December 2023 issue online

4
(Continued from page 3)
additional informative options to help keep you
updated!
I continue to be amazed at the scope of activities
that are available to our GWSA membership.
Everything from Pickleball, Badminton or
Canoeing to the Silvertones Choir and Silver
Strummers, Quilting, Knitting and Craft Groups,
and Drumming, Computer Support, Photography
and Line Dancing, Art programs, Euchre,
Storytelling, Trips, Travel and Tours, and the list
goes on and on. This doesn’t even note all the
services including the Sentinel, the Bistro 683 or
the Gift Shop! Throughout the years of being the
primary caregiver to both my mother and father, I
wish I had known more about the GWSA. A huge
thank you to all our Activity Group Leaders and
to our members that participate!!
Always, but at this time referencing specifically
the holiday season, programs and healthy
opportunities that support the prevention of
loneliness or isolation are important. I truly
believe staying active and connected with others
is critical. Taken from the National Institute on
Aging, “Everyone needs social connections to
survive and thrive. But as people age, they often
find themselves spending more time alone. Being
alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to
loneliness and social isolation which can affect
their health and well-being.”
Board also thanks all the City of Guelph staff who
support us in achieving our goals.
I would also like to add a quick thank-you to a
GWSA member that provided an information
update on my November “Message From The
Board” in relation to the Age Friendly Strategy
(AFS). Apparently, the on-line link I referenced
to find information about the AFS relative to the
Bench Project and the Gatekeeper Project, did
not have up-to-date information. I will be
following up in the near future and will report
back as appropriate.
On mentioning “relaxation in the peace of the
season” in an earlier paragraph, I feel compelled
to make a comment pertaining to the state of
unrest in our world as it relates to an impact or
potential impact on our well-being. Please do not
hesitate to seek professional help if you find
yourself becoming overwhelmed with what you
are seeing or hearing.
As I did in December 2022, I’ve included
informative links to keep handy that note public
health measures and advice that will support
keeping us all safe and healthy during the month
of December and beyond.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/public-healthmeasures-and-advice
https://wdgpublichealth.ca
Having said the above, this is another opportunity
to mention Joan who was significant in assisting
in the development and implementation of our
Welcome Desk. I have seen first-hand how our
Welcome Desk volunteers continue to wholeheartedly
welcome people and truly enjoy
assisting in any way they can to potential
members AND present members.
The month of December brings us to the end of
the year 2023. To our GWSA members we send
our collective thanks for your membership with
us! This thank you is gigantic and sincere! In
fact, this paragraph could go in every monthly
edition without a word being changed! We truly
value you!!!
On behalf of GWSA President Pat Gage and the
GWSA Board, we hope your holiday celebrations
are heartfelt. We know there are a number of
religious and cultural celebrations in December,
including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and
the Winter Solstice. We hope you remain safe
and that the New Year will bring increased joy,
health, blessings and peace.
Donna Keating
Vice Chair/Vice President
Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA)
donna.keating@gwsa-guelph.ca
We thank those of you that are not only members but
also volunteers! This includes those of you that help
when we have events throughout the year. The GWSA
The Sentinel - December 2023 — Vol. 48, No. 4