It is enjoyable, fun and

a very social hobby. Beginners are

welcome and we will help you get

started. The Rug Hooking Group

meets on Tuesday afternoon, 12-4, in

Room 2.

Contact: Kathy McCallum, 226-821

-1331. Email:

kamccallum28@gmail.com.

Skiing

For the 2023 ski season, it costs

$10.00 plus HST to join the Ski Club.

You register and pay for the Downhill

Ski Club at the front desk of the Evergreen

Centre. It helps to own a 5-7

Pass purchased from Blue Mountain

well before the start of the ski season.

Every Monday, we carpool by meeting

at the lower Evergreen Parking Lot by

the Enabling Garden at 8:00 am, drive

to Blue Mountain, and return to

Guelph by 6:00 pm. Contact Bob

Shearer 519-831-4093 for Ski Club

information.

Evergreen Snooker Club

The Evergreen Snooker Club is composed

of a group of active, friendly

players with skill levels covering the

full spectrum from learner/beginner to

accomplished player. If you are interested

in learning the game, or have

played in the past and want to get back

into it, please drop by the Snooker

Room. You will be assured a warm

welcome and a place to try your hand

at one of our three tables. The Snooker



12


Room is open weekdays between 9:00

am and 4:00 pm and any other time the

Evergreen Centre may be open.

The primary focus of the club is to

have fun, build friendships and socialize.

Your snooker skill level is irrelevant,

so don’t feel intimidated if you

are a beginner. Prospective members

may visit the club room up to three

times without charge to help with their

decision on whether to join. While

most of the current members are men,

there is a small group of women who

play regularly (typically on Tuesday

mornings), so ladies, don’t be shy,

give it a try.

Membership is available to all paidup

members of the GWSA on payment

of the prescribed annual snooker activity

fee. The current fee of $70 (plus

tax) buys you access to the Snooker

Room any time it is open and to all the

snooker you care to play.

Texas Hold ’Em

Why not come out and have fun with

us? We are averaging about 16 players

a week. We are situated in the Dining

Room. We charge $2 per week and

pretty well all of that goes back to the

GWSA. We play Tuesdays from 6:30

to 8:30 pm.

Each player starts off with $500 in

real casino chips, and, as we do not

play for money, we work on a point

system. The one with the most points

each week is the winner. We play until

there is only one player left or 8:30 pm

comes, whichever is first.

We will gladly teach anyone who is

interested in playing. Just follow the

laughter to find us. We welcome everyone

who wants to play and enjoys

company. We have quite a few ladies

playing at present and would always

welcome more. We do not want to

become a men’s club! Remember, you

have to be a member of the GWSA to

play.

Seniors Mixed Volleyball

Thursday mornings at the West End

from 10:30 a.m. - noon.

$60 for the season, September to

June.

Must have some mobility and hand/

eye co-ordination.

Any questions or concerns, please

contact: Co-ordinator Johanna

van Boxtel, 416-579-7143

Johannavanboxtel60@gmail.com.


Walking Club

Do you like to walk during the spring,

summer and fall? Do you like to have

company when you walk?

If so, joining the Walking Club is a

great way to exercise with lots of fresh

air, enjoy nature and beautiful scenery

and make new friends while discovering

the trails in the area.

You can register for the Walking

Club’s 2023 walking season online

through RecEnroll or at the front desk

of the Evergreen Centre. The annual

fee is $10 and you must be an active

member of the GWSA.

We meet in Riverside Park on Thursday

mornings and walk out from there

for a couple of hours OR we drive to

one of the many wonderful Guelph

Walking Trails or nearby Conservation

Areas. Walks are at your own pace and

you must arrange your own transportation

to the Trail Head.

For the first walk only, in April, we

will meet in the dining room of the

Evergreen Centre at 9:30 am. For all

remaining walks, we meet in Riverside

Park from 9:30 to 9:45am for registering

and collection of any entrance fees.

Then we depart at 10:00 am sharp.

Walks are on…rain or shine.

If you are interested in helping with

this group or would like any additional

information, please contact:

walkingclubgwsa@gmail.com

Watercolour Painters

The Evergreen Watercolour Painters

provides an opportunity for watercolour

painters to practise their hobby

along with others sharing the same

interest, while encouraging one another

and receiving information, ideas and

inspiration. While we do not offer

classes or lessons, we welcome accomplished

watercolour painters.

There is a small annual membership

fee and membership with the GWSA

is required. We meet in Room 2 from

12:30 to 4 p.m. on the 1st and 5th

Wednesday of the month, and from 9

a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third Wednesday.

Storytelling Through Woven

Words

On February 14, the Storytelling

Through Woven Words Group performed

through songs and storytelling

at the Shelldale Centre.

Do you want to tell a story, but have

trouble choosing the best words, or

including ‘drama’ to make it more interesting?

Pass on stories to your family.

Impress your friends! From everyday

conversations to potential stage

performance, we can help you captivate

your audience. Mondays 10-11

a.m. in Room 4.

Writers Club

If you enjoy the power of the pen,

come join the Writers Club. We can

toss around ideas and topics to get the

creative juices flowing. Then let’s

share the resulting written shape for

constructive comments, while enjoying

the company of others. Please feel

welcome to join the journey. We will

meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the

month in the Board Room, from 1-3

p.m. There is a weekly fee of $2 for

the GWSA. Contact Susan Jackson

519-265-3246.

Writing Your Life Story

This new Activity Group has gotten

off to a good start with 12+ members.

All are conscientiously following the

suggestions of the facilitator, as steps

towards producing a document that

can be shared with children, grandchildren

and other interested people. Each

week there is an assignment to create a

story relating to your life experience.

The story is then shared with others in

the group. We have already learned

that no one’s life is “boring”! Space is

limited due to room size, but we can

accept a few more members. We meet

on Thursdays at 1:30 pm in the Board

Room. If you are interested, come and

check us out! Contact Jennifer Blackie

at 519-824-7204 or jblackie@bell.net

for more information.

GWSA Groups & Activities Contact Information

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

For more Program Group information, go to https://gwsa-guelph.ca and go to the

CONTACT US menu. Click on Program Groups to get in contact with Program Group

Leaders. Or pick up a print copy of the Sentinel for group contacts.

13

Art In The Hall

Changes monthly

Art Studio In 2

Evergreen Room 2

Every 2 nd & 4 th Wed. 1-4 pm

Badminton


Tues. 7-9:30 pm

Thurs. & Fri. 10:30 am-1 pm,

Sun. 1:30-3:30 pm

Mon. & Wed. 1-4 pm (WECC)

No play at WECC July & August

Casual Bicycling

Various Locations in and

around Guelph

Wed. - May 1-Oct. 31 - 9:00 am-noon

Bid Euchre on Thursdays

Evergreen Room 2

Thursdays 1 pm-4 pm

Book Club 1

Board Room

Last Friday of month - 1-2:30 pm

Book Club 2

Board Room

Third Friday of month - 1:20 -3:30 pm

Bridge - Recreational

Evergreen Room 3

Tuesdays - 6:30-9:00 pm

Thursdays - 12:30-3:30 pm

Bridge - Duplicate

Evergreen Room 3

Fridays - 9:00-11:30 am

Bunka Art Group

Evergreen Room 3

Wednesdays - 9:15 am-noon

Canasta

Evergreen Room 3

Fridays - 9:00-11:30 am

Canoe Club

Thursdays 9 am-noon

Chess Club

Board Room

2nd & 4th Fridays – 10 am-12 pm

Computer Club

Computer Room

January, March, May

2nd Monday - 2-4 pm

Computer Mentoring

Computer Lab

Computer mentoring is a drop-in program.

No appointment necessary.

Computer mentoring is offered every

Monday (except when the Centre is

closed) from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Craft Club

Evergreen Room 2

Fridays - 8:30 am-1:30 pm



14


Cribbage

Evergreen Room 3

Tuesdays 12:30 pm-4 pm

Diabetes Support Group

Room 3

2nd Tuesday – 11 am -12 pm

4th Tuesday – 10 am -12 pm

Euchre on Monday

Evergreen Room 3

Mondays - 1:00-3:00 pm

Euchre on Friday

Evergreen Room 4

Fridays - 1:00-4:00 pm

Golf

Mondays, May to September

Into Focus Photography

Evergreen Room 4

Last Monday of every month—2:30-5 pm

$24.00 a year

Line Dancing


Mondays – 9:15 to noon

Thursdays – 1:00 to 3:15 p.m.

Mah Jongg

Evergreen Room 4

Mondays - 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Last Mon. of the month Dining Rm.

Pickleball


Monday 12:15 – 3 p.m.

Tuesday 8:30 am – 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday 8:30 – 10:00 am

Thursday 8:30 - 10:30 am

Friday 8:30 – 10:30 am and 1 – 4 pm

Sunday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm

West End Comm. Centre


Tues. - noon-4:00 pm (advanced play)

Thurs. - 1:00-5:00 pm (advanced play)

Quilting

Evergreen Room 2

Mondays - 12:30-4:00 pm

Rug Hooking

Evergreen Room 2

Tuesdays 12-4 pm

Shuffleboard


Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 1-3 pm

Silver Strummers

Room 3

Fridays - Beginners 12-1 pm

Experienced 1-2 pm

Silvertones Choir

Room 3

Fridays 2-3 pm

Ski Club

Evergreen Parking Lot by

The Enabling Garden

Mondays from January to the end of

March

8:00 am car pool at Evergreen to Blue

Mountain

6:00 pm return to Evergreen

Evergreen Snooker Club

Evergreen Snooker Room

Daily - 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Table Tennis


Evergreen:

Monday - 3-6:15 pm

Wednesday - 10 am-1 pm

Saturday - 9:00 am-12:00 noon

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

(WECC - except July/August)

15


Texas Hold ’Em Poker

Bistro 683


Seniors Mixed Volleyball

West End

Thursday 10:30 a.m. - noon

$60 for the season, September to June

Walking Club

FREE for GWSA members

(pilot project 2022-2023 season)

Meeting day: Wednesdays,

November to March

Time: arrive at 10:30 am,

walking from 10:45 am to 11:45 am

Location: Guelph Sports Dome

(375 College Ave West)

Watercolour Painters Club

Evergreen Room 2

1st and 5th Wednesday of the month -

12:30-4 pm

Third Wednesday - 9 am to 4 pm

Membership $30/yr + hst

West End Art Group

Rm 2 West End Comm. Centre


September – June

Membership $10/yr + hst

West Hills Art Group

Rm 2 West End Comm. Centre

September - June

Thursdays - noon-4:00 pm

Membership $25.00 + hst

Wood Carving Group

Evergreen Room 2

Monday – 6-9 pm

Woven Words

Room 4

Mondays – 10-11 am

Writers Club

Board Room

1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month,

1-3 p.m.

Writing Your Life Story

Board Room

Thursdays 1:30-3:30 pm

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

FUNDRAISING SALE

Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Harcourt United Church, 87 Dean Ave., Guelph

Adult Admission $3.00

Bake Sale on Site

For more information call 519-400-2457


16

Solutions on pg. 30


17

SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS

OF NOTE

“Our Young Seniors”

‘We’re not over the hill; we’re just

gaining speed!’

Nellie Jagt - February 11 (94)

Len Paxman - March 13 (99)

George Hughes - March 24 (86)

SPECIAL WEDDING

ANNIVERSARIES

If you have a birthday or anniversary

that you would like to include in the

Sentinel, please let us know the month

before.

This column is NOT done automatically.

We DON’T have access to your

personal information.

“Passages”

We would like to convey our condolences

to Association Members and their Families

Littlejohn, William passed away on Tuesday, November

29, 2022, in his 89th year. He was involved in Euchre

activities.

McKinnon, Deborah Jane passed away on Tuesday,

January 17, 2023, at the age of 67. She was involved

in the Craft and Quilting groups.

Raegele, Donald Frederick passed away on

Wednesday, January 25, 2023, in his 87th year. He

was predeceased by his wife Reta. Both of them

were long-time GWSA members and delivered the

Sentinel.

Sexton, Audrey passed away on Sunday, February 5,

2023, in her 89th year. She was a member of the

Craft Club for 11 years.


Clubs and Drop-In Activities MARCH 2023

R Register W West End Community Centre P Riverside Park Picnic Shelter

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Weekend Activities

Saturday

9a-12p Table Tennis

Sunday

8:30a-1:30p Pickleball

1:30-3:30p Badminton

DANCE MAR. 18

6

9:15-9:30a Line Dance Tuto.

9:30-10:30a Beginners Line

Dancing

10-11a Woven Words

10:45-11:45a Intermediate

Line Dancing

12:15-3p Pickleball

12:30-4p Quilting

1-3p Euchre

1-4p Badminton W

2:30-4:30p Mah Jongg

3-6:15p Table Tennis

6-9p Carving Club

13



Dancing

10-11a Woven Words


Line Dancing

Everyday Activities

Snooker—9a-4p

Book Nook—

Mon-Fri – 10a-4p

7


12-4p Pickleball W

12-4p Rug Hooking

12:30-4p Cribbage

12:30-4p West End Arts W

1-3p Shuffleboard

6:30-8:30p Texas Hold

‘Em Poker

6:30-9p Rec. Bridge

7-9:30p Badminton

14


11a-12p Diabetes Support

12-4p Pickleball W

12-4p Rug Hooking

12:30-4p Cribbage


1-3p Shuffleboard

1

8:30-10a Pickleball

9:15a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis

10:45-11:45a Walking Club

-Guelph Sports Dome

12:30-4p Watercolour Painters

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-3p Writers Club

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p BINGO

8

8:30-10a Pickleball

9:15a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis


-Guelph Sports Dome

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-4p Art Studio in 2

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p BINGO

15

8:30-10a Pickleball

9a-4p Watercolour Painters

9:15a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis


-Guelph Sports Dome

2

8:30-10:30a Pickleball

10:30a-12p Volleyball W

10:30a-1p Badminton

12-4p West Hills Arts W

12:30-3:30p Rec. Bridge

1-2p Intro to Line Dancing

1-4p Bid Euchre

1-5p Pickleball (advanced) W

1:30-3:30p Writing Your Life

Story

2:15-3:15p Beginners Line

Dancing

9



10:30a-1p Badminton




1-4p Bid Euchre



Story


Dancing

16



10:30a-1p Badminton




3


8:30a-1:30p Crafts

9-11:30a Canasta

9-11:30a Duplicate Bridge

10:30a-1p Badminton

12-1p Silver Strummers Beg.

1-2p Silver Strummers Exp.

1-4p Euchre

1-4p Pickleball

1-4p Table Tennis W

2-3p Silvertones

10


8:30a-1:30p Crafts

9-11:30a Canasta


10a-12p Chess

10:30a-1p Badminton



1-4p Euchre

1-4p Pickleball

1-4p Table Tennis W

2-3p Silvertones

17


8:30a-1:30p Crafts

9-11:30a Canasta


10:30a-1p Badminton


18


12:15-3p Pickleball

12:30-4p Quilting

1-3p Euchre

1-4p Badminton W



6-9p Carving Club

20



Dancing

10-11a Woven Words


Line Dancing

12:15-3p Pickleball

12:30-4p Quilting

1-3p Euchre

1-4p Badminton W



6-9p Carving Club

27


9:30-10:30a Begin. Line Dance

10-11a Woven Words


Line Dancing

12:15-3p Pickleball

12:30-4p Quilting

1-3p Euchre

1-4p Badminton W


2:30-5p Into Focus Photog.


6-9p Carving Club


‘Em Poker

6:30-9p Rec. Bridge

7-9:30p Badminton

21


12-4p Pickleball W

12-4p Rug Hooking

12:30-4p Cribbage


1-3p Shuffleboard


‘Em Poker

6:30-9p Rec. Bridge

7-9:30p Badminton

28


10a-12p Diabetes Support

12-4p Pickleball W

12-4p Rug Hooking

12:30-4p Cribbage


1-3p Shuffleboard


‘Em Poker

6:30-9p Rec. Bridge

7-9:30p Badminton

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-3p Writers Club

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p BINGO

22

8:30-10a Pickleball

9:15a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis


-Guelph Sports Dome

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-4p Art Studio in 2

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p BINGO

29

8:30-10a Pickleball

9:15a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis


-Guelph Sports Dome

12:30-4p Watercolour Painters

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p BINGO

1-4p Bid Euchre



Story


Dancing

23



10:30a-1p Badminton




1-4p Bid Euchre



Story


Dancing

30



10:30a-1p Badminton




1-4p Bid Euchre



Story


Dancing


1-4p Euchre

1-4p Pickleball

1-4p Table Tennis W

1:20-3:30p Book Club 2

2-3p Silvertones

24


8:30a-1:30p Crafts

9-11:30a Canasta


10a-12p Chess

10:30a-1p Badminton



1-4p Euchre

1-4p Pickleball

1-4p Table Tennis W

2-3p Silvertones

31


8:30a-1:30p Crafts

9-11:30a Canasta


10:30a-1p Badminton



1-2:30p Book Club 1

1-4p Euchre

1-4p Pickleball

1-4p Table Tennis W

2-3p Silvertones

19


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

Herongate Barn Theatre, Pickering

Lunch Buffet and Show

Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023

Price: $135.00

Registration ends Friday, March 17, 2023

For more details and how to register, see inside back page.


22


23

Dancing

at the

Evergreen


683 Woolwich St., Guelph

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023

(Upcoming Dances: April 29, May 27 & June 24)

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Dance to the music of DJ Rob Martine

Tickets are $15.00 each (non-refundable)

Tickets may be purchased at the door. Tickets may also be purchased in advance

by phoning 519-837-5699 or in person at any City of Guelph Recreational

Facility, such as: Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, Victoria Road

Recreational Centre, West End Community Centre.

For more information or to reserve a group table, call Margaret at 519-836-8534

Or email me at dances@gwsa-guelph.ca

See website: https://gwsa-guelph.ca/Dancing-at-the-Evergreen/


24

ART IN THE HALL

After a lengthy hiatus during Covid, Art in the Hall was reignited with a wonderful presentation from the

Quilting Group. Over the Christmas holidays, their quilts were displayed and several were purchased by

some very happy customers!

Quilts were enjoyed throughout the month of January and into February.

Next up for presentation is the Rug Hooking Group. You can admire their lovely creations in the windows

outside of Room 4. Their work is display only at this time so please enjoy the different and creative items

they have made with their art form. If you have an idea in your head about rug hooking, I am sure you will

be surprised with the fantastic ways each artist has made their creations.

Upcoming FREE Wellness Workshops, presented by the Guelph Family Health Team:

Let’s Talk About Assertiveness

Date: Tuesday, March 7

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST

Location: Suite 500 – 649 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph

*IN-PERSON workshop only

Learn more/register online by clicking HERE or call us at 519-837-0099

Calming Strategies (VIRTUAL)

Date: Thursday, March 9 (Topic: Breathing)

Time: 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm EST

*VIRTUAL webinar only


Let’s Talk About Carbohydrate Counting & Diabetes (IN-PERSON)

Date: Thursday, March 23

Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am EST

Location: Evergreen Seniors Centre (683 Woolwich St.)

*IN-PERSON workshop only



25


26

SHARON LAMERS TAX CLINICS ARE BACK

AT THE EVERGREEN

APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE BY CALLING

SHARON DIRECTLY AT 519-222-9104 OR EMAIL AT

sharontheincometaxlady@gmail.com

CLINICS WILL BE HELD IN THE HEALTH ROOM.

FEE: STARTING AT $55 + PER RETURN

OPEN TO EVERYONE.

DATES:

Friday March 10, 2023, 9 am-3 pm

Wednesday March 15, 2023, 9 am-3 pm

Tuesday March 21, 2023, 9 am-3 pm

Thursday March 30, 2023, 9 am-3 pm

Monday April 3, 2023, 9 am-3 pm

Wednesday April 12, 2023, 9 am-3 pm

Tuesday April 18, 2023, 9 am-3 pm

Wednesday April 26, 2023, 9 am-3 pm

Thursday March 23, 2023, 4-8 pm

Tuesday April 11, 2023, 4-8 pm

Monday April 17, 2023, 4-8 pm

APPOINTMENTS FILL UP FAST.

CALL EARLY TO GET YOUR APPOINTMENT.

DROP OFFS WELCOME DURING TAX CLINIC HOURS.

PLEASE INCLUDE PAYMENT.

OTHER ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.

CALL SHARON FOR MORE DETAILS.

A FEW TAX TIPS:

REMEMBER YOUR PROPERTY TAXES, RENT, SUMMARY FROM

PHARMACY, DENTIST, CHIROPRACTOR, ETC., DONATIONS AND ANY

UPDATED INFORMATION (ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL).

ASK SHARON FOR A COMPLETE TAX TIP BROCHURE

519-222-9104


27

$25.00 discount coupon

with this ad

Please call 519-821-6683

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 and important communications from

the Board.

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 using the Email Update

input form at the bottom of any page on the

GWSA website at gwsa-guelph.ca.

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


28

CAESAR (FORMERLY KNOWN AS COUGAR)

By Gladys Robson

I picked Cougar up at the New Hope Cat Retreat.

He would not let them cut his toenails. Out to the car

and home. He did not come out of the cat carrier for

6 hours.

Cougar is not using the kitty litter I provided.

However, he is not eating or drinking water either, so

I am not worried about that.

Cougar finally eats some canned salmon cat food,

but will not even touch the beef.

I went to the drugstore and got some dry food

(fish). Success - Cougar likes it (like the

commercial, “Mikey likes it!”).

I cannot corner Cougar to get him into the cat

carrier to go to the vet’s to have his toenails cut.

Gave up after 1 hour.

I am determined he is going to get his nails cut

today. Closed the door to the second bedroom.

Cannot find him! Looked for 1/2 hour and finally

found him in a drawer under the bed. After the visit

to the vet, we went for a long drive in the country.

He loves to ride in the car and I needed to cool off. I

cannot believe that one cat can get my dander up so

much.

I have decided to change his name from Cougar to

Caesar. I think he was a commander of many armies

in a former cat life. Although he is similar to a

cougar, this cat should be commanding armies. He is

certainly running my life.

Cougars like to hunt during the night, as does

Caesar. The only hunting done in my place is Caesar,

touching me to wake me up. He finally decided that

he really likes me and is constantly demanding my

attention. I guess he now feels neglected.

One week anniversary: Caesar found a new spot to

hide - under the basin in the bathroom cupboard.

Now that Caesar is out and about, he is scratching

the back of my red chair. Oh well, I think I will just

buy a new chair.

He found a new spot in the sun - the ledge in the

second bedroom.

Caesar needed his nails cut again. I closed all the

doors except the bathroom door. Everything is good.

He is sitting in the red living room chair. Made a

coffee, got dressed, etc. I am now ready to go to the

vets. No Caesar. I look everywhere. Only place he

could be is under the cupboard in the bathroom. Yes,

there he is. I reached down to get him and he went

into a hole by the valves and now I cannot even see

him, so we missed our appointment with the vet.

Caesar came out five hours later. He is the only cat

I know of who hides in a wall so he does not have to

go to the vet’s.


I put up pictures in his room. While he is doing his

business, he can now look up and see who his new

relatives are (human ones, that is).

Theresa came to cut his nails and nothing doing.

Theresa and I had to settle ourselves down for a nice

chat and an alcoholic drink.

Took him to the vet to have his nails cut. Shawn

and I chased him around the house until Shawn

caught him and we plunked him in his carrier. Then,

no problem. The vet and her assistants only took 2

minutes to cut his nails. I guess he knew that if he did

not allow them to cut his nails, I was just going to

leave him there (just kidding). He did not forgive me

for taking him to the vet. He hid under the bed for

hours just to teach me a lesson. One time, the vet

came to my place to cut his nails. Nothing doing. He

could not be found. He is now hiding in plain sight.

When I reach down to pick him up, he just runs

away. If I happened to catch him, he scratches me.

I decided to take a vacation and leave Caesar in the

care of my great-great niece and her grandmother.

They really must have spoiled him because now I

have to just sit all day and pet him. Also, he now gets

in my way all the time. It’s a good job that I can see

him or I would probably trip and fall.

Caesar really is a cougar. One night I woke up and

found him leaping and jumping all over my dressers

as if he were climbing mountains. During the night,

he likes to feed on my autumn display in the living

room and I find bits and pieces all over the floor. At

night, I feel like he is hunting me, but then he spends

his day avoiding me. I really don’t think I taste very

good, but when he is in his happy place, he washes

my hands. He certainly does not like people

(particularly men).

My friends want to see him, but he will not come

out from his hiding place under the bed.

Caesar is too mature to play games with me, but

when I wake up in the morning I find the bouncing

ball in different parts of my apartment. I did get him

a toy cushion. He seems to like that as his eyes glaze

over when he hops up on the bed beside me.

I purchased a new couch, so now Caesar gets his

choice of couches to sit on and scratch.

I did find the number for the mobile veterinarian.

He and his assistant came, and in five minutes, had

his nails cut. I am feeling relieved that now I can get

his nails cut without having to go out of my

apartment.

Caesar hides under the bed covers. Once, I fell

asleep for an hour and when I woke up, he was still

safe and sound under the covers, snoring away.

Well, I guess Caesar has me trained the way he

wants me. Feed him, clean the kitty litter, pet him on

demand. He seems quite happy now, but I am not

sure about me. PS: I do love him!

THE GOOSE STORY

By Anne Cookson

I will start off this story by reciting a couple of

old, well-know Mother Goose poems about a goose

and here it goes “Goosey Goosey Gander, where

shall I wander? Upstairs and downstairs and in my

Lady’s chamber.” At Christmas time, a familiar

poem and song; “Christmas is coming, the geese

are getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man’s

hat. If you haven’t got a penny, then a ha’penny

will do, if you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God

bless you.”

Well, let me tell you an experience I had about a

goose. You see, I bought a condo in Toronto a

number of years ago and it had large windows

throughout my unit, which I consider a blessing,

especially during the steamy, hot, humid summer

weather where temperatures would be high 23-plus

degree mark.

My unit looked over parts of Lake Ontario where

I would get a lovely cross breeze of the air

circulating through my unit. I was able to save

money from my hydro bill by seldom having to use

the air conditioner. Now, there were no balconies

in the condo, but some tenants were blessed with

having a terrace, which would allow them to step

outside their condo unit. Well, I didn’t have a

terrace but that wasn’t a problem since I

appreciated the natural cross breeze coming

through my large windows.

The unit next to mine had a large terrace, and one

day, I noticed a lonely large goose honking almost

every day. I thought to myself, is he/she lonely?

Maybe they’re looking to attract their mate? Of

course, I didn’t know if the goose was a male or

female, but just guessing it might be a male bird.

I thought, “Don’t geese form a line in a V

formation—one goose leading the pack and the last

goose flies behind the pack of geese?”

I read an interesting article once about the

purpose of geese forming a line as one goose was

the leader leading the other geese. Then, after a

period of time, the goose that was in front of the

line went behind the line and the goose that was

behind the line went in front of the line, all still

flying in a V formation called a flock echelons.

From what I understood, the purpose of a V

formation is to let the leading bird have some rest

to preserve their energy and the flock to know the

awareness of their surroundings to prevent any

collisions and conserve their energy during long

periods of flight.

So, anyway, this one goose didn’t stop honking.

Was he being abandoned, was he trying to get a

mate with another goose? Why was he alone?

Well, in the spring, our condo got a notice from

the condo board telling us we had to remove all the

screens for the scheduled window washing. So I

asked one of the tenants to help me remove the

window screen because, for safety reasons, it was

difficult to remove the screens on my own.

She arrived and successfully, the 2 of us carefully

removed all the screens. One day, as the weather

was beautiful with clear sunny skies, I didn’t

hesitate to open the large window in front of my

living/dining room area. In the morning, I sat down

with my bowl of cereal, toast and a fresh cup of tea

and was enjoying myself reading the newspaper.

Next thing I know, the massive goose was

honking loudly and wildly outside my window

with its head inside the window with its large wing

span covering the window area. Oh my gosh - no

way, big bird, are you coming in here.

I promptly got up from eating my breakfast and

thought the last thing I needed was to have this

massive goose inside my unit. I couldn’t imagine

such a large bird fluttering its wings, squawking

away, trying to find its mate in my unit.

I was no match for this huge goose and he,

unfortunately, was not a welcome guest, as I was

his last resort for company.

This goose certainly had enough intelligence to

realize his wings couldn’t possibly accommodate

the size of the window, so he had enough sense to

fly away to hopefully find his remaining flock, as

I’m sure he would miss them, and he indeed

needed to find his right companionship, which was

not me!

Now, as I walk through the city parks amongst the

flock of geese, I still think about that massive

goose trying to find its mate.

29


30

See Puzzles on pgs. 16 & 17


31

EVERGREEN MARKET

‘For Sale’ ads will be left in for 3 issues from first insertion

(i.e., in Sept. issue - removed from Dec. issue); if you wish

it to remain in longer, please contact The Sentinel office

and/or leave us a message. If your item sells, please let us

know so that we can remove it. NO ‘Accommodation’ or

‘Vehicle’ ads will be included in the Evergreen Market.

Such ads will be treated as advertising inserted within these

pages at the current Sentinel advertising rates plus HST.

Thank you, Sentinel Administrator.

Tunturi Model M50 Power Treadmill. 58” x 20” running

surface. $800 firm. Call Ken at 519-767-0145.

Epson C88+ Colour Printer. Used. Asking $35. Call

Frank at 519-826-0174.

1 Exercise bicycle, new, $50 OBO. Treadmill, 10

years old, good condition, $200 OBO. Two pretty

bedroom lamps, good condition, need new lamp

shades, $20 OBO. Call Sandy at 519-265-8963.

FOR SALE

New 2 Grace faux leather adjustable height (24.5” -

33”) bar stools. White square stitched upholstery,

chrome pedestal base with footrest. Comfortable seat

with mid-back. Selling as a set for $100, bought them

for $180 in August. Lunaglow Nano 3-in-1 Vacuum

Cleaner - wet dry vacuum - cordless mop vacuum

combo for tile and hardwood. Paid $282, selling for

$75. It works very well. Email facookson@shaw.ca

or call Anne at 548-988-1362.

Red electric scooter for sale. Works well, including

light and horn. Big enough for a man to use. $800 or

best offer. Call 519-265-6331.

WANTED

Wanting to purchase a compact fridge for a condo.

Call 519-829-4119.

Free advertising for GWSA members ONLY.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR

NAME AND PHONE NUMBER WITH YOUR

ITEM(S).

Do your houseplants need help? Going on vacation

and need your plants to be watered by a reliable

person?

Overwhelmed with the thought of repotting and don’t

know where to start?

I will come to your home and instruct you on how to

rejuvenate and manage your plant collection. Too

much work and no time? Then have me do it for you.

Set up a consultation date and time.

$25 for initial visit.

Got questions? I will do my best to assist you.

Colleen Simmons, 519-429-4634

upinatree123@gmail.com


32


33

A VIEW FROM THE BOOK NOOK

The Book Nook — “A Lending Library”

We are open

Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

****

If you are looking for a great read, check out our

new book “All the Dangerous Things” by Stacy

Willingham. This is the author’s second book and

the first was a New York Times bestseller. Her

writing is wonderfully descriptive which allows

you to connect emotionally with the main

character, Isabelle Drake.

Isabelle’s life changed dramatically when her

toddler son, Mason, was taken from his crib in the

middle of the night. There was an investigation but

the police were unable to locate Mason or the

kidnappers.

Isabelle is not deterred and she devotes her time

to searching out even the smallest clues. She works

day and night as she has been unable to sleep since

Mason was taken. Eventually Isabelle teams up

with a podcaster in order to reach more people with

her story. But there is more to this relationship than

meets the eye.

This is a story about motherhood, the secrets

families keep hidden and the stories we tell

ourselves. The twists and turns will keep you

guessing as to what is real and what is not.

I hope you like this novel. I could hardly put it

down.

By Diane Dyke


34

RECREATION & LEISURE PROGRAMS for SENIORS 55+

held at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre unless otherwise indicated — call 519-823-1291.

Please register in person at our recreation facilities, over the phone by calling 519-837-5699, or online at

recenroll.ca. Registration opens on March 8, 2023 for Spring/Summer programs. Information on these courses was

not available at the time of the March Sentinel printing. Please check the City of Guelph recreation pages for information.

DROP IN PROGRAMS

Drop In Pickleball

Drop in and join us for a fun and active game of

pickleball. Whether you have played racquet sports

or not, the game is easy to learn and is facilitated by

staff. Paddles and balls are provided, but feel free to

bring your own if you wish.

Location:

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre (Auditorium)

(Wednesday)

West End Community Centre (Gym) (Monday,

Tuesday)

Course ID: Monday (32023)

Tuesday (32024)

Wednesday (32022)

Class Length: Monday: 1 hour (11 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Tuesday: 1 hour (10-11 a.m.)

Wednesday: 2 hours (7:15-9:15 p.m.)

Dates: Monday: January 9-March 27

Tuesday: January 10-March 28

Wednesday: January 4-March 29

Fees: Adult: $7.04, Senior: $5.63

LIFESTYLE

Coffee with a Cop

Location: Evergreen Seniors Community Centre

(Room 4)

Date: March 9 (Thursday)

Course ID: 32021

Class Length: 1 hour (10-11 a.m.)

Fees: Free

PILATES

Pilates

Learn the principles of Pilates. Begin to strengthen

and lengthen muscles, as well as gaining many other

benefits to your body! Up to 10 minutes of standing

exercises for balance.


(Room 4)

Course ID: 31352

Class Length: 1 hour (11 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Dates: January 11-March 29 (Wednesday)

Fees: Member: $85.32, Non-Member: $98.16

VISUAL ARTS

Latin American Cinema

Join us as we view and analyze Latin American film

directors, from the 1980s to the present. We will

socialize interpretations and comments about the

films through discussion and activities.


(Board Room)

Course ID: 32300

Class Length: 1 hour (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

Dates: February 9-March 30 (Thursday)


YOGA

Breathe Well, Move Better

Come and learn ways to improve breathing, mobility,

blood flow and posture - all of which affect how we

feel and move every day! Take home some short

routines that are easy to incorporate into your daily

life that will enhance your well being!

Location: Victoria Road Rec Centre (Maple Room)

Course ID: 32253

Class Length: 1 hour (2-3 p.m.)

Dates: January 11-March 29 (Wednesday)


Kum Nye

Pronounced “koom nay,” this gentle massage and

movement system heals body and mind by

replenishing energy. Kum Nye promotes deep

relaxation, so that students can ease naturally into

meditative concentration.


(Room 4)

Course ID: 32140

Class Length: 1 hour (2-3 p.m.)

Dates: January 10-March 28



Sunday, April 30, 2023

Herongate Barn Dinner Theatre, Pickering

Total cost: $135.00 - members only (non-refundable) Code - 33313

35

Registration starts on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Booking Deadline is Friday, March 17, 2023

Come with us as we enjoy a buffet lunch and see “There Goes the Bride”. Timothy Westerby is

overworked and stressed out. His daughter, Judy, is getting married, and on the morning of the

wedding, Timothy hits his head and meets Polly, “a hallucination”. “A host of complications and a

crowd of colourful guests make this a fast-paced Hilarious Farce.”

Leave: Evergreen Centre at 9:35 am; Carousel at 9:45 am. Return: 6:30 pm

Price: $135.00 includes buffet hot lunch, show, coach transportation, taxes and tips. Cash bar on

arrival (not included).

Refund Policy: This trip is NON-REFUNDABLE; doctor’s certificates will not be accepted.

Should there be a mandatory provincial shutdown due to COVID-19 or GWSA cancels the trip due

to lack of participation, all participants will receive a full refund to their method of payment. Don’t

Wait! That means booking your trip before the trip must be cancelled due to low participation.

Accessibility: Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair accessibility on this trip. Travellers who can

transfer to a coach seat may have their collapsible, manual wheelchair or walker stored in the cargo

area of the coach.

Parking: Please DO NOT park your vehicles in the Evergreen parking lot while you are on a day

trip. Vehicles must be left at the Carousel parking area in Riverside Park where you will board the

bus. This allows for other members to have a place to park when they come throughout the day.

PROCEDURES FOR BOOKING THIS TRIP: All participants will be required to have a

current GWSA membership. If your membership needs renewal, please see the front desk staff at

the Centre. Please bring the completed contact list available on the GWSA website located on the

Trips, Travel and Tours page. If you are unable to print this form, copies will be available from a

Travel Committee member the day of the trip.

Registration will be available until the trip is fully booked, or booking is closed Friday, March 17,

2023.

Register online (preferred): Sign up for a RecEnroll account with the City of Guelph.

MasterCard, Visa, Amex or Visa Debit are accepted for online booking

https://cityofguelph.perfectmind.com/SocialSite/MemberRegistration/MemberSignIn.

Register by telephone: By contacting Customer Service at the Evergreen Seniors Centre at 519-

823-1291. As of January 1, 2023, credit card information is no longer accepted over the telephone.

If you wish to make a telephone payment, you must first save your credit card on your RecEnroll

account. Customers can also pre-purchase a City Card or an account credit in-person at any of our

recreation facilities to be used towards future purchases by telephone.

Register at the front desk at the Evergreen until the trip is fully booked, or booking is closed.


36

Bistro 683 - March 2023

The Evergreen Restaurant is open to the public

and serves a large variety of menu items that are

available from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to

Friday (except holidays):

Breakfast Foods

Homemade Soups

Bakery Items

Sandwiches

Salads

Beverages

Breakfast is served from 9:30 am to 11 am. The

daily featured Lunch is served from 11 am to 1 pm

Monday to Friday and the menu is below.

Take-out is available for your convenience.

Our goal is to provide balanced, nutritious meals.

We provide great quality, while keeping costs

reasonable. The tremendous support of volunteers

in the restaurant helps us achieve this goal.

Featured Hot Lunch

$7.50 + tax

Each hot lunch is served with 2 sides to ensure a

balanced, nutritional meal.

Catering

Catering is available by special order: Hot/cold

drinks, sweet trays, sandwiches, etc. Please have

your order to the customer service clerk in the

office at least 48 hours prior to your event. This

allows staff to ensure that your catering needs will

be met. Thank you for your co-operation in this

matter.

Home-made pickles, relishes, chili sauce and preserves

are available for purchase.

BREAKFAST served 9:30 am to 11 am

FEATURED LUNCH served 11 am to 1:00 pm

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

2

3

Minced Meat Pies

Roast Chicken with

Cream Sauce

Meat Loaf

6

7

8

9

10

Lasagna, Garlic

Bread, Side Salad

Spaghetti and

Meatballs

Baby Back Ribs

Turkey Dinner

Pork Schnitzel

13

14

15

16

17

Chicken Alfredo

Pasta w/ Salad

Hamburger, Lattice

Fries & Salad

Liver & Onions

Minced Meat Pies

Roast Pork

Dinner

20

Vegetarian

Chana Masala,

Flat Bread &

Salad

27

21

Chicken Burger

28

22

29

Turkey Dinner

23

Liver & Onions

30

24

31

Cabbage Rolls

Mac & Cheese

w/ Side Salad

Baked Ham Dinner

Beef Stew with

Garlic Bread

Vegetarian Lasagna

Rainbow Trout w/

Tomato Sauce


March 2023 issue

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