January Sentinel 2026

1

The Sentinel • January 2026

The Sentinel • January 2026 • Vol.50 No.5

2

3

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is a nonprofit

organization based at the Evergreen Seniors

Community Centre

www.gwsa-guelph.ca

info@gwsa-guelph.ca

Board of Directors

Elizabeth Steggles, President

Pat Gage, Past President

Art Roelofsen, Treasurer

Brigitte Geisler

Kim Taylor

Gerry Soules

Judith Sainsbury

Gary Szczerbaniwicz

Anders Bygden

GWSA Office Staff

Linda Jeffrey, Executive Director

(416) 903-9682

linda.jeffrey@gwsa-guelph.ca

Audrey Bishop, Program Coordinator

(519) 265-7722 x68302

audrey.bishop@gwsa-guelph.ca

Sharon Lamers, Finance Administrator

finance@gwsa-guelph.ca

Sidra Tawakal, Member Services Clerk

Sentinel Volunteers

Ray Miller, Administrator, Printer

Russ Brown, Editor

City of Guelph Staff

Melissa Haynes, Supervisor, Senior & Youth Services

Becky MacDonald, Volunteer Coordinator

Mark Leeming, Chef

Joan Moynihan, Sous Chef

Jill Hunt, Customer Service Clerk

In This Issue

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

GWSA GROUP ACTIVITY INFORMATION ..................... 5

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR: JANUARY ............................... 12

THE ARTICLE SHELF ..................................................... 14

Why the flu hits some people harder than

others ............................................................................ 14

Blood thinners no longer needed for many with

irregular heartbeats, study suggests ..................... 16

The Guelph Lions Club—81 Years of Serving

Our Community ........................................................... 17

FOCUS ON MEMBERS ..................................................... 19

Line Dancing Halloween Event ................................. 19

Recent Passings .......................................................... 20

EVERGREEN MARKETPLACE .......................................... 21

For Sale ........................................................................ 21

Classifieds .................................................................... 21

PUZZLES, GAMES & COMICS ........................................ 30

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) 265-7722

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

Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm

Monday to Friday

(Closed Statutory Holidays)

Read previous issues of the Sentinel on our website

www.gwsa-guelph.ca

ISSN: 0383 817X

Deadline for February Sentinel submissions is

January 5, 2026

Email your submissions to

sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca

SENTINEL OFFICE

You may contact the Sentinel Office by email

sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca, phone (519) 265-7722

x68304, or written message left in GWSA office mailbox.

DISCLAIMER

The Sentinel and the GWSA do not necessarily agree

with, or in statements made by, advertisers or in other

submissions.


4

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

E

very January, I like to reflect on the

past year—some parts were

challenging, but it’s important to keep

moving forward, to savour every day and

to never give up. This thought caused me

to reflect on the life of someone who

personified this concept.

This past fall, a famous curler passed

away—Colleen Jones. She was only 65.

Colleen burst on the curling scene in 1982

when she won her first Scotties title in

Regina. She was just 22, making her the

youngest skip in the history of the event

to win a title.

In the end, Colleen won national titles in

five different decades, starting with a

silver medal at the 1979 Canada Games.

She won six Scotties titles, two world

titles, two national mixed titles, a

Canadian and world senior championship.

Many others across Canada got to know

Colleen through her broadcasting on CBC.

What many people didn’t know was that

Colleen was diagnosed with cancer nearly

three years ago. Despite the diagnosis

Colleen never stopped living her life to

the fullest. She didn’t want anyone

knowing what she was battling; in a lot of

ways, to protect those closest to her.

This past year our board has had to

navigate some extremely challenging

issues, but we worked together to protect

our membership and kept advocating and

moving forward. I’m relieved to report

that we finally have a completed and

signed Community Benefit Agreement

with the City of Guelph that will carry us

until 2027–28.

Our staff is still navigating all the new

processes that came as a result of the

GWSA now managing all financial

transactions and volunteer services

independent of the City of Guelph. We will

be continuing to disentangle our

processes from the city until our financial

year ends on March 31, 2026.

There will be other significant challenges

ahead—one being that the city has

announced they intend to renovate all the

washrooms at the Evergreen during the

summer. This investment will bring all the

washrooms up to AODA (Accessibility for

Ontarians with Disability Act) standards.

Once we know more, we will let you know

the anticipated closure dates.

Colleen Jones was a tour de force. She

believed deeply in the power of positive

thought, having a spiritual practice,

whatever that looks like to you. I

encourage you to approach this next year

thinking of something Colleen would have

done. Despite the twists and turns,

approach life with a commitment to

cherish every moment and “hurry and

love hard.”

Elizabeth Steggles,

President


5

GWSA GROUP ACTIVITY INFORMATION

Y

our GWSA membership includes a copy of The Sentinel newsletter published 10 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

(all fees include HST). We also offer regular educational and informational workshops,

many at no charge for our members. For more information, message the activity’s

email address herein or call (519) 265-7722.

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 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 20% commission

from each sale. To purchase any of the

art pieces, the staff at the member

services desk will assist you.

Kim Taylor

artinthehall@gwsa-guelph.ca

Art Studio

Art Studio members are welcome to work

with the medium of their choice. Current

techniques practised by members include

watercolour, acrylic, drawing, pastels,

greeting card creation, and diamond dots.

While most mediums are encouraged,

please note that the Evergreen Centre is

a scent-free environment. This excludes

materials with strong odours, chemicals

or solvents such as oil paints from the Art

Studio group.

Participants are responsible for bringing

their own supplies and managing their

own projects. There is no formal

instruction, but members often share

ideas, techniques, and inspiration. Art

Studio members are eligible to display

their work in the Art In The Hall exhibits

at the Evergreen Centre.

Room 2

Jennifer Storey

artstudio@gwsa-guelph.ca

Every 2 nd & 4 th Wednesday, 1–5pm

$35/year

Backgammon

Join us to play one of the world’s oldest

board games. We are happy to teach you.

Evergreen hallway

Wednesdays, 1pm

Steven Evans

backgammon@gwsa-guelph.ca

$2 activity fee

Badminton

Michael Gareau

badminton@gwsa-guelph.ca

¨ At Evergreen:

Thursday & Friday, 10:30am–1pm

Sunday, 12:30–2:30pm

¨ At West End:

Monday & Wednesday, 1–4pm

(Currently a waitlist exists for interested

players.)

$140/year

Beading and Jewelry Making

We always welcome new members and

invite you to bring your beading supplies.

Leslie will facilitate impromptu miniclasses

on Metis beadworking.


6

Board Room

Eva Quan

beading@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tuesday, 9:30–11:30am

$2/visit

Book Club 1

For January, we will be reading Jennie’s

Boy by Wayne Johnston. Our February

book is The Life Cycle of the Common

Octopus by Emma Knight.

Board Room

Veronica Sanche

bookclub1@gwsa-guelph.ca

Last Friday of month, 1–2:30pm

$3/visit

Book Club 2

We enjoy reading a variety of books such

as mysteries, historical fiction, memoirs,

etc., and then we discuss them. We all

share our views on the books, some we

enjoy, some not so much, but sharing our

viewpoints helps us explore all sides of a

story.

Board Room

Lynne Oxley

bookclub2@gwsa-guelph.ca

2 nd Friday of month, 1–2:30pm

$3/visit

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.

Sandi Kinsey

bridge@gwsa-guelph.ca

¨ On Tuesdays:

Room 3

6–8pm

$2/visit

¨ On Thursdays:

Room 2

12–4pm

$2/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

mentor new members and supplies are

ordered as a group.

Room 3

Carol Ferrier

bunka@gwsa-guelph.ca

Wednesday, 9am–12pm

$35/year

Canasta

All levels of player are welcome. We are a

friendly group and happy to teach you

how to play.

Room 1

Sandi Kinsey

canasta@gwsa-guelph.ca

Friday, 9–11:30am

$2/visit

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 Hallway

Bruce Hurst

chessclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Friday, 10am–12pm

$2/visit


7

Colouring for Calm

Come and join this convivial group of

folks who love to chat while they colour.

Room 1

Rick Losole

colouringforcalm@gwsa-guelph.ca

Friday, 12–2pm

$2/visit

Computer Club

Room 1

Ross Knechtel & Ken Chupa

computerclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

January, March, May, September,

November

2 nd Monday, 2–4pm

$3/visit

Computer Mentoring

Do you need help with your 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 necessary. Let us help you

build your confidence and skills with

technology.

Room 1

Ken Chupa

computer.mentors@gwsa-guelph.ca

Monday, 1–3pm

Members $3/visit

Non-members $5/visit

Craft Group

The Craft Group provides supplies for

those wishing to continue using their

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

craftgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

Friday, 8:30am–12pm

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 1

Elaine Miller

cribbage@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tuesday, 12:30–4pm

$2/visit

Dancing at the Evergreen (Saturdays)

Evergreen Auditorium

dances@gwsa-guelph.ca

October 18, November 29, December 27,

January 31, February 28, March 28

7:30–11pm

$20/ticket

Darts Club

Evergreen Auditorium Stage

Paul Anderson

dartsclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tuesday & Friday, 10am–12pm

$35/year


8

High Scores

NOVEMBER DARTS RESULTS

High Finishes

Bid Euchre

If you play Euchre, you can play Bid

Euchre. Make new friends enjoying this

stimulating game!

John Finamore

bideuchre@gwsa-guelph.ca

¨ On Tuesdays:

Room 3

1–4pm

$2/visit

¨ On Thursdays:

Room 3

1–4pm

$2/visit

Euchre (Mondays)

Room 3

Earl Mead

euchre-monday@gwsa-guelph.ca

Monday, 1–3:30pm

Members $2/visit

Euchre (Fridays)

Room 4

Maureen Baird

euchre@gwsa-guelph.ca

Friday, 1–4pm

Members $2/visit

Line Dancing

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.

Evergreen auditorium

Phyllis & Donna

linedancing@gwsa-guelph.ca

¨ Monday Line Dance Classes:

8:35–9:35am, Introduction to Line

Dancing

9:40–10:40am, Beyond the Basics

10:45-11:45am, Intermediate

¨ Thursday Line Dance Classes:

1:10–2:10pm, Introduction to Line

Dancing

2:15–3:15pm, Beyond the Basics

1 st visit free for GWSA members, then

$2/session.

Mah Jong

Mah Jong is a game played with tiles like

dominoes. We are happy to provide

instruction to new players.

Evergreen Hallway (near Library)

Leona Petri

Monday, 1–4pm

$2/visit

Mindful Drumming

It’s fun to drum! We look forward to

seeing you on Thursday mornings to

experience our drum circle. We have

drums and percussion instruments to

share or bring your own. We play with

joy!

Room 3

Jean Selinger

mindfuldrumming@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thursday, 10:30–11:30am

$2/visit


9

Move a Little, Move a Lot

A gentle exercise program using balls and

TheraBands.

Room 3

gwsa@gwsa-guelph.ca

Monday, 9–9:45am & 11–11:45am

*11am session is currently full

Friday, 9–9:45am

Members: $3/session

Non-members: $5/session

Peer Learning

Peer Learning is for seniors who like to

have a good discussion with a friendly

group. It’s a great way to meet new

people and have fun while learning. Come

join us as we research and discuss

exciting topics. All classes are in the

Board Room.

¨ Who Ran the World in the 2020s?

Moderator: Margaret Burnett

January 5 to March 16

Mondays, 9:30–11:30am

$22.00

¨ Great World Events and Discoveries

Moderator: Betty Jordan

January 8 to March 19

Thursdays, 9:30–11:30am

$22.00

Photography Club

The Photography Club is a friendly group

of amateur photographers. Our

equipment ranges from mobile phones

and point-and-shoot to fancy DSLR

cameras. We share a common interest in

this hobby, and we learn from each other.

Room 3

Stu McCannell

photographyclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Last Monday of every month,

3:30–5:30pm

$40/year

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

¨ At Evergreen:

Monday, 12–3pm

Tuesday, 8:30–10:30am &

10:30am–12:30pm

Wednesday, 8:30–10am


Friday, 8:30–10:30am &

1–4pm

Sunday, 8:30–10:30am &

10:30am–12:30pm

¨ At West End:

Tuesday, 12–2pm & 2–4pm

Thursday, 12–2pm & 2–4pm

(Activity/waitlist is currently full.)

$70 twice/year

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. The items

contributed are a crucial part of

GWSA fundraising.

Room 2

Beryl Drohan

quiltgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

Monday, 12:30–4pm

Riverside Art Group

We are a friendly group of artists working

in varied mediums including oil, acrylic,

watercolour, pastel, pencil, and charcoal.

Room 2

Nancy Baker

riversideart@gwsa-guelph.ca

1 st , 3 rd , & 5 th Wednesday


10

8:30am–12pm

$35/year

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.

Room 2

Kathy McCallum

rughooking@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tuesday, 12–4pm

$35/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 hallway

Sebastian Hurwitz

scrabble@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thursday, 1–3:30pm

$2/visit

Sharing Dance Fitness

Six-week class designed for older adults

with reduced mobility.

Room 1

gwsa@gwsa-guelph.ca


November 6–December 11

Members free

Non-members $2 donation

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

shuffleboard@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tuesday & Wednesday, 1–4pm

$35/year

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

Friday, 11:45am–1:45pm

$85/year

Silvertones Choir

To join this choir, you do not need to be

able to read music, just have a love for

singing.

Room 3

Gerry Soules

silvertones@gwsa-guelph.ca

September–June

Friday, 1:45–3:30pm

$85/year

Snooker Club

We are a group of active, friendly players

of all skill levels. Please drop by the

snooker room. You’ll be assured a warm

welcome. We have three tables so we can

accommodate many players. Ladies don’t

be shy. Our small ladies’ contingent

typically plays on Tuesday mornings.

Evergreen Snooker Room

Brian Yasvinski

snooker@gwsa-guelph.ca

Daily 9–5pm

$115/year

Table Tennis


Petr Vales

tabletennis@gwsa-guelph.ca


11

¨ At Evergreen:

Monday, 3–5pm

Wednesday, 10am–1pm

Saturday, 1:30–4:30pm

¨ At West End:

Friday, 1–4pm

(no play during July & August)

$140/year

Texas Hold ’Em Poker

Poker played on a point system, and the

one with the most points each week

comes out a winner. Your $3 will buy

$650 in “real” casino chips. We play until

there is only one player left or to a set

time, whichever comes first. New players

are welcome. We can teach you!

Room 3

Dennis Canning

texasholdempokertuesday@gwsaguelph.ca

Tuesday, 6–8 p.m.

Members $3/visit

Non-members $5/visit

Watercolour Painters

This group provides painters the

opportunity 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 , 3 rd , & 5 th Wednesday, 1–5pm

$35/year

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-and-paste event card works of

art.

Room 2 (room shared with Riverside Arts

Group on 5 th Wednesday)

Dale Vardy

westhillsartgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

2 nd , 4 th & 5 th Wednesday

8:30–11:30am

$35/year

Wood Carving Group

We do carving in the round and create

cartoon characters, birds and wildlife,

spoons, bowls, etc. Other carving

techniques include marquetry and

pyrography. Training available.

Room 2

Ken Fugler

woodcarving@gwsa-guelph.ca

Monday, 6–8 p.m.

$50/year

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. Old photos, albums, etc., can be

used in researching your life history. Our

group is ongoing, and spaces are limited.

Join us and share your story!

Board Room

Jennifer Blackie

writingyourlifestory@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thursday, 12:30–3pm

$50 every 6 months


ACTIVITIES CALENDAR: JANUARY

E – Evergreen Seniors Community Centre

W – West End Community Centre

12

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

CLOSED

New Year’s Day

2

8:30a Craft Group

8:30a Pickleball E

9a Canasta

10a Chess

10a Darts

10:30a Badminton E

11:45a Silver Strummers

12p Colouring for Calm

1p Art Studio

1p Badminton W

1p Euchre

1p Pickleball E

1p Table Tennis W

1:45p Silvertones

5

8:30a Line Dancing

9a Move a Little, Move a Lot

9:30a Peer Learning


12p Pickleball E

12:30p Quilting

1p Badminton W

1p Computer Mentoring

1p Euchre

1p Mah Jong

3p Table Tennis E

6p Wood Carving

6

8:30a Pickleball E

9:30a Beading & Jewelry

10a Darts

10:30a Pickleball E

12p Pickleball W

12p Rug Hooking

12:30p Cribbage

1p Bid Euchre

1p Shuffleboard

2p Pickleball W

6p Bridge

6p Texas HE Poker

7

8:30a West Hills Art Group

8:30a Pickleball E

9a Bunka Art Group

10a Table Tennis E

1p Art Studio

1p Backgammon

1p Badminton W

1p Shuffleboard

1:15p BINGO!

8

8:30a Pickleball E

9:30a Peer Learning

10:30a Mindful Drummers

10:30a Badminton E

10:30a Sharing Dance Fit

12p Bridge

12p Pickleball W

12:30p Writing Life Story

1p Bid Euchre

1p Line Dancing

1p Scrabble

2p Pickleball W

9

8:30a Craft Group

8:30a Pickleball E

9a Canasta


10a Chess

10a Darts

10:30a Badminton E



1p Badminton W

1p Book Club 2

1p Euchre

1p Pickleball E

1p Table Tennis W

1:45p Silvertones

12

8:30a Line Dancing


9:30a Peer Learning


12p Pickleball E

12:30p Quilting

1p Badminton W


1p Euchre

1p Mah Jong

3p Table Tennis E

6p Wood Carving

13

8:30a Pickleball E


10a Darts

10:30a Pickleball E

12p Pickleball W

12p Rug Hooking

12:30p Cribbage

1p Bid Euchre

1p Shuffleboard

2p Pickleball W

6p Bridge

6p Texas HE Poker

14

8:30a Riverside Art Group

8:30a Pickleball E

9a Bunka Art Group

10a Table Tennis E

1p Backgammon

1p Badminton W

1p Shuffleboard

1p Watercolour Painters

1:15p BINGO!

15

8:30a Pickleball E

9:30a Peer Learning


10:30a Badminton E


12p Bridge

12p Pickleball W


1p Bid Euchre

1p Line Dancing

1p Scrabble

2p Pickleball W

16

8:30a Craft Group

8:30a Pickleball E

9a Canasta


10a Chess

10a Darts

10:30a Badminton E



1p Badminton W

1p Euchre

1p Pickleball E

1p Table Tennis W

1:45p Silvertones


13

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

19

8:30a Line Dancing


9:30a Peer Learning

20

8:30a Pickleball E


10a Darts

21


8:30a Pickleball E

9a Bunka Art Group

22

8:30a Pickleball E

9:30a Peer Learning


23

8:30a Craft Group

8:30a Pickleball E

9a Canasta

11a Move a Little, Move a Lot 10:30a Pickleball E 10a Table Tennis E 10:30a Badminton E 9a Move a Little, Move a Lot

12p Pickleball

12:30p Quilting

1p Badminton W


1p Euchre

1p Mah Jong

3p Table Tennis E

6p Wood Carving

12p Pickleball W

12p Rug Hooking

12:30p Cribbage

1p Bid Euchre

1p Shuffleboard

2p Pickleball W

6p Bridge

6p Texas HE Poker

1p Art Studio

1p Backgammon

1p Badminton W

1p Shuffleboard

1:15p BINGO!


12p Bridge

12p Pickleball W


1p Bid Euchre

1p Line Dancing

1p Scrabble

2p Pickleball W

10a Chess

10a Darts

10:30a Badminton E



1p Badminton W

1p Euchre

1p Pickleball E

1p Table Tennis W

1:45p Silvertones

26

8:30a Line Dancing


9:30a Peer Learning


12p Pickleball

12:30p Quilting

1p Badminton W


1p Euchre

1p Mah Jong

3p Table Tennis E

6p Wood Carving

27

8:30a Pickleball E


10a Darts

10:30a Pickleball E

12p Pickleball W

12p Rug Hooking

12:30p Cribbage

1p Bid Euchre

1p Shuffleboard

2p Pickleball W

6p Bridge

6p Texas HE Poker

28


8:30a Pickleball E

9a Bunka Art Group

10a Table Tennis E

1p Art Studio

1p Backgammon

1p Badminton W

1p Shuffleboard

1:15p BINGO!

29

8:30a Pickleball E

9:30a Peer Learning


10:30a Badminton E


12p Bridge

12p Pickleball W


1p Bid Euchre

1p Line Dancing

1p Scrabble

2p Pickleball W

30

8:30a Craft Group

8:30a Pickleball E

9a Canasta


10a Chess

10a Darts

10:30a Badminton E



1p Badminton W

1p Euchre

1p Pickleball E

1p Table Tennis W

1:45p Silvertones

Saturday Sunday Everyday

1:30–4:30p Table Tennis E

January 31, 7:30–11p: Dancing at the

Evergreen

8:30a Pickleball E

10:30a Pickleball E

12:30p Badminton E

9a Snooker

Activity calendars are also available at the GWSA website:

https://gwsa-guelph.ca/activity-calendar/


14

THE ARTICLE SHELF

Why the flu hits some people

harder than others

“Influenza hits differently across life

stages. So, for healthy adults, it could be

a rough week, but for kids, seniors,

pregnant people, people with chronic

conditions, it could mean ER visits.”

By Karen Hawthorne 1

Published October 28, 2025

Older adults who are 65 and older can be more

susceptible to pneumonia or a heart attack as a

result of the flu virus.

T

he flu, or influenza, is considered a

common virus that most people are

likely to contract at some point over the

respiratory illness season from late fall

through winter. And if you get it, it’s not a

big deal to spend a few days in bed

feeling rough—but that’s not entirely true.

For certain people, flu can be serious,

putting added stress on your body that

can land you in the hospital with

complications like pneumonia or stroke,

even if you’re healthy. So, for everyone,

the flu is a virus to avoid as best as

possible.

Flu impact differs across your

lifespan

“Influenza hits differently across life

stages. So, for healthy adults, it could be

a rough week, but for kids, seniors,

pregnant people, people with chronic

conditions, it could mean ER visits. It

could mean hospital stays, complications,

all these things that we could actually

prevent with vaccination,” says Dr. Latif

Murji, family and emergency physician at

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) in

Ontario. He notes that getting the flu

vaccine lowers the risk of getting infected

by at least half.

“If it feels like you got hit by a truck, why

not lower your chances of that?”

He emphasizes that vaccination can be

lifesaving because flu is contagious and

easy to transmit to anyone who might be

healthy or at higher risk of complications.

Getting vaccinated protects you and so

many others.

Murji is also the physician lead for SHN’s

VaxFacts+ Clinic in partnership with

Scarborough Centre for Health

Communities, which is a free service for

people to speak to a doctor by phone for

preventative health counselling for

infectious diseases, health risk factors,

vaccines and community resources.

These days, he’s hearing concerns over

respiratory illnesses like influenza. Every

1 Karen Hawthorne worked for six years as a digital

editor for the National Post, contributing articles on

health, business, culture and travel for affiliated

newspapers across Canada. She now writes from her

home office in Toronto and takes breaks to bounce with

her son on the backyard trampoline and walk Bingo, her

bull terrier.


15

year, there are an estimated five to 10

per cent of adults and as many as 20 to

30 per cent of children in Canada who

contract the flu, usually in the late fall

and winter. This is the calendar period

when we’re indoors for much of the time

and in closer contact with others.

It’s important to know the risks: What is

the impact of the flu on certain

populations and the severity across

different age groups?

For anyone with underlying health

problems such as asthma, diabetes or

heart disease, the risk that comes with flu

is that much greater.

“With something like the flu, which really

puts strain on your organs and throws off

the system balance, people with chronic

conditions are at very high risk because

they have a lower physiologic reserve. So

then there’s just a higher chance of

complications,” he explains.

The virus spreads easily and can infect

your nose, throat and lungs, so people

with asthma or chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (COPD), where

damage to the lungs causes shortness of

breath, coughing and excess phlegm, are

at more severe risk of pneumonia when

they get the flu, Murji notes.

People living with diabetes, which is also

extremely common, experience worse

glycemic control with flu to contend with

as well, “so their blood glucose can go

through the roof, which causes all kinds

of problems, infections, you name it,” he

says of the heightened risk of pneumonia,

bronchitis and sinus and ear infections.

When glycemic or blood sugar control for

people with diabetes is not managed,

people can have life-threatening low or

high blood sugar episodes.

For people with kidney disease or those

who have had transplants, these are very

sensitive medical conditions, and you

don’t want to be hit with the flu as well.

He also flags people who are pregnant

and up to two weeks postpartum. Flu can

affect them more severely because the

mom is providing for two. There’s a

higher oxygen demand that’s complicated

by the position of the womb because it

compresses the lungs slightly.

“You want to stay healthy in pregnancy

because you have less wiggle room or

reserve that puts you at higher risk of

hospitalization and complications for the

baby, which we don’t want.”

Protect yourself from flu at any age

In terms of age groups, children,

especially those under age two, have

immune systems that are very immature.

Their anatomy and airways are small, so

there is less lung capacity. “Dehydration

is common, you can get ear infections. If

you have a fever, you can end up having

a seizure,” he says of flu complications for

infants.

Older adults who are 65 and older can be

more susceptible to pneumonia or a heart

attack.

The flu puts a strain on your heart and

can actually double the risk of a heart

attack in the week following a flu

diagnosis, Murji cautions. In fact, 70 per

cent of the hospitalizations and 90 per

cent of the deaths that occur in this group

are typically associated with the flu.

“This is like flashing lights and sirens,

definitely we want 100 per cent uptake of

vaccine amongst this group because it’s

in everyone’s interest.”


16

As for healthy adults, while you might

just tough it out, Murji stresses the

greater risk of transmitting the virus to

others. “Prevention on your end also

lowers transmission. That’s an important

point. If everyone were to get vaccinated,

then the number of infections would go

down.”

Flu vaccine is ‘safe and effective’

His final messaging is about vaccination

for flu and discussing any concerns with a

healthcare provider to feel comfortable

and make an informed choice. At the

virtual clinic, he fields calls from people

worried about vaccine safety with regard

to their allergies, different medications

and medical conditions.

“It’s generally better to just run it by an

expert and figure it out together. My

advice is almost always going to be, yes,

proceed with the vaccination. It’s safe

and effective.”

Blood thinners no longer

needed for many with

irregular heartbeats, study

suggests

A groundbreaking international study coled

by Canadian researchers suggests

that many people who undergo a

successful procedure to correct irregular

heartbeats may no longer need to take

blood thinners for life.

By Jean-Benoit Legault,

The Canadian Press

T

A screen displays a patient's vital signs at the

University of Maryland Medical Center in

Baltimore, on Nov. 28, 2016.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Patrick Semansky

hose who have undergone successful

corrective procedures for irregular

heart beats may no longer need to

commit to long-term blood thinning

therapy, an international study co-led by

Canadian researchers suggests.

Researchers behind the study published in

the New England Journal of Medicine say

the discovery could potentially alter the

clinical care of millions of people around

the world.

The randomized study involved more than

1,200 patients who had undergone an

ablation for atrial fibrillation, a procedure

that involves altering the electrical signals

in the heart through the use of a

catheter. The randomized trial then

compared how one group reacted to

taking rivaroxaban, a commonly

prescribed anticoagulant, with another

prescribed low doses of aspirin.

“The guidelines have said that even if

your doctor does an ablation and feels it’s

successful, you should continue your

blood thinners for life,” said Dr. Atul

Verma, a senior cardiovascular scientist

based at the McGill University Health

Centre in Montreal who co-led the trial.


17

“We decided to do this trial to see if this

was actually necessary.”

Atrial fibrillation is the most common form

of cardiac arrhythmia and affects one per

cent of all Canadians, and five per cent of

those above the age of 65, he said.

After following the patients over the

course of three years, researchers found

there was no significant difference in the

rates of stroke and embolism, the

obstruction or blockage of blood vessels,

between the two groups.

“We were a little surprised by the

results,” Verma said. “It appears that

atrial fibrillation ablation, when

successful, not only lowers the amount of

atrial fibrillation, but also seems to

drastically lower the risk of stroke.”

Brain MRIs were also conducted on

patients at the beginning of the study and

the end three years later to look for signs

of silent strokes, he said, which revealed

low rates between both groups.

"The rate of stroke or silent stroke in

these patients was really, really low,”

Verma said. “It was so low that we could

not detect any difference between

continuing blood thinners or going on

aspirin.”

That brain imaging revealed that after

three years, 96 per cent of patients

showed no signs of silent strokes, he

highlighted.

Anticoagulants, also known as blood

thinners, work to prevent blood clots from

forming, but have been known to cause

bleeding. That could include excessive

bleeding from cuts, blood in the urine, or

heavy menstrual bleeding.

Verma said many patients are eager to

get off them, since the bleeding they can

cause, say in the instance of an accident,

can be life-threatening.

“The first thing they ask is, can I stop this

blood thinner? I like to go skiing, I like to

work in my garage, I'm at risk of bleeding

by taking these things,” Verma said. “And

now for a certain substantial portion of

those patients, I think we can say, yes

you can.”

Dr. David Birnie, a professor in the

Department of Medicine at the University

of Ottawa, and the head of its Ottawa

Heart Institute, which was involved in the

study, called the findings a “gamechanger.”

“Our results show that one year after a

successful ablation, the risk of stroke is

so low that the downsides of continuing

blood thinners outweigh the benefits,

meaning many patients can safely stop,”

Birnie, who also co-led the trial, said

through a press release.

Over 50 cardiovascular research centres

across Canada, Europe, China and

Australia were involved, a collaboration

coordinated by Dr. George Wells, the

director of cardiovascular research at the

Ottawa Heart Institute.

The Guelph Lions Club—

81 Years of Serving Our

Community

D

id you know that the Guelph Lions

Club has been part of our community

since 1944? That’s 81 years of service,

friendship, and a lot of good work done

right here in Guelph. Our club and all

Lions clubs have lived by one simple rule:

every dollar raised from the public goes

right back to the public. All the costs of


18

running the club are covered by our

members themselves.

Over the

years, the

Guelph Lions

have taken

on some

amazing

projects. We

helped fund the city’s first handicap van

and the first mobile library van. We

played a part in restoring the Goldie Mill

site and sponsored Guelph’s very first

guide dog. Those early projects helped

shape the community we know today.

Our biggest focus, though, has always

been helping people see clearly. For more

than eight decades, the Guelph Lions

have been dedicated to improving vision

care in the city. Back in the 1970s and

80s, we sponsored eye equipment at St.

Joseph’s Hospital and later helped Guelph

General Hospital purchase laser surgery

equipment for cataract operations. Over

$450,000 in today’s dollars has been

donated to help improve eye care in

Guelph.

These days, our focus is on helping

individuals directly. We’ve made a

promise that no one in Guelph will go

without prescription glasses because of

financial need. Thanks to our wonderful

partners at LensCrafters Optical and

Stone Road Eye Care, we’re able to make

that happen. Many of our referrals come

from teachers who notice students

struggling to see the board, or from social

workers helping people who can’t afford

glasses. In just the past three months,

we’ve provided 31 pairs of glasses to

people who needed them.

We’re also helping people hear again. Our

hearing aid program supports those who

can’t afford them—most often seniors. As

many of us know, hearing loss can lead to

isolation and even memory challenges, so

helping someone hear again really can

change their life. It’s an expensive

program, but we’re proud of the progress

we’ve made and the smiles we’ve brought

back.

All of this work is made possible through

our fundraising efforts—especially Lions

TV Bingo. Our bingo started in the 1970s

right here in Guelph, with prizes of just

$25 to $100. By 1990, it had grown to

include several other communities, and

today seven Lions Clubs take part under

the Guelph Lions umbrella. The prize

board now sits at $5,500 every week, and

the game is

broadcast

from the

Rogers studio

in Kitchener.

Each week,

five Lions

volunteers make sure the show runs

smoothly.

We are happy to announce we support

GWSA by sponsoring some of their

events. We also now sell our Bingo cards

at the GWSA Member Services Centre.

The cards are sold Monday to Friday from

9am–4pm. Buy a card or two and support

GWSA and the Lions club!

Eighty-one years later, we’re still going

strong—and still proud to serve.


19

FOCUS ON MEMBERS

Line Dancing Halloween

Event


20

Recent Passings

¨ George Smith passed

peacefully at age 92

on November 13,

2025. In his lifetime,

George was blessed

with one beloved

wife, five siblings, 12

siblings-in-law, 26

nieces and nephews,

two stepdaughters, seven

grandchildren, and 18 greatgrandchildren.

Born in Eden Mills,

George was known for his gentle spirit,

quiet strength, and unwavering

kindness. A devoted husband to his

late wife, Shirley J. Smith (2015), he

lived a life grounded in faith, family,

and humble service. George worked as

a quarry miner and later as a Security

Officer at the University of Guelph. In

retirement, he continued serving his

community through the Evergreen

Seniors Centre and as a long-standing

member of Bethany Baptist Church.

¨ Mary Anne McGill-Mitchell passed away

at age 84 on November 23, 2025. She

enjoyed playing cribbage and euchre

at the Evergreen Centre.

Farm Outside Guelph Hwy 124

Photo by Barbara Heagy, GWSA Photography Club


21

EVERGREEN MARKETPLACE

S

ale ads will be left in for three issues

from first insertion. If you want to

leave it in longer, contact the Sentinel

office. (Let us also know if your item sells

so we can remove it.)

Accommodation or vehicle sale ads will

not be included here. Such ads will be

treated as advertising material inserted

within these pages at the current Sentinel

advertising rates.

For Sale

Curling grippers, Moyen Tournament,

medium, black, excellent condition, made

in Canada, $15. Curling broom brush,

made by “Bel”ivere, $15.

Call Pat (519) 265-3626.

Classifieds

IN-HOME REFLEXOLOGY FOR SENIORS

Reflexology can help relieve pain and improve

circulation. Liz Appleby (647) 888-0694

guidedwellnesswithliz@gmail.com

http://www.guidedwellnesswithliz.com/

Member of RCCO

Sliding scale fees for lower income seniors

NEED A CLEAN HOME? CALL THE CLEANING SHIFT

Professional, reliable cleaning service for your

home and office. Weekly, bi-weekly, or one

time deep cleans. Free estimate!

Call or email today: (519) 780-7669,

cleaningshift@gmail.com

20% off for seniors providing own supplies;

25% off for first time clean



22

23

Downsizing with Ease Seminar For Seniors

Downsizing &

Decluttering

Workbook

Included

Your Journey to Downsizing Begins Here!

Sat. Jan 17 11:00am-12:30pm

Sat. Feb 21 11:00-12:30pm

Discussion Topics:

Decluttering and Organizing Strategies

Tackling Emotional Hurdles

Where to Sell or Donate Your Possessions

What to Expect When Selling Your Home

Current Real Estate Market Trends

What is Stress-Free Independent Living

Tour Guelph Lake Commons

Guest Speaker:

Dorothy Guerra

REALTOR

Retirement Living Expert

Dorothy.Guerra@bwliving.com

Upcoming Dates:

520 Victoria Rd N, Guelph

GuelphSeniorLife.com

Space Limited! RSVP Your Spot Today With Dorothy 519-589-1187


24

The Aging Brain

Wednesday, January 28 th from 11 am to 12 noon

This film is part of the series The Secret Life of the Brain. This

film shows that the aging brain is far more resilient than was

previously believed and shares some inspiring stories of aged

brains, along with information to help the brain to stay vital in

the final years of our lives.

ER Trips, Hospitalization,

and other Crisis Tips

Wednesday, February 25 th from 11 am to 12 noon

Emergencies can happen when we least expect them! It’s best to

be prepared, so here are some ideas to help you prepare so that

if someone with dementia is involved in an emergency, you can

quickly respond.

Finding Your Way: Why Do

People with Dementia Wander?

Wednesday, March 25 th from 11 am t 12 noon

What causes 4 of 10 people living with dementia to become lost?

How can we help people with dementia stay safe? This session

will look at what the Finding Your Way® program is and give tips

and strategies to help keep the person living with dementia safe

in the community, along with information and resources to help

you be prepared for incidents of someone going missing.

at The Evergreen Seniors Community Centre

683 Woolwich Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 3Y8

No registration required.

www.alzheimerww.ca


25


26

BISTRO 683

Bistro 683 is the restaurant located inside

the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre.

It’s a great place to visit with friends and

enjoy a nutritious meal.

Hours

Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

(excluding holidays)

• Breakfast: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Lunch: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Freezer meals can be

purchased until 4:30 p.m.

We’re always offering:

• Featured hot lunches

for only $8.50 +HST

• Rotating breakfast and

lunch menu

• Coffee and tea service

• Baked goods, soup,

sandwiches, burgers,

sausages

• Delicious frozen meals

for you to take home

Scan to view

our monthly

rotating menu

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre

683 Woolwich Street recreation@guelph.ca

519-837-5699 guelph.ca/bistro683


27

During cold/flu season, it is important to know your options to

access healthcare:

1) Call your Doctor’s office FIRST

For non-emergency medical concerns or routine appointments, including after-hours care.

If you don’t have a Doctor/Nurse Practitioner, call 811 (Health811) or visit health811.ontario.ca.

2) If you have URGENT medical questions or concerns, call your Doctor’s Office

to ask if a same-day appointment is available

Or connect with a Registered Nurse 24/7 by calling 811 (Health811) or visit health811.ontario.ca.

3) For after-hours medical needs, access the After-Hours Care Clinic associated

with your Doctor’s Office (guelphfht.com/after-hours-care/)

If your Doctor/Nurse Practitioner is not part of the Guelph Family Health Team, check online for

Community Walk-in Clinic listings or call 811 (Health811) or visit health811.ontario.ca.

For a MEDICAL EMERGENCY: Go to your local Hospital Emergency Department or CALL 911

The Best Care for Everyone

www.guelphfht.com

Have feedback to share?

Take the Patient Experience

Survey at www.guelphfht.com

SCAN QR CODE

The NEW Wellness Workshop Schedule

for January–June 2026 is NOW

AVAILABLE!

The Guelph Family Health Team’s

Wellness Matters program offers

interactive workshops to the community

at no cost, that focus on a variety of

wellness and mental health topics!

IN-PERSON workshops and VIRTUAL

webinars are offered.

You can view the NEW schedule at

www.guelphfht.com or by clicking

here: JAN - June 2026 Workshop

Schedule


28

DINE IN OR TAKE OUT

GUELPH

702 Woolwich St.

(beside Tim Hortons)

519-823-0303

½

PRICE

HADDOCK

Buy a 1 piece Fish & Chips at regular

price & get a 2 nd 1 piece Fish & Chips

of equal or lesser value for 1/2 price.

DINE IN OR TAKE OUT

FRESH CUT

FRESH TASTE

FRESH FOOD

The way it ought to be.

Whether it is breakfast,

lunch, or dinner we have

a full menu serving all of

your favourites! Try our

signature Alaskan Halibut.

STARTS AT

$7 99

BREAKFAST EVERY DAY TILL 10 AM

2 Eggs, home fries, toast, and

your choice of 4 pieces of

bacon, ham or sausage

GUELPH 702 Woolwich St.


519-823-0303

*Before tax. Please present coupon at time

of order. Not valid with any other offer.

No substitutions. Expires March 31/26

½

PRICE

COD

Buy a 1 piece Fish & Chips at regular

price & get a 2 nd 1 piece Fish & Chips

of equal or lesser value for 1/2 price.

DINE IN OR TAKE OUT

Order Online for Pick Up or Delivery

halibuthouse.ca

GUELPH 702 Woolwich St.


519-823-0303

*Before tax. Please present coupon at time

of order. Not valid with any other offer.

No substitutions. Expires March 31/26


29


30

Puzzles, Games &

Comics

Solution on page 33


31

Solutions on

page 33



32

33



34

January Sentinel 2026

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?