February Sentinel 2026

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The Sentinel • February 2026

The Sentinel • February 2026 • Vol.50 No.6

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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 x1001

audrey.bishop@gwsa-guelph.ca

Sharon Lamers, Finance Administrator

finance@gwsa-guelph.ca

Sidra Tawakal, Member Services Clerk

Sentinel Volunteers

Ray Miller, Administrator, Printer

George Huges, 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

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

In This Issue

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

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

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR: FEBRUARY ............................ 12

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

The prescribing cascade: How women end up

understudied and overtreated ................................. 14

Opinion: Insomnia deserves modern medicine .... 16

A silent thief: What you need to know about

osteoporosis and how it could affect you .............. 17

FOCUS ON MEMBERS ..................................................... 21

Juried Art Show Winner ............................................. 21

West Hills Art Group Challenge ............................... 21

Art in the Hall Solo Show .......................................... 22

Free to Read Book Sale Returns to Downtown

Guelph ........................................................................... 22

Circular Computer Project: Connecting

Community Through Digital Access ........................ 23

EVERGREEN MARKETPLACE .......................................... 24

For Sale ........................................................................ 24

Classifieds .................................................................... 24

PUZZLES, GAMES & COMICS ........................................ 35

Deadline for March Sentinel submissions is

February 2, 2026

Email submissions to

sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca

SENTINEL OFFICE

You may contact the Sentinel Office by email

sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca, phone (519) 265-7722 x1004,

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.


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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

O

ne of the things I have learned

through sitting on the Board for the

last few years is that change is the only

constant for organizations like ours that

promote healthy active living for older

adults. Although we are well positioned to

tackle these ongoing changes, there are

times when these ongoing challenges

seem overwhelming.

In January, we finally completed

negotiations regarding the Community

Benefit Agreement we have with the City

of Guelph. It was an extremely long

process, and much has changed since the

original document was signed by the

Board back in December 2019. There was

a need to significantly update our shared

objectives and goals as well as working

around the timelines set by Council to

consider and approve their budget.

Ultimately, the Mayor and Council did

approve increased funding towards

seniors’ services and our agreement now

includes the option for the City of Guelph

to renew our Community Benefit

Agreement for a one-year term, up to

four times. There are also expectations

we will deliver on some new reporting

requirements, but that should be easier to

assemble now that we have the

MySeniorsCenter software in place.

This summer the city will be initiating a

long-awaited renovation and expansion of

all the washrooms at the Evergreen to

meet the AODA (Accessibility for

Ontarians with Disabilities Act) standards.

We do not have firm date(s) of impact or

closures yet. The city is currently

reviewing impacts to July and August

2026, and their goal is to reduce the

closure time and impact for both GWSA

and city programming. We will keep you

posted.

Lastly, because of the renovations, we

will be delaying our Annual General

Meeting—traditionally held in June—and

scheduling a date in September. We will

let you know more closer to the date.

Thank you for all your patience and

willingness to help our Association thrive.

We have lots of exciting programming

coming our way this year, and I look

forward to working with all our members

and the Board to strengthen and improve

our organization.

Elizabeth Steggles,

President


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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.


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Board Room

Eva Quan

beading@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tuesday, 9:30–11:30am

$2/visit

Book Club 1

For February, we will be reading The Life

Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma

Knight, and our March book is A Spark of

Light by Jodi Picoult.

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.

In February, we will be reading The Apollo

Murders by Chris Hadfield. Looking

forward to the reading and getting

feedback from our group members.

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

$3/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


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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

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


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High Scores

Rob 121, 100, 138, 103

Ester 107

Rino 101, 103

Jackie 114

Norm 109, 118, 100, 104

Marcel 104, 112, 140, 123

Richard 100 x 8, 129, 121 x 2,

120, 105, 134

Margaret O'Toole 108

Carole108, 118

Ken 101

Mike 100 x 5, 101, 121, 125,

132, 105

Doris 100 x 5, 121, 134, 135

DECEMBER DARTS RESULTS

High Finishes

Paul 86 = (T20, 20, 06)

81 = (T15, D18)

Bill 62 = (10, 20, D16)

92 = (T20, D16)

Rob 87 = (T15, D10, D11)

Jackie 76 = (D19, D19)

Richard 59 = (3, 16, D20)

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


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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


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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


January 8–February 12

February 26–April 2

May 7–June 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


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¨ 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: FEBRUARY

E – Evergreen Seniors Community Centre

W – West End Community Centre

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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

2

8:30a Line Dancing

9a Move a Little, Move a Lot

9:30a Peer Learning

3

8:30a Pickleball E

9:30a Beading & Jewelry

10a Darts

4

8:30a West Hills Art Group

8:30a Pickleball E

9a Bunka Art Group

5

8:30a Pickleball E

9:30a Peer Learning

10:30a Mindful Drummers

6

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 10a Chess

12p Pickleball E

12:30p Quilting

1p Badminton W

1p Computer Mentoring

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!

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

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

9

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

10

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

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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!

12

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

13

830a 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

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CLOSED

17

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

18

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!

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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

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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

23

8:30a Line Dancing


9:30a Peer Learning

24

8:30a Pickleball E


10a Darts

25


8:30a Pickleball E

9a Bunka Art Group

26

8:30a Pickleball E

9:30a Peer Learning


27

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

Saturday Sunday Everyday

1:30–4:30p Table Tennis E

February 28, 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/

“Farm Okanogan Valley”

By Michael Gareau

GWSA Photography Club


14

THE ARTICLE SHELF

The prescribing cascade:

How women end up

understudied and overtreated

By Dr. Paula Rochon 1

Published Nov 12, 2025 in Healthing.ca

Without evidence-based guidelines tailored to

women’s physiology, drugs are more likely to be

inappropriately dosed, and this can contribute to

adverse effects being mistaken for a new medical

condition. GETTY IMAGES

Y

our doctor prescribes medication for

high blood pressure. A few weeks

later, you notice your ankles are swollen.

It’s interpreted as a new condition, and

you’re prescribed a diuretic to help your

body eliminate excess fluids. You then

experience dizziness and are prescribed

yet another drug. Before long, you’re

taking multiple medications when you

may have only ever needed one.

This is a prescribing cascade, and if

you’re an older woman, you’re caught in

instances of potentially inappropriate

prescribing more often than men.

Over two decades ago, I, along with Dr.

Jerry Gurwitz, described the “prescribing

cascade” framework to bring attention to

this dangerous domino effect that often

goes unrecognized. While some drug

combinations are necessary and

appropriate, potentially inappropriate

prescribing cascades are ones where the

initiation of subsequent drugs may be

unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Initially, we identified three prescribing

cascades. Now, about 200 prescribing

cascades have been uncovered from

around the world. Potentially

inappropriate prescribing

disproportionately impacts mature

women, who generally experience more

chronic conditions than men and are more

likely to experience polypharmacy.

The consequences extend far beyond the

inconvenience of pill burden. Each

inappropriately prescribed medication can

introduce new risks for interactions,

adverse effects and complications—which

can be so difficult for women already

navigating menopause and aging.

Why are women so vulnerable? The

answer lies in a perfect storm of biological

differences and systemic neglect.

Women’s bodies process some

medications differently than men. Yet

studies were not required to include

women, a practice that continued until

the 1990’s This contributes to a

knowledge gap on how best to prescribe

for women, especially as they age. For

example, the optimal dose for some

medications is lower for women compared

1 Dr. Paula Rochon is Director of Research at the

Weston and O’Born Centre for Mature Women’s Health

at Sinai Health, which is one of the only academic

centres globally to make menopause and mature

women’s health a strategic priority. She also holds the

Barry J. Goldlist Chair in Geriatric Medicine.


15

to men, just one of the many contributors

to why women experience more adverse

drug effects.

Without evidence-based guidelines

tailored to women’s physiology, drugs are

more likely to be inappropriately dosed,

and this can contribute to adverse effects

being mistaken for a new medical

condition.

This doesn’t have to be our reality.

Physicians have a crucial role to play in

recognizing and preventing these

prescribing cascades. They must be

trained to recognize when a symptom

could be a drug’s side effect rather than a

new condition.

Importantly, women should also feel

empowered to advocate for themselves;

to ask more questions. Don’t be afraid to

ask whether every medication is

necessary, or whether a new symptom

might be a side effect of something you

already take. If you see multiple

specialists, request a comprehensive

medication review to ensure nothing is

missed.

Most critically, we urgently need research

to include older women and when they

are included to make sure that the

information about older women is

reported to increase the impact of the

research. That call is at the heart of Sinai

Health Foundation’s Questions campaign,

which aims to drive more equitable

women’s health research. It’s also the

foundation for the Weston and O’Born

Centre for Mature Women’s Health, a

first-of-its-kind centre that is dedicated to

advancing our understanding of

menopause and other conditions that

impact women’s health as they age. I’m

proud to help lead this work as the

Centre’s Director of Research.

But one centre cannot close decades of

research gaps alone. Policymakers must

mandate that studies analyze data by

sex, gender and age as standard practice.

We need to understand not just how a

45-year-old woman responds to

medication differently than a 45-year-old

man, but how a 70-year-old woman’s

response differs from a 50 year old’s.

The solution begins with recognizing that

women’s health is not a niche concern.

It’s a fundamental issue of equity and

evidence-based medicine. Until we invest

in the research needed to truly

understand how women age and how

their bodies respond to treatment, we will

continue to catch them in preventable

prescribing cascades that could lead to

harm.

The time for action is now. Women have

waited long enough.


16

Opinion: Insomnia deserves

modern medicine

By Dr. Atul Khullar, University of Alberta and Dr.

Roger McIntyre, University of Toronto 2

Published Nov 26, 2025 in Healthing.ca

Access to viable treatment for chronic insomnia is

lacking, but new medications may be on the

horizon that could help more people catch

better z's. GETTY IMAGES

F

or the more than four million

Canadians who have chronic insomnia,

daily life can be a struggle. Medically

recognized as a serious brain disorder,

insomnia syndrome damages mental and

physical health and increases the risk of

depression, heart disease, diabetes and

suicide.

Canada’s communities and our economy

rely on a healthy, productive workforce,

but insomnia is quietly undermining it.

Chronic insomnia is sleeplessness that

occurs at least three days a week over

three months and impairs daytime

functioning.

Research links it to a 40 to 75 per cent

increase in long-term work disability. The

resulting costs are hard to ignore:

reduced productivity, safety issues, and

higher expenses in sectors such as

energy, healthcare, and education.

Despite the widespread prevalence of

chronic insomnia, concerns persist within

the mental health community about

limited access to effective treatment

options for individuals covered by our

public drug benefit plans.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for

insomnia (CBT-I) is a first-line treatment,

but it is not accessible or effective for

everyone. Without access to CBT-I or

modern pharmacotherapy, millions of

Canadians face preventable health issues.

Patients and their physicians rely on

insomnia treatments, including

benzodiazepines and z-drugs, that carry

risks such as falls, excessive daytime

sedation, and dependence. These

treatments require careful monitoring due

to these risks, taking time and resources

from an already-strained healthcare

system. Patients are also self-medicating

with alcohol, cannabis or over-thecounter

sleep aids to get some respite

from their insomnia.

We can—and should—do better for our

patients, particularly those covered under

our public drug benefit plans.

A newer class of sleep medications, called

dual orexin receptor antagonists

(DORAs), is safe and effective for treating

chronic insomnia with minimal risks.

Countries such as Japan, France,

Germany and Italy publicly fund these

medications, but Canada’s provincial drug

plans do not.

2 Dr. Atul Khullar is a psychiatrist and sleep specialist, a

clinical associate professor in the Department of

Psychiatry at the University of Alberta, and the medical

director of the Northern Alberta Sleep Clinic.

Dr. Roger McIntyre is a professor of psychiatry and a

professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the

University of Toronto.


17

As clinicians and researchers, we have

observed the transformative benefits of

these therapies when they are accessible.

We have seen patients trapped in cycles

of ineffective medications or risky selfmedication

regain restorative sleep and

return to work after switching to modern

treatments.

One such example is a First Nations

woman who endured years of trauma and

struggled with alcohol addiction.

Throughout her recovery, chronic

insomnia repeatedly caused her to

relapse. Many of the medications covered

under her public drug plan—the Non-

Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program—

were unsuitable because of their potential

for addiction. Desperate, she often used

over-the-counter sleep aids, which only

worsened her condition.

Determined to break the cycle, she saved

enough money to try a DORA medication.

After starting this treatment, she has

remained sober for over a year and was

able to return to work. Improved sleep

gave her the strength to face and heal

from her trauma. After multiple appeals,

the NIHB program granted her an

exemption to cover the medication.

Canada’s Drug Agency recently

recommended excluding these

medications from public benefits plans,

overlooking the outcomes that matter

most to patients and clinicians: quality of

life, daytime functioning, reduced

disability and recovery. This decision

sharply contrasts with those of our

international peers and highlights a

systemic issue regarding access to mental

health therapies in Canada.

A 2023 Mood Disorders Society of Canada

report found that Canada’s access to

mental health and brain disorder

medications remains worse than that of

other G7 countries. It concluded that

most provinces publicly cover only 25 per

cent of approved psychiatric drugs. For

the small percentage that are publicly

funded, patients wait an average of 2.5

years after approval to access them.

Sleep is essential; we spend a quarter to

a third of our lives sleeping or trying to

sleep. Chronic insomnia disrupts work,

family life, and leads to healthcare and

productivity costs exceeding treatment

expenses. The evidence and clinical

insights are clear: decision-makers must

ensure all Canadians can access effective,

safe insomnia treatments.


18

A silent thief: What you need

to know about osteoporosis

and how it could affect you

By Paul Pickrem, St. John's Telegram

Published Nov 20, 2025

The gradual loss of bone mineral density makes a

person prone to what are called “fragility

fractures” in the hip, spine, wrist, or shoulder,

indicating that the bone has become fragile.

GETTY IMAGES

A

silent thief is busy robbing Atlantic

Canadians of their quality of life.

According to Osteoporosis Canada, many

Canadians can’t live the life they want

because osteoporosis steals bone mass

without giving any indication of doing so

until a fracture occurs.

Often, the fracture is the first warning

sign of osteoporosis.

On its website, osteoporosis.ca, the

national, charitable non-profit says people

living with osteoporosis face a reduced

quality of life, lowered self-esteem,

reduction or loss of mobility,

disfigurement, a lack of independence

and in some cases, death.

Osteoporosis Canada says 22 per cent of

women and 33 per cent of men who

suffer a hip fracture will die within the

following year.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, sometimes called “brittle

bone disease,” takes years to develop

without any warning symptoms.

The gradual loss of bone mineral density

makes a person prone to what are called

“fragility fractures” in the hip, spine,

wrist, or shoulder, indicating that the

bone has become fragile. A fragility

fracture also increases a person’s risk for

future fragility fractures.

Carla Purcell is the fracture liaison nurse

coordinator at Dartmouth General

Hospital and the clinical educator for the

fracture liaison service in the province of

Nova Scotia.

Purcell said the fracture liaison service

(FLS) identifies patients aged 50-plus who

have had fragility fractures to determine

whether they need medication to

strengthen their bones and prevent

further fractures.

Purcell said a fragility fracture would be

considered an osteoporosis fracture,

which happens from little or no trauma.

“We would say that it’s something that

would be less than a fall from standing

height at walking speed,” she explained.

“So, if somebody has a fall—you know,

trips in their kitchen and falls down and

breaks a bone—it doesn’t really matter

how old you are, whether you’re 50 or

102, your bone should be able to

withstand that amount of force. So, it’s

minimal or low-impact trauma.”

Purcell said fractures caused by

osteoporosis are an important health

problem. About 2 million people in

Canada have osteoporosis, she says, and

80 per cent of fractures that occur in


19

people over the age of 50 are related to

osteoporosis.

“A fracture certainly decreases quality of

life, and they’re also very, very

expensive,” she said. “We have the

opportunity to lower the risk of

somebody’s fracture by roughly 50 per

cent with the osteoporosis medications

that we have.”

Purcell said her job also focuses on

preventing repeat fractures.

“My job is to prevent the next break,

because we know that people who do

break come back to see us with more

breaks,” she said.

“For instance, about 50 per cent of people

who have that devastating hip fracture

have already had an osteoporosis break,

and perhaps if we had intervened at that

time, then we might have been able to

prevent that hip fracture from

happening.”

According to Purcell, there is a huge care

gap with osteoporosis because only about

20 per cent of people who need to be on

medication for their bones ever receive it

after a fracture.

“So the purpose of my role is to make

sure that those people who do break get

screened and treated. The 20 per cent

care gap is pretty universal around the

world,” she said.

“With fracture liaison service, we actually

can reverse that by a lot. It’s the only

service that is proven to be not just costeffective,

but results in cost savings for

the health-care system.”

What are the common myths?

Osteoporosis Canada wants the public to

be aware of several myths about the

disease, which can keep people from

seeking the treatment they may need.

They include the myth that “Anyone

would have broken the bone if they fell as

hard as I did.”

Another is, “I am too old to take

osteoporosis medicine. I won’t live long

enough to work.”

Also, some people think, “As a male, I

don’t think that I can get osteoporosis.”

Beverly Pimentel, a chronic disease

registered nurse at Cape Breton Regional

Hospital, addressed another myth, noting

that at least one in five men will break a

bone from osteoporosis, and one quarter

of the 30,000 hip fractures caused by

osteoporosis in Canada are in men.

Another startling statistic: 33 per cent of

men will die in the first year after having

the fracture, compared to 22 per cent of

women.

“So, even despite the fact that more men

die in the first year after hip fracture,

they’re less likely to come to us to be

processed or to receive treatment for

osteoporosis after they do break a bone,”

Pimental said.

What can be done?

To help address osteoporosis,

Newfoundland and Labrador Health

Services (NLHS) established the

BreakFree Fracture Liaison Service (FLS)

at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in March

2024, funded by the Brookfield Chair. The

first program was established at Western

Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner

Brook in January 2024.

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital serves as the

primary facility for individuals with

fragility hip fractures in the province,


20

treating approximately 330 patients

annually.

According to Osteoporosis Canada, this

evidence highlights the importance of

secondary fracture prevention through

identifying patients predisposed to future

fractures, conducting osteoporosis risk

assessments and investigations, and

initiating individual treatment regimens.

The program also includes an educational

emphasis on optimal nutrition for bone

health and strategies for fall prevention.

Dr. William Moores is an orthopedic

surgeon practicing at St. Clare’s in St.

John’s. Dr. Moores said the FLS program

is making a difference in patients’ lives

and saving the health-care system

money.

“I think there’s very good evidence that

they (FLS) help decrease the overall risk

of fractures from osteoporosis in the

community. And I’d like to see the

provincial government, or the federal

government as well, provide some

resources for this because the cost

savings of preventing even several hip

fractures pay for these types of positions

to be in place,” said Dr. Moores.

What’s it like living with

osteoporosis?

Jackie Herman, who lives in rural Nova

Scotia, was diagnosed with osteoporosis

in 2018 after an X-ray led to a bone

mineral density test.

“I vividly remember the moment my

family doctor told me I had osteoporosis.

Flooded with emotion, I couldn’t hold

back my tears. I always ate well and did

regular exercise, so how could this be?

Wasn’t I too young, at 57, to have

osteoporosis? I felt angry, scared—

completely overwhelmed,” Herman said.

Herman’s doctor suggested she visit the

Osteoporosis Canada website to learn

more about the disease.

“So, I came home and climbed into my

computer. I’ve been reading, listening,

watching, and learning from it ever

since,” Herman said.

Through her reading and learning from

the experiences of others coping with the

disease as part of an online support group

facilitated by Osteoporosis Canada,

Herman said she has made lifestyle

changes in areas such as diet and

nutrition, exercise, and good posture.

“Looking after my bones is now a part of

my everyday life,” Herman said.

More information is available at

osteoporosiscanada.ca, which includes the

Know Your Risk quiz.

What are the clinical risk factors for

osteoporosis?

¨ A previous fracture

¨ A parent who had a hip fracture

¨ Smoking

¨ Daily alcohol intake of three units

¨ Taking Prednisone for a long period

¨ A history of rheumatoid arthritis


21

FOCUS ON MEMBERS

Juried Art Show Winner

By Kim Taylor

T

he first Juried Art Show has come to a

close, and a winner has been

crowned! Thank you to all who

participated and those who enjoyed the

beautiful artwork. Elaine Ferdinand’s

“Morning

Mist” caught

the people’s

attention. A

lovely

watercolour

painting.

Congratulations, Elaine!

West Hills Art Group

Challenge

By Kim Taylor

I

nspired by one of the member’s family

traditions growing up, the West Hills

Art Group challenged one another to

create their impression of an art piece.

Each artist created their own idea of the

piece and presented it to the group. It

turned out to be a fantastic journey into

the processes used by each artist. While

looking at the same image, everyone

interpreted it

differently. Enjoy

the finished

product and

watch for new art

challenges in the

future! The

challenge was

called “Several

Outcomes.”


22

Art in the Hall Solo Show

By Kim Taylor

A

s the new year begins, Art in the Hall

showcases solo artists outside of

room 4. It is an opportunity for those who

do not belong to a particular art group to

present their creations. Elizabeth

Steggles—current President of our Board

of Directors—has many talents!

Elizabeth has

always loved

texture and colour

of fabrics, and

three years ago

she started to

experiment with a

variety of fibers

and techniques.

She creates using

new and up-cycled materials. While her

work has traditionally focused on nature,

she is dabbling in abstract art with great

success! She works in her home studio

and was a successful applicant for Art in

the Street in downtown Guelph last

summer. We hope you were able to see

her beautiful pieces full of colour and

texture.

Free to Read Book Sale

Returns to Downtown Guelph

B

ook lovers and community supporters

are invited to mark their calendars for

the annual Free to Read Book Sale, taking

place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Old

Quebec Street Shoppes (55 Wyndham

Street North, Guelph).

Free to Read is a project of the Guelph

Tool Library and this marks the fifth year

of the sale. This year’s sale will feature an

incredible 10,000 books, all priced at just

$2 each. With a wide range of genres and

titles, there is something for everyone.

Community members are also encouraged

to contribute to the cause by donating

gently used books. Book donations will

be collected at the Book Nook Library

in the Evergreen Seniors Community

Centre from Monday, February 2

through Wednesday, April 23.

Proceeds from the Free to Read Book Sale

support the Books for Inmates Program, a

literacy initiative that provides books to

provincial jails across Ontario. The

program was started by Wilma Alexander,

whose commitment has helped deliver

more than 46,000 books to eight

institutions over the past ten years.

“The librarians tell me every time how

grateful they are,” Wilma says, noting the

books are used again and again. One

librarian shared, “Several inmates

mentioned that the books helped them

pass time in a positive way, learn new

things, and feel more connected to the

world outside. The donations have truly

added value to their daily routines.”


23

For more information or enquiries about

donating or volunteering, please contact

info@guelphtoollibrary.org.

Circular Computer Project:

Connecting Community

Through Digital Access

A

ccess to a reliable computer is no

longer a luxury—it is essential. From

booking medical appointments and

accessing government services, digital

devices are a critical link to full

participation in today’s society. For many

people in our community, however, the

cost of a laptop or tablet remains a

significant barrier.

The Circular Computer Project was

created to help close this digital divide by

giving used devices a second life and

putting them back into the hands of

people who need them most. Community

members are encouraged to donate

laptops and tablets of all types, which can

be dropped off at the Evergreen Seniors

Community Centre in the GWSA office. All

devices are accepted; those that cannot

be refurbished are responsibly recycled

through a certified Canadian electronics

recycler, ensuring materials stay out of

landfill.

Donated devices that can be reused are

refurbished by skilled volunteers from the

Guelph Tool Library. Each laptop or tablet

is carefully assessed, repaired where

possible, and has all data securely

scrubbed to protect donor privacy before

being prepared for redistribution.

Refurbished devices are distributed

through trusted community partners,

including Wyndham House and the

Guelph Community Health Centre (Guelph

CHC). The program is also pleased to

welcome the Guelph Wellington Seniors

Association (GWSA) as a new partner,

expanding the project’s ability to

distribute laptops and tablets to seniors

who may face barriers to digital access.

By combining community donations,

volunteer expertise, and strong

partnerships, the Circular Computer

Project is strengthening digital equity

while supporting environmental

sustainability—helping more people

connect to essential services and

opportunities every day.

For more information about the program,

please contact us at

ccp@guelphtoollibrary.org.


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

24

Exercise bike. BH Fitness upright bike

(Model S1UiB). Manual mode and pre-set

programs. Excellent condition, $100. Call

Karen (519) 824-9650.

Classifieds

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

NEED TO FILE TAXES?

You can get FREE tax filing services with HOPE HOUSE TAX CLINIC.

You are eligible if your annual household income is under $80,000.

WALK-IN Session (First-come, first-served; 20 spots/session)

starting from

MARCH 2, 2026 TO MAY 28, 2026.

MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY

FROM 11:00AM-2:00PM

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY

FROM 9:30AM-12:30PM

Please bring your Photo ID, SIN number, and any T-slips.

If you have rental payment receipts, MORE medical INFO receipts or donation receipts,

please bring them too.

Note: Married couples need to file tax returns together,

each of you have to bring your own tax-related documents.

You can also submit your application online.

www.hopehouseguelph.ca/taxprogram

In partnership with Prosper Canada and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s

Social Development and Partnerships Program

Hope House Guelph

10 Cork St. East

Guelph, ON N1H 2W8

(7 Church Lane Accessibility Entrance)

taxes@hopehouseguelph.ca


25

Scents and

sensitivities

Help us keep

the air we

share healthy

for everyone.

The chemicals used in scented

products can make some people

sick; especially those with asthma,

emphysema, bronchitis and other

allergies.

We encourage you to respect that

those around you may have

sensitivities to fragrances.


26

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


27

Helping individuals

maintain independence

through assisting them through:

Appointments

Errands

Leisure outings

Other mobility needs

Driving Independence


28

CREMATION: $2075 +hst

If prearranged and prepaid by December 31, 2026

BURIAL: $6995 +hst

If prearranged and prepaid by December 31, 2026

Includes:

Transfer of deceased from place of death to the funeral home

(within 100 km); then to crematorium

Identification of deceased at funeral home if requested before

transfer to crematorium

Coroner and death registration fee

Cremation casket

Cremation fee

Container to hold cremated remains ~ urn not required

Holding of cremated remains at funeral home until final

disposition is arranged

Procurement of all legal documentation

Unlimited copies of death certificate

Notification of CPP/OAS or other agencies; Filing of CPP

death benefit and survivor benefit forms

Posting of obituary on Wall-Custance website

Memorial tree for Wall-Custance Memorial Forest - 400 acre

Arboretum at the University of Guelph

Includes:

Transfer of deceased from place of death to funeral home (within

100km)

Visitation and service at funeral home or church

(viewing and identification - embalming included)

Choice of casket currently displayed in Wall-Custance casket

selection room - all caskets made in Canada

All motor vehicles, including lead car and funeral coach (limousine

additional $300)

Personalized register book and unlimited memorial cards

Use of reception centre (additional charge for catering)

Procurement of all legal documentation, notification of CPP/OAS

or other agencies, filing of CPP death benefit and survivor benefit

forms

Unlimited copies of death certificate

Posting of obituary on Wall-Custance website

Memorial tree for Wall-Custance Memorial Forest - 400 acre

Arboretum at the University of Guelph

*Note: $6995 is the maximum charge for the services and merchandise

described. Charges may be less based on services selected. Disbursements

(newspapers, clergy, cemetery costs, luncheon, limousine, etc.) not included

For more information about cremation, memorial or funeral services, please contact us at:

WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL

(Wall-Custance Funeral Home Limited)

206 Norfolk Street, Guelph Ontario N1H 4K3 web: wallcustance.com

telephone: 519-822-0051

email: mail@wallcustance.com

Locally owned and operated by Scott & Betty Ann Young and Family, Serving Guelph and Area


29


30

THE FOOT RETREAT

Foot Care Service

We provide gentle, hygienic treatments tailored to meet the

unique needs of each client.

Whether you’re managing dry skin, corns, calluses, cracked

heels, thickened toenails, or diabetic foot concerns.

Services includes:

Nail trimming

Shaping

Exfoliation

Moisturizing Treatments

Ingrown Toenail Prevention

Foot Rub

Contact: Bana

Register Practical Nurse

Phone Number: 519-546- 9553


31

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



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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


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PUZZLES, GAMES & COMICS

Solution on page 38


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Solutions on page 38


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February Sentinel 2026

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