THE GRAVENHURST SENIORS CLUB QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR:
FROM OUR PRESIDENT FRED SCHULZ
Here we are talking about the Fall Season and as I write this it’s still hot and dry. It seems that as we get older time goes a lot faster. You will find some interesting stories and articles as always, in this edition. Also you will notice some new items and a slightly revised format for the newsletter. Please be reminded that we are always looking for your ideas on what you would like to see in our newsletter. This is “All About Us” so let’s hear from you. Enjoy this Autumn 2016 edition! Cliff Flavell: Editor.
Editor Secretary Treasurer Cover Design Photographer Proof Readers Production
Cliff Flavell Ellen Camm Lynn Quesnelle Glenna Kergon Fred Schulz Jeff Childs Pat Wright Allan Denne
Committee Members
Jim Goodwin Cyril Fry Roy Kerr Garnet Schenk Ruth Robertson
Contributing Writers
Garnet Schenk Cyril Fry Ruth Robertson Glenna Kergon Fred Schulz Jim Goodwin
Advertising Distribution President (ex officio)
Harold Campbell Fred Schulz
(Continued from Fred’s column on right) I look forward to the upcoming autumn season at the Seniors Centre and might even try my hand at a new activity. Fred Schulz President 2
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I trust everyone had a very pleasant and enjoyable summer season, despite the dry conditions and high humidity. Even though a number of the activities at the Seniors Centre take a break for the summer season, the Centre had a busy summer with a number of private events and activities continuing during July and August. A very special thanks to Lynne Briden and her team of dedicated workers who faithfully look after the receptions and special events at the Centre. The Director of Property Lorne Robertson had an extremely busy summer coordinating and completing a number of projects at the Centre during the past couple of months. A major clean-up of storage areas took place over the summer months with Lynn Quesnelle taking charge of clean-up, tidy-up and throw out operations. Both Lorne Robertson and Lynne Briden took on the task with great results at the conclusion of the major job. The dedication of the Board of Directors and staff who work diligently for the betterment of the Seniors Centre is very much appreciated. With the arrival of fall, there isn’t a better time to get re-established at the Seniors Centre to check out all the activities that will be running. Take some time and drop in for a cup of coffee and some great conversation that always takes place around the lounge area.
GRAVENHURST SENIORS CLUB 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE President Past President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary Treasurer
Fred Schulz Cliff Flavell Aileen Passmore Lorne Robertson Ellen Camm John Mowry
DIRECTORS Communication Culture Food Services Health & Well Being Membership Newsletter Property Recreation
Al Denne Fred Schulz Lynne Briden Ruth Robertson Lillian Gillan Cliff Flavell Lorne Robertson Bob Macksey
Ways & Means Workshop Director Director
Carol Macksey Roy Kerr Ron Belfry Kathleen Powell
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AlI submissions to be included in the next issue of ALL ABOUT US should be submitted before Nov, 15th, 2016 Submissions can be left at, or emailed to, the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre, 480 First St. N., Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1B9. Submissions that promote and/or enhance the activities of The Seniors Centre and Seniors are always welcome. Pictures are also welcomed. Opinions and concerns about issues facing The Centre are welcome. Try and keep submissions to a maximum of 1000 words. All letters to the Editor must be signed with first and last names. Letters may be edited for size and clarity. Letters to the editor are printed at the Editor’s discretion. Tel: 705-687-8126 Email: gscnewsletter@live.ca
Celebrating the activities of The Gravenhurst Seniors Club Published by the Gravenhurst Senior Citizens Club
Affiliated Club #325 United Senior Citizens of Ontario
Volume 24, Number 1
AUTUMN 2016 ALL ABOUT US
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HEALTH & WELL BEING Arthritis: Arthritis Exercise Class Every Friday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Except July & August) Blood Pressure Clinic: Wed. Sept. 14th: Oct. 12th: Nov. 9th. 9:00 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. No Appointment necessary Toe Nail Clinic: Sept. 14th, 21st & 28th Oct. 12th, 19th. & 26th Nov. 9th, 16th & 23rd. 9:00 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. Appointment necessary. Men’s Fitness: Mon. & Thurs. - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (Except July & August) Mixed Fitness: Mon. - 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Except July & August) Yoga: Tues. - 10.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m. Thurs. - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
“ALL ABOUT US” TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE TITLE 2 From our President A Message From Our Editor 4 Health & Well Being 5 Activities At The Centre The Value of Membership (Fred ) Pat Wright’s Retirement (Fred) 7 Crossword puzzle 9 What Was On That Corner (Garnet Schenk) 10 Sudoku Puzzle 11 A New Member (Cliff Flavell) 13 Please Don’t Feed The Bear (FredTiley) Ontario Senior Games (Ruth Robertson) 17 Culinary Corner 21 Steamboating In Muskoka (Jim Goodwin) 22 What Did You Do In The War Dad? (Cyril Fry) 23 Remembrance Day (Allan Denne) 28 USCO 58th Annual Convention (Marie Smith) 4
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About Our Cover AUTUMN- 2016
Designed by Glenna Kergon
The Value of a Seniors Club Membership Have you ever wondered about all the great benefits of having a membership to the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre? Firstly, if you sign up as a new member of the Seniors Centre by October 1st, 2016, you will receive three free months of membership along with your yearly 2017 membership. What do you think of when someone says the words Seniors Centre? Do you picture older people sitting around playing cards and shuffleboard? Well, it’s time to update your vision! The Gravenhurst Seniors Centre is a vibrant centre of 33 activities, action-packed combination of social interaction, various levels of health programs and fitness, and life satisfaction. Cards games of a wide variety are available, but a number of special events and activities are always on the schedule. The popular monthly lunches are a wonderful way to get to meet some new people while enjoying a delicious luncheon. If you have a suggestion for a new activity at the Seniors Centre, bring it to the attention of President Fred Schulz or place it in one of the Suggestion Boxes located on both floors of the Centre. The Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre has a great deal to offer and is waiting for your new membership or renewal if you already know the many benefits of our wonderful centre. Get to know the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre this September! By Fred Schulz
ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTRE Billiards - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday Workshop - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday to Friday (July & August by appointment only) Sunday: A.A. - 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon 6 Hand Pepper - 1:30 p.m. Monday: Shuffleboard - 1:00 p.m. Line Dancing - 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (except July & August) Euchre - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday: Bifocals Band Practice - 9:00 a.m. (except July & August) Snooker Tournament - 9:00 a.m. Crokinole - 1:00 p.m. (except July & Aug.) Bingo - 1:15 p.m. Darts - 1:15 p.m.(Sept. to May 15th) Horticulture - 3rd Tues. - 7:30 p.m. Texas Hold’em - 6:45 p.m. Wednesday: Palette/Art Group - 10:30 a.m. (except July & Aug.) Gravenhurst Rug Hookers - 12:00 noon Shuffleboard - 1:00 p.m. Bridge - @1:00 p.m. Oct. to May @7:00 p.m. June to Sept. Woodcarving - 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursday: Cribbage - 1:00 p.m. Table Tennis - 7:30 p.m. Friday: Carpet Bowling - 9:30 a.m. Bean Bag Toss - 1:15 p.m. Bid Euchre - 7:30 p.m. Saturday: Texas Hold-em - 9:45 a.m.
Quarterly General Meetings: Second Friday of March, June, Sept. & Dec. For more information, call 705-687-8126
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Pat Wright’s Retirement Party It was a special celebration for our very own Pat Wright that included friends and family on the afternoon of Friday, July 8th when everyone gathered to congratulate Pat on her retirement from the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Club. Guests enjoyed an opportunity to visit with Pat and her family members during the afternoon as well as enjoying a delicious luncheon that was served in elegant style. Pat, along with her Late Husband Ray moved to Gravenhurst in December 1988 and became involved with the Seniors Centre in 1994. She had been taking a computer course at the high school in 1994 when Don Sheldrick (Director of Finance) approached her to do the Seniors Centre’s finances on the computer. They had been done by hand before by Bob Brown who passed away on December 20th, 1993. Margaret Sheldrick taught Pat the basics of Simply Accounting and any other necessary program, so thus Pat moved into the world of computer accounting. She was also taught how to put together the All About Us newsletter by Mary Irvine, the Production Editor at the time. Pat stated that she enjoyed working at the Seniors Centre as it has so much to offer to both Senior Seniors and Junior Seniors. She enjoyed the contact with everyone that she had the pleasure of meeting and working with every day. “They keep me going!” stated Pat. President Fred Schulz personally congratulated Pat on her 22 years of dedication to the Seniors Centre.
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Pat was presented with a Royal Albert “Polka Rose” Teapot & Cream & Sugar set by Lynn Quesnelle on behalf of the Seniors Centre. Congratulations Pat on a very well deserved retirement! By Fred Schulz
Crossword solutions on Page 24
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MUSKOKA INSURANCE salutes the Seniors and their community efforts
Dave Jon Christy Gay Stephen Amy Brandy Andy Marcia Charlotte Nicole Christina 705-687-6606
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What was on that Corner? The building located at 196 Muskoka Road South, the corner of Royal Street and Muskoka Road S. has served as retail store, the home of the local newspaper, living accommodation, as well as different business and professional offices. The ground floor at present is occupied by the Pizza Pizza outlet. Historical records for the building show that a Miss Arnott came to Gravenhurst from Scotland in 1886. Shortly thereafter Miss Arnott opened a business at that location. The 1891 Census for Gravenhurst lists Miss Arnott as a Dressmaker. In 1904 and 1906 Dunn’s Credit Ratings listed her as operating a Dry Goods and Millinery outlet. The business was obviously successful as her niece Ida Dass came from Scotland to serve as an Assistant in Millinery. The 1901 Census for Gravenhurst shows that Ida Dass and her brother Henry C. Dass lived with their aunt here in Gravenhurst. It is interesting to look at the term Assistant in Millinery. The dictionary defines a milliner as one who not only is a vendor of bonnets and dress wares but also one who designs, makes, trims or sells women’s hats. Those definitions give us an idea of the type of activity that was involved in operating a dry goods and millinery business during that period of time in Gravenhurst. In part it was a personal service business that thrived in a growing pioneer community. Little is known about Henry Dass until he purchased the Gravenhurst Banner in 1920. He moved the office and the press equipment to the second floor of 196 Muskoka Road South, owned by his aunt Elizabeth Arnott. The time line is not clear on how long the Banner was printed at that location. It is clear that it was located there for a number of years. It has been reported that the old flatbed presses used in the printing business at that time literally shook the whole building. It was also rumored that there was an unpleasant noise factor associated with their operation for those people entering to pay an invoice or do business on the lower level business. After the late 1940’s a number of business and professional services occupied the building. The lower level was used in part for real estate offices by different agencies. Karl
Husslestrom and his wife operated their real estate office at that location prior to moving the business to Royal Street, now occupied by AnnyLynders Hairstyling. Dr. Hurst, an Optometrist also occupied part of the building for a number of years. The ground floor is now occupied by the local Pizza Pizza outlet. As one examines the history of the businesses in the Town of Gravenhurst one can see how and why they were established and why they thrived. The life cycle of a business or service responds not only to the needs of the community over time, but also is impacted upon by cultural and technological change in the business environment. The skills of a milliner are no longer in demand at the local level. The items the milliner used to take pride in producing are now mass produced in a factory environment and shipped to retail outlets. The technology for preparing and printing a newspaper has changed to the point that the preparation and layout of a newspaper are, at the present found often as separate business functions from the printing of the paper. Culture, technological progress and the manner of doing business affects the life cycle of a business venture from its beginning to its end. It is true, in a general sense, that the Gravenhurst business community has thrived, because it has been successful in responding to the needs and desires of the people and the community on the time continuum of cultural and technological change. That indeed is what makes it so interesting to look at the history of businesses located in the buildings along Gravenhurst’s business core. Miss Arnott, in addition to having her business interests at 196 Muskoka Street South, owned and lived in a home on Royal Street, now occupied by AnnyLinders Hairstyling. It is also evident that Miss Arnott had a commitment to Gravenhurst. The records show that she was listed on the voter’s list in 1945, but I suppose that is another story for a future article. Reference: Statistical information was provided by Archivist Judy Humphries, Gravenhurst Archives. Garnet Schenk: Autumn Edition: ‘All About Us’ ALL ABOUT US
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Sudoku by Jim Tretheway
Morris, an 88 year –old gentleman, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young lady on his arm and a huge smile on his face. Later still, the doctor encountered Morris, spoke to him and said, “You’re really doing great aren’t you?” Morris replied, “Just doing as you suggested Doc. ‘get a hot mamma and be cheerful.’” “No, No,” the doctor said. “I didn’t say that. I said ‘you’ve got a heart murmer and be careful!”
(Sudoku
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Number 1
Sudoku Instructions: - The numbers 1- 9 must appear only once in every row. - The numbers 1- 9 must appear only once in every column - The numbers 1- 9 must appear only once in each darkened squares
There are certain truths that are true no matter how much we may deny them. In the economic realm, for instance, you cannot legislate the poor into independence by legislating the wealthy out of it. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it. Government cannot give to people what it does not first take away from people. And that which one man receives without working for, another man must work for without receiving. 10
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ATTITUDE: The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company - - - a church - - - a home. The remarkable thing is, you have a choice every day regarding the attitude you will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you! David Swindoll. Submitted by: Jim Goodwin
A New Member! Fred Tiley joined the club in July of 2015 and is now the Thursday Supervisor of our Workshop. He says he likes working with Godfrey Cook, our shop President. Fred made a nice pine bench for some of our plants as well as some crafts for our sales. Fred enjoys playing darts, beanbag toss and, occasionally, shuffleboard. He enjoys the Seniors games. He is also a member of The Baptist Church. Fred worked as a carpenter and property manager at Blue Hills Academy and St. Andrews College in Aurora and he had his own Home Improvement Business. Fred retired in 1992 and lived on Black Lake in Torrence for 13 years, then moved to Orillia to be close to the hospital for his ailing wife. Ten years later he returned to Gravenhurst and his main hobby now is crafts with a skill saw and a papertole. Fred says he likes the Gravenhurst Seniors Club because we are friendly and we are pleased to have him as one of our new members. Cliff Flavell
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: “Poor Old Fool,” thought the well dressed
Full Audiological Evaluations Batteries, Sales & Service State of the Art Digital Hearing Aid Technology Now Offering a Home Visit Program Preeti Nichol, B.Sc., M.A., Audiologist Graham Cole, B.Sc., M.Aud, Audiologist 256 James Street Bracebridge, ON Phone (705) 646-2227 Fax (705) 646-0150 muskoka.audiology@bellnet.ca
Your Hearing is Our Concern
Happy Birthday &
Happy Anniversary to all of our Members who celebrate in the months of September, October and November.
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young gentleman as he watched an old man fish in a mud puddle outside a pub. So, he invited the old man inside for a cold beer. As they sipped their brew, the gentleman thought he’d humor the old man so he asked, “So how many have you caught today?” The old man replied, “You’re the eighth.”
TWO GOLD WINNER: Bruce Stephenson captured 2 Gold Medals in the Canada Senior Games in Brampton. The Games ran from Aug. 16th to 19th. Bruce came home with GOLD in Javelin and Shot Put in the 85+ category. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE STEPHENSON
PLEASE DON’T FEED THE BEAR: There’s a strange sign written in the land of the midnight sun for the people who hike the trails. But the strangest one I ever did see And it really gave me a scare was when I was hiking along a mountain path and I saw a sign, “Please Don’t Feed The Bear!” Now I come from down southern Ontario where the squirrels and rabbits play And the only animal I ever fed was a horse that I gave some hay So I hurried along and I sang a song to help me hide my fear But as I rounded a bend I saw it again, that sign that gave me a scare “Please Don’t Feed The Bear!” So, I really got worried and I started to hurry for fear that one I might meet And for the life of me I couldn’t recall if bears like grass or meat. So down the mountain side I scurried, to the Ranger shack below And there on the door I saw it once more, that sign written with such care “Please Don’t Feed The Bear!” Now I’m back home in southern Ontario where squirrels and rabbits play Those mountain streams and rivers are far, far away But oh how I long for The Yukon, those were the days to remember. Those were the days to recall, those were days of memories One which I’d like to share, especially one of a sign that read, “Please Don’t Feed The Bear!”
Fred Tiley
MIDLAND 2016 ONTARIO 55+ SUMMER GAMES
The Ontario Senior Games Association is one of the primary organizers and driving forces behind the Ontario 55+ Games. It has been a huge part of planning the Midland 2016 Ontario 55+ Summer Games. Additionally, the OSGA is involved in running the District Games which are used as qualifying for the Midland 2016 Ontario Summer Games. Now how do you get to Midland. Well it is too late for this year, but many Gravenhurst Seniors Club members have made their mark in competition in the 2016 games. To qualify for next year, you first have to register with the Ontario Senior Games. The information and applications are available from mid March to the end of April. You do not have to be a member of the Gravenhurst Seniors Club to enter. We are in District 11 which includes both Muskoka and Haliburton districts. The games take place from May to the end of June, some in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and Haliburton. Each game has an Activity Leader and official rules are kept. Games include: cribbage, euchre, bideuchre, bridge, bowling, crokinole, darts, shuffleboard, and golf. Some games do not have finals and are only played at the one location, e.g. Crokinole, this game is not in the Ontario games as yet. The people who received Gold Medals in our district have the opportunity to go to the Ontario Midland Games as a representative from MuskokaHaliburton District. If the Gold Medal winner cannot go to Midland, then the Silver Medal winner is asked, and then down to Bronze. Many pictures of the winners of our Ontario Senior Games are in this issue. Hope to see more people attending the games next year, all you have to do is apply in the spring and choose the games you want to play. Keep active. It is healthy. Respectfully Submitted by Ruth Robertson
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Medal Winners in Golf at The Ontario Senior Games pictured on the left are - Gold, Rae Francis and Bronze Virginia Snider.
Ontario Senior Games: Crokinole Final. June 15th. Medal Winners, left to right are –Bronze medal winners Alice Schenk and Richard Clark: Silver winners Helen and Harold Campbell and Gold medal winners Bill Buckley and Lorne Robertson. 14
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OSGA55+ Darts Winners: Gold Medal Winners Barry Ford and Al Clement. Silver Medal Winners Al and Linda Courtney and Bronze medal Winners Fred Tiley & Bob Macksey.
On the right, Bev. Skelding and Bernice Sopher show off their gold medals from bid euchre while Donna and Howard Irwin proudly display their bronze medals in the cribbage category, all earned from the recent Ontario Senior Games finals. ALL ABOUT US
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Ontario Senior Games Shuffleboard Final: June 21st. Gold medal winners Bernice Sopher and Bev. Skelding. Silver winners Andy and Joyce Broesma and bronze medal winners Irma Salminen and Ruth Robertson.
******URGENT****** GRAVENHURST SENIORS CENTRE MICHAEL LIPISKI AUDITORIUM CAPACITY:
Theatre Style: 180 Dining: 100
Ideal for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Funeral Receptions, Stage Productions and Meetings Kitchen Facilities and Stage available. Also available: Meeting Rooms for smaller groups.
Please call for rates: 705-687-8126 Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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HOSTESSES/HOSTS NEEDED Volunteer 7 hours a month Regular and replacement people required. KEEP THE CLUB RUNNING SMOOTHLY. Contact -
Lynne Briden - 705-687-8527
CULINARY CORNER OATMEAL-DATE MUFFINS: 3 Tablespoons butter or margarine 1 cup all purpose flour 1 cup quick cooking oats 1/4 cup light brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup milk 1 large egg: Pre-heat oven to 450F: Grease or line a 9cup muffin pan. In a small sauce pan, melt butter over moderate heat. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon until well mixed. Stir in dates. In a small bowl, combine milk, egg and melted butter. Using a wooden spoon, stir this mixture into the dry ingredients until just moistened. (Do not overmix!) Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake lightly until brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from cups and serve warm! CRANBERRY SALAD: 4 Cups Cranberries Juice of 1 can of pineapple + enough hot water to make 3 1/2 cups. 2 tablespoons plain gelatine (or a little more) 1/2 cup cold water 2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup grapes halved and seeded 1 can pineapple, diced Cook the cranberries in the pineapple juice and hot water. Soak the gelatine in the cold water; add the cranberries and the sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved ; cool. When cooled add nuts, grapes, diced pineapple and stir well. Cool until firm in individual moulds. Turn out and serve with mayonnaise on shredded lettuce. I always carry a knife in my purse, just in case you know like , - cheesecake!
Here’s another from the 1946 Purity Cook Book: CORN BREAD: 1 cup sifted Purity flour 2 tablespoons sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup corn meal 1 egg 1 cup milk 1tablespoon melted butter Mix and sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add corn meal Beat egg and add milk then add to the flour mix. Mix thoroughly and add melted butter. Bake in a greased 8” cake pan (350F) for 30 minutes. My mother used to make this and as a small child it was one of my favorite treats. Smothered with a spoonful of ‘Bee-Hive Golden Corn Syrup’ it was delicious. We always called it “Johnny Cake!”
Did you hear about the three little roosters that got caught out in a rain downpour? Two ran into the hen house but the third made a duck under the porch!
KRAZY KAKE: 1 1/2 cups flour 1 3/4 tsp salt 1 tsp Baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 3 tbsp. cocoa 1 cup white sugar 1 tbsp. vinegar 5 tbsp. melted butter 1 cup tepid water 2 tsp vanilla Put flour, salt, soda, baking powder, cocoa, sugar in sifter. Sift twice, second time directly into ungreased cake pan. In one corner of the pan put vinegar, in the other corner put vanilla, melted butter in the third corner. Pour 1 cup of the tepid water over the entire mixture and mix well. Bake at 325 F for 25 minutes or longer if needed. Frost with a very wet icing. ALL ABOUT US
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A group of residents from PineRidge enjoyed the production by Smile Theatre entitled “Canada In Love”. Here, Smile Theatre performers Caleb DiPomponio (left) and Karina Bershteyn (right) enjoyed visiting with some of the audience members.
Line Dancing Classes every Monday afternoon at 1:30. Come have some fun!
Stop in For Breakfast Take Lunch to Go Full Menu Available
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SUBWAY GRAVENHURST 351 TALISMAN DRIVE
Gary W. Rolston Investment Advisor 2-140 First Street South Gravenhurst, Ontario 705-687-0630 ANNUAL GIC RATES
1 YEAR 2 YEARS 3 YEARS 4 YEARS 5 YEARS
2.07% 2.20% 2.24% 2.25% 2.27%
Rates as of August 24th 2016 Subject to change and availability All GICs provided by CDIC Member Firms RRSPs, RRIFs, Cashable GICs, TFSAs
While visiting with our son and his family I had asked him for his permission and the password to use his Wi-Fi. “The password is taped under the modem,” he responded. After three failed attempts to log on, I finally asked him, “Am I spelling this right? T-A-P-E-D-U-N-D-E-R-T-H-E-M-O-D-E-M?
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POLICY CLARIFICATION Membership: The policy states that for any activity in our Club, the person must be a member in good standing of USCO; that is, a current membership of a Senior’s Club that is affiliated with the “United Senior Citizens of Ontario”. Any group that does not wish to purchase memberships will be required to have a rental agreement, which will be reviewed each year, and approved by the Board of Directors. Any fund raisers such as Breakfasts, Luncheons, and Big Buck Bid Euchre Tournaments, and special groups: e.g. V.O.N. Smart Program exercise group, the O.S.G.A. 55+ (Ontario Senior Games) does not require membership to attend. Power Outage: As soon as there is a power outage the staff or a Director is notified. (Directors to be called in order of listing on the contact sheet). Bathrooms are blocked and no one is allowed to use them. (Bathrooms available at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre next door, if necessary). If the power is still out after ½ hour, the same director is notified and will at that time make the decision to come to the GSAC so that the building can be closed after one hour of a power outage. Inclement Weather and Bad Road Conditions: The Director in charge of the office that day will make the decision early in the morning re the necessity to close the building, Staff and Activity Leaders to be notified. If bad weather happens after the Staff has gone home, it will be up to the Activity Leaders to make the decision to close and notify the members of that activity. Coffee: The Bottomless Cup: this had been voted on and passed in 2013, that it would be a bottomless cup of coffee or tea for the present cost of $1.00. Styrofoam Cups & Lids: to be used if you are bringing your coffee/tea downstairs. All drinks are to be kept away from the courts and billiard tables. Activities: It is up to each activity group to run their activity and to appoint someone to collect the money for the centre and be the Leader. The club is not responsible for this with the exception of those activities that the club pays an instructor. GUIDELINES FOR WHEN TO CALL AN AMBULANCE: A person with: Chest pain/discomfort/tightness Difficulty breathing Confusion Signs of a stroke (difficulty speaking, moving, weakness on one side) Severe allergic reaction Head trauma or falls resulting in neck or back pain A person that has fallen and cannot get up themselves An unconscious person A severe cut or wound Do not try to lift someone that has fallen, call the ambulance **Never hesitate to call 911 if unsure of a person’s condition, injuries, or illness. Updated & approved by the Board of Directors: June 9, 2014
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Steam Boating in Muskoka: This is a memorable year for steam boating in Muskoka. It is the 150th anniversary! In 1866 Alexander Peter Cockburn, a far sighted business man & entrepreneur, built ‘Wenonah’ on Muskoka Bay in Gravenhurst and launched the beginnings of steam boating on the Muskoka Lakes. That enterprise continues today. Cockburn took a great leap of faith. Muskoka was very primitive with very few inhabitants and minimal visitors, however, his venture was successful. Before long his boat was very busy, and after several years, profitable as well. The arrival of steam boating in Muskoka caused the populations to increase in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. In 1871 the government established ‘Free Land Grants’ to encourage settlements and very soon many people arrived to start farms. People also came to Muskoka to fish, hunt, camp. Most arrived at their destination by steam boat. Wenonah sailed for 20 years until her hull deteriorated and she was deemed “derelict”. However, many other steam boats were built and put into service, (21 in all) over the years. The entire Muskoka Lakes were serviced by steamers. R.M.S. Segwun was built in 1887. R.M.S. Sagamo (“The Chief”) was the largest steamboat built. She burned at her dock in 1969. Segwun languished as a floating museum, owned by the Town of Gravenhurst until her restoration and re-launching. She proudly carries on the tradition to sail on a wide variety of cruises all summer. To learn more about the 150 years of steam boating in Muskoka visit The Discovery centre at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. Jim Goodwin
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“WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR,
DAD?”
When Adolph Hitler declared war, Canada was one of the countries which moved promptly to thwart his plans. I was about 13 ½ years old at the time, living with my parents in Toronto, where I had entered Oakwood Collegiate in 1938. By 1941, most of those Ontario Factories, short of work during the 1930’s Great Depression, were not only making more of their original products, but they were also making weapons and equipment for the military. Early that year, my dad went back to Brantford, where he got his old job back at the Cockshutt Plow company, which made a wide range of agricultural machines, and now was also making artillery shells, many parts of aircraft, including plywood fuselages for trainers, armoured pilot seats for fighters, landing gear for bombers. As many younger people, especially men, went off to fight, large numbers of people, many of them women, were brought in from the Maritime Provinces, to live in new, large buildings where they were housed and fed. My mother returned to Brantford, too, and at the end of a school year, I joined my parents, back in our old house, and transferred to Brantford Collegiate and Vocational School for Grade 12 and 13. In contrast to my brothers, who couldn’t find a job when they finished school, at age 16, in the 1930’s, I was welcomed to join the workforce for the summers at Cockshutt’s, in the Wings Department, where some of those aircraft parts were made. When I began, I thought I would earn 25 cents an hour. When I received my first paycheck, I discovered I was receiving 35 cents an hour. Wow! That meant I might be able to go to university. As time passed, my job also changed. Instead of filing burrs off little metal pieces that looked as if they belonged on the heels of my shoes, I began riveting airplane wing parts, then my boss asked me if I’d ever heard of a Mosquito airplane. Even though I was very keen on airplanes, I hadn’t, since it was a new design from de Havilland. Metals were short because of all 22
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the demands of war, so one of the Mosquito’s advantages was that most of it was wood. However, the rudders and elevators, on which I began work, were made of aluminum alloy. There were lots of notices in the factory, warning us of the importance of careful work. The lives of flight crew and success against Hitler both depended upon it, we were told. I also learned that some workers were not really on our side. There were warnings that saboteurs might intentionally build flaws into the parts they made. I never heard of any cases like this being discovered in Brantford, but all parts were inspected, and I remember the chap who inspected our rudders and elevators. His work before the war was that of an embalmer in a funeral home, and he told me one or two interesting stories of that job. In any case, my earnings did make it possible for me to get the education which helped me get married, raise children, buy a house. And although I wore a uniform for part of the war, no one ever shot at me. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to tell you more in a future article. Cyril Fry
By late 1942 the Mosquito was becoming operational in ever increasing numbers, and its unique qualities of very high speed and long range were clearly ideal for many missions.
REMEMBRANCE DAY! Our intrepid reporter, (Oh OK, an ‘All About Us’ newsletter committee member and volunteer contributing writer), had volunteered to provide a story about war service and remembrance for this Autumn edition. A Veteran had been selected, a date and time arranged and the story had its start. Unfortunately the Veteran could not continue; emotions and sorrow, grief and heartbreak soon ended the interview. I should have warned her. As Chair of our local Branch 302: Legion Seniors Committee, Sharon and I have become so used to the emotions many of the old Veterans face when we are visiting, we forget how unnerving it can be. However, I should have mentioned that such might happen. It is those very emotions, the heartbreaking memories that those old Veterans hold in their hearts yet cannot express, that both my wife and I feel privileged to experience when meeting them. These are men and women who risked their lives, some who watched their buddies die, or worse. Their stories are not the stories you read of on the tattered pages of some well worn historic volume, these are stories of the men and women who were there. The men who slogged through swamps and forests carrying their LeeEnfield at the ready, through the blood and bones of the effects of war; stories of the women who served far from their home and families, managing the administrative duties of war, nursing the wounded, perhaps stealing a quick kiss from a flyer at a barracks dance only hours before he flew off on a bombing mission never to return. Yet these old soldiers lived to come home and try to tell about it. Perhaps my wife can relate to their emotional sorrow and heartbreak more than I. She was born, cried her first cry, learned to walk, to talk, to experience life before a strange man appeared in that life. Born in 1943 Sharon was almost 3 years old before her father, SSG. Charles Clayton Rumford, R.C.E.M.E. returned home from Holland on The Queen Elizabeth from Active Service abroad. We listen. We share their sorrow, we try and feel their hurt. Its what Remembrance is; it's what Remembrance Day is for. We should all take a few minutes on Friday, November 11th and make a visit to one of the three Retirement Residences in our community. There are many Veterans in each of them. Find one. Just go up to them, give a warm hand-shake, a firm pat on the back, and a gentle whisper quietly in their ear, - “Thank you! Thank You”! - might be in order.
They are, in no small way, responsible for all we have, for all we are today! Lest we Forget. Lest We Forget!
Allan Denne Committee Chair: Legion Seniors. R.C.L. BR. 302. Gravenhurst ALL ABOUT US
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ROAD MAP DIRECTIONS: To: ALL ABOUT US. (On Line.) To access our All About Us newsletter on line try these directions. In your search engine address bar, type in “Town of Gravenhurst. When you click “ENTER” here, the top selection will be The Town of Gravenhurst Home web page. Click on that selection. Then in the address bar right at the top of that page where it asks, “What Are you looking for?” type - - “All About Us newsletter.” A group of selections should appear. The first of three (3) selections on that page, (there is a small orange box with the letters HTML inside it) is the one you want to click on. Now scroll down to the bottom of the new page and there, with a little luck and patience, should be several editions of our newsletter “All About Us!” Click on the current one “Autumn 2016” for our full newsletter in glorious colour. Thank You to Jason Harnett, Communications Coordinator with the Town of Gravenhurst for coordinating this for us. Allan Denne:
ACROSS:
Crossword Solution. DOWN:
1 Bill Buckley 2 Virginia Snider 3 Howard 5 Harold Campbell 6 Bev Skelding 7 Fred Tiley 9 Irma Salminen
1 Bernice Sopher 4 Alice Schenk 5 Hellen 6 Bob Macksey 8 Lorne Robertson 10 Ruth 12 No one
10 Richard Clark 11 Rae Francis 13 Donna Irwin (From Crossword on Page 7)
Growing Wiser Senior’s Seminar: hosted by Norrn Miller, MPP Parry Sound – Muskoka was held at the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre on Wednesday, June 22nd. Pictured below, left to right – Shawna Torkoff – Public Education Coordinator – Alzheimer Society of Muskoka, Hani Jaber – Pharmacist, Norm Miller MPP Parry Sound – Muskoka, Ann-Marie Kungl-Baker, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations – CCAC and Barb Kerr – Financial Consultant, Investors Group Financial Services Inc. Visit of the Princesses: A Princess Meet and Greet was held at the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre on the afternoon of Friday, August 14th with a large number of Princess Admirers in attendance for the special event that was presented by the Gravenhurst Public Library. Here Ruth Robertson (right) enjoys a visit with some of the Princess's with her Step Great Granddaughter Emily. By: Fred Schulz 24
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180 Brock St., Gravenhurst P1P 1X2 705-687-2207 Fax 705-687-3995
Steve Vandermolen Pharmacist/Owner Seniors Day every Tuesday Special 10% Discount
Gentle Earwax Removal Hearing Tests Hearing Aid Evaluations, Sales and Repairs Discounts on Batteries Custom Noise Protection & Swim Plugs
YOUR FULL HOME HEALTH CARE STORE . . . . .
Bathroom safety . Rentals Rollators . Back Braces Walkers . Support Braces Support Stockings Diabetic and Ostomy Supplies DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
For More Information Call KIM BEIGHTON Home Health Care Dept.
Kimberley Marshall, B.A., M.CI.Sc Audiologist Free Hearing Aid Cleaning 118 Kimberley Ave., Bracebridge Tel: 705 645 3455
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“The
grass is always greener right where you are. Water it!”
Confuse Us?
“Your Store for Low Prices Instore Pharmacy” Terry & Susan Candow Owner/Operators 290 First St. North Gravenhurst, ON. P1P 1H3 PH: 705-687-0554 Fax: 705-687-0720
Tender Tuesdays
Chicken tenders/wedges
Major Clean-up at North Side of Seniors Centre Director of Property Lorne Robertson was certainly busy for a number of days cutting and removing the overgrown brush and trees that had overtaken the north end of the property along the walkway at the north end of the Seniors Centre Property. The major task also involved Lorne hauling away a number of loads of brush and debris that had accumulated along the fence and property line. The completed project resulted in a park-like setting and a major improvement to the landscape of the Seniors Centre Property. Thank you Lorne for your many hours of work during the end of August.
Photo & article from Fred Schulz.
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Stop in to see us for all your home, garden, paint and giftware needs.
Gravenhurst Home Hardware 1170 Muskoka Road Phone: (705) 687 - 3479 www.homehardware.ca Owned and operated by Ian & Tara McNaughton
Mister Roberts HAIR DESIGN
Seniors’ Discounts on Tuesdays through Thursdays
705-687-5400
We wouldn’t be here without the support of our neighbours. So it feels good to return the favour. That’s why your local Gravenhurst Tim Hortons are proud to be part of this great community.
275 KINGSWOOD DRIVE GRAVENHURST
TUESDAY SPECIAL
$3
29 99 plus tax
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USCO 58th Annual Convention August 8,9,10, 2016 Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre The Book of Remembrance was marched in by Sue Clarke, OPP Officer (in her dress uniform). Our President Gerry Graham placed a white rose on the Book in remembrance of our deceased members. The town crier, David McKee led the dignitaries to the platform; MP Bryan May, MPP Kathryn McGarry; Mayor Doug Craig and our quest speaker; Honourable Dipika Damerla; Minister Responsible for seniors. This was Minister Damerla’s first official visit and her first speech in her new role. Our first speaker was Jacqueline Good; a Public Health Nurse speaking about “Shingles”. She told us the importance of receiving the vaccination, how to recognize Shingles and why the government only covers the cost of 65-70 year old individuals. We had 35 resolutions on Health, 10 Resolutions on Transportation, 7 Resolutions on Housing, 14 Resolutions on Financial/Pensions, 10 Resolutions-Miscellaneous, 8 Resolutions about USCO and General Questions. Some of the resolutions were combined. Resolutions that were passed by the members will be made into our “Brief” and sent to the government this fall. The government uses our Brief to know and understand what is going on with our grass roots club and the USCO. Every year the government tells us how important this information is. Other quest speakers were: Allister Field, Ontario Securities Commission; Heidi Fraser from the Diabetes Association, Jeanette Wilson from Alzheimer’s Society. Jeremy Bertrand, from Ontario Securities commission told us how to make sure our investments were secure. 28
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Many attending said we had some of the best speakers they had heard. Monday night entertainment was by Deb Misener-Jones and her 81 year old mother on the violin. They had us all laughing, taking part, singing and having a good time. After Tuesdays banquet we were entertained by John and Genova Heaman with music, jokes and a ventriloquist. Wednesday morning Dr. Brown from Sanafi Pasteuir talked about the importance of our flu shot and told us about a new stronger flu vaccine that will be on the market this fall. You will be hearing more about this from your Field Reps. Our Attendance this year was down due to the scare of the pending postal strike. Next spring you will receive the reply from the government answering our Brief so you can plan your new resolutions to the government. This is a brief summary of our 58th Convention, I enjoy the articles in your excellent newsletter. Submitted by Marie Smith. Past President U.S.C.O. Current Board Member: U.S.C.O.
A Kaleidoscope of Colour J.S.
These are some examples of the wonderful artistic talents displayed by some of the members in the adult colouring books available in the coffee and reception area
THANK YOU!
To all who have contributed a picture to date and keep a look out in the next issues for your picture.
J. L.
Fran
There are so many pictures in so many books. We’ll try to feature some in each of the next issues.
Jo-Anne Patrick (Bear!)
All from our Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Club Members. Judy
Many of these beautiful pieces are not signed, others are signed simply with initials but all are quite lovely and one wonders at the time, talent and energy that went into these works. Some names and initials are included on the page
Anneka ALL ABOUT US
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COMING EVENTS CENTRE CLOSED Labour Day, Monday, Sept 5th Thanksgiving Day, Monday, Oct 10th 3rd QUARTER GENERAL MEETING Friday, Sept 9th, 1:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Krista Storey Manager of Arts & Culture. Town of Gravenhurst Andrea Bradford: At Work Account Manager; Weight Watchers Group Co. SENIORS LUNCHEONS Friday, Sept 23rd, 12:00 noon Friday, October 28th, 12:00 noon Friday, Nov 18th, 12:00 noon BIG BUCK BID EUCHRE Wednesday, Sept 28th, 10:30 a.m. CHRISTMAS BAZAAR & LUNCH Sunday, Nov 20th Lunch 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. $6.00 Bazaar - 11:30 - 2:30 p.m. GRAVENHURST HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Tuesday, Sept 20th Awards Night and Roundtable Garden Q&A Tuesday, Oct 18th Everything About Gardening, Liz Case, Master Gardener Tuesday, Nov 17th Photo Contest and Potluck Dinner, Fred Schulz - Judging & Photo Tips SMILE THEATRE Gravenhurst Seniors Centre Friday, Oct 7th - 2:00 p.m. “Anne of Green Gables” Friday, Nov 25th - 2:00 p.m. “Tis the Season” ANNUAL POST-POLIO MEETING Sat, Oct 15th @ 1:00 p.m. For more information, call Cliff Flavell @ 705-687-7355 ZONE 39 Monday, Sept 12th - Humphrey Active Seniors #1530 Lunch provided @ 12:00 noon. General Meeting 1:00 p.m. Friday, Sept 16th - Fall Festival & Corn Roast Kearney Community Centre - 10.00 am Wednesday, Nov. 9th. Burks Falls Young at Heart Senior’s Centre Lunch provided@ 12.00 noon. General Meeting 1.00 p.m. Please Note: Activities and events are subject to change.
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