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4 (Continued from page 3) approach in a friendly manner from the front and to ask if you can be of help. If you encounter someone in a dysregulated state, (someone who has difficulty controlling their emotional response), arguing with them is futile. A dysregulated person cannot hear what you are explaining until they have calmed down. We learned that when attempting to reduce the intensity of a conflict (or de-escalating), it often helps to repeat what the person is saying in their own words. “Oh, you were sure you signed up for this and your name isn’t here?” This ensures you are hearing them correctly. Our GWSA Strategic Plan states the “we will treat each other with respect and ensure we fulfil our individual and collective responsibilities and accountabilities. We will be honest, trustworthy, and consistent in all our interactions with each other.” This past year was extremely challenging. There were multiple complaints made to the Board of Directors regarding inappropriate behaviour by some members – specifically, they were accused of harassment and being disrespectful or abusive. As a Board, we take all complaints seriously and these issues were addressed and, when necessary, action was taken. We are extremely grateful that so many of our members choose to volunteer in the more than fifty activity groups at the Evergreen, the West End and the Dome, and we want you to know that there will be times when someone you encounter may be angry or abusive. You do not ever have to accept harassment or abusive behaviour. That is why we recently posted our Code of Conduct in the lobby. Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) employees, members and volunteers are all expected to uphold a certain ethical standard of conduct, using common courtesy and good judgment, and behaving with integrity, honesty, and fairness. We are a growing organization – our membership is now more than 2,500 and together we enable older adults to continue to be active, to make new friends and age with dignity. Be active. Get involved. The Sentinel - March 2024 — Vol. 48, No. 7 Make friends.
5 THE EDITOR’S PAGE by Linda Green SAINT PATRICK WAS BRITISH Although he made his mark by introducing Christianity to Ireland in the year 432, Patrick wasn’t Irish himself. He was born to Roman parents in Scotland or Wales in the late fourth century. WE SHOULD REALLY WEAR BLUE Saint Patrick’s colour was “Saint Patrick’s blue,” a light shade. The colour green only became associated with the big day after it was linked to the Irish independence movement in the late 18th century. THE IRISH TAKE SAINT PATRICK’S DAY SERIOUSLY As you might expect, Saint Patrick’s Day is a huge deal in his old stomping grounds. It’s a national holiday in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. IT USED TO BE A DRY HOLIDAY For most of the 20th century, Saint Patrick’s Day was considered a strictly religious holiday in Ireland, which meant that the nation’s pubs were closed for business on March 17. In 1970, the day was converted to a national holiday, and the stout resumed flowing. IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS Not every city goes all out in its celebratory efforts. From 1999 to 2007, the Irish village of Dripsey proudly touted that it hosted the Shortest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the World. The route ran for 26 yards between two pubs. Today, Hot Springs, Arkansas claims the title for brevity – its brief parade runs for 98 feet. THERE’S A REASON FOR THE SHAMROCKS How did the shamrock become associated with Saint Patrick? According to Irish legend, the saint used the three-leafed plant as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he was first introducing Christianity to Ireland. COLD WEATHER HELPED SAINT PATRICK’S LEGEND In Irish lore, Saint Patrick gets credit for driving all the snakes out of Ireland. Modern scientists suggest that the job might not have been too hard. According to the fossil records, Ireland has never been home to any snakes. Through the Ice Age, Ireland was too cold to host any reptiles, and the surrounding seas have staved off serpentine invaders ever since. Modern scholars think the “snakes” Saint Patrick drove away were likely metaphorical. 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. Personal Donations Online donations to the GWSA are done through Canada Helps. Canada Helps is a registered Canadian charity and non-profit social enterprise. Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ guelphwellington-seniors-association/ to access Canada Helps. Their mission is to increase charitable giving, and it’s critical that they pass along as much as possible out of every dollar they collect. You receive a tax receipt for 100% of the value of your donation. March 8, 2024, is the deadline for submissions for the April 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 28, 2024. Editor is not responsible for quality of submitted photos (but we’ll do our best). The Sentinel - March 2024
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