May 2024 issue online

The Sentinel - May 2024

2 

The Sentinel - May 2024 — Vol. 48, No. 9

The Guelph/Wellington Seniors Association 

A non-profit organization based at the 

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 

http://www.gwsa-guelph.ca 

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE GWSA BOARD 

3 

Directors & Officers 

Linda Jeffrey — Executive Director 

Pat Gage — President 

Donna Keating — Vice-President 

Art Roelofsen — Treasurer 

Directors 

Charlie Bishop 

Sam Montoya 

Karen Kelly 

Cathryn Corissoz 

Elizabeth Steggles 

Yvonne Thomas 

Jeff Millard 

The Sentinel Team 

Carol Croft — Adminstrator, Printer 

Linda Green — Editor, Printer 

George Hughes — Printer 

Ray Miller — Part-time Assistant 

All of the above GWSA members 

are Volunteers. 

City Staff 

TBA — Supervisor, Senior Services 

Jill Hunt — Customer Service Clerk 

Jenn Bucci — Recreation Program 

Co-ordinator — Senior Services 

Becky MacDonald — Recreation 

Co-ordinator — Volunteers 

Mark Leeming — Chef 

Joan Moynihan — Sous Chef 

Kitchen & Dining Room Staff — Volunteers 

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 

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.: 519-837-5699 / 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 

I love the Month of May! The weather is getting warmer, the sun 

shines more and the flowers sprout an array of colours AND I get to 

be a year older! May also celebrates Mother’s Day and Queen 

Victoria’s Birthday. 

Speaking of Victoria Day, I won $5 from my daughter because I 

made a bet with her that she didn’t know why sometimes 

Queen Victoria’s birthday was celebrated on May 24 th and sometimes 

on May 25 th . I gave her 3 seconds to answer and then bragged that 

“Victoria Day was declared a holiday by the Legislature of the 

Province of Canada in 1845. After Confederation, Queen Victoria’s 

birthday was celebrated every year on May 24 unless that date was a 

Sunday, in which case a proclamation was issued providing for the 

celebration on May 25”. 

This Message will focus on the benefits of Active Living. After all, 

the Goal of the GWSA is to enable older adults to be active, 

involved, make friends and age with dignity. 

When I went to identify the opportunities that GWSA has to increase 

your benefit to engage in active living, I was, again, stunned at the 

opportunities that the GWSA provides. Active living includes 

physical activity in everyday living. The goal is to look for ways to 

be active at work, school, at home, and during leisure time. If you 

haven’t already, check out the GWSA website at www.gwsaguelph.ca 

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Physical Activity Tips for 

Older Adults explains why physical activity is important for seniors 

and offers easy ways to increase your level of activity. 

Straight from the document, here are some great Tips to Get Active! 

Physical activity plays an important role in your health, well-being 

and quality of life. These tips will help you improve and maintain 

your health by being physically active every day. 

1. Take part in at least 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous intensity 

aerobic activity each week (see definitions below). 

2. Spread out the activities into sessions of 10 minutes or more. 

It is beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities 

using major muscle groups at least twice a week. This will help 

your posture and balance. 

(Some of the physical activities may be able to be modified to 

support physical challenges. Consult with your Doctor, 

physiotherapist or other professional as appropriate). 

(Continued on page 4) 

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). 


4 

(Continued from page 3) 

Tips to help you get active 

• Find an activity you like such as swimming or 

cycling. 

• Minutes count — increase your activity level 10 

minutes at a time. Every little bit helps. 

• Active time can be social time — look for group 

activities or classes in your community, or get 

your family or friends to be active with you. 

• Walk wherever and whenever you can. 

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator, when 

possible. 

• Carry your groceries home. 

• Start slowly 

• Listen to your body 

• Every step counts 

The Health Benefits of Being Active 

• Improve your balance 

• Reduce falls and injuries 

• Help you stay independent longer 

• Help prevent heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, 

Type 2 Diabetes, some cancers and premature 

death 

Aerobic activity, like pushing a lawn mower, 

taking a dance class, or biking to the store, is 

continuous movement that makes you feel warm and 

breathe deeply. 

Strengthening activity, like lifting weights or yoga, 

keeps muscles and bones strong and prevents bone 

loss. It will also improve your balance and posture. 

What is moderate aerobic activity? 

Moderate-intensity aerobic activity makes you 

breathe harder and your heart beat faster. You should 

be able to talk, but not sing. 

Examples of moderate activity include walking 

quickly or bike riding. 

What is vigorous aerobic activity? 

Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity makes your heart 

rate increase quite a bit and you won’t be able to say 

more than a few words without needing to catch 

your breath. 

Examples of vigorous activity include jogging or 

cross-country skiing. 

What are strengthening activities? 

Muscle-strengthening activities build up your 

muscles. With bone-strengthening activities, your 

muscles push and pull against your bones. This helps 

make your bones stronger. 

The Sentinel - May 2024 — Vol. 48, No. 9 

• Examples of muscle-strengthening activities 

include climbing stairs, digging in the garden, 

lifting weights, push-ups and curl-ups. 

• Examples of bone-strengthening activities 

include yoga, walking and running. 

Every step counts! 

If you’re not active now, adding any amount of 

physical activity can bring some health benefits. 

Take a step in the right direction. Start now and 

slowly increase your physical activity to meet the 

recommendations. 

More physical activity provides greater health 

benefits! 

That means the more you do, the better you’ll feel. 

Get active and see what you can accomplish! Move 

more! 

Is physical activity safe for everyone? 

The recommended level of physical activity applies 

to all adults aged 65 years and older who do not have 

a suspected or diagnosed medical condition. Consult 

a health professional if you are unsure about the 

types and amounts of physical activity most 

appropriate for you. 

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines were 

developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise 

Physiology. 

In closing this message, I hope you noticed what I 

noticed! Many of the ways noted above to increase 

our physical activity are or can be accommodated in 

PROGRAMS WE HAVE! YAY!! 

Enjoy your MAY! Stay safe and informed! 

Till next time! 

Donna Keating 

Vice Chair/Vice President 

Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) 

donna.keating@gwsa-guelph.ca

5 

THE EDITOR’S PAGE 

The Woods in May 

by Ellwood Roberts 

There dwells a subtle fragrance 

Within the woods of May, 

That baffles all description, 

Inviting us to stay. 

Aroma of the spring-time. 

Of bursting buds it tells, 

Of wild flowers bright unfolding 

From out their tiny cells. 

The new-born leaves a tender 

And brilliant green display; 

When come the heats of summer, 

It quickly flies away. 

Among the trees we wander, 

With sense of keen delight; 

We may not feel it later, 

Though sunshine be as bright. 

Sweet Nature’s resurrection 

From Winter’s ice and snow, 

Fills woods of May with beauty 

Beyond all else we know. 

by Linda Green 

The fragrant honeysuckle, 

And dogwood flowers white, 

Bloom here in all their glory, 

A vision of delight. 

How natural to linger 

Among the woods of May, 

So many wonders are there, 

Inviting us to stay. 

Each bush and tree has treasures 

Of leaf, or bud, or flower; 

No art there is like Nature’s, 

When she exerts her power. 

A tender, new-born glory, 

The leaflets all display, 

There dwells a subtle fragrance 

Around our path today; 

It bids us pause and linger, 

Ere it be gone for aye. 

What joy and peace and sweetness 

Within the woods of May! 

(dedicated to the Walking Club) 

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. 

May 10, 2024, is the deadline for 

submissions for the 

June/July/August Sentinel. 

Email submissions to: sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca 

or drop yours off at the Evergreen Front Desk. 

Distribution of the June/July/August issue 

is on May 30, 2024. 

Editor is not responsible for quality of submitted photos 

(but we’ll do our best). 


6 

Volunteer Corner from Becky MacDonald 

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. 

GWSA COMMITTEES 

Secretary – Membership and Marketing 

Committee 

The Committee needs a secretary to take the 

minutes of the meeting and distribute to all 

members. Meetings take place on the fourth 

Tuesday of each month in the Board Room 

from 9:30-11:00 a.m. 

Technology Committee 

If you are interested in volunteering remotely 

and enjoy working on the computer, the 

committee is looking for: An E-Blast 

Volunteer (30 minutes once a month) and a 

Website Volunteer (3-5 hours weekly). 

Travel Committee 

Secretary/Minute taker: The committee is 

looking for someone who is interested in 

listening and capturing the discussions taking 

place. Compiling the notes and sending them 

out via email to the committee following the 

once-a-month meeting. Come join in, meet 

new friends, and have fun! 

Welcome & Information Desk 

There is an opening on Friday afternoons to 

assist with greeting community and GWSA 

members, providing tours, answering 

questions and assisting when required with 

other tasks. This is a co-volunteer position 

from 12:00-3:00 PM weekly. 

Bistro 683 – Kitchen 

Join the Bistro 683 team of volunteers! 

Looking for volunteers to assist as floaters 

when needed to assist in the kitchen with 

food preparation and with dishes. This would 

be an on-call position and perhaps a short 

term while spaces open for vacations. 

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 

customer service 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 

Be active. 

Get involved. 

Make friends. 


7 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 

Linda Green – Volunteer Sentinel Editor/Printing 

Carol Croft – Volunteer Sentinel Administrator/Printing 

The energy and passion of the volunteer environment in 

the Sentinel office are exemplified by Linda and Carol. 

They are both long-term volunteers who clearly 

demonstrate what volunteerism is all about – contributing 

to the publication of the Sentinel with a team of likeminded 

volunteers. 

Linda has past experience in newspaper production and 

graphic design as well as working as a public school 

teacher and librarian. Starting out as the Assistant Editor 

in 2014, she now volunteers as the Editor/Printer of the 

Sentinel. Volunteering for at least 40 hours per month, 

Linda checks Sentinel emails from home and follows up as required in addition to her Sentinel office 

hours. She loves the creative side of the position, ensuring that submitted material is represented in the 

best possible format. 

With 20 years of experience as Secretary in the U of G Physics Department, Carol is an excellent fit for 

the position of Administrator for the Sentinel. Starting as a volunteer Editor in 2008, her present position 

as Administrator involves organizing mailing, delivery and pickup of 1100 copies of the newsletter. 

Carol is also responsible for printing material as required for the Activity Group Leaders and GWSA 

Executive. She loves the level of interaction afforded as a volunteer, both with other volunteers and 

members. Since she’s a ‘people person’, much satisfaction is gained through her involvement. 

Both Carol and Linda encourage members to volunteer for the social interaction, including making new 

friends. A volunteer can also increase their networking capacity, hone their computer skills and maintain 

a sharp mind. If you have planning/organizational skills and are task/detail oriented, the Sentinel is the 

volunteer environment for you! 

Submitted by: Jessie Watt, Volunteer 

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 

FOR SALE 

Coleman dome tent, new, light-weight. 57” high, 

7 ft. wide by 8 ft. deep (fits queen size air mattress). 

43”x47” vestibule. Waterproof floor, Weathertec system. 

Asking $80. Call Linda 519-823-8665. 

Women’s bicycle for sale. Excellent condition. Includes 

helmet, air pump and saddlebag. Asking $200. Portable 

digital camera, “Power Shot” A59015 with attachments, 

and carrying case. In good working order. Asking $20. 

Call 519-821-9797. 

Orthex Symbia 18 degree cushion (pillow). New but tried 

once. In its original packaging. Bought from Wellwise by 

Shoppers for over $100. Good for back relief, efficient 

digestion, clear breathing, sleep stability. Asking $50. Air 

Cast for the right foot, size M. Used, like new. Only worn 

with knee socks. Bought from Grand River Hospital for 

over $100. Asking $50. Call 519-778-4498. 

Walker for sale, 1 year old. Suitable for person 5 ft. to 

5’5”. Asking $100. Call Rick at 519-821-2154. 

Ukulele for sale. Kala Ka-C model. Almost new. Includes 

case and almost new Snark clip on tuner. $125. Autoharp 

for sale. Oscar Schmidt 21 chord. Almost new. Includes 

case, 5 finger picks. $300. To view or for more 

information call or email Dani at: 519-988-9150 or 

dani.stahle@gmail.com 

Free advertising for GWSA members ONLY. 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME 

AND PHONE NUMBER WITH YOUR ITEM(S). 


8 

GWSA Group & Activity Reports 

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

Art in the Hall 

Art in the Hall is an opportunity 

for all artisans associated with the 

GWSA to showcase their work. It 

has been running for many years 

and will continue to display the 

fine artistic talents of GWSA 

members. Over the past year, the 

following groups have participated: 

Rug Hooking, Quilting, West 

End and West Hills Art Groups, 

Bunka, Photography, and the 

Guelph Carving Club. Work can 

be offered for sale or display only. 

A portion of the proceeds from 

each sale is given to the GWSA. 

If you have not had an opportunity 

to see the fine work, please 

make your way down the hall towards 

the library and look outside 

Room 4 for the display. Two 

large walls have been dedicated to 

hanging art and window space is 

also available for smaller items. 

Generally, art is displayed for a 

two month period. If you wish to 

buy a piece, please advise the 

staff at the front desk and they 

will be happy to assist you in 

making a purchase. Enjoy the 

changing displays. I trust you will 

be amazed by the talent! 

Badminton 

The Badminton Club continues to 

be a thriving and popular club 

with a full membership capped at 

115. Our play days and times are 

provided under GWSA Groups & 

Activities Contact Information 

separately in the Sentinel. 

In addition to badminton, the 

club hosts a number of other social 

and activity events during the 

year. 

A number of our more skilled 

players continue to be involved in 

outreach programs at schools 


where they help to coach badminton 

to our youth and hence ensure 

the future continuation of our 

sport. 

A badminton teaching clinic 

was held in February over a period 

of three weeks to help a number 

of club players improve their 

skills; this is the second such clinic 

during the 2023-2024 season. 

We made good use of our newly 

acquired “Shuttle Feeder” for 

some of the skills drills. Thanks 

to our various coaches who generously 

gave of their time to help 

other players in the club. 

We also had a pair of players 

participate in the current year’s 

Ontario Seniors Badminton Tournament 

held mid-February. Others 

took their chances at a late 

February “Direct Path Qualifier” 

Tournament for the Canada 55+ 

Summer Games to be held in 

Quebec. 

Our new season started April 1. 

During the new 2024-2025 season, 

we had a number of Leadership 

Team volunteers step down 

at the end of March after serving 

for several years. During the next 

couple of months, the club will be 

looking for other members of the 

club as replacements. The change 

to an early registration by the City 

of Guelph has brought some new 

challenges that the Leadership 

Team has had to navigate. We 

will also be looking for volunteers 

for help in unofficial capacities. 

Thus far, it was a highly successful 

year. Badminton continues 

to grow in popularity and our 

club continues to grow and adapt 

to the needs of our members. 

Come check us out and maybe 

we’ll see you on the court! 

Beading & Jewelry Making 

Bring your kit along to the Board 

Room Fridays from 11 am to 

noon to work on your personal 

beadwork and jewelry projects. 

Leslie will facilitate impromptu 

mini-classes on Metis beadworking. 

We will also have resources 

to share or give away and Leslie 

will have materials you may purchase 

if you wish. Cost $2.00 per 

session. 

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 May, our selection is 

“Hang the Moon” by Jeannette 

Walls. In June, we will be reading 

“The Great Alone” by Kristin 

Hannah. Monthly fee is $3.00. 

We have room for two new members 

at this time. 

Book Club 2 

Our group meets the second Friday 

of the month in the Board 

Room from 1-2:30 p.m. We will 

be reading the following books: 

May - Cemetery Road by Greg 

Iles, and in June, How The Light 

Gets In by Louise Penny. 

The monthly fee is $3.00 and 

we currently have a wait list. 

Bridge 

GWSA welcomes all Bridge players 

with a basic knowledge of the 

game to enjoy playing Bridge in a 

friendly and comfortable environment. 

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. 

Join us for Recreational Bridge 

(Continued on page 9)

9 


in the afternoon or evening. 

Tuesdays 6:30-9:00 pm Evergreen 

Room 3 

Thursdays 12:30-3:30 pm 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, but 

we will mentor new members. 

Supplies are ordered as a group. 

Every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. 

to noon in Room 3. 

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. 

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 

Fridays in the Hallway 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 Mentoring 

There are four mentors available 

every Monday from 1-3 p.m. 

to answer your questions. Two 

volunteers are available to help 

with Windows PCs and Android 

smartphones and tablets, and two 

volunteers are able to assist iPad 

and iPhone users! One mentor can 

help Chromebook 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 nonmembers. 

Please register at the 

front desk for each session before 

joining us in the Computer Room. 

Craft Group 

The Craft group at the Evergreen 

would like to thank everyone who 

has supported us this past year. 

With the new gift shop, we were 

able to continue selling our crafts 

and help support the GWSA. And 

to all our knitters at home who 

generously give of their time and 

talents, we thank you. Again this 

year, we have been able to donate 

hats, scarfs and mitts to those in 

need. 

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 

cartoon 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 how to play, we have instructors 

to help. 

Darts Club 

Come and check out our Dart 

Club. We play on the stage twice 

a week - Tuesday and Friday 

mornings 10 until noon. We go 

out for lunch to the Uptown Grill 

on the last Friday of the 

month. We celebrate our high 

scores for March as listed below: 

Art - 105, 100, 121 

Neville - 110, 109 

Marcel - 133, 117, 132 

George - 109 

Rino - 112, 126 

Ken 115 

Earnie - 120, 134, 100 

Norm - 104, 102 

Jackie - 109 

Margaret - 117 

For information, contact us at 

gwsadartclub@gmail.com 

Line Dancing 

Evergreen Auditorium 

Line dancing is exercise not only 

for the body, but the mind as 

well. It’s an excuse to get out, 

meet new friends, enjoy good music, 

and no partner is required. If 

you have never line danced before 

or need a refresher, the Introduction 

to Line Dancing is where to 

start. Here you will learn the basic 

steps and easier dances to slower 

music. The Beyond the Basics 

classes is the next step up from 

the Introduction class. Some 

harder steps will be taught and 

some dances may be a bit faster 

and include more turns. The Intermediate 

class is for experienced 

line dancers looking for a 

challenge. 

Monday Line Dance Classes 

8:35-9:35 am Introduction to Line 

Dancing 

9:40-10:40 am Beyond the Basics 

10:45-11:45 am Intermediate 



10 


Thursday Line Dance Classes 

1:10-2:10 pm Introduction to Line 

Dancing 

2:15-3:15 pm Beyond the Basics 

The first 3 visits are free. After 

that, in addition to providing us 

proof of a GWSA membership, 

it’s $2.00 each time you come. 

Mah Jongg 

Mah Jongg is 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. 

Peer Learning 

Peer Learning is for seniors who 

like to have a good discussion 

with a small friendly group. It’s a 

great way to meet new people and 

have fun while learning. 

Our Tuesday afternoon class on 

Migrations and our Thursday 

morning class on Britain, Past 

and Present have been very successful 

this winter. Time to plan 

for next year. 

For more information or to put 

your name on our e-mail list, contact 

Barb McLeod 519-823-2531. 

Into Focus Photography 

We are a friendly group of amateur 

photographers with equipment 

ranging from mobile phones 

and point-and-shoot 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. 

Scrabble 

Come join us for Scrabble at 1 pm 

to 3:30 pm every Thursday in the 

Hall outside the Library. All skills 

from newbie to expert. Drop-ins 

are welcome or call me for more 

information. Previous members, 

please join us again. Brand new 

players are most welcome. All 

you need is a GWSA membership! 

Any questions? Call or email 

Sebastian. Phone: 647-580-5780. 

Shuffleboard 

We are a very fun group and have 

had a lot of new members join 

recently, so now we can’t accept 

any more new members! Our 

membership fee is $25.00 a year 

plus tax and we play Tuesdays 

and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. 

Silver Drummers 

It's fun to drum! You are welcome 

to come out on Thursday to experience 

a Drum Circle. We have 

drums and percussion instruments 

to share. Or bring your own. Each 

session takes the lead from the 

facilitator and the people in the 

room - sometimes we can get 

noisy, sometimes we dance! Our 

instructor also takes us through 

the basics as we learn a variety of 

different rhythms. There is no enrolment 

fee though we ask for a 

pay-as-you-go $2 participation 

fee after 3 try-outs. Register with 

us on 

Recenroll should you decide you 

are having too much fun. We now 

meet on Thursdays from 10:30 

to 11:30 am. Hope to see you! 

Silver Strummers 

The ukulele orchestra is an unqualified 

success story! There are 

now 65 individuals who have 

joined the Silver Strummers. We 

welcome ALL skill levels, beginner 

through advanced. 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 3:30 p.m. We do have a 

few openings so please contact 

Darlene Pembleton 519-822-0704 

if you would like to join our choir 

or would like more information. 

You do not have to be 

able to read music, just have a 

love for singing. 

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 Rm 2. 



Contact: Kathy McCallum, 226 

-821-1331. Email: 

kamccallum28@gmail.com. 

Skiing 

For the 2024 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 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 

paid-up members of the GWSA 

on payment of the prescribed annual 

snooker activity fee. The current 

fee of $79.10 (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 

24 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 & Fridays 

from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. 

Each player starts off with $650 

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. 

Walking Club 

On Thursday mornings, the 

Walking Club enjoys nature and 

beautiful scenery while discovering 

the trails in the area. For all 

walks, we meet at the red-roofed 

pavilion in Riverside Park at 8:45 

am for registering and collection 

of any entrance fees to the Conservation 

areas. Then we depart at 

9:00 am sharp. Walks are on… 

rain or shine. 

Our walks start out from Riverside 

Park OR we drive from there 

to one of the many wonderful 

Guelph walking trails or nearby 

11 

Conservation areas. Walks are at 

your own pace and you must arrange 

your own transportation to 

the Trail Head. 

You can register for the Walking 

Club’s 2024/25 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. 

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. 

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 on 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. 


12 


OUR EVERGREEN LIBRARY 

We are open 

Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes 

Do you often read books by the same author? We find someone we like and we read 

everything they have ever written. For this review, I wanted something really different. 

Therefore, I chose a new author. The House in the Pines is the first novel written by Ana Reyes. 

She teaches creative writing to seniors in Los Angeles. 

It is the story of Maya, a young woman whose best friend, Aubrey, died when they were 

teenagers. Their friend Frank was there when Aubrey simply collapsed and died. The cause of 

death was never found. Maya was traumatized and spent years using alcohol and drugs to avoid 

the pain of this loss. 

Many years later, Maya sees a video on-line of another woman in a restaurant who suddenly 

dies and this woman is sitting across from Maya’s old friend Frank. How could this possibly 

be? Maya sets out to discover if there is any connection between the death of this woman and 

the death of her friend Aubrey. She returns to her childhood home to confront Frank, but she 

finds her memories of the events from that time are cloudy or even non-existent. 

This story is very engaging and will have you questioning what is real and what is an illusion. 

The ending is definitely unique and unexpected! If you like mysteries, this one will keep you 

guessing. I hope you check it out! 

Written by Diane Dyke

GWSA Groups & Activities Contact Information 

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

Your GWSA Membership includes a copy of the Sentinel Newsletter, published 10 times per year, and the 

ability to join any of our many activities and events. Our ongoing activity groups have either a yearly fee or 

a pay as you play fee. We also offer educational workshops, many at no charge for members. 

13 

Art In The Hall 

Kim Taylor 

ArtInTheHall@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Art Studio In 2 

Evergreen Room 2 

Jennifer Storey 

ArtinStudio@gwsa-guelph.ca 

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

$25/year 

Badminton 


Michael Gareau 

Badminton@gwsa-guelph.ca 

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 

$60/year. Currently we have a wait list 

Ball Co-ed Slopitch 

Hugh C. Guthrie Park 

Deborah Waitson 

SloPitch@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Wednesdays 5:30-8:30 pm 

May - end of August 

$25/year 

Beading & Jewelry Making 

Board Room 

Beading@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays 11 am-12 pm 

$2/visit 

Bid Euchre on Thursdays 


John Finamore 

BidEuchre@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Thursdays 1 pm-4 pm 

$2/visit 

Euchre on Monday 


Earl Mead 

Euchre-Monday@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Mondays - 1:00-3:00 pm 

$2/visit 

Euchre on Friday 


Peter Smith 

Euchre-Friday@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays - 1:30-4:00 pm 

$2/visit 

Book Club 1 

Board Room 

Veronica Sanche 

BookClub1@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Last Friday of month - 1-2:30 pm 

$3/visit 

Book Club 2 

Board Room 

Lynne Oxley 

BookClub2@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Second Friday of month - 1-2:30 pm 

$3/visit 

Bridge 


Sandi Kinsey 

Bridge@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Tuesdays - 6:30-9:00 pm 

Thursdays - 12:30-3:30 pm 

$1/visit 

Bunka Art Group 


Carol Ferrier 

Bunka@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Wednesdays - 9:00 am-noon 

$25/year 

Canasta 


Sandi Kinsey 

Canasta@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays - 9:00-11:30 am 

$1/visit 

Casual Bicycling 

Various Locations in and 

around Guelph 

John Ness 

CasualBicycling@gwsa-guelph.ca 

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

$10/year 

Canoe Club 

John Ness 

CanoeClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Seasonal twice-weekly outings 

See GWSA website or Sentinel description 

$75/year 



14 


Chess Club 

Hall 

Bruce Hurst 

ChessClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays – 10 am-12 pm 

$2/visit 

Computer Club 

Computer Room 

Ross Knechtel 

Ken Chupa 

ComputerClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

January, March, May, September, November 

2nd Monday - 2-4 pm 

$3/visit 

Computer Mentoring 

Computer Room 

Ken Chupa 

computer.mentoring@gwsa-guelph.ca 

No appointment necessary. 

Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm 

$3/visit 

Craft Club 


Sheila Robinson 

CraftGroup@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays - 8 am-12 noon 

Cribbage 


Elaine Miller 

Cribbage@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Tuesdays 12:30 pm-4 pm 

$2/visit 

Darts Club 

Auditorium Stage 

Neville Newman 

DartsClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 

$25/year 

Diabetes Support Group 

Room 2 

Bill MacDonald 

DiabetesSupport@gwsa-guelph.ca 

2nd Tuesday – 11 am -12 pm 

4th Tuesday – 10 am -12 pm 

Golf 

Tom Kane 

Golf@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Mondays, May to September 

$10/year 

Into Focus Photography 


Stu McCannell 

PhotographyClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Last Monday of every month—2:30-5 pm 

$25.00 a year 


Line Dancing 


Phyllis 

Donna 

linedancing@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Mondays – 8:30 to noon 

Thursdays – 1:00 to 3:15 p.m. 

Mah Jongg 


Leona Petri 

MahJong@gwsa-guelph.ca 

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

Last Mon. of the month in Dining Rm. 

Peer Learning 

Boardroom 

Barb McLeod 

PeerLearning@gwsa-guelph.ca 

$18/session 

Pickleball 

Rudy Simon 

Pickleball@gwsa-guelph.ca 


Mondays 12:00 – 3 p.m. (B/I) 

Tuesdays 8:30 am – 10:30 a.m. (I/A) 

& 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (B/I) 

Wednesdays 8:30 – 10:00 am (I/A) 

Thursdays 8:30 – 10:30 am (B/I) 

Fridays 8:30 – 10:30 am (B/I) & 1 – 4 pm (I/A) 

Sundays 8:30 am – 10:45 am (B/I) 

& 10:45 am – 1 pm (I/A) 

West End Comm. Centre 

Tues. - noon-2:00 pm (A) & 2 pm-4 pm (B/I) 

Thurs. - noon-2:00 pm (A) & 2 pm-4 pm (B/I) 

Sept. to June 

(B/I) = Beginner/Intermediate 

(I/A) = Intermediate/Advanced 

(A) = Advanced 

$60/year 

Currently there is a waiting list 

Quilting 


Beryl Drohan 

QuiltGroup@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Mondays - 12:30-4:00 pm 

Rug Hooking 


Kathy McCallum 

RugHooking@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Tuesdays 12-4 pm 

$25/year 

Scrabble 

Hall outside the Library 

Sebastian 

Scrabble@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Thursdays - 1:00-3:30 pm 

$2/visit 


15 


Shuffleboard 


Elaine Bigam 

Shuffleboard@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 1-3 pm 

$25/year 

Silver Drummers 

Room 3 

Sandy Isaacs 

SilverDrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Thursdays 11 am to noon 

$2/visit 

Silver Strummers 

Room 3 

SilverStrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays - Beginners 12-1 pm 

Experienced 1-2 pm 

$65/year 

Silvertones Choir 

Room 3 

President: Sandy Rea 

Membership Enquiries: 

Darlene Pembleton 

Silvertones@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Director/Accompanist: Andrea LeBlanc 

Backup Director/Accompanist: Joanna Wegman 

Fridays 2:00 - 3:30 pm 

$54.24/year 

Evergreen Snooker Club 

Evergreen Snooker Room 

Brian Yasvinski 

Snooker@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Daily - 9:00 am-4:00 pm 

$70/year 

Table Tennis 


Petr Vales 

TableTennis@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Evergreen: 

Mondays - 3-6:15 pm 

Wednesdays - 10 am-1 pm 

Saturdays - 9:00 am-12:00 noon 

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

(WECC - except July/August) 

$60/year 

Texas Hold ’Em Poker 

Bistro 683 

Paul Phillips 

Bruno Szafran 

TexasHoldEmPoker@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Tuesdays & Fridays - 6:30-8:30 pm 

$2/visit 

Walking Club 

April 11 to October 31, Thursdays 9 am, 

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Riverside Pavilion 

Various locations 

Club Contacts: 

WalkingClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

$10 annual activity fee 

Watercolour Painters Club 


Marta Coutts 

WaterColourPainters@gwsa-guelph.ca 

1st and 5th Wednesday of the month - 12:30-4 pm 

Third Wednesday - 9 am to 4 pm 

Membership $30/year 

West End Art Group 

Rm 2 West End Comm. Centre 

Nancy Baker 

WestEndArtGroup@gwsa-guelph.ca 

September – June 

Tuesdays - 12:30-4:00 pm 


West Hills Art Group 

Rm 2 West End C. C. 

Dale Vardy 

WestHillsArtGroup@gwsa-guelph.ca 

September - June 

Thursdays - noon-4:00 pm 


Wood Carving Group 


Ken Fugler 

WoodCarving@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Monday – 6-9 pm 

$40/year 

Writers Club 

Board Room 

Susan Jackson 

WritersClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

1st and 3rd Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. 

$2/visit 

Writing Your Life Story 

Board Room 

Jennifer Blackie 

WritingYourLifeStory@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Thursdays 2-4 pm 

$2/visit 


16 

Solutions on pg. 34 


17 

SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS 

OF NOTE 

“Our Young Seniors” 

‘We’re not over the hill; we’re just 

gaining speed!’ 

Doug White - April 20 (75) 

Ron Patmore - May 4 (80 years young) 

Patricia Paxman - May 14 (98) 

SPECIAL WEDDING 

ANNIVERSARIES 

Joanne & Doug White - May 14, 1977, 

celebrating their 47th anniversary. 

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 

Parker, Barry passed away on Saturday, March 30, 

2024, in his 82nd year. He was a member of the 

Writing Your Life Story group and a member of the 

comedy team, Suns of Beaches. 

Boulding, Rita passed away on Friday, April 5, 

2024, at the age of 67. She was a member of Friday 

Euchre. 


Clubs and Drop-In Activities MAY 2024 

W West End Community Centre 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 

Weekend Activities 

Saturday 

9a-12p Table Tennis 

Sunday 

8:30a-10:45a Pickleball 

(B/I) 

10:45a-1p Pickleball 

(I/A) 

1:30-3:30p Badminton 

DANCE MAY 25 

6 

8:35-9:35a Introduction to 

Line Dancing 

9:40-10:40a Beyond the 

Basics Line Dancing 

10:45-11:45a Int. Line Dancing 

12-3p Pickleball (B/I) 

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 


Line Dancing 





Everyday Activities 

Snooker—9a-4p 

Library — 

Mon-Fri – 10a-3p 

7 

8:30a-12:30p Pickleball (I/A) 

10a-12p Darts 

11a-12p Diabetes Support 

10:30a-12:30p Pickleball (B/I) 

12-2p Pickleball (A) 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 Bridge 

7-9:30p Badminton 

14 


10a-12p Darts 




1 

8:30-10a Pickleball (I/A) 

9a-12p Bunka 


12:30-4p Watercolour Painters 


1-3p Writers Club 


5:30-8:30p Slo-Pitch 

1:30p BINGO 

8 


9a-12p Bunka 



1-4p Art Studio in 2 



1:30p BINGO 

15 


9a-12p Bunka 

9a-4p Watercolour Painters 



2 

8:30-10:30a Pickleball (B/I) 

8:45a Walking Club 

10:30a-1p Badminton 

11a-noon Silver Drummers 


12-4p West Hills Arts W 

12:30-3:30p Bridge 

1-3:30p Scrabble 

1-4p Bid Euchre 

1:10-2:10p Intro to Line Dancing 

2-4p Pickleball (B/I) W 

2-4p Writing Your Life Story 

2:15-3:15p Beyond the 


9 







12:30-3:30p Bridge 








16 







3 

8a-12p Crafts 


9-11:30a Canasta 

10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 


11a-12p Beading 

12-1p Silver Strummers Beg. 

1-2p Silver Strummers Exp. 

1-4p Pickleball (I/A) 

1-4p Table Tennis W 

1:30-4p Euchre 

2-3:30p Silvertones 

6:30-8:30p Texas HE Poker 

10 

8a-12p Crafts 



10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 





1-2:30p Book Club 2 






17 

8a-12p Crafts 



10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 


18 



1-3p Euchre 


2-4p Computer Club 




20 

CLOSED 

27 


Line Dancing 






1-3p Euchre 



2:30-5p Into Focus 

Photography 







6:30-8:30p Texas Hold 

’Em Poker 



21 


10a-12p Darts 

10a-12p Diabetes Support 











28 


10a-12p Darts 








6:30-8:30p Texas Hold ’Em 

Poker 



1-3p Writers Club 



1:30p BINGO 

22 


9a-12p Bunka 






1:30p BINGO 

29 


9a-12p Bunka 


12:30-4p Watercolour Painters 





1:30p BINGO 

12:30-3:30p Bridge 








23 







12:30-3:30p Bridge 








30 







12:30-3:30p Bridge 















24 

8a-12p Crafts 



10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 










31 

8a-12p Crafts 



10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 





1-2:30p Book Club 1 






19 



20 

HANDYMAN 

HOME 

REPAIRS 

• Small Job Specialist 

• Indoor/Outdoor 

• Picture & Mirror Hanging 

• Furniture Assembly 

• Painting 

• Age-in-Place Services 

• Drywall Repairs 

• Eaves Cleaning 

$10 OFF your first service when 

you reference this ad! 

226-332-5154 

info@guelphresidential.ca 

www.guelphresidential.ca 

• Full & Partial Dentures 

• Implant Retained Dentures 

• Hypoallergenic Options / Metal-free Clear Partial 

Frameworks 

• Most Repairs while you wait, same day relines 

• Mobile Services to offer our patients access to 

care 

• Digital Impressions 


21 

The Elliott Community is Guelph’s 

only not-for-profit organization to 

offer 4 lifestyle choices for Seniors. 

• Life Leases 

• Supportive Living 

• Assisted Living 

• Long Term Care 

elliottcommunity.org 

CALL TODAY FOR A TOUR 

519-822-0491 x2240 

Quality choices for mature living in a 

safe, caring, home-like environment. 

A proud tradition of serving Guelph and area since 1903 


22 


23 


24 

ART IN THE HALL 

Art in the Hall presents two very different artistic groups, Rug Hooking and Watercolour Painting. Please 

venture down the hall towards the library to see the window displays outside of Room 4, showcasing the 

wonderful talent of the Rug Hooking group. This is an encore performance for these artists who are proud to 

include new members’ work. You will see unexpected shapes and colours! Right beside the windows are a 

very talented group of painters, choosing Watercolour as their medium. While Rug Hooking is for display 

only, the painters have much of their work for sale. Please see the GWSA website for meeting places and 

times for these groups if you wish to join them. You, too, may have an opportunity to share your creative 

side. 


25 


26 

Upcoming Event — Register at 519-589-1187 

SPRING BAZAAR — 

May 25, 10 am-3 pm 

Spend the day shopping local 

vendors. We will have over 25 

vendors selling unique gifts, 

crafts, clothes, jewelry and 

more. Enjoy live music. 


27 


28 

Guelph FHT's Wellness Workshops are 

offered at no cost and open to everyone! 

Check out our 2024 workshop offerings! 

You can print and view the schedule by 

visiting our webpage: www.guelphfht.com/ 

wellness-workshops-and-programs/ 

*Please note: the dates/times/locations may 

change. Keep checking website/email for 

any updates. 

FREE Wellness Workshops in May, 

presented by the Guelph Family Health 

Team: 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Part 2 - 

Depression & Anxiety (5 sessions to attend) 

Dates: Thursday, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm EST 

Location: IN-PERSON workshop only 

Suite 500 - 649 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph 

Learn more HERE. 

Calming Strategies (Topic: Guided Imagery) 

Date: Monday, May 13 

Time: 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm EST 

Location: *VIRTUAL webinar only 


Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Part 1 (3 

sessions to attend) 

Dates: Monday, May 13, 27, June 3 

Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am EST 



Let’s Talk About: Panic 

Dates: Monday, May 27 

Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm EST 




RECREATION & LEISURE PROGRAMS for SENIORS 55+ 

held at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre unless otherwise indicated — call 519-837-5699. 

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

recenroll.ca. There may be changes to programs after this issue was printed - please check the details on 

recenroll.ca before you sign up. Programs may be cancelled if there is low registration, so be sure to register 

(Fees do not include HST). 

FITNESS 

Cardio and Strength Level 2 

This intermediate/advanced strength training class 

focuses on a low impact cardio warm-up. This 

class performs functional exercises that include 

balance, flexibility and cardiovascular 

movements. Exercises are performed sitting and 

standing. A variety of equipment is used 

throughout the classes which may include bands, 

stability balls and weights of your choice. Join us 

to keep your body fit! 

Class Length: 1 hour (9-10 a.m.) 

Location: Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 

(Room 4) 

Dates: Monday: April 8-June 24 

Course ID: 45495 

Fees: Members: $81.35, Non-Members: $93.55 

Dates: Friday: April 12-June 28 



Cardio and Strength Level 3 

Come and challenge your fitness level in this 

advanced strength training class. Focusing on a 

low impact cardio warm-up, this class performs 

functional exercises that include balance, 

flexibility and cardiovascular movements. A 

variety of equipment is used throughout the 

classes which may include bands, stability balls 

and weights of your choice. Join us to keep your 

body fit! 



(Room 4) 




Dates: Friday: April 12-June 28 



Strength and Balance 

This beginner class will focus on fall prevention, 

whole body movements and balance. It is 

designed to improve general mobility and overall 

strength to make everyday tasks easier. You can 

expect to see improvement in posture. The class 

presents an excellent opportunity for beginners to 

start exercising with an aerobic, strength and 

flexibility component. 

Class Length: 1 hour 


(Room 4) 

Dates: Monday: April 8-June 24 (10-11 a.m.) 



Dates: Wednesday: April 10-June 26 (12-1 p.m.) 



Meditation and Relaxation 

Learn to develop skills to cultivate a different 

relationship to stress, including stress that can 

result from managing a variety of chronic health 

conditions. 

Sessions include: variety of meditation practices, 

gentle mindful movement practices, reflective and 

practical exercises, and discussions on stress 

Examples of mindfulness training: 

• Deep breathing 

• Meditation 

• Gentle movement 


Location: Victoria Road Rec Centre 

(Maple Room) 

Dates: Wed.: April 10-June 26 (10-11 a.m.) 


Fees: Members: $87, Non-Members: $100.08 


(Room 4) 

Thursday: April 11-June 27 (9-10 a.m.) 



Introduction to Strength Training 

What is strength training all about? How do you 

29 



30 


get started? Which exercises are the best ones? 

What about form? Let us show you the answers! 

You will go from learning the theory behind the 

importance of strength training to mastering the 

technique behind bodyweight, free weight and 

barbell training. Our qualified instructors will 

take you through a progressive training program 

that will help you gain a better understanding of 

exercise and program design, help you increase 

your strength and, most importantly, your 

confidence in and out of the gym. 


Location: West End Community Centre 

(Fitness Room) 

Dates: Monday: April 8-May 13 (9-10 a.m.) 


Dates: Monday: April 8-May 13 (10-11 a.m.) 


Fees: Member: $44.37, Non-Member: $51.03 

Dates: Monday: May 27-June 24 (9-10 a.m.) 



Dates: Tuesday: April 9-May 14 (9-10 a.m.) 


Tuesday: April 9-May 14 (10-11 a.m.) 


Dates: Tuesday: May 21-June 25 (9-10 a.m.) 


Dates: Tuesday: May 21-June 25 (10-11 a.m.) 



Falling Prevention and Navigation 

In this program, participants will learn practical 

exercises for preventing falls in day-to-day life, 

as well as tools to aid in negotiating a fall, should 

it occur. We will focus on building knowledge of 

the body to increase confidence in movement. It 

will include: exercises for increasing 

proprioception (for the feet, eyes, and spine) - 

study of walking mechanics to invite mindful 

movement - practice of ramping and spiralling 

pathways for support in falling - explorations of 

how to use the limbs and body for 

counterbalance. 

Class Length: 1 hour (1:30-2:30 p.m.) 

Dates: April 8-June 24 (Monday) 



(Room 4) 


Release Your Hips, Change Your Life! 

Do your hips get fatigued and sore? Come, learn 

stretches/exercises to help your largest joints 

work to their potential so you can do all the 

things you love to do! 


Dates: April 10-June 26 (Wednesday) 



(Maple Rm.) 


Total Body Conditioning 

This total body conditioning class will challenge 

the active 55 individual. A cardio warm-up will 

prepare you for a resistance training, balance, 

flexibility, core strength and floor workout. The 

benefits of regular exercise consisting of these 

major components will improve your mental, 

physical and emotional health. Increase your 

energy level to be able to carry out daily tasks 

and reduce your chances of osteoporosis. 





(Room 4) 


Posture and Movement Improvement 

Get more steps in while you improve your 

posture, activate pertinent muscle groups and 

move your body with more ease! 

Class Length: 1 hour (10:45-11:45 a.m.) 

Dates: April 11-June 27 (Thursday) 

Location: Guelph Sports Dome 



Drum and Jump 

Get up and get moving in this unique and exciting 

fitness class. Using a stability ball and 

drumsticks, you will drum to the beat of the 

music in this fun, high energy class. During this 

group fitness class, you will forget you are even 

working out! All equipment is provided and no 

experience required. 

Class Length: 45 minutes (6:45-7:30 p.m.) 







(Maple Rm.) 

Fees: Member: $74, Non-Member: $85 

OsteoFit 

Part of living well with osteoporosis and/or 

osteoarthritis involves healthy eating and physical 

activity. Physical activity plays an essential role 

in the treatment of osteoporosis by ‘stimulating’ 

or applying a load on our bones to maintain their 

structure and strength. When treating 

osteoarthritis, it is important to ensure proper 

alignment of joints as well. Exercise and physical 

activity play a vital role and contribute to 

individuals’ overall health and well-being. Four 

types of exercise are necessary in the management 

of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: strength, 

posture and core stability, balance, and weight 

bearing. Join us in this class to get moving, 

improve your strength, balance, and posture, 

and in turn, reduce your risk of falling. 



(Room 4) 


(10:30-11:30 a.m.) 


Dates: April 12-June 28 (Friday) 

(11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) 



Kum Nye 

Kum Nye is a yoga-like, healing practice of 

Tibetan Buddhist tradition that focuses on 

massage and movement to refresh and revitalize 

the body and mind. There are breathing 

techniques, self-massage, meditations, stretching 

and movement exercises. The practice is relaxing 

and meditative. Join us for a relaxing experience. 



(Room 4) 




TAI CHI 

Tai Chi – Beginner 

This program welcomes those who are new to Tai 

Chi as well as those who are wishing to reinforce 

the foundations. Focusing on the basic vocabulary 

of the stances and co-ordination of the postures, 

this meditative movement practice is accessible to 

all. 



(Room 4) 

Dates: April 9-June 11 (Tuesday) 




(Maple Room) 




Tai Chi – Intermediate 

Learn the meditative movement practice of Tai 

Chi Chuan. This session focuses on the Yang 

Style 37-Posture Form. It is advised to have 

previous experience with Tai Chi Chuan 

movements and foundations for this class. 



(Room 4) 



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


(Maple Room) 




QI GONG 

Qi Gong 

This class is a Chinese blend of exercise, 

stretching and meditation. The program focuses 

on ‘Eighteen Postures for Daily Practice,’ a Qi 

Gong set that integrates East and West in a series 

of gentle exercises designed to maintain and 

enhance health. Adapting classical Qi Gong 

forms, this style incorporates therapeutic exercise, 

self-massage and meditation. Qi Gong class 

focuses on the core routines. 

Class Length: 1.5 hours (12-1:30 p.m.) 



(Room 4) 


31 



32 



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



(Room 4) 



YOGA 

Chair Yoga 

Chair yoga offers the same benefits as other yoga 

practices, such as increased flexibility, 

strengthening, proper breathing and increasing 

range of motion in the joints. Simply use a chair 

to assist with postures. Chair yoga is for 

everyone, especially those who may have limited 

mobility and/or are unable to get up and down on 

a yoga mat. Postures can be modified to meet 

students’ needs. 

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



(Room 4) 





(Room 4) 

Dates: Wednesday: April 10-June 26 


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


(Maple Room) 




Gentle Yoga 

This program is open to everyone. We will 

explore this centuries old discipline which brings 

health and vitality to the body, peace to the mind 

and joy to the spirit. Ability to move from 

standing to laying on the floor needed. 


Location: West End Comm. Centre (Room2) 




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


(Maple Room) 

Dates: Thursday: April 4-June 27 






(Room 4) 




Dates: April 12-June 28 (Friday) 


(Room 4) 



Yoga Nidra 

Nidra actually means sleep. This class will 

promote restorative relaxation by using deep 

breathing methods, guided visualization and 

progressive relaxation using very specific 

techniques involving 4 senses. Feel rested and 

renewed! 




(Maple Room) 


Fees: Member: $88.74, Non-Members: $102.05 

VISUAL ARTS 

Acrylic Painting 

Join us for informative lessons in painting with 

acrylics. Stroke types, techniques and form will 

be the focus of this hands-on class. Be inspired, 

have an open mind and create your masterpiece 

with this form of art. 

Class Length: 3 hours (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) 



(Cedar Room) 



Landscape Painting 

In this course, students will learn how to create 

artistic representations of natural environments 

such as mountains, forests, waters, fields, 

coastlines and sunsets. Landscape painting can be 




created using a variety of water-based medium: 

acrylic, watercolour and gouache. Although the 

realistic representation of the natural world will be 

the main approach, exploring landscape through 

illusion is not excluded. The course will cover all 

that is needed to create expressive and dynamic 

paintings: basic techniques, colour mixing, tonal 

values, elements of composition, effects of 

atmospheric perspective, the ways to simplify the 

shapes and forms, and effective editing of 

photographic references. Throughout the course, 

there will be plenty of short demos, usually at the 

beginning of the class. The course is intended for 

beginners and intermediates. Just bring your 

supplies, your passion for painting, and whatever 

experience you have and you will grow as an artist 

through expanding your observational and artistic 

skills. 

Class Length: 3 hours (1-4 p.m.) 



(Cedar Room) 



Sketching 

Sketching is a good way to learn or improve your 

drawing skills. This course suits all levels of 

students who want to know how to draw quick 

and accurate sketches. Whether you want to 

prepare for a big project or draw the world around 

us, sketching is a great way to express yourself. 




(Cedar Room) 



Watercolours 

This watercolours class is for all levels of painters. 

The instructor will work with participants on an 

individual basis or in small groups of similar 

interest or skill. 




(Room 2) 



SPECIAL EVENTS 

Tea with Jam and Bread 

Join us for afternoon tea, with a selection of finger 

sandwiches, scones, baked goods and signature 

herbal and caffeinated teas of your choice. 

Length: 1-1/2 hours (2-3:30 p.m.) 

Dates: May 10 (Friday) 


(Dining Room) 


Fees: Member: $25, Non-Member: $28.75 

Grandparent and Me, Afternoon Tea 

What better way to spend a PD Day, than with 

your grandchild or tiny human in your life? Join 

us for afternoon tea, with a selection of kidfriendly 

finger sandwiches, baked goods, along 

with some arts and crafts. A selection of tea and 

juice will be served. 

Length: 1-1/2 hours (2-3:30 p.m.) 

Dates: June 7 (Friday) 


(Dining Room) 


Fees: Member: $30, Non-Member: $34.50 

UPCOMING 

EVENTS AT 

THE ART GALLERY 

OF GUELPH 

Wednesday, May 30 at 2 p.m. 

Speaker Judith Nasby is speaking about her 

two books “Making of a Museum” and 

“Kivioq’s Journey”, about the sculpture 

park and various sculptures around the Art 

Gallery. 

Free admission and free parking 

358 Gordon St, Guelph 

519-837-0010 

33 


34 

See Puzzles on pgs. 16 & 17 


35 


36 

519-830-6634 

CAPELLATREE.CA 

• Safe Tree & Stump Removal 

• Pruning & Support Systems 

• Fully Insured & Qualified 

Certified by the 

International 

Society of 

Arboriculture 

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN RECREATION? 

Together, the City of Guelph and the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association offer financial assistance to 

those who qualify to reduce the cost of participating in recreational activities. Having a strong social support 

network has been associated with having fewer health problems and a lower risk of hospitalization. This 

program is called FEE ASSISTANCE IN RECREATION (FAIR). We want to encourage our GWSA 

members who may be struggling financially to consider applying for this subsidy. 

The GWSA makes a $5,000 contribution through our Community Benefit Agreement to the City of Guelph 

to ensure our GWSA members have access to this great program and, unfortunately, few people are aware 

of its existence. People who qualify can receive an 80% discount on their registration fees. This includes 

GWSA membership, travel trips, and yearly fees for many of the GWSA activities. 

Ask for an application at the front desk. Once you complete the application and attach the required income 

verification documents, return the application to the front desk. You can expect an answer/approval within 

2 weeks of your application. 

For more information, you can call the City of Guelph’s Recreation Department at 519-837-5699. 


37 

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 

Muskoka Cruise & Discovery Centre 

Total cost: $165.00 - members only (non-refundable) Code - 49747 

Registration starts on Thursday, April 26, 2024 

Booking deadline: Monday, May 27, 2024 

The Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving, promoting and celebrating the 

culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka District. Join us as we travel to scenic Gravenhurst where we will 

board an old-time steamship for a hot lunch and a 2.5 hour cruise experience on beautiful Georgian Bay. 

There is a choice of 2 lunches - when you register in Rec Enroll it will ask you to choose which one you 

would like. Please write it down so you remember which one you chose. 

1) Hot Turkey dinner with roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables and cranberry sauce. 

2) Stuffed Bell Pepper with gluten-free Grain Medley (Rice, Quinoa, Buckwheat), grilled vegetables, 

marinated tempeh, house-made tomato sauce, and mashed potatoes. 

Dessert and coffee or tea will be served with either meal. 

After the cruise, we explore the Muskoka Discovery Centre to enjoy learning about times past in the Muskoka 

region. 

Depart Evergreen Centre: 8:45 a.m.; Carousel: 9:00 a.m. Return to Guelph at approx. 6:30 p.m. 

The cost includes coach transportation, lunch, tip for driver, admission to the Discovery Centre, and all taxes 

and tips. 

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 on Monday, May 27, 2024. 

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 519-837-5699. 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 prepurchase 

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 on Monday, May 

27, 2024. 

Please put the date on your calendar and arrive on time. 


38 

Bistro 683 - May 2024 

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): 

Full Breakfast Plate Sandwiches 

Breakfast Sandwich Homemade Soups 

French Toast 

Fresh Bakery Items 

Toasted Western Sandwich Hamburgers 

Daily Breakfast Specials Salads 

Beverages 

Breakfast is served starting at 9:00 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 as a full and 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. 

CHECK IT OUT!!! 

NOW FOR SALE IN THE BISTRO 

GWSA COFFEE MUGS 

$7.00 (HST INCLUDED) 

BREAKFAST served starting at 9:00 am 

FEATURED LUNCH served 11 am to 1:00 pm 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 

1 

2 

3 

Chicken Pot Pie 

Turkey Burger 

Baby Back Pork 

Ribs 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

Mac and Cheese 

Chicken Biryani 

Salisbury Steak & 

Mushroom Gravy 

Pulled Pork 

Teriyaki Salmon 

Rice Bowl 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

Roasted Pork 

Loin 

Ravioli 

Quiche 

Chicken Enchiladas 

Greek Chicken 

Salad 

20 

CLOSED 

VICTORIA DAY 

21 

Gourmet Grilled 

Cheese & Tomato 

Soup 

22 

Corned Beef Dinner 

23 

Moroccan Chicken 

& Rice 

24 

Mexican Burrito 

Bowl 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

Honey Garlic 

Roasted Chicken 

Thigh 

Liver and Onions 

Turkey Meatloaf 

Beef Pot Roast 

Panko Breaded 

Haddock

May 2024 issue online

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