November 2024 issue

The Sentinel - November 2024

2 

The Sentinel - November 2024 — Vol. 49, No. 3

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 

Pat Gage — President 

Cathryn Cortissoz— Vice-President 

Art Roelofsen — Treasurer 

Linda Jeffrey — Executive Director 

Directors 

Charlie Bishop Sam Montoya 

Karen Kelly Eva Quan 

Elizabeth Steggles Jeff Millard 

Yvonne Thomas Donna Keating 

Audrey Bishop—Admin. Assistant 

Sharon Lamers—Finance Administrator 

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 

TBA — Recreation Program 

Co-ordinator — Senior Services 

Becky MacDonald — Recreation 

Co-ordinator — Volunteers 

Mark Leeming — Chef 

Joan Moynihan — Sous Chef 

Kitchen & Dining Room Staff — Volunteers 

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving – I got 

to spend time with my grandchildren and my son 

and his wife. As the leaves begin to change colour, I 

wanted to give everyone a heads-up about some 

significant changes which will impact the way we 

do business at the Guelph Wellington Seniors 

Association starting in 2025. 

• Currently, the GWSA is a signatory to a five-year 

Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with the 

City of Guelph. We are a tenant of the city and 

every year, we pay the city approximately 

$65,000 for staff support, facility space, office 

supplies, use of the RecEnroll software, 

processing credit and debit card payments. 

• The GWSA relies primarily on membership and 

activity fees to finance our programs. We are a 

not-for-profit corporation, and a registered 

charity managed by a volunteer Board of 

Directors. 

• As many of you know, the GWSA has changed 

over the last few years. Previously, we were a 

volunteer-run organization but over time, we 

have found it necessary to hire full and part-time 

staff to help run our business operations. 

• Since the pandemic, requests from our members 

have doubled and, as a result, the demands on the 

City of Guelph recreation staff have increased. 

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 

• Our Association is an outlier in terms of levels of 

in-kind support and entanglement of our business 

(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). 


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(Continued from page 3) 

operations within the City of Guelph. Recently, the City approached our 

Board and asked that we become more independent. 

• Currently, all our bookings and registrations are through the City’s Perfect 

Mind software, which is owned by the City. If we want any information about 

that programming, we have to ask someone at the City to help us because we 

do not have access to the data. 

• In our initial negotiations, the City has indicated that they are prepared to 

waive our lease costs for the next five years to assist the GWSA to transition 

to a new system. 

• The Board is looking at software used by other Senior Activity Living 

Centres which would allow GWSA to collect our own registration costs. If 

the GWSA takes on this additional responsibility, it will cost us around 

$17,000 to purchase the system and then about $3100 annually. 

• The Board is still determining how to move forward, but I wanted to give you 

all a heads-up that there are going to be changes and I am here to answer 

questions you might have. We will do our best to keep you informed as the 

negotiations continue. 

• In order to prepare for the expected transition, we need all our members to 

update their profile on RecEnroll. You can go to the website at 

www.recenroll.ca or call 519-837-5699. 

Pat Gage - President 

ROYAL CITY MEN’S CLUB 

For a Friendly Alternative 

For men retired from full-time employment. Interesting lectures. Exchange views on topics of mutual 

interest. Participate in social activities. Fellowship. 

The Royal City Men’s Club meets at Trinity Church (400 Stevenson St. N., Guelph) every second 

Thursday of the month from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Alternate Thursdays, we meet locally for coffee. 

For more information, go to www.royalcitymensclub.ca or royalcitymensclub@gmail.com 

Contact Warren Gregg - President 519-837-9611 Bob Berry - Past President 


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THE EDITOR’S PAGE 

by Linda Green 

Eileen Mahoney’s poem 

In Waters Deep 

sums up the loss of sailors during wartime 

In ocean wastes no poppies blow, 

No crosses stand in ordered row, 

There young hearts sleep… 

beneath the wave… 

The spirited, the good, the brave, 

But stars a constant vigil keep, 

For them who lie beneath the deep. 

‘Tis true you cannot kneel in prayer 

On certain spot and think. “He’s there.” 

And they who mourn on distant shore 

For sailors who’ll come home no more, 

Can dry their tears and pray for these 

Who rest beneath the heaving seas… 

For stars that shine and winds that blow 

And whitecaps marching row on row. 

And they can never lonely be 

For when they lived… they chose the sea. 

But you can to the ocean go… 

See whitecaps marching row on row; 

Know one for him will always ride… 

In and out… with every tide. 

And when your span of life is passed, 

He’ll meet you at the “Captain’s Mast.” 

Personalized Calendars 

will not be available this year. 

Sorry for the inconvenience. 

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. 

November 4, 2024 is the deadline for 

submissions for the 

December Sentinel. 

Email submissions to: sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Distribution of the December issue 

Will be Thursday, November 28. 

Editor is not responsible for quality of submitted photos 

(but we’ll do our best). 


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FINAL MEETING TO APPROVE THE GWSA BYLAWS 

MONDAY, NOV. 18TH, FROM 1-3 P.M. 

IN ROOM 4 AT THE EVERGREEN 

All Members interested in discussing the Bylaws please attend. 

A By-law relating generally to the affairs of the 

GUELPH/WELLINGTON SENIORS ASSOCIATION 

BY-LAW 2014 - 02 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

ARTICLE I – DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY 

1.1 DEFINITIONS 

1.2 Terminology 

ARTICLE II - HEAD OFFICE 

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP 

3.1 Membership Class 

3.2 Membership Eligibility 

3.3 Membership Application 

3.4 Membership Fee 

3.5 Membership Termination 

3.6 Membership Transferral 

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERS MEETINGS 

4.1 Meeting Notice 

4.2 Annual General Meetings (AGM) 

4.3 Special Meetings 

4.4 Adjournments 

4.5 Attendance and Quorum 

4.6 Member Voting 

4.7 Proxy Voting 

ARTICLE V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

5.1 Board Composition 

5.2 Director Eligibility 

5.3 Term of Office 

5.4 Board Nominations and Appointments 

5.5 Director Election 

5.6 Director Termination 

5.7 Filling Board Vacancies 

ARTICLE VI - BOARD MEETINGS 

6.1 Board Meeting Management 

6.2 Quorum 

6.3 Virtual Meeting Participation 

6.4 Voting 

6.5 Conflict of Interest 

6.6 Rules of Procedure Start Here 

6.7 Minutes 

6.8 Director and Officer Protection 

6.9 Remuneration and Expenses 

6.10 Duties 

ARTICLE VII COMMITTEES 

7.1 Board Committees 

The Sentinel - November 2024 — Vol. 49, No. 3 

(Continued on page 7)

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7.2 Executive Committee 

7.3 Disciplinary Act or Termination of Membership for Cause 

7.4 Notice 

ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS 

8.1 Election 

8.2 Duties 

8.3 Termination and Vacancy 

ARTICLE IX - CORPORATE RECORDS 

9.1 Required Records 

9.2 Director Access to Records 

9.3 Member Access to Records 

ARTICLE X - BANKING, SIGNING AUTHORITY, AND CONTRACTS 

10.1 Banking and Signing Authority 

10.2 Contract Execution 

ARTICLE XI - BORROWING POWERS 

ARTICLE XII - DISSOLUTION 

ARTICLE XIII - BY-LAW AMENDMENT 

GUELPH/WELLINGTON SENIORS ASSOCIATION (“GWSA”) 

BY-LAW 2024-06-19 

WHEREAS the Objects of GWSA are as follows: 

To make opportunities available for development and maintenance of the physical and psychological well-being and 

personal independence of the older adult population of Guelph and Wellington County through: 

(a) identifying the physical, social, psychological, and economic needs of older adults; 

(b) provision of staff, facilities, and programs to meet those needs; and 

(c) promotion of a structured organization of older adults to maximize the use of their knowledge and skills. 

AND WHEREAS GWSA was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation by its Letters Patent issued November 6, 1989; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT this By-law be enacted to set out how GWSA shall conduct its business. 

This By-law shall take effect on June 19, 2024, and upon that date, all previous By-laws of GWSA are hereby revoked. 

ARTICLE 1 – DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY 

1.1 Definitions 

In this By-law and all other By-laws and resolutions of GWSA, unless the context otherwise requires: 

(a) “Act” means the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA), 2021 (Ontario) and, where the context requires, 

includes the regulations made under it, as amended, or re-enacted from time to time. 

(b) “Association” means the association that has passed these by-laws under the Act or that is deemed to have passed 

these by-laws under the Act. 

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the GWSA. 

(d) “By-laws” means this by-law (including the schedules to this by-law) and all other by-laws of the Association as 

amended and which are, from time to time, in force. 

(e) “Chair” means Chair of the Board. 

(f) “Director” means an individual occupying the position of Director of the Association. 

(g) “Member” means a member of GWSA as defined herein. 

(h) “Members” means the collective membership of the Association. 

(i) “Fiscal Year” means April 1 to March 31, unless the Board by resolution determines otherwise. 

(j) “Older adult” shall mean an individual who is at least 55 years of age. 

(k) “Ordinary Resolution” means a resolution approved by at least a majority (50% + 1) of the votes cast. 

(l) “Person” includes an individual, corporation, organization, association, limited or general partnership, joint venture, 

syndicate, and any other legal or business entity. 

(m) “Proposal” shall mean a proposed resolution which shall be submitted to the members for a vote at an Annual General 

Meeting (AGM). 



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(n) “Record Date” shall mean the close of business on the day immediately before the day on which notice of the AGM 

is given. 

(o) “Resolution” shall mean an Ordinary Resolution unless otherwise specified. 

(p) “Special Resolution” means a resolution approved by at least two-thirds of the votes cast. 

(q) “Virtual meeting” means using methods such as telephonic or electronic means, ensuring that all can communicate 

with each other simultaneously and instantaneously. 

1.2 Terminology 

In these By-laws, the following terminology shall apply: 

(a) Shall indicates a mandatory requirement. When "shall" is used in the By-laws, compliance is essential, and the specified 

condition or action is obligatory. 

(b) Should indicates a recommendation. When "should" is used, it suggests a best practice or a preferred course of action. 

Although not mandatory, adherence is encouraged for optimal outcomes. 

(c) May implies a permissive or optional provision. When "may" is used, it indicates that the described action or condition 

is discretionary, and users have the flexibility to choose whether to implement it. 

ARTICLE II - HEAD OFFICE 

The GWSA head office shall be in the City of Guelph at 683 Woolwich Street (Evergreen Seniors Centre), in the County 

of Wellington, in the Province of Ontario. 

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP 

3.1 Membership Class 

GWSA shall have one class of membership. Each Member shall be entitled to one vote and shall have the right to vote 

on all matters brought before the Members. 

3.2 Membership Eligibility 

Association membership eligibility shall be based on the following criteria: 

(a) older adults residing in Ontario who support the GWSA’s objectives, vision, and values; 

(b) the spouse or partner of an Association member; 

(c) those under age 55 requesting approval to join for special circumstances (e.g., health or social reasons). 

See also Membership Policy and Procedure. 

3.3 Membership Application 

Individuals interested in becoming a Member, or in renewing their membership, shall submit the following online or in 

person at the Evergreen Seniors’ Centre: 

(a) Application: including information requested by the Board; and 

(b) Annual Fee: an amount determined periodically in accordance with Clause 3.4. 

The term of membership shall be for one year from the date of receipt of application and the annual fee. 

3.4 Membership Fee 

The annual membership fee for the following year shall be approved by Board resolution no later than 30 days before 

the fiscal year end. Notice of the approved membership fee shall be posted on the GWSA website and shall appear in 

the GWSA newsletter as soon as reasonably possible. 

3.5 Membership Termination 

3.5.1 Criteria 

A membership to GWSA ends when 

(a) a membership expires without renewal; 

(b) dues and activity fees have not been paid; 

(c) the Member dies; 

(d) the Member is no longer eligible under this By-law; 

(e) GWSA is liquidated or dissolved; or 

(f) an Ordinary Board Resolution, approved in an in-camera meeting, or a motion to terminate a membership is approved, 

on the grounds that a Member is: 

(i) not following GWSA’s rules (e.g., LETTERS PATENT, By-laws, policies), or other legal requirements; 

(ii) behaving in a way harmful to GWSA, as determined by the Board; or 



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(iii) any other reason the Board deems reasonable in line with GWSA’s objectives, vision, and values. 

3.5.2 Resolution Process 

When the Board considers a resolution to terminate a membership, the process shall be conducted fairly and in good 

faith. The Member in question has the right to 

(a) receive at least 15 days' written notice with reasons for the resolution; and 

(b) submit a written statement opposing the resolution, which shall be shared with all Directors if received by the Executive 

Director or President at least six days before the next scheduled Board meeting. 

After membership termination for any reason, the Member loses all rights, including any rights to GWSA property. However, 

the Member remains responsible for the full annual membership fee for the current year. 

3.6 Membership Transferral 

Membership is not transferrable. 

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERS MEETINGS 

4.1 Meeting Notice 

GWSA shall hold at least one annual meeting, known as the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Additional meetings, called 

'Special Meetings,' may be convened by the Chair as needed. 

Notice of a Members' meeting shall be posted on the GWSA website, published in the newsletter, and electronically 

sent to Members who have a valid email address, no later than 21 days before the meeting. 

Notice shall also be sent to Directors and to the Person appointed to conduct an audit or review engagement of the corporation. 

Background materials for informed decision-making shall be posted on the GWSA website no later than five days before 

the meeting or provided in print upon request. 

Errors or omissions in meeting notices shall not invalidate the meeting or its conducted business. 

Members may waive their right to be notified and later approve or ratify actions taken at a meeting they missed. 

4.2 Annual General Meetings (AGM) 

4.2.1 AGM Frequency 

The AGM shall be held in Guelph, Ontario, or at a location chosen by the Board. 

Upon request, any Member shall be provided, with the following documents at least 21 days before the AGM: 

(a) the approved financial statements; 

(b) the auditor’s report or review engagement report; 

(c) any changes to the Association By-Laws; and 

(d) other financial information required by the By-laws. 

The Board shall call AGMs no more than 15 months after the previous AGM, and no more than six months after the Fiscal 

Year End. 

4.2.2 Virtual Meetings 

To enhance communication, the Board of Directors may choose to hold the AGM virtually. Members participating virtually 

are considered present. 

Meetings of the Members shall be open only to: 

(a) Members eligible to vote or their proxyholder; 

(b) the auditor or reviewer; and 

(c) guests invited by the Chair or by resolution of attending Members. 

4.2.3 AGM Business 

The AGM agenda shall cover: 

(a) approval of the previous AGM minutes; 

(b) review of financial statements; 

(c) presentation and approval of the auditor’s report; 

(d) appointment of the auditor for the coming year; 

(e) consideration of any proposed By-law amendments; 

(f) election of Directors; and 

(g) any other business specified in the meeting notice. 



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No other business shall be included on the AGM agenda unless a Member’s proposal has been given to the Executive 

Director or President at least 30 days before the AGM, so that it can be included in the AGM meeting notice. 

4.3 Special Meetings 

The Board may call Special Meetings of the Members at any time to address business not covered in the AGM. The notice 

for a Special Meeting shall specify the business to be discussed, including any resolutions. Only the stated 

business shall be addressed at the meeting. 

If a written request is received from at least 10% or 10 Members (whichever is less) eligible to vote, the Board shall call 

a Special Meeting within 21 days. The request should outline the general nature of the business to be presented. This 

meeting shall follow the same procedures as regular meetings and only address the specified business from the request. 

4.4 Adjournments 

Members' meetings may be adjourned to any time and any unfinished business from the original meeting may be 

completed at a reconvened meeting. 

4.5 Attendance and Quorum 

The Board may decide, through a resolution, that Members can join a meeting either in person or by proxy. 

For any AGM or Special Members meeting to proceed, there shall be at least 25 Members present, either in person, by 

proxy, or as approved by the Board, to establish a quorum. 

4.6 Member Voting 

Decisions at any Members meeting shall be made by a majority vote, unless specified otherwise by the By-laws. The 

following shall also apply: 

(a) Only Members who have applied to be a Member and paid the annual membership fee by the Record Date shall be 

eligible to attend and vote. 

(b) Each eligible Member shall be entitled to one vote. 

(c) For a show of hands vote (unless a written ballot is requested), the Chair's declaration and a note in the minutes 

shall serve as evidence of a carried resolution. 

(d) Abstention shall not be considered a vote. 

(e) Votes shall be taken by a show of hands among all present Members. If there is a tie, the resolution shall fail. 

4.7 Proxy Voting 

A Member allowed to vote at a meeting may appoint a proxy, using a Board-approved form that specifies the 

meeting. The proxy should attend and act at the meeting on behalf of the Member. Proxy holders shall be GWSA 

Members. 

All proxies shall be submitted to the Executive Director or President at least two days before the meeting. 

ARTICLE V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

5.1 Board Composition 

GWSA’s affairs shall be managed by a Board of a Directors structured as follows: 

(a) One Chair and one Vice-Chair. 

(b) A maximum of twelve and a minimum of nine Directors elected by the Members. 

(c) The immediate Past President may serve as a non-voting, ex-officio Director for one year after their term ends. 

(d) One Treasurer, who is an elected Director. 

(e) The Secretary and Executive Director shall serve as ex-officio, non-elected, non-voting members. 

The Chair shall preside at Board meetings. If the Chair is not available, the Vice-Chair should take on the Chair's duties. 

If there is no Vice-Chair, another Director appointed by the Board should step in. 

5.2 Director Eligibility 

The following persons shall not be eligible to serve as a Director: 

(a) non-individual entities (e.g., corporations, partnerships, or other forms of non-human legal entities); 

(b) individuals declared incapable of managing property under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, or the Mental Health 

Act; 

(c) individuals found incapable by any court in Canada or elsewhere; 

(d) individuals with bankrupt status; 

(e) individuals convicted of an indictable offence; or 



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(d) individuals who are not GWSA Members or have not become a member within 10 days of becoming a Director, or 

ceasing to be a Member for any reason, including termination by the Board. 

5.3 Term of Office 

Elected Directors shall serve for a term of three years, beginning at the close of the AGM where they are elected. Unless 

they have been terminated in accordance with Clause 5.6, they shall continue to hold office until the close of the 

AGM three years after their election, or until a successor is elected. 

An elected Director shall serve a maximum of six consecutive years. After a break of at least two years from the Board, 

they may be eligible for re-election. 

5.4 Board Nominations and Appointments 

Before each AGM, the Governance Committee shall consider and recommend candidates for nomination to the Board 

equal to the vacancies. 

At the AGM, Members can also nominate a qualified candidate (see Clause 5.2) for election to the Board. 

5.5 Director Election 

GWSA Directors shall be elected by the Members at the AGM. The election shall be by a show of hands unless there 

are more candidates than vacancies, in which case the election shall be by ballot. 

If the Members fail to elect the required number of Directors, the incumbent Directors should continue in office until 

their successors are elected. 

Following the election, in compliance with Government filing requirements, each Director shall complete a Consent to 

Act as a Director form within 10 days. 

5.6 Director Termination 

A Director serving a term shall stop holding office if they 

(a) submit their written resignation and effective date to the Chair of the Board; 

(b) become disqualified based on eligibility criteria in Clause 5.2; 

(c) are removed by an Ordinary Resolution at a Special Board Meeting; 

(d) die; 

(e) become bankrupt; 

(f) are found to be incapable of managing property by a court or under Ontario law; or 

(g) are deemed to have resigned by failing to attend 70% of Board meetings in a 12-month period. 

5.7 Filling Board Vacancies 

A Board vacancy shall be filled by the Governance Committee nomination process as follows: 

(a) Any qualified Member (see Clause 5.2) shall complete and submit a Board Position Description, Appendix A indicating 

their interest and relevant experience. 

(b) Qualified candidates shall be interviewed by 

(i) the City of Guelph Recreation Volunteer Co-ordinator; and 

(ii) at least two members of the Governance Committee; 

(c) Approved candidates shall be submitted to the Board for final consideration. 

ARTICLE VI - BOARD MEETINGS 

6.1 Board Meeting Management 

The following shall apply to the management of Board meetings: 

(a) The Board should hold at least ten meetings between each Annual General Meeting. 

(b) The Chair or their delegate shall call meetings. 

(c) Meetings shall take place in Guelph. 

(d) Regular GWSA Members can attend Board meetings if invited by the Chair. 

(e) The Chair shall set the agenda for each meeting. 

(f) Agendas shall be circulated to Directors at least five days before the meeting. 

(g) The Chair or delegate shall preside at Board meetings. 

(h) The Board shall conduct closed sessions (i.e., in camera) to address sensitive information (e.g., legal, human resources, 

land acquisition) and preserve confidentiality. 

(i) Agendas should be published one week in advance, and minutes circulated to Directors for approval within seven 

days after the Board meeting. 



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(j) Hard copies of approved Board minutes should be added to the Book Nook binder within a month for members to 

access. 

(k) No error in the meeting notice shall invalidate a meeting. 

(l) Special Board meetings may be called for urgent matters with 24 hours' notice, and only specified matters shall be 

discussed. 

6.2 Quorum 

A quorum for Board business shall constitute a majority of Directors, with at least six present in person or virtually. 

Ex-officio non-voting members shall not be counted when determining quorum. 

When there is a quorum, Directors may exercise all Board powers. However, without a quorum, no business shall be 

conducted, except to 

(a) work towards achieving quorum; 

(b) adjourn; 

(c) take a recess; or 

(d) set the adjournment time. 

6.3 Virtual Meeting Participation 

With the agreement of all Directors, a Director may join a Board meeting virtually. In such cases, the participating Director 

shall be considered present at the meeting. 

6.4 Voting 

Each Director shall have one vote. Decisions at Board meetings shall be made by a majority vote, usually through a 

show of hands. If there is a tie, however, the resolution shall fail. 

The Chair's declaration and a note in the minutes shall serve as evidence of a carried resolution. 

6.5 Conflict of Interest 

A Director who, directly or indirectly, has an interest in an Association contract or transaction, or a proposed one, shall 

disclose it and request to have it entered into the Board minutes, and shall not participate in any part of the Board 

meeting or vote on a resolution to approve such a contract or transaction. 

6.6 Rules of Procedure Start here 

Board meetings shall adhere to a simplified Robert’s Rules of Order. Specifically, the following shall apply: 

(a) Quorum shall be confirmed for business to be conducted (see Clause 6.2). 

(b) All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations. 

(c) No person shall speak until recognized by the Chair. 

(d) Personal remarks or side discussions during debate shall be ruled out of order. 

(e) Only one question at a time shall be considered, and only one person shall have the floor. 

6.7 Minutes 

The Secretary, Executive Director, or their designate shall record minutes at all Board meetings. The minutes shall include: 

(a) the time the meeting was called to order; 

(b) the names of all Directors present and absent; 

(c) the names of any attending guests, if any; 

(d) declaration of conflict of interest; 

(e) the approval of the current agenda and minutes from the previous meeting; 

(f) motions, indicating the mover and seconder; 

(g) the outcome of each motion, whether carried or defeated; 

(h) informational items, including correspondence received by the Board; 

(i) reports from the Board committees; 

(j) the time when any Director leaves or joins the meeting; and 

(k) the time the meeting was recessed or adjourned. 

6.8 Director and Officer Protection 

The Association shall purchase Directors’ and Officers’ Liability insurance each year. 

No Director, Officer, or Association Committee Member shall be held liable for the acts, neglects, or defaults of any 

other Director, Officer, Committee Member, or employee of the Association. In addition, the following shall apply: 



13 


(a) They shall not be liable for participating in any receipt or for any loss, damage, or expense incurred by the Association 

due to title insufficiency or deficiency in any property acquired by Board resolution on behalf of the Association. 

(b) They shall not be held accountable for the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in which the Association's money 

is invested, or for any loss or damage resulting from the bankruptcy, insolvency, or wrongful act of any person, 

firm, or Association where Association funds, securities, or effects are lodged or deposited. 

(c) They shall not be held responsible for any other loss, damage, or misfortune arising in the execution of their duties, 

provided they have: 

(i) complied with the Act and the Association's articles and by-laws; and 

(ii) exercised their powers and discharged their duties in accordance with the Act. 

6.9 Remuneration and Expenses 

The Directors and elected Officers shall serve without remuneration and shall not receive any financial gain, either directly 

or indirectly, by serving as a Director. However, a Director or Officer may be reimbursed for reasonable traveling 

and other expenses incurred in performing duties on behalf of GWSA and attending meetings, subject to Board approval. 

6.10 Duties 

Every Director and Officer, in exercising their powers and discharging their duties to the Association, shall: 

(a) act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Association; 

(b) exercise the care, diligence, and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances; 

and 

(c) comply with the Act and its Regulations, and GWSA’s Letters Patent or Articles, By-laws, and policies. 

ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES 

7.1 Board Committees 

The Board shall have the authority to create Committees to handle tasks as decided by the Board. Committees shall present 

reports and recommendations to the Board. However, unless expressly authorized by Board Resolution, or in the 

case of the Executive Committee by this By-Law, Committees shall not take actions that could obligate the Board. 

The Board may, at its discretion, assign Directors and Members to serve on Committees, with the condition that at least 

one member of each committee is a Director. 

All Board committees shall record meeting minutes. 

7.2 Executive Committee 

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Executive Director, Treasurer, and one other 

Director. Only elected Directors on the committee shall have voting rights. 

The Board may delegate its powers to the Executive Committee, subject to restrictions in this By-law or set by the 

Board. The Executive Committee's decisions shall be reported to the Board at the next meeting. 

The Board may also assign the Executive Committee to review and recommend actions, including on annual budgets. 

A quorum for the Executive Committee requires a majority of voting members. 

The Executive Director or their designate shall record meeting minutes and submit them to the Board before the next 

Board meeting. 

7.3 Disciplinary Act or Termination of Membership for Cause 

Upon 15 days written notice to a Member, the Board shall have the authority to pass a resolution for disciplinary action 

or membership termination due to a violation of these By-laws. The resolution and subsequent notice shall set out the 

reasons for the disciplinary action or termination of membership. 

The Member, upon receiving the notice, shall have the right to provide the Board with a written submission opposing 

the disciplinary action or termination. This submission shall be submitted at least five days before the end of the 15-day 

period. The Board shall review the member's written submission before making a final decision regarding disciplinary 

action or termination of membership. 

7.4 Notice 

At least ten and not more than 50 days' written notice of any annual or special Members’ meeting shall be provided to 

each Member and the auditor or appointed person for a review engagement, as specified in the Act. 

Notice of meetings involving special business shall include enough information for Members to make an informed deci- 



14 


sion. Each meeting notice shall also remind Members of the right to vote by proxy (add link to clause). 

ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS 

8.1 Election 

GWSA Officers shall consist of the President, Vice President, and Treasurer. 

The Board should elect the Officers by resolution for a one-year term at its first post-AGM meeting or as soon as possible. 

These Officers shall be authorized to carry out duties as specified by the Board. 

If it is not possible to elect Officers, the current Officers shall continue in office until their successors are later elected by 

the Board. 

8.2 Duties 

The Board shall periodically determine the Officers' Duties and may delegate the power to manage the Association’s 

affairs (if resolved by the Board) as follows: 

(a) The President, also serving as Chair, shall 

(i) preside over Member, Board, and Executive Committee meetings; 

(ii) be responsible for overseeing GWSA's business; and 

(iii) serve as the spokesperson for the Board unless delegating to an alternate. 

(b) In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall 

(i) perform the President's duties and other assignments from the Board; and 

(ii) also serve as Vice-Chair of the Board. 

(c) The Treasurer shall 

(i) in consultation with the Finance Committee, ensure accurate financial records; 

(ii) oversee the disbursement of funds as directed by the Board; 

(iii) regularly reports GWSA's financial position to the Board; and 

(iv) performs other duties determined by the Board and may delegate some tasks to another Officer or GWSA staff. 

(d) The Executive Director shall be responsible for 

(i) ensuring that all required corporate records are kept; 

(ii) all notices are given to Members and Directors; and 

(iii) other duties as may be determined by the Board. 

8.3 Termination and Vacancy 

Officers shall cease to hold office under the following circumstances: 

(a) written resignation; 

(b) death; or 

(c) removal by Ordinary Resolution of the Board, at the sole and absolute discretion of the Board. 

If an office becomes vacant before the term ends, the Board should convene a meeting within four weeks to elect a 

new Officer. 

If the President's office is vacant, the Vice-President shall serve as Interim President until a new President is elected. 

The Board may, at its sole discretion, delegate any Officer's powers to another Officer or Director as needed. 

ARTICLE IX - CORPORATE RECORDS 

9.1 Required Records 

GWSA shall keep and maintain the following records at its registered office, or at a location determined by the Board: 

(a) the Articles and By-laws, and any amendments to them; 

(b) the minutes and resolutions of all Members’ meetings; 

(c) the minutes and resolutions of all Board of Directors meetings; 

(d) a register of Directors, Officers, and Members; 

(e) accounting records sufficient for the Directors to assess the Association’s financial position at least annually; 

(f) a copy of the financial statements; 

(g) Consent to act as a Director Form from each individual elected as a Director of the Association. 



15 


9.2 Director Access to Records 

Any such records shall be open to inspection by the Directors. Copies shall be provided upon request at no cost to the 

Director. 

9.3 Member Access to Records 

A Member or legal representative can examine and, on payment of a reasonable fee, take extracts from the records 

referred to in items (d) and (e) in Clause 9.1. 

A Member is entitled on request and free of charge to one copy of the Articles and By-laws, including any amendments 

to them. 

ARTICLE X - BANKING, SIGNING AUTHORITY, AND CONTRACTS 

10.1 Banking and Signing Authority 

The Board shall, through Resolution as needed, specify the financial institutions that will safeguard the Association's 

money. The Board shall authorize Officers and designated individuals to execute necessary documents (e.g., deeds, 

transfers, assignments, contracts, obligations, and other instruments). In the absence of a Resolution, any two of the 

President, Vice President, or President and Treasurer shall have such authority. 

Any two of the President, Vice President, and Treasurer shall be authorized to conduct banking for GWSA. 

Documents executed under this By-law clause shall bind GWSA without additional steps. 

10.2 Contract Execution 

Deeds, transfers, assignments, contracts, obligations, and other written instruments requiring execution by the Association 

shall be signed by any two of the President, Vice President, and Treasurer, and the Executive Director. Furthermore, 

the Board may, at times, specify how and by whom a particular document or type of document shall be executed. 

Any Director has the authority to certify a copy of any instrument, resolution, by-law, or other Association document 

as a true copy. 

ARTICLE XI - BORROWING POWERS 

The Board may borrow money without the authorization of the Members, subject to borrowing restrictions applicable 

to registered charities. 

ARTICLE XII - DISSOLUTION 

Upon the dissolution of GWSA and after the payment of all its debts and liabilities, GWSA assets shall be distributed to 

a successor charity serving the Guelph Wellington older adults’ community, if one exists. If there is no successor organization, 

the assets shall be distributed to a registered charity in Ontario with similar objectives. 

ARTICLE XIII - BY-LAW AMENDMENT 

The Board may pass, amend, or repeal this By-law, except if contrary to the Act. If the Board approves amendments, it 

shall present them to the Members at the next Members' meeting. 

Any amendment by the Board shall take effect from the Board's resolution date but ceases if not submitted to Members 

at the next Members' meeting. 

Notice of changes, with the complete text of the revised By-law, shall be given to Members at least 30 days before the 

meeting. 

Resolved by this Board this 19 th day of June 2024. 

Pat Gage, Chair 

Cathryn Cortissoz 


16 

Volunteer Corner from Becky MacDonald 

Volunteer with the Guelph Wellington Seniors 

Association (GWSA) 

Great ways to get involved, meet new friends, give back 

to your community and utilize your skills and experience 

or learn something new! 

The Committee provides content and messaging advice 

to the webmaster for the website and social media 

accounts and prepares monthly GWSA Email Updates. 

Marketing and recruitment experience would be an asset 

but are not required. 

Other Volunteer Opportunities: 

GWSA COMMITTEES 

A valid GWSA membership is required. 

GWSA Board of Directors 

Looking for two new members to join the team. The 

Board meets on the 3 rd Wednesday of the month in the 

mornings except July. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience applicable to a notfor-profit 

board: commitment to actively supporting 

programs and services for seniors; willingness and ability 

to represent the GWSA in a professional manner; proven 

ability to work co-operatively with others. 

Welcome & Information Desk 

There is an opening on Friday afternoons from 12:00-3:00 

to assist with greeting the community and GWSA 

members, providing tours, answering questions and 

assisting when required with other tasks. This is a covolunteer 

weekly position. 

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. 

Friday Dishes – interested in joining a dynamic team? 

The Bistro is in need of a new team member on Fridays to 

operate the industrial dishwasher. 

Governance Committee 

Looking for two new members to join the team. 

Morning meetings 4-6 times per year or once a month at 

the call of the chair. 

Assists the Board of Directors with the development 

and review of bylaws, policies, and procedures for the 

Association. 

Experience in governance with a not-for-profit 

organization, and comfortable working with documents or 

willingness to learn would be assets. 

Membership & Marketing Committee 

Looking for two new members to join the team that meets 

on the 4 th 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. 

How to get involved? 

Decide which position interests you the most. 

Complete an online application form: https://gwsaguelph.ca/1749-2/. 

No computer? Paper forms are 

available upon request at all community centres. You will 

be contacted regarding the area of interest you select. 

Complete an in-person or virtual interview. 

Complete the necessary online training that will be sent 

following the interview. 

Review dates and times for your scheduled volunteer 

position. 

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. 


17 

A Trip Down Memory Lane 

Several members of the Writing Your Life Story 

group had the chance to travel to Toronto to meet a 

man who is 100 years old. At 90 years of age, he 

decided to write his life story. 

When asked what inspired him to write his story, 

he said he just sat at the computer and started to 

write. As he started to write, his mind went way back 

remembering stories of his childhood. He started to 

think of what the important things would be to write 

about. At this point, he decided he needed a prologue 

to his book, so he asked his wife if she would write 

that for him. She agreed, as long as he put his book 

on hold and helped her to write her own life story. It 

took her two years to write her book, then Leon 

started on his book. He recalls that his book took him 

two years to write as well. 

He started by acknowledging who his family were, 

and where they came from. He told of how they 

came to Canada. He relied on what he knew, and 

what other family members knew to keep the details 

as true as they could be. As a child, he listened to 

what his father and friends spoke about as they 

walked, and he retained that knowledge. He was able 

to draw from these rememberings for his story. 

He recounted stories of the premonitions he had 

before the passing of his grandmother, and his father. 

He also recounted stories of his time in the army 

during WWII, as a telegraphy instructor. 

Throughout his story, Leon added bits of history; 

stories of what was happening in the world while his 

life was being lived. This helped to enrich the story 

he told. 

The difficult times in his life were written about, 

and when asked how he got through these stories, 

Leon replied that he just had to get them off his 

chest, so he wrote them out. 

Words of wisdom from Leon: Be careful not to 

irritate people. Tell those you include in your story 

what you are writing about, so they won’t be 

surprised. Give those people copies of the finished 

product. Be diligent, don’t give up. You never see 

yourself as others see you, but keep going anyway. 

When asked about aging and facing the challenges 

which come with it, his reply was simply “Accept 

life as it is and don’t become a burden. Keep active.” 

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 

Women’s bicycle for sale. Excellent condition. Includes 

helmet, air pump and saddlebag. Asking $150 OBO. Call 

519-821-9797. 

Small Electric Lawnmower. 14” Very light and easy to 

push. Used for 3 seasons. $55.00. Aeropilates Exerciser as 

advertised on TSC. Never used. DVD and all accessories 

included. $300.00. Armstrong Flute with Case. Great for a 

beginner. $40.00. Yamaha Viola, Case, Bow and Rosen. 

$40.00. Paperback Books. Left Behind The Kids by J 

Jenkins and T. LaHaye. A series of 40 books. $50.00. Cat 

Bed. $10.00. (My cat prefers my bed.) Call Lorraine at 519- 

763-0962 or email at lorjohnston1@gmail.com. 

Halloween and Fall door decorations. Approximately 20 

assorted available from $15-$20 each. Contact Judie at 226- 

203-5190. 

Wheelchair - purchased new and used only for a couple of 

weeks. Manual included. Asking $750. Call Kathy at (519) 

824-0238. 

WANTED 

Wanting to buy a one-person tent. Please call Lis at 226- 

668-9144. 

I need someone to blow/shovel my driveway and shovel my 

steps. Call 519-824-7950. 

Free advertising for GWSA members ONLY. 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME 

AND PHONE NUMBER WITH YOUR ITEM(S). 


18 

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 twomonth 

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. 

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 9:30-11:30 am to work on your personal 

beadwork and jewelry projects. Leslie will facilitate 

impromptu mini-classes on Metis beadworking. 

Cost $2.00 per session. beading@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Book Club 1 

Book Club 1 meets in the Board Room at the 

Evergreen Centre on the last Friday of the month 

from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For November, we will 

be reading “The Art Thief” by Michael Finkel. Our 

December book is “A Woman in the Library” by 

Sulari Gentill. Monthly fee is $3.00. 

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 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 

non-members. Please register at the front desk for 

each session before joining us in the Computer 

Room, now Room 1. 

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 out and give Darts a try. We are a social group 

and have darts for loan so you can see if this is for 

you. You are welcome to try 3 times before you pay 

Dart membership. We play on Tuesday and Friday 

mornings 10 - noon, and go out for lunch on the last 

Friday of each month. 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 

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 the hall on Mondays from 1:30-4:30 

p.m. 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. 

Due to the closure of the Evergreen Centre for the 

month of September, Peer Learning classes began in 

early October and continue into early December. 

The following new topics will be offered: 

Mondays 9:30 – 11:30 am Current Events 

Thursdays 9:30 – 11:30 am The New Technologies 

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 

19 



20 


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. 

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: 

rughooking@gwsa-guelph.ca. 

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: 

scrabble@gwsa-guelph.ca. 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 payas-you-go 

$2 participation fee after 3 tryouts. 

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. 

silverstrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca 

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. 

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 $70.00 (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 Room 2. 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 

If you are interested in walking indoors during the 

fall/winter, the Walking Club will be walking 

Wednesday mornings from 10:45 am to 11:45 am at 

the Guelph Sports Dome (375 College Ave. West). 

We recommend that you be there around 10:30, to 

hang up your coat and change to indoor shoes. No 

outdoor shoes are allowed on the turf surface. 

If you are not already a Walking Club member, you 

can register online through RecEnroll or at the front 

desk of the Evergreen Centre. There is a $10 annual 

fee and you must be an active member of the GWSA. 

If you are interested in helping with this group or 

would like any additional information, please contact 

walkingclub@gwsa-guelph.ca. 

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. 

West Hills Art Group 

The West Hills Art Group has gathered for many 

years to create and display original paintings, 

drawings and event cards, enjoying conversation and 

sharing individual skills with other artists. 

Member artists at all levels are welcome to create 

their acrylic, watercolour, mixed media and cut-andpaste 

event card works of art. 

Writers Club 

Do you enjoy writing down your experiences, ideas, 

and opinions? If you would like to share your 

compositions in a round table, small group setting, 

please come along. 

Our meetings are the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of 

the month from 1-3 p.m. in Room 1. This activity is 

open to all GWSA members. The cost is $2 per visit. 

We do not meet in July and August. 

Please drop in and see if you would enjoy our 

activity. Bring along a composition of your own to 

entertain us! 

For more information, please contact Susan at 

writersclub@gwsa-guelph.ca. 

Writing Your Life Story 

Researching and writing your Life Story can prove a 

very worthwhile activity. Your children and 

grandchildren will enjoy learning about your life. 

You will too! As you concentrate on remembering 

events in your past, you will discover details you 

thought were forgotten. Useful tools to help you 

remember the past are old photograph albums, 

journals, diaries and letters. You may be fortunate 

enough to have siblings and cousins who shared your 

younger years. All these can help fill in some of the 

“blanks”. Our Group is ongoing and you are 

welcome to join any time. We meet weekly, on 

Thursdays at 1:00 pm in the Boardroom. However, 

our numbers are limited by the number of chairs in 

that room. If interested and to see if there is space 

available, please contact Jennifer Blackie at 519-824- 

7204 or e-mail writingyourlifestory@gwsaguelph.ca. 

21 


22 

OUR EVERGREEN LIBRARY 

We are open 

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

You Are Here, by Chris Hadfield 

Chris Hadfield is a famous Canadian, best known as a former astronaut. He is also an accomplished author 

of both non-fiction and fiction books. Furthermore, he is an enthusiastic photographer. His book titled “You 

Are Here - Around the World in 92 Minutes” combines his non-fiction writing skill with his passion for 

photography. 

The book is full of photos taken while he was orbiting the earth in the International Space Station. He 

begins the book by saying the International Space Station completes an orbit of earth every 92 minutes. 

While he was there, he took about 45,000 photographs. 

This book is a collection of some of his favourite photos, along with his related explanations and thoughts. 

The variety of views of earth is awesome. The accompanying narratives provide perspective that is 

extremely useful for readers to understand what they are seeing. 

This book is entertaining as a quick casual read, or as a more lengthy contemplation of the photographic art. 

The choice is yours. Either way, you will be amazed. 

Written by: 

Joe Freamo 


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. 

23 

Art In The Hall 

Kim Taylor 

ArtInTheHall@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Art Studio 

Evergreen Room 2 

Jennifer Storey 

ArtStudio@gwsa-guelph.ca 

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

$25/year 

Badminton 


Michael Gareau (365-292-0078) 

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 

Beading & Jewelry Making 

Board Room 

Beading@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays 9:30-11:30 am 

$2/visit 

Bid Euchre on Thursdays 


John Finamore (519-993-8221) 

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 (519-217-8986) 

Euchre-Friday@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays - 1:30-4:00 pm 

$2/visit 

Book Club 1 

Board Room 

Veronica Sanche (519-767-9991) 

BookClub1@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Last Friday of month - 1-2:30 pm 

$3/visit 

Book Club 2 

Board Room 

Lynne Oxley (416-918-7466) 

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 (519-831-1387) 

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 

Claude Bilodeau 

CanoeClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Canoe season runs from the Meet-N-Greet in April to the 

end of September. Canoe outings are generally every 

Thursday and Friday. 

$75/year 

Chess Club 

Hall 

Bruce Hurst (519-831-4340) 

ChessClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays – 10 am-12 pm 

$2/visit 



24 


Computer Club 

Room 1 

Ross Knechtel (226-706-4058) 

Ken Chupa (519-829-2476) 

ComputerClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

January, March, May, September, November 

2nd Monday - 2-4 pm 

$3/visit 

Computer Mentoring 

Room 1 

Ken Chupa (519-829-2476) 

Computer.mentors@gwsa-guelph.ca 

No appointment necessary. 

Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm 

$3/visit 

Craft Club 


Sheila Robinson (519-836-9478) 

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 (519-400-9136) 

DartsClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

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

$25/year 

Diabetes Support Group 

Room 1 

Bill MacDonald (519-400-0950) 

DiabetesSupport@gwsa-guelph.ca 

2nd Tuesday – 11 am -12 pm 

4th Tuesday – 10 am -12 pm 

Golf 

Tom Kane (519-827-1475) 

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 (519-760-9415) 

Donna (519-831-0943) 


linedancing@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Mondays – 8:30 to noon 

Thursdays – 1:00 to 3:15 p.m. 

Mah Jongg 

Hall 

Leona Petri (519-546-9993) 

MahJong@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Mondays - 1:30-4:30 p.m. 

Peer Learning 

Boardroom 

Barb McLeod (519-823-2531) 

PeerLearning@gwsa-guelph.ca 

$18/session 

Pickleball 

Pickleball@gwsa-guelph.ca 

We play at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre and 

the West End Community Centre. Players play against 

similar skill levels. 

$60/year 

Currently we are full and not accepting new participants 

Quilting 


Beryl Drohan (519-827-0120) 

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 (647-580-5780) 

Scrabble@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Thursdays - 1:00-3:30 pm 

$2/visit 

Shuffleboard 


Carolina Augello (519-824-2853) 

Shuffleboard@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 1-3 pm 

$25/year 

Silver Drummers 

Room 3 

Sandy Isaacs 

SilverDrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Thursdays 10:30 to 11:30 am 

$2/visit 


25 


New Activity! Silver Ringers 

Room 1 

Ann Sneyd (519-830-6640) 

silverringers@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays 2:00-3:30 pm 

$30 

Silver Strummers 

Room 3 

SilverStrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays - Beginners 12-1 pm 

Experienced 1-2 pm 

$65/year 

Silvertones Choir 

Room 3 

Membership Enquiries: 

Darlene Pembleton (519-822-0704) 

Silvertones@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays 2:00 - 3:30 pm 

$54.24/year 

Evergreen Snooker Club 

Evergreen Snooker Room 

Brian Yasvinski (905-301-2786) 

Snooker@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Daily - 9:00 am-4:00 pm 

$70.00/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 Tuesday 

Room 2 

Dennis Canning (519-824-0552) 

Texasholdempokertuesday@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 pm 

$2/visit 

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 (519-822-6653) 

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 (519-265-3246) 

WritersClub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

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

No meetings in July & August 

$2/visit 

Writing Your Life Story 

Board Room 

Jennifer Blackie (519-824-7204) 

WritingYourLifeStory@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Thursdays 1-3 pm 

$50 every 6 months 

Texas Hold ’Em Poker Friday 

Room 2 

Brian Pittana (519-993-4024) 

Texasholdempokerfriday@gwsa-guelph.ca 

Fridays 6:30-8:30 pm 

$2/visit 

Walking Club Indoors 

Guelph Sports Dome 

walkingclub@gwsa-guelph.ca 

October 2 – March 31 

Wednesdays, 10:45 am – 11:45 am 

$10 annual activity fee 


26 

Solutions on pg. 44 


27 

SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS 

OF NOTE 

“Our Young Seniors” 

‘We’re not over the hill; we’re just 

gaining speed!’ 

Linda Green - Nov.18 (76) 

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 

Hamilton, Joan Beverly passed away on Monday, 

September 30, 2024 in her 91st year. She enjoyed 

playing cards at the Evergreen. 


Clubs and Drop-In Activities NOVEMBER 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 - Nov. 23 

4 

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 

1:30-4:30p Mah Jongg 

3-6:15p Table Tennis 

6-9p Carving Club 

11 


Line Dancing 




Everyday Activities 

Snooker—9a-4p 

Library — 

Mon-Fri – 10a-3p 

5 

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

10a-12p Darts 

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 

12 


10a-12p Darts 


11a-12p Diabetes Support 



6 

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

9a-12p Bunka 


10:45-11:45a Walking Club 

12:30-4p Watercolour Painters 


1-3p Writers Club 


1:30p BINGO 

13 


9a-12p Bunka 

9a-4p Watercolour Painters 



7 

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

10:30-11:30a Silver Drummers 

10:30a-1p Badminton 


12-4p West Hills Arts W 

12:30-3:30p Bridge 

1-3p Writing Your Life Story 

1-3:30p Scrabble 

1-4p Bid Euchre 

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

2-4p Pickleball (B/I) W 

2:15-3:15p Beyond the 


14 






1 

8a-12p Crafts 


9-11:30a Canasta 

9:30-11:30a Beading 

10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 


12-1p Silver Strummers Beg. 

1-2p Silver Strummers Exp. 

1-4p Table Tennis W 

1:30-4p Euchre 

2-3:30p Silver Ringers 

2-3:30p Silvertones 

6:30-8:30p Texas HE Poker 

8 

8a-12p Crafts 




10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 

11a-12p Beading 



1-2:30p Book Club 2 






15 

8a-12p Crafts 




10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 

28 



1-3p Euchre 



2-4p Computer Club 



18 


Line Dancing 






1-3p Euchre 





25 


Line Dancing 






1-3p Euchre 



2:30-5p Into Focus 

Photography 







6:30-8:30p Texas Hold 

’Em Poker 



19 


10a-12p Darts 











26 


10a-12p Darts 

10a-12p Diabetes Support 












1-4p Art Studio 


1:30p BINGO 

20 


9a-12p Bunka 

9a-4p Watercolour Painters 




1-3p Writers Club 


1:30p BINGO 

27 


9a-12p Bunka 




1-4p Art Studio 


1:30p BINGO 

12:30-3:30p Bridge 








21 






12:30-3:30p Bridge 








28 






12:30-3:30p Bridge 
















22 

8a-12p Crafts 




10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 









29 

8a-12p Crafts 




10a-12p Chess 

10a-12p Darts 




1-2:30p Book Club 1 






29 


30 

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31 


32 


33 

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34 

GWSA Badminton at the Nationals 

The following comments are from several of the four from our GWSA Badminton Club who participated 

at the Canada Senior Games 55+ held in Quebec City from August 26 - August 30, 2024 

Comments from Ron Ball: 

“It was a sunny morning in Quebec City (September 27) as my wife and I completed our 45-minute walk 

from our hotel to the ExpoCité Centre to register. 

Later that afternoon, it was time for the opening ceremony. We ran into our fellow badminton players on 

the way inside, and we all trooped into the main hall, everyone 

decked out in their provincial colours. There were reds, whites, 

yellows, blues, greens splashed throughout this cavernous hall. 

Eventually the procession started, and each province was 

introduced in alphabetical order, with exception of the host group, 

who entered last. 

We were really surprised by the contingent from the Yukon. 

They had a very large group and were the most boisterous… 

waving flags and cheering everyone who went by. 

There was an official welcome and a series of speeches by 

various indigenous, government, and sports figures. 

We were all made to feel at home and in the end, we were all 

provided with a boxed meal and allowed to go on our merry way. 

Badminton was played in a community centre a short distance 

away from the ExpoCité Centre. 

There were nine courts, six of which were used for competition, 

while the other three provided room for warmup and practice. 

Like any community centre, the courts were lined for different 

sports, and the lighting wasn’t the greatest, but we made do. 

The competition was fierce, with team Ontario fielding the 

largest group of players. It was a round-robin format with the top 

two teams moving on to the final, and the third and fourth teams 

vying for bronze. 

A great time was had by all, and I can safely say that we thoroughly enjoyed the moments of competition 

and camaraderie equally! 

The closing ceremonies were more fun than the opening. There was less formality, a nicer meal, and 

partying afterwards. 

Our Quebec hosts, including their volunteers, should be commended for their running the 55+ Senior 

Summer Games. 

We all look forward to another amazing event in 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba! 

Comments from Debbie Waitson: 

This was an experience of a lifetime for me to be able to compete and 

represent Ontario in the Canada Senior 55+ Games in Quebec City. 

I was privileged to be able to compete in both mixed and ladies’ doubles in 

the 70+ category. 

In mixed doubles, my partner was Ron Ball, a former member of the 

GWSA badminton club. We practised at the KW Badminton club and 

the Shuttlepro club in Cambridge whenever we could. 

We competed against three other teams in the round robin and with the 

changes in the format, did not move on to the finals. 

We were not as successful as we’d hoped in the round robin, but 

scheduling had indicated that we would still be playing on the Friday in 

the finals as the draw size was small. However, we were told on the 

Thursday afternoon that the format had changed, and we were not to play. 



35 


In ladies’ doubles, my partner was Joyce Stuart from the KW badminton club 

in Kitchener. We had never played together and so made sure to find time to 

practice as a guest at her club between my slo-pitch schedule and her holiday 

time. 

We played on the Thursday against two other teams and then competed on the 

Friday in the finals for gold or silver. We lost to the Toronto team and received 

the silver medal. 

At the games, I found most other competitors very friendly and 

enjoying the competition. I had met many earlier at the Orillia Provincial games 

and/or the Shuttlepro tournament and they were very pleased to make the 

connection. Most talked about going in two years to the 2026 Canada. 

Comments from George Spence (with partner Randy Taylor): 

There were only two teams for the 75+ and two teams for the 70+ so they 

decided to put the two groups together, playing best of three matches, best of three games, first to 21 is the 

winner. A few more teams would have made it more interesting, but all the matches were tough and it sure 

was fun. 

Commentary: Randy Taylor and Ron Ball worked to help facilitate this additional “Direct Entry” 

tournament through our District 26 Leader Felicia Urbanski and the OSGA (Ontario Senior Games 

Association) and we are very appreciative of this amazing effort… Thank You! 

I am not aware if there is a forum to chat about achieving consistent age categories from District to 

Provincial to Nationals, but this should be a goal. 

In addition, the choice between “recreational players” using a nylon shuttle versus players who have 

played at a considerably more “competitive” level using feather shuttles needs to be reviewed. Our 

Seniors Club is a “recreational” club and transitioning to a feather shuttle beyond our District 26 (uses 

nylon) to the Nationals using feather shuttles is a considerable added challenge. 

Several participants mentioned this was a multiple-use gym with many other lines on the floor, so it was 

a bit tricky. Also, the floor was tile on cement, so it was a wee bit painful on our aging bodies. 

The takeaway for me was the level of play sounded very good but the level of participation could have 

been a bit larger. I feel as we grow in our sport, challenging ourselves is important with the possible goal of 

playing at the Nationals some day. But, I would really encourage all of our GWSA members to participate 

at your club level first taking advantage of all the work the various Leadership Teams bring to us. Then try 

your local “District 26” competition and try to qualify here to play at the “Provincials” and then the 

Nationals. 

In any case, please get involved! Participate as a player and offer your help as a volunteer organizer. 

Consider stepping up for your particular activity as a Leader. 

This will keep our GWSA Seniors Sporting events and activities strong and healthy. 

See you on the court, 

Jeff 


36 


37 


38 


39 


40 

Art in the Hall 

GWSA art groups continued working feverishly while the Evergreen was closed for renovations to prepare 

for the current show! Please come down the hall towards the library, outside Room 4 to view “Colouring 

For Calm” inside the windows and “Art Studio” on the walls. 

Christmas is around the corner so an original piece of artwork by a local artist would be perfect! The city 

staff will be happy to assist you in the purchase of the artwork. Assistance will be needed to take work off 

the wall so please ask for help. Enjoy the show. 


41 

West Hills Art Group. One Day Workshop West End Community Centre 

Peter John Reid is an accomplished painter who teaches students on location and at his studio near 

Chatsworth Ontario. He will travel to you if you are within a 3 hour radius. He has taught groups from the 

GWSA in the past and never disappoints! His instruction is clear and full of humour. You will learn a great 

deal under his study. Thank you to Audrey for her assistance in arranging a room with fabulous light. A 

fantastic day of creating. 


42 

519-830-6634 

CAPELLATREE.CA 

• Safe Tree & Stump Removal 

• Pruning & Support Systems 

• Fully Insured & Qualified 

Certified by the 

International 

Society of 

Arboriculture 


43 

Guelph FHT's Wellness Workshops are offered at no 

cost and open to everyone! Check out our Fall 2024 

workshop offerings! You can print and view the 

schedule by visiting our webpage: 

www.guelphfht.com/wellness-workshops-andprograms 

*Please note: the dates/times/locations may change. 

Keep checking website/email for any updates. 

FREE Wellness Workshops in November, presented 

by the Guelph Family Health Team: 

Relationship-based Parenting1 (VIRTUAL) 

Date: Monday, November 4, 11, 18, 25 (4 sessions) 

Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm EST 

Location: Virtual webinar 

Learn more HERE 

Intro to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Part 

1 (VIRTUAL) 

Date: Thursday, November 7, 14, 21 (3 sessions) 




Sleep Well (VIRTUAL) 

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 19, 26 (3 sessions) 

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm EST 


This workshop is for patients that have a hard time falling 

or staying asleep. You will learn some of the most 

powerful drug-free strategies that decrease insomnia. This 

workshop will not address medical conditions like sleep 

apnea. 


WEBINAR - Calming Strategies (VIRTUAL) 

Date: Thursday, November 14 (Topic: Progressive 

Muscle Relaxation) 

Time: 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST 


This workshop is suitable for anyone experiencing stress 

or anxiety that is impacting their quality of life or sleep, 

and seeking to learn ways to calm the mind and the body. 


Red Flags of Dementia (IN-PERSON) 

Dates: Monday, November 18 


Location: 649 Scottsdale Drive (Suite 500), Guelph 

This workshop session will help anyone who wants to 

know the difference between normal and abnormal 

memory loss. 



44 

See Puzzles on pgs. 26 & 27 


45 


46 


47 

Thursday December 12, 2024 

Mystery Trip 

Total cost : $150.00 - members only (non-refundable) Code: 57463 

Registration starts on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 

Booking deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024 

Join us on a “Magical Mystery Trip” where you will enjoy a delicious hot meal, be inspired and 

entertained! Dress warmly! 

Choose one of the following when you register for the trip: 

1) Turkey Dinner (dark and white meat) with mashed potatoes and veg/gravy or 

2) Honey glazed ham dinner with mashed potato/veg/corn bread/brown mustard sauce or 

3) Summer vegetable ratatouille with peas & peppercorn polenta 

Depart Evergreen Centre: 12:30 p.m. Carousel: 12:45 p.m. Return: 10:00 p.m. 

Please park at the carousel and not the Evergreen Centre. 

Cost: includes travel by coach, hot dinner, admissions, tips (including the driver), and all taxes. 

Reminder: please have lunch before the trip or bring a snack to eat on the bus as dinner won’t be served 

for a few hours after we get to our destination. 

Don’t wait - sign up when the trip opens. 

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 Friday, November 15, 

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 Friday, 

November 15, 2024. 

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


48 

Bistro 683 - November 2024 

The Evergreen Restaurant is open to the public 

and serves a large variety of menu items that are 

available from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to 

Friday (except holidays): 

Featured Hot Lunch 

$7.50 + tax. 

Each hot lunch is served as a full and balanced, 

nutritional meal. 

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. 

Coffee and tea services are available until 2:00 pm. 

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. 

The Bistro serves a large variety of ‘Take Home 

Frozen Meals’ for your convenience. They are 

available in the Bistro freezer all day from 9:00 am 

until 4:30 pm. They can be purchased from the 

Bistro cashier or the front desk staff after 2:00 pm. 

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. 

BREAKFAST served starting at 9:00 am 

FEATURED LUNCH served 11 am to 1:00 pm 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 

1 

Hot Turkey 

Sandwich 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

Pulled Pork 

Macaroni & Cheese 

(veg. available) 

Liver & Onions 

Harvest Cobb Salad 


Bangers & Mash 

Pork Ramen 

Noodle Soup 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

CLOSED 

REMEMBRANCE 

DAY 

Tuna Melt 

Sandwich 

Roast Chicken 

Dinner 

Quesadilla 


Lasagna 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

Teriyaki Salmon 

Rice Bowl 

Sausage & Vegetable 

Pasta Bake 

Fried Dumplings 

with Rice 


Chicken Enchiladas 


Beef Stew 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

Roasted Vegetable 

Primavera Pasta 


Beef & Vegetable 

Pie 


Baked Chicken & 

Biryani 

Turkey Meatloaf 

Seared Rainbow 

Trout

November 2024 issue

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