February Sentinel 2025 FINAL

Sentinel

The

Volume 49 No. 6 February 2025

Photo Courtesy of GWSA

Photography Club

Photo Courtesy of GWSA

Photography Club

The Sentinel • February 2025 • Vol.49 No.6

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3

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is

a non-profit organization based at the

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre

www.gwsa-guelph.ca

Board of Directors

Pat Gage, President

Cathryn Cortissoz, Vice-President

Art Roelofsen, Treasurer

Charlie Bishop

Karen Kelly

Elizabeth Steggles

Yvonne Thomas

Donna Keating

Brigitte Geisler

Kim Taylor

Eva Quan

Jeff Millard

GWSA Office Staff

Linda Jeffrey, Executive Director

Audrey Bishop, Program Coordinator

Sharon Lamers, Finance Administrator

The Sentinel Staff

Carol Croft, Administrator, Printer

Russ Brown, Editor

Ray Miller, Assistant Administrator, Printer

George Hughes, Printer

In This Issue

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD ........................... 4

GWSA GROUP ACTIVITY

INFORMATION .............................................. 6

CLUBS AND DROP-IN ACTIVITIES –

FEBRUARY .................................................. 13

FOCUS ON MEMBERS ................................... 16

Shuffleboard Group .................................. 16

Craft Club ............................................... 17

Art in the Hall .......................................... 18

Is AI Safe? .............................................. 19

Member Passings ..................................... 20

PUZZLES .................................................... 29

BISTRO 683 MENU – FEBRUARY .................... 35

City of Guelph Staff

Melissa Haynes, Supervisor, Senior & Youth

Services

Melissa DeNardis, Recreation Coordinator –

Senior Services

Becky MacDonald, Recreation Coordinator –

Volunteers

Mark Leeming, Chef

Joan Moynihan, Sous Chef

Jill Hunt, Customer Service Clerk

EVERGREEN SENIORS COMMUNITY CENTRE

is a recreation facility owned by the City of

Guelph. The Guelph Wellington Seniors

Association works in collaboration with the

City to provide diverse programs, activities,

and services for older adults of Guelph and

Wellington County.

683 Woolwich St.

Guelph, ON N1H 3Y8

GWSA: (519) 837-5696 Fax (855) 534-0957

City: (519) 837-5699 Fax (519) 823-8972

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monday to Friday

(Closed Statutory Holidays)

Read The Sentinel on our website

www.gwsa-guelph.ca

ISSN: 0383 817X

SENTINEL OFFICE

Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (except

holidays) from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., unless

otherwise noted. Contact us by email

sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca, phone (519) 822–1260

x2695, or written message in our GWSA office

mailbox.

The Sentinel • February 2025

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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

In the January issue, I mentioned in my

message that there were lots of

upcoming changes and challenges for our

organization in 2025. We’ve lost some of

our friends over the holidays and we will

certainly miss them, but we are fortunate

that nearly every week new people are

interested in joining the GWSA.

As an organization, we’ve spent the last

year reviewing and updating key

processes and improving our financial

reporting and transparency. We reviewed

our contract with Ricoh for our printer in

the Sentinel Office and have leased a

new model which will save us over $1500

annually. As well, you will see over time

that we are printing more of the Sentinel

in black and white to also save costs.

We have retained a new auditor, Racolta

Jensen LLP, to better support informed

decision-making by the Finance

Committee and the Board. The Board

was interested in more transparent

financial reporting throughout the year—

specifically to our members at the Annual

General Meeting in June.

To improve our financial sustainability,

we will continue to explore new

partnerships, grants, and funding

opportunities. One area the Board has

discussed is how to expand our existing

revenue streams and that includes

membership and activity fees. Following

my message here is a list of updated

Activity and Membership fees which

become effective April 1 st .

Many of these changes are being

initiated from our discussions regarding

the new five-year Community Benefit

Agreement with the City of Guelph. We

have purchased a new software system

to replace the City of Guelph’s RecEnroll

system, and we are in the process of

purchasing an electronic point of sale

system. We will also be transitioning to

our own dedicated phone lines.

As a result of these changes, there will

also be a need for the City of Guelph to

construct us new front counter space for

our office to be able to respond to our

members who are paying their

membership and activity fees. This new

office space (the GWSA HUB) will be

constructed where the Treasure Chest is

currently located, and the Welcome Desk

will also be relocated within this area.

This means the Treasure Chest will be

moved from its present location to

another site within the lobby area. As of

April 1, 2025, the City of Guelph will no

longer be processing any payments

associated with the GWSA.

As an association, we are well positioned

to take on these challenges.

Pat Gage, President

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association mission has always been to enable older

adults to be active, involved, make friends and age with dignity.

The Sentinel • February 2025 • Vol.49 No.6

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COMING SOON: GWSA will be operating its own software for registration of activities beginning April 1. We

expect to be set up and running during the last two weeks of March. You can continue to renew your GWSA

membership at the City of Guelph’s front desk. Full information will be in your March issue of the Sentinel.


GWSA GROUP ACTIVITY INFORMATION

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Your GWSA membership includes a copy of The Sentinel newsletter published ten times

a year, and the ability to join any of our many activities and events. Our activity groups

use two models for collecting group fees: pay-as-you-play or a yearly activity fee. We

also offer regular educational and informational workshops, many at no charge for our

members.

Note: All activity groups require an up-to-date GWSA membership to participate.

Art In the Hall

Art in the Hall is an opportunity for all

artisans who are GWSA members to

showcase their work. We display the fine

artistic talents on two large walls in front

of our Library and a dedicated window

space for smaller items.

GWSA receives a portion of each sale. To

purchase any of the art pieces, the staff

at the front desk will assist you.

Kim Taylor

artinthehall@gwsa-guelph.ca

Art Studio

Room 2

Jennifer Storey

artstudio@gwsa-guelph.ca

Every 2 nd & 4 th Wed. 1–4 p.m.

$25/year

Badminton

Evergreen Auditorium

Michael Gareau (365) 292-0078

badminton@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues. 7–9:30 p.m.

Thurs. & Fri. 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sun. 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Mon. & Wed. 1–4 p.m. (at WECC)

(No play at WECC July & August)

$60/year

There’s a wait list for interested players.

Beading and Jewelry Making

We welcome new members at all times

and invite you to bring your beading

supplies. Leslie will facilitate impromptu

mini-classes on Metis beadworking.

Board Room

Eva Quan

beading@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri. 9:30–11:30 a.m.

$2/visit

Book Club 1

For February, we will be reading The

Watchmaker’s Hand by Jeffrey Deaver.

Our March book is Moon of the Crusted

Snow by Waubgeshig Rice.

Board Room

Veronica Sanche (519) 767-9991

bookclub1@gwsa-guelph.ca

Last Fri. of month 1–2:30 p.m.

$3/visit

Book Club 2

Board Room

Lynne Oxley (416) 918-7466)

bookclub2@gwsa-guelph.ca

Second Fri. of month 1–2:30 p.m.

$3/visit

The Sentinel • February 2025 • Vol 49 No. 6

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Bridge

The Bridge group welcomes players with

a basic knowledge of the game. Come

and enjoy playing in a friendly and

comfortable environment. We mix and

mingle with a room full of eager players

so that everyone has a partner.

Room 2

Sandi Kinsey

bridge@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues. 6:30–9:00 p.m.

Thurs. 12:30–3:30 p.m.

$1/visit

Bunka Art Group

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. The needle is

held and operates in much the same

manner as an artist’s brush or pencil. We

will mentor new members and supplies

are ordered as a group.

Room 3

Carol Ferrier (519) 831-1387

bunka@gwsa-guelph.ca

Wed. 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

$25/year

Canasta

All levels of players are welcome. We are

a friendly group and are happy to teach

you how to play.

Room 3

Sandi Kinsey

canasta@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri. 9–11:30 a.m.

$1/visit

Canoe Club

Bob Bonham

canoeclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Canoe season runs from the Meet-N-

Greet in Apr. to the end of Sept. Canoe

outings are generally every Thurs. and

Fri.

$75/year

Casual Biking

Various locations in and around Guelph.

John Ness

casualbicycling@gwsa-guelph.ca

Wed. May 1–Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

$10/year

Chess Club

Calling all chess lovers. We welcome

players of all levels. Primarily we are

amateur players enjoying casual chess

games. Chess sets are available.

Evergreen Hall

Bruce Hurst (519) 831-4340

chessclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri. 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$2/visit

Computer Club

Room 1

Ross Knechtel (226) 706-4058

Ken Chupa (519) 829-9407

computerclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Jan., Mar., May, Sept., Nov.

2 nd Mon. 2–4 p.m.

$3/visit


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Computer Mentoring

Do you need help with your computing

device? Our team is here to help with

any of the following: laptop, tablet,

smartphone. We provide one-to-one

support with devices running Microsoft,

Chrome, Apple or Android operating

systems.

We help with email accounts, organizing

files, learning new features. No

appointment is necessary. Let us help

you build your confidence and skills with

technology

Room 1

Ken Chupa (519) 829-9407

computer.mentors@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon. 1–3 p.m.

$3/visit for GWSA members, $5/visit for

non-members

Craft Club

The GWSA craft group provides supplies

for those wishing to continuing using

your skills to create products for sale in

our Treasure Chest. Our home-based

knitters and those who come to the

centre have produced amazing products

and the sales support GWSA and its

operations

Room 2

Sheila Robinson (519) 836-9478

craftgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri. 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Cribbage

Every Tuesday afternoon a group of

happy and welcoming folks get together

to play a friendly game of cribbage. New

players are always welcome! We will

teach you!

Room 3

Elaine Miller

cribbage@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues. 12:30–4 p.m.

$2/visit

Darts Club

Evergreen Auditorium Stage

Paul Anderson (519) 835-1534

dartsclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues. and Fri. 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$25/year

Diabetes Support Group

This is a peer led support group for folks

diagnosed with Diabetes and their

partners. Join us as we chat about the

challenges of living with Diabetes.

Room 1

Bill MacDonald (519) 400-0950

diabetessupport@gwsa-guelph.ca

2 nd Tues. 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

4 th Tues. 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Euchre on Mondays

Room 3

Earl Mead

euchre-monday@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon. 1–3 p.m.

$2/visit


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Bid Euchre on Thursdays

If you play Euchre, you can play Bid

Euchre. Make new friends enjoying this

stimulating game!

Room 3

John Finamore (519) 993-8221

bideuchre@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs. 1 p.m.–4 p.m.

$2/visit

Euchre on Fridays

Room 4

Peter Smith (519) 217-8986

euchre-friday@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri. 1:30–4:00 p.m.

$2/visit

Golf

Tom Kane (519) 827-1475)

golf@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon., May–Sept.

$10/year

Line Dancing

This activity is great exercise for your

body and mind. You meet new friends,

enjoy great music and no partner is

required. All levels are welcome,

especially new dancers.

Monday Line Dance Classes

¨ 8:35–9:35 a.m. Introduction to Line

Dancing

¨ 9:40–10:40 a.m. Beyond the Basics

¨ 10:45-11:45 a.m. Intermediate

Thursday Line Dance Classes

¨ 1:10–2:10 p.m. Introduction to Line

Dancing

¨ 2:15–3:15 p.m. Beyond the Basics

For all GWSA members, the first three

visits are free. Then $2.00 for each

session.


Phyllis (519) 760-9415

Donna (519) 831-0943

linedancing@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon. 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Thurs. 1–3:15 p.m.

Mah Jongg

This game is played with tiles, similar to

dominoes. We are happy to provide

instruction to new players.

Evergreen Hall

Leona Petri (519) 546-9993

mahjong@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon. 1:30–4:30 p.m.

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.

For more information, or to put your

name on our email list, contact Barb

McLeod at (519) 823-2531.

Photography

Into Focus Photography Club is a friendly

group of amateur photographers. Our

equipment ranges from mobile phones,

point-and-shoot to fancy DSLR cameras.

We share a common interested in this

hobby and we learn from each other.

Room 4

Stu McCannell

photographyclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Last Mon. of every month 2:30–5 p.m.

$25/year


10

Pickleball

We play at the Evergreen Seniors

Community Centre and West End

Community Centre (WECC) six days per

week.

Players are tested and play against

similar skill levels.

pickleball@gwsa-guelph.ca

$60/year

This activity and the waitlist are full.

Quilting

Our members come and create amazing

items for sale in the Treasure Chest. Join

us, grab some materials, and get your

creative juices flowing. Visit us to ask

questions and see how you can

participate. The items contributed are a

crucial part of GWSA fundraising.

Room 2

Beryl Drohan (519) 827-0120

quiltgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.

Rug Hooking

Traditional rug hooking is both an art and

a craft. Many beautiful and unique items

are created by pulling loops of fabric or

yarn through a stiff, woven base such as

burlap or linen. Beginners are welcome

and we will help you get started. Please

bring your own supplies. Visitors are

welcome.

Room 2

Kathy McCallum

rughooking@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues. 12–4 p.m.

$25/year

Scrabble

All skills from newbie to expert are

welcome. Drop-ins are welcome. We

especially love new players. Scrabble

boards are provided. All you need is a

GWSA membership!

Evergreen Hall

Sebastian (647) 580-5780

scrabble@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs. 1–3:30 p.m.

$2/visit

Shuffleboard

All skill levels are welcome. Join a group

of active folks looking to share some

exercise and laughs. All supplies are

provided.


Carolina Augello (519) 824-2853

shuffleboard@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues. & Wed. 1–3 p.m.

$25/year

Silver Drummers

It’s fun to drum! We look forward to

seeing you on Thursday morning to

experience our Drum Circle. We have

drums and percussion instruments to

share or bring your own. We take the

lead from our facilitator. We play with

joy!

Room 3

Sue Paul(226) 500-4158

silverdrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs. 11:00–12:00 noon

$2/visit


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Silver Strummers

We welcome all skill levels to our ukelele

orchestra. You will be provided with all

the information you need to get started.

Come and try the universally accessible

and friendly instrument of the ukulele.

Room 3

silverstrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fridays: Beginners 12–1 p.m.

Experienced: 1–2 p.m.

$65/year

Silvertones Choir

To join this choir, you do not need to be

able to read music, just have a love for

singing. This group is currently at

capacity.

Room 3

Darlene Pembleton (519) 822-0704

silvertones@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri. 2–3:30 p.m.

$54.24/year

Evergreen Snooker Club

We are a group of active, friendly players

of all skill levels. Please drop by the

Snooker Room. You will be assured a

warm welcome. We have three tables so

can accommodate many players. All folks

are welcome. Ladies, don’t be shy. Our

small ladies’ contingent typically plays on

Tuesday mornings.

Evergreen Snooker Room

Brian Yasvinski (905)-301-2786

snooker@gwsa-guelph.ca

Daily 9–4 p.m.

$70.00/year

Table Tennis


Petr Vales

tabletennis@gwsa-guelph.ca

¨ At Evergreen

Mon. 3–6:15 p.m.

Wed. 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

¨ At West End

Fri. 1–4 p.m. (WECC except

during Jul./Aug.)

$60/year

Texas Hold ’Em

Come to Room 2 and enjoy a lively

bunch of players. We play on a point

system and the one with the most points

each week comes out a winner. Your $2

will buy $650 in “real” casino chips. We

play until there is only one player left or

8:30 p.m.—whichever comes first.

New players are welcome; we can teach

you.

Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tuesday

Room 2

Dennis Canning (519) 824-0552

texasholdempokertuesday@gwsaguelph.ca

Tues. 6:30–8:30 p.m.

$2/visit

Texas Hold ’Em Poker Friday

Room 2

Brian Pittana (519) 993-4024

texasholdempokerfriday@gwsaguelph.ca

Fri. 6:30–8:30 p.m.

$2/visit


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Walking Club Indoors

Guelph Sports Dome

walkingclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Oct. 2–Mar. 26

Wed. 10:45–11:45 a.m.

$10/year

Watercolour Painters Club

This group provides painters to practise

their hobby with others sharing the same

interest. No classes or lessons are

offered. We welcome accomplished

watercolour painters.

Room 2

Marta Coutts

watercolourpainters@gwsa-guelph.ca

1 st and 5 th Wed. of month 12:30–4 p.m.

3 rd Wed. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

$30/year

West End Art Group

West End Room 2

Nancy Baker (519) 822-6653

westendartgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

Sept.–Jun.

Tues. 12:30–4 p.m.

$25/year

West Hills Art Group

We create and display original paintings,

drawings and event cards. We participate

in enjoyable conversation and share our

skills with fellow artists. All media

welcome.

West End Room 2

Dale Vardy

westhillsartgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

Sept.–Jun.

Thurs. 12–4:00 p.m.

$25/year

Wood Carving Group

Our group does carving in the round, like

cartoon characters, birds and wildlife,

spoons, bowls, etc. Other carving

techniques include marquetry and

pyrography. Training is available.

Room 2

Ken Fugler

woodcarving@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon. 6–9 p.m.

$40/year

Writers Club

Do you enjoy writing down your

experiences, ideas and opinions? Join us

as we share our compositions in a round

table, small group setting.

Room 1

Susan Jackson (519) 265-3246

writersclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

1 st and 3 rd Wed. 1–3 p.m.

No meetings in Jul. & Aug.

$2/visit

Writing Your Life Story

Researching and writing your life story

can prove to be a very worthwhile

activity. We will guide you and help you

“fill in the blanks” as you create your life

story. We use old photo albums,

journals, diaries and letters. Maybe your

siblings can help. Our group is ongoing,

and spaces are limited. Join us and share

your story!

Board Room

Jennifer Blackie (519) 824-7204

writingyourlifestory@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs. 1–3 p.m.

$50 every 6 month


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CLUBS AND DROP-IN ACTIVITIES – FEBRUARY

W – West End Community Centre

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

3

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 Computer Mentoring

1-3p Euchre

1-4p Badminton W

4

8:30a-12:30p Pickleball

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 HE Poker

6:30-9p Bridge

5

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

9a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis

10:45-11:45a Walking Club

12:30-4p Watercolour

Painters

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-3p Writers Club

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p Bingo

6

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

7

8a-12p Crafts


9-11:30a Canasta

9:30-11:30a Beading

10a-12p Chess

10a-12p Darts

11a-12p Beading

12-1p Silver Strummers Beg.

1-2p Silver Strummers Exp.

1-2:30p Book Club 2

1-3p Pickleball

1:30-4:30p Mah Jongg 7-9:30p Badminton

Dancing

1-4p Table Tennis W

3-6:15p Table Tennis

2-4p Pickleball (B/I) W 1:30-4p Euchre

6-9p Carving Club

2:15-3:15p Beyond the

Basics Line Dancing

2-3:30p Silver Ringers

2-3:30p Silvertones

10


Line Dancing


Basics Line Dancing

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


12:30-4p Quilting


1-3p Euchre

1-4p Badminton W

1:30-4:30p Mah Jongg

2-4p Computer Club


6-9p Carving Club

17

Closed for Family Day

Continued next page

11


10a-12p Darts



12-4p Rug Hooking

12:30-4p Cribbage


1-3p Shuffleboard



6:30-9p Bridge

7-9:30p Badminton

18


10a-12p Darts



12-4p Rug Hooking

12:30-4p Cribbage


1-3p Shuffleboard



6:30-9p Bridge

7-9:30p Badminton

12


9a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis



Painters

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-3p Writers Club

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p Bingo

19


9a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis



Painters

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-3p Writers Club

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p Bingo

13


10:30-11:30a Silver

Drummers

10:30a-1p Badminton



12:30-3:30p Bridge


1-3:30p Scrabble

1-4p Bid Euchre


Dancing

2-4p Pickleball (B/I) W


Basics Line Dancing

20


10:30-11:30a Silver

Drummers

10:30a-1p Badminton



12:30-3:30p Bridge


1-3:30p Scrabble

1-4p Bid Euchre


Dancing

2-4p Pickleball (B/I) W


Basics Line Dancing


14

8a-12p Crafts


9-11:30a Canasta

9:30-11:30a Beading

10a-12p Chess

10a-12p Darts

10:30a-1p Badminton

12-1p Silver Strummers Beg

1-2p Silver Strummers Exp

1-3p Pickleball

1-4p Table Tennis W

1:30-4p Euchre


2-3:30p Silvertones


21

8a-12p Crafts


9-11:30a Canasta

9:30-11:30a Beading

10a-12p Chess

10a-12p Darts

10:30a-1p Badminton

12-1p Silver Strummers Beg.

1-2p Silver Strummers Exp.

1-3p Pickleball

1-4p Table Tennis W

1:30-4p Euchre


2-3:30p Silvertones



14


24


Line Dancing


Basics Line Dancing

10:45-11:45a Int. Line

Dancing


12:30-4p Quilting


1-3p Euchre

1-4p Badminton W

25


10a-12p Darts



12-4p Rug Hooking

12:30-4p Cribbage


1-3p Shuffleboard



6:30-9p Bridge

26


9a-12p Bunka

10a-1p Table Tennis



Painters

1-3p Shuffleboard

1-3p Writers Club

1-4p Badminton W

1:30p Bingo

17


10:30-11:30a Silver

Drummers

10:30a-1p Badminton



12:30-3:30p Bridge


1-3:30p Scrabble

1-4p Bid Euchre


28

8a-12p Crafts


9-11:30a Canasta

9:30-11:30a Beading

10a-12p Chess

10a-12p Darts

10:30a-1p Badminton

12-1p Silver Strummers Beg

1-2p Silver Strummers Exp

1-2:30p Book Club 1

1-3p Pickleball

1:30-4:30p Mah Jongg 7-9:30p Badminton

Dancing

1-4p Table Tennis W

2:30-5p Into Focus

2-4p Pickleball (B/I) W 1:30-4p Euchre

Photography


6-9p Carving Club


Basics Line Dancing


2-3:30p Silvertones


Saturday

9-12a Table Tennis

Dancing at the

Evergreen on

February 15.

Weekend Ac>vi>es

Sunday

8:30a-10:45a Pickleball (B/I)

10:45a-1p Pickleball (I/A)

1:30-3:30p Badminton

Everyday Ac>vi>es

9-4p Snooker

10a-3p Library


15


16

FOCUS ON MEMBERS

Shuffleboard Group

What better way to recharge yourself

than at a holiday get together.

Christmas, whether you celebrate it or

not, offers a chance to reflect on the

year, reconnect with those we love, and

recharge our batteries.

Well, our Shuffleboard team did just

that—on December 10 th , 2024, the

GWSA Shuffleboard members celebrated

at their Christmas get together. It was a

day filled with fun and enthusiasm, and a

day that allowed us to thank all our

members for their support in 2024.

We hope everyone had an enjoyable

Christmas and a very Happy New Year

and you are looking toward a bright and

prosperous 2025.

For more information about this activity,

email shuffleboard@gwsa-guelph.ca.

Cheers from the Shuffleboard AGLs!


17

Craft Club

The Friday Craft members enjoying a

pizza brunch to celebrate Christmas and

all the hard work they have done in the

past twelve months.

This group of ladies meets weekly to

knit, crochet, and do crafts. They have

needles, wool and patterns for people to

use. Anyone can come and join in to see

if it’s for them. It’s lots of fun and they

enjoy coffee and cookies too.

The things they make go into the store

at the Evergreen Centre with all the

funds raised going back into the GWSA.

They also donate winter hats, mittens,

and scarves to the needy of Guelph.

For more information about this group,

email craftgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca.

Dancing at the Evergreen on December 28, 2024

was another huge success!

Our thanks to sponsors Tim Hortons, Domino’s Pizza, and Dairy Queen. Thanks also to our team

of volunteers: Helga, Donna, Jill, Margaret O., Margaret W., and Jennifer. To close off the evening,

we wished everyone a Happy New Year and sang Auld Lang Syne!


18

Art in the Hall

Irene Smedley has once again spread her artistic wings and

participated in the Christmas Show at the Evergreen Seniors Centre.

Her work is a part of several art groups with the GWSA, and you will

see her creations on the walls of Art in the Hall this year.


19

Is AI Safe?

By Russ Brown, Editor

Canada’s seniors

should be more

wary than ever of

being scammed as

artificial intelligence

(AI) is making it

easier than ever to perpetrate fraudulent

behaviour. The Canadian Anti-Fraud

Centre states that $503 million has

already been lost this year with over

28,000 people reporting being the

victims of schemes ranging from identity

theft to fake over-payments on nonexistent

bills to the so-called

“grandparent” scam when a loved one

suddenly asks for money to help them

out of trouble. While these are time-worn

schemes, AI has made them more

effective than ever.

Take the grandparent ruse, one which

has been used for years. It involves

having someone call a senior—

grandmother or father—pretending to be

a beloved grandchild, who is in trouble

and needs lots of money to bail

themselves out of a terrible situation.

When done effectively, the hysterical

youngster is able to panic the

grandparent into sending money

immediately. The problem with such a

scheme is that it’s dependent on the

voice on the phone demanding help to

sound like the senior’s grandkid.

AI can replicate voices. It’s astonishing

how effective a tool this can be since a

small sample of a grandchild’s real voice

is enough to create a convincing

intonation that can move a senior into

making the wrong decision and send

money. Seniors beware of voices—now

they can be cloned.

AI can create deep fake videos. It’s not

just audio that is in the malicious range

of technically oriented scammers. Videos

can be shot and edited to make it appear

that loved ones are asking you for

money. Or that you have won a prize but

need to send money to get it. Such

videos will be extremely realistic when

executed well. Seniors beware of

images—they can be faked.

AI can perpetrate punishing phishing

attacks. Since the dawn of the digital

age, phishing has been the main tool for

scammers. Emails and texts appearing to

be from banks and governments have

“phished” money and identity details out

of hundreds of thousands of good

citizens, many of whom are seniors. With

AI, the purported authenticity of such

texts and social media programs will be

harder to verify than ever. Seniors

beware of emails—there will be phonies.

Bill VanGorder, CARP’s Advocacy and

Education Officer, says:

“Canada’s seniors deserve stronger

protection from skilled fraudsters who

prey on them. Current laws are too weak,

leading to poor enforcement and minimal

consequences for these criminals.

Consider this: if someone robbed a bank

and stole $5,000, they would likely face

years behind bars. Yet a fraudster can

steal $250,000 from a senior and receive

little more than a slap on the wrist. This

is unacceptable. Governments at all

levels must take action to address this

injustice and ensure seniors are

safeguarded from such exploitation.”


20

Member Passings

Christine Townsend (Trimble) passed away on January 5, 2025 at the age of 70. She

was a Book Club member and loved to play cards.

Riemer “Ray” Zoethout passed away peacefully at Guelph General Hospital on

Saturday, December 14, 2024.


21



22

23



24

25


26

RSVP

519.589-1187

Guelphseniorlife.com

520 Victoria Road N, Guelph

ROYAL HIGH TEA PARTY

Feb 22nd

2:00-4:00pm

Live Harp Performance

A lavish outing for grandmom

and daughters. Indulge in a

British afternoon High Tea

Party. Enjoy a luxurious

spread of dainty sandwiches,

scones, jam and teas.

Dress up with a fancy hat,

classic high tea attire and

participate in a royal affair

with us.


27



28

29

PUZZLES

Solution on

page 33


30

Solutions on

page 33


31



32

33

Anchor


34

Guelph FHT's Wellness Workshops are offered

at no cost and open to everyone! You can print

and view the schedule by visiting our webpage:

www.guelphfht.com/wellness-workshops-andprograms/.

Note: Dates/times/locations may change. Keep

checking website/email for any updates.

FREE Wellness Workshops in February,

presented by the Guelph Family Health Team:

Let's Talk About: Assertiveness

Date: Tuesday, February 4

Time: 11:30 am–1:30 pm EST

Location: In-Person – Suite 500, 649 Scottsdale

Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4T7

Intro to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy –

Part 1 (3 sessions)

Dates: Thursday, February 6, 13, 20

Time: 10:00 am–11:30 am EST

Location: *VIRTUAL webinar only

Calming Strategies (Topic: Mindfulness)

Date: Thursday, February 13

Time: 12:00 pm–12:45 pm EST


Intro to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Part 1

(3 sessions)

Dates: Tuesday, February 18, 25, March 4



Let's Talk About: Panic

Date: Monday, February 24



Calming Strategies (Topic: Guided Imagery)

Date: Thursday, February 27




35

BISTRO 683 MENU – FEBRUARY

The Evergreen Restaurant is open to the

public and serves a large variety of menu

items that are available from 9:00 a.m.

to 1:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (except

holidays).

Coffee and tea services are available

until 2 p.m. Take-out is also available for

your convenience.

Featured hot lunch is $7.50 plus tax.

Each is served as a full and balanced

nutritional meal from 11 a.m. until

1 p.m.

The Bistro serves a large variety of “Take

Home Frozen Meals” available in the

Bistro freezer all day from 9 a.m. to

4:30 p.m.

Catering is available by special order.

Place your order with the customer

service clerk at least 48 hours before

your event.

For more information, call (519) 837-

5699 or email recreation@guelph.ca.

*Breakfast served starting at 9 a.m.


3

4

5

6

7

Mac and Cheese

Salisbury Steak

with Onion Gravy

Gourmet Grilled

Cheese

Thai Peanut

Chicken Rice

Bowl

Creamy Chicken

Stew

10

11

12

13

14

Chana Masala

Curry

Chicken Pot Pie

Turkey Meatloaf

Sausage and

Shrimp

Jambalaya

Ham Dinner

17

18

19

20

21

CLOSED

(Family Day)

Liver and Onions

Roasted Chicken

Caesar Salad

Italian Braised

Pork and Polenta

Butter Chicken

Curry

24

25

26

27

28

Quiche

Sausage on a

Bun

Seafood

Chowder

Korean Beef Stir

Fry

Crispy Chicken

Burger



36

37



38

February Sentinel 2025 FINAL

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