Newsletter Spring 2017 Edition

GRAVENHURST SENIORS CLUB QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Spring—2017

ALL ABOUT US

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PAGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE

2 From The President 5 From the Editor 6 & 7 Groundhog Day 7 Historical Gravenhurst 9 Old Yeller 10 & 11 Certificates of Appreciation 13 What was on that Corner 14 New Member 15 Judy’s Crossword 16 Activities at the Centre 17 Recipes 18 Sudoku 18 Part of the game –Hunt for the answer 19 Puzzle Solution & Humour 20 Passionate Longevity 21 Tax Clinic 22 On the Lighter Side 23 & 24 Tax Information 24 I can’t Remember 28 Coming Events From page 16 through to page 27 we have featured some members participating in the activities and tasks at the Centre.

Editor Secretary Treasurer Cover Design Photographer Proof Reader Production Committee Members

Contributing Writers

Distribution

Pres. ex officio 2

ALL ABOUT US

Fred Schulz Ellen Camm Lynn Quesnelle Glenna Kergon Fred Schulz Jeff Childs Pat Wright Garnet Schenk Jim Goodwin Cyril Fry Roy Kerr Garnet Schenk Ruth Robertson Jim Goodwin Cyril Fry Garnet Schenk Fred Schulz Harold Campbell Cliff Flavell Fred Schulz

******URGENT****** HOSTESSES/HOSTS NEEDED Volunteer 7 hours a month Regular and replacement people required.

KEEP THE CLUB RUNNING SMOOTHLY. Contact Lynne Briden - 705-687-8527

SUBMISSIONS AlI submissions to be included in the next issue of ALL ABOUT US should be submitted before May17th 2017. 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 to keep submissions to a maximum of 1000 words.

All letters to the editor must be signed with first and last names.Your ideas

are important.

Tel: 705-687-8126 Email: gscnewsletter@live.ca

Elevator Equipped 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 Ways & Means Workshop

Fred Schulz Lynne Briden Ruth Robertson Lillian Gillan Fred Schulz Lorne Robertson Bob Macksey Carol Macksey Rob Gifford

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters may be edited for size and clarity. Letters to the editor are printed at the editors discretion.

Tel: 705-687-8126 Email: gscnewsletter@live.ca

Published by: The Gravenhurst Senior Citizens Club 480 First Street North, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1B9 1-705-687-8126

United Senior Citizens of Ontario: Affiliated Club #325

Published by: The Gravenhurst Senior Citizens Club ALL ABOUT US

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From Our President There have been many great reasons to celebrate the past months, at the Gravenhurst Seniors Club, with many special events and activities that took place over the winter season.

We’ve enjoyed the delicious monthly luncheons, the Christmas Bazaar, Eugene’s Diner Dance, The Christmas Banquet, Groundhog Day Social as well as the many weekly activities that take place at the Seniors Centre.

It is a pleasure and a privilege to sincerely thank all the Board of Directors at the Seniors Centre, the many activity leaders who work tirelessly keeping the 32 activities on track and well organized. Along with these people, the many volunteers that help with the activities and luncheons are essential to the smooth running of the Seniors Centre. My sincere thanks go out to everyone.

As we approach warmer temperatures and sunny days in Gravenhurst, I wish you all a happy, healthy and safe spring season.

Fred Schulz President

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ALL ABOUT US

The Editor Says Welcome to the Spring Edition of All About Us, featuring a wealth of stories and information on the folks and activities around the Town of Gravenhurst and the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre.

I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to our Past Editor Cliff Flavell and Production Coordinator Allan Denne for their dedication to the Newsletter during the past. It is also my pleasure to welcome Garnet Schenk who has stepped into the position of Production Editor for All About Us. In the spring edition, you’ll enjoy reading articles on a new member of the Centre, Philosophy of Aging, Activities at the Centre, New changes to Income Tax, What’s on that Corner and much more.

It’s been a busy spring season at the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre with a number of club events and family functions taking place over the past months.

With the long awaited arrival of spring, take a break from your household chores and drop by the centre for a cup of coffee and check out the many activities that the Centre has to offer!

Fred Schulz Editor – All About Us

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Groundhog Day celebrated at the Centre

By Fred Schulz The second annual Groundhog Day celebrations were held at the Gravenhurst Seniors Citizens Club on a beautiful bright chilly February morning, with the sun shining through the windows of the Living Room at the Centre.

The successful Groundhog Day Celebration took place on Thursday, February 2nd with approximately 35 people showing up for the event. There were lots of goodies and everyone enjoyed the morning social event.

There was a variety of delicious goodies provided by Aileen Passmore, Lynne Briden, Lynn Quesnelle, and Anneka McVee. Hostesses, Janet Lamorie, Lynne Briden, and new hostess Judy Loghrin, made sure everyone enjoyed a cup of coffee or tea during the celebrations.

Rob Gifford kindly donated a beautiful carved fish themed key hanger, for a draw, which was won by Pat Flavell.

The activities included a 20 question Groundhog Trivia Quiz and a Groundhog Day Maze for people to play. The counting of the peanuts and wine gum jars went over very well as usual. Cliff Flavell won the closest count in the wine gum guess and Doris Cook won the peanut count. A special thank you goes out to Aileen Passmore for preparing the peanuts in a jar guessing game.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Groundhog Day and enjoy the festivities at the Seniors Centre.

Enjoying Groundhog day activities

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Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate Groundhog Day 10. It's on nearly every calendar.

9. Helps relieve cabin fever.

8. Forecast is no less reliable than the National Weather Service.

7. At least one of them critters is bound to see things your way.

6. Valentine's Day is too depressing for nerds.

5. Unlike the Easter Bunny, he keeps his dirty paws outside.

4. As they used to say on radio;"The Shadow knows."

3. It's fun to say, "Punxsutawney."

2. If a rodent can bring us an early spring, more power to him.

1. In Minnesota, either way we come out ahead.

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

2.08% 2.12% 2.11% 2.15% 2.26%

Rates as of February 21st 2017 Subject to change and availability All GICs provided by CDIC Member Firms RRSPs, RRIFs, Cashable GICs, TFSAs

HISTORICAL GRAVENHURST: Gravenhurst has a colourful history based on a pioneering spirit. From sawmill and lumber to medical innovation and industry, Gravenhurst has an unwavering spirit that has endured through both difficult and bountiful times.

Our rich history is embodied in, and exemplified by, our many historic buildings.

Most of us are familiar with the prominent examples such as the Opera House, the railway station, the Presbyterian Church and the Albion Hotel. However, the town’s history is also represented by private homes built over 100 years ago, and occupied today by some private citizens. There are two wonderful examples of such homes that display our heritage. The First is the Finch House, located at 190 Mary Street North. This fine old home resembles the Bethune Memorial House and represents stately accommodation of a bygone era. It was built around 1880 in a “Stick Style” architecture. The property was originally part of the Dugald Brown land grant. In 1926 Archdeacon Linsdell purchased the house. It was later passed on to his daughter May, a local newspaper columnist. After her death, it was purchased by the Miller family and served as a Bed & Breakfast for many years. The supervisor running B & B, was the Miller’s daughter, Mary Finch.

The ‘Clipsham House, at 180 Phillip Street West, was built in 1877 and is probably one of the oldest surviving residences, in Gravenhurst. The building was the home of James Clipsham, a Blacksmith who owned an adjacent carriage works. The house survived the great fire of 1887. The house is of brick construction, (exceptional in a ‘lumber town’) and it sported a large pillared porch, gable windows and single storey annex.

A list of 25 buildings of historical significance, in Gravenhurst, including these two described, is contained in the “Heritage Walking Tour” guide. The guide also provides a location map. Put on your walking shoes and put this experience on your “To-Do-

List”.

Jim Goodwin ALL ABOUT US

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OLD YELLER Many members of Gravenhurst Seniors Club will remember Canada BM. That was before Margarine. BM was first produced in 1813 by a chemist in France, improved by another French chemist, and still further by a Dutch company, which also colored it yellow, so that it looked more like butter.

Wherever margarine appeared, it was followed by dairy farmers urging governments to ban it, or at least to deny it a yellow colour. Canada did so in 1886, but the first World War forced butter into short supply, so the ban was lifted but slapped back on in 1923.

In 1948, a member of the Senate initiated a reference to our Supreme Court, which found nothing in the British North America Act to support a federal ban, so they decided its colour was a matter for provincial regulation, and the provinces couldn’t resist an opportunity like that.

Meanwhile, under the noses of Newfoundlanders, Canada was dangling the opportunity to become Canadians. Dairy farms were in short supply on “The Rock”, but fish and seal oil were plentiful, so a plant to make margarine had opened in 1883. Other plants followed. Then, in 1925, the Newfoundland Butter Company began producing margarine. Whether it ever produced any butter isn’t clear, but one mustn’t be picky.

When the Terms of Union were negotiated in 1949, they specifically established that Newfoundland could continue making margarine but they couldn’t sell it outside their province. However, Newfies had been making screech for years, and enjoying a certain bootleg export trade, so they just added another product to the line, one whose price was half that of butter. By the time Newfoundland joined our club, margarine was legal everywhere in Canada, but factories to make it were few, and busy, so availability, and the bright yellow, helped make the offshore grease irresistible, with a trade name like Golden Spread.

We tend to associate margarine with vegetable oils, and indeed, that is the source of almost all the current production. Originally, it was made mostly from beef tallow, then fish oils were employed but the vegetables won out, with soy now the major ingredient.

Maybe some company will once again start adding cod liver oil to the mix, launching another health food.

Ted Smith, a Gravenhurst Senior, graduated in Chemical Engineering in 1947. He was hired by Canada Packers, who in addition to bacon and wieners, produced various drugs and products derived from meat. The company was pretty sure that margarine was going to be legalized, so they started building a plant for the purpose. Ted was sent to learn the processes in Britain, Germany, France, and the US. He arranged to buy equipment, which was installed as the building progressed, and made a deal with an American producer for ingredients not yet plentiful in Canada. The first margarine emerged almost as Parliament was passing the bill. Demand and production rose quickly in the next thirty years.

Of course, within a few days, the butter folks were in every provincial capital, bending MPP’s ears, with the result that margarine started out mostly white, and with varying amounts of salt. It wasn’t long before a little gelatin capsule full of yellow dye was inside every plastic bag of margarine, so with a quarter hour of squeezing, the spread on your toast would look just as appetizing as ever. Quebec banned the product until 1961, then kept a ban on yellow after 1987. Court battles in 1997, 1999 and 2003 couldn’t budge it, but Prohibition is no longer enforced.

So, Enjoy! Keep your sunglasses handy in case the yellow is too brilliant, and thank Ted Smith, for helping to brighten the start of your day.

By Cyril Fry

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Certificates of Appreciation Presented at December General Meeting The December General Meeting at the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre was the ideal opportunity to show our appreciation to a number of members for their dedication and hard work towards the well-being of the Seniors Club.

Ruth Robertson presented to Georgie Adair, for her 15 years of service to our club, as she is retiring from the Toe Nail Clinic.

Lynne Briden presented to Donna Irwin, a certificate for 25 years of service as a hostess and serving several terms on the Board of Directors for Way and Means.

Donna looked after all the fire extinguishers for a year and initiated the Certificate of Appreciation. She also looked after organizing our photo album for a number of years.

Donna also volunteered at several functions.

President Fred Schulz presented Roy Kerr with a Certificate of Appreciation and thanked him for his many years of dedicated service to the Gravenhurst Seniors Club.

Roy was honoured with being chosen Senior of the Year at the Annual Provincial United Seniors Citizens convention.

Roy and Jean were invited to attend a meeting of the Gravenhurst Seniors Club, in June of1991, for the purpose of deciding direction and priorities as they settled into the new Clubhouse. Roy has been active in every area of the executive, of the Seniors Club, over the years.

President Fred also recognized two Members of the Board of Directors who were retiring from the Board, but continuing in a volunteer role with Club activities.

Ron Belfry, who had been on the Board for three years is retiring from the Board however will be continuing as the coordinator of the Red Aprons.

Kathleen Powell is retiring from the Board and was thanked for her dedicated work to the club and will be staying on for the Blood Pressure Clinic.

By Fred Schulz Georgie Adair receives a certificate from Ruth Robertson Roy Kerr receives special recognition from President Fred Schulz

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Lynne Briden presents a certificate to Donna Irwin _____________________________ The Board of the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre takes pride in recognizing the work of seniors who contribute to making it a home away from home.

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Happy Birthday &

Happy Anniversary to all of our Members who celebrate in the months of of March. April & May

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ALL ABOUT US

What Was on That Corner The Gravenhurst Post Office has provided postal service to the residents of the community since 1862. The post office has not always been located at its present location nor was it always in a Government owned and operated building.

The first post office opened in Gravenhurst on August 1, 1862. It was located in McCabe’s Tavern (the Freemasons Arms). In 1868 the Cockburn family built a two-storey structure on the southeast corner of Muskoka Rd. and Brock Street and the post office was moved into that building. That building was destroyed by the great fire that swept over much of the Town. After the fire the post office was relocated a short distance east, on Brock Street, to a building next to where Gravenhurst Bakery is located. It remained there until 1925.

In 1913 the Federal Government purchased an empty lot, on the northwest corner of Muskoka Street, where the post office is now located. The lot had at one time been the location of the Steamship and Stage Hotel and then the Windsor Hotel, both which had burned to the ground. Although the lot was purchased in 1913, the advent of the Great War delayed the construction of the new post office. Construction of the new building began in 1925 with the grand opening on July 5, 1926. The original building was a one-story structure, much smaller, than the present building. If you visit the lobby, of the Post Office, there is a picture, as well as an historical narrative of the building, on display.

In 1931 a second story was added, and in 1934 the building was enlarged again. The structure was once again renovated and enlarged in 1951. In 1960 a single-storey wing was added which was officially opened on November of 1960. The new one-storey addition faced Muskoka Street, with a new entrance, an extension to the lobby and Post Master’s Office.

Over the years several professional people had used some of the office space upstairs. These included E. W. Clairmont, a lawyer, surveyor Bart Tompsett and Town Planner J. Ross Raymond.

The Gravenhurst Post Office was given the designation as an historical building by the Gravenhurst Historical Committee. The tower clock was completely restored, and on April 10, 2016 helped to mark this historic event.

Over the years the post office has served the people of Gravenhurst in another important way. It was a place for a social visit, a short chit-chat and a review of the bulletin board, before you picked up the mail. The ritual of picking up the mail provided the opportunity for people to exchange local news. The advent of the Street Boxes has changed that for many people, however, the post office is still a focal point, for many people, in the Town of Gravenhurst. *From information prepared by Gravenhurst Archives.

By Garnet Schenk

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New Member – Vivian Partridge

Vivian is presently involved with Bingo, hostessing, and helping out wherever she can at the Seniors Centre.

In addition to her involvements, Vivian volunteers at the United Church Supper Club with the preparation of dessert and salads along with helping wherever needed.

Vivian’s philosophy is very simple, “It’s all about customer service and when you see something that needs to be done, just do it.”

Vivian Partridge goes the extra mile and is always thinking ahead. She just looks around and there are lots of things to keep der busy.

“Do your best as a volunteer and enjoy yourself along the way.”

By Fred Schulz

Vivian’s move to Gravenhurst from Sutton, in August of last year, was a homecoming. She had lived in the Kilworthy area forty-one years ago!

She joined the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre at the end of October 2016 and has become an extremely active member since her arrival at the Centre.

Vivian commented that from the first time she stepped into the Seniors Centre, she found everyone to be friendly and was a very welcoming place to become involved.

She states, “I’ve made a lot of friends in a very short period of time.”

During the Christmas season, Vivian received a number of cards and well wishes for a Happy Christmas Season!

“It makes you feel very welcome to be part of the Centre”, says Vivian.

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Stop in For Breakfast

Take Lunch to Go Full Menu Available

Judy Sherman’s Crossword

Across

Down

2.

4 8 9 11 13

1 3 5 6 7 10 11

Our Country What we play Our Town Humans With a deck What this place is?

Province What we have Talents Over60?

District What we need (not food) Another word for 13 across 12 Line, Square or what “Eugene” makes us do ALL ABOUT US

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Line Dancing Group: Back Row: (L to R) Judy Jeffries, Marsha Blain, Wendy Forsythe, Lesley Montgomery, Betty Deviney, Lynn Quesnelle, Chris Wilde and Betty Wilson Front Row: (L to R) Patti Lynch, Petie Thickett, Sarah Goossen, Elaine Robbins, & Kathy Cuffe. The Group Leader is Christine Wilde.

The Gravenhurst Seniors Centre Activity Centre By Fred Schulz The Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre continues to provide a wide variety of activities and events to be enjoyed. Whether you’re looking for a group activity such as Shuffleboard or Carpet Bowling or Bean Bag Toss or one of the popular Card games, there’s something for everyone at the Centre.

The Seniors Centre offers both Men’s and Mixed Fitness classes as well as Arthritis Exercise (Co -ed) on Friday mornings. The popular Yoga Classes are available on a twice weekly basis offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. A very active Line-Dance group meets on Monday afternoon while the Centre is busy with Crokinole, Bingo and Darts on Tuesday afternoon. The Centre also offers a Blood Pressure Clinic on the second Wednesday morning of the month and a Toenail Clinic on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday mornings. The woodworking shop is usually busy most days with projects being created under the direction of a qualified supervisor. Any given Wednesday afternoon will see the woodcarvers working on their projects. The Centre provides the opportunity for those interested in playing a variety of card games including Euchre, Bid Euchre, Cribbage, Bridge, and Texas Hold’ em. The very popular Big Buck Bid Euchre Tournaments are also held during the year. Drop into the Seniors Centre and pick up the monthly Calendar of Activities and Daily Activities. Why not try a new activity or rekindle a previously enjoyed activity? The Gravenhurst Seniors Centre has a great deal to offer everyone who comes through its doors.

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CULINARY CORNER Cream of Cauliflower Soup ( with no milk or cream) 1 Head of cauliflower cut up 1 Potato diced 1 Medium onion diced (2 Cloves of garlic) optional (1 Stock of celery) optional Salt and pepper to taste Add enough water to cover Cook until tender then puree until smooth Serve as is or with grated cheese

Cream of Mushroom Soup 1/4 cup of butter 4 Cups of mushrooms sliced 1 Medium potato grated 1 Medium onion chopped finely 3 Cloves of garlic 1 Cup of milk Salt and pepper to taste

Cook mushrooms in butter until they are all cooked, add potato, onion, garlic & cover with water and cook until everything is tender and the liquid has thickened .

Add milk, salt and pepper . Puree and serve.

If serving later puree then add the milk when serving.

Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake 6 tbsp (90 mL) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (6) mL) packed brown sugar 5 tbsp (75mL) cocoa powder 1/2 (2mL) baking soda 6 tbsp (90 mL) milk 1/4 cup (60 mL) canola oil 1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla extract 1 large egg 2 tbsp (30 mL) semi-sweet chocolate chips Sprinkles, powdered sugar, more chocolate chips, ice cream etc. for garnish (optional) In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder and baking soda. Whisk in milk, oil, vanilla, and egg until combined and batter has no lumps. Stir in chocolate chips.

Divide batter into two microwavesafe mugs—about 3/4 cup (180 mL) batter in each mug. Microwave mugs for 2 minutes on high, or 1 minute if just microwaving one mug.

Garnish with sprinkles, powdered sugar, chocolate chips or ice cream, if using. Serve immediately.

Makes two servings.

(Starr Tested) karonliu@thestar.ca ALL ABOUT US

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Sudoku

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 square. For solution see page 15.

By Jim Tretheway

Bean Bag Toss Below: – Sylvia Barlow getting ready to take her next Bean Bag Toss

Bill Buckley at a game of crokinole

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Answer to Judy’s Puzzle.

Across 2 Canada 4 Games 8 Gravenhurst 9 Humans 11 Cards 12 Club

Down 1 Ontario 3 Fun 5 Art 6 Seniors 7 Muskoka 10 Exercise 11 Centre

Humour

My young grandson called the other day to wish me a happy birthday.

He asked me how old I was , I told him “80” . My grandson was quiet for a moment and then he asked, “did you start at “one”?

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PASSIONATE LONGEVITY

By Jim Goodwin

This is a condensed and edited version of a presentation I made at our Seniors Centre about 15 years ago. Maybe some of our readers were in attendance.

Perhaps an unusual title. (Passionate Longevity). Do the two words actually fit together? Longevity is a very relative term and Passion is usually associated with youth. The title is borrowed from a book by the same name written by Elaine Dembe, a Fitness Expert in Toronto. Her inspiration is Judith Kazdan, a 76 year old marathon runner who finished more than 40 marathons and has finshed every race. She has even run in many events all over the world. She was a “couch potato” until her late 40’s and is now an inspiration to younger people. Although she has a room full of medals and trophies, she considers her greatest achievement her Bachelor of Arts Degree she earned at York University as an adult student after many years of study. Is 76 Longevity? Judith states she “does not feel old”. Certainly this lady exhibits a passion for life in fitness and learning. Her key phrase is “I don’t feel old!”.

I tried acting my age once but it wasn’t any fun. Being in your second childhood is a lot better than stagnant adulthood. One’s actions and thoughts are `generally determined by preconceived ideas on how one should act.

Do we need pharmaceutical products to change our lives? Too many people think so but they do not improve our lives. I suggest a different potion, to improve the aging mind, and I’ll call it the “A & E potion”, namely, Attitude and Enthusiasm”. A positive imaginative attitude is the greatest feature of enjoying aging.

“I’m too old for that”. “I shouldn’t be doing that at my age”. Phrases like those should be eliminated from one’s mind. Old age is not hardening of the arteries. It’s hardening of the ideas! Enthusiasm for living equals passion and nothing will beat enthusiasm, i.e. all the things we do. It’s contagious so spread it around. Use the “Nike” slogan and “just do it”!

Some ideas on health matters: Good health is not based on medical tests or medications, but on lifestyle. Benjamin Disraeli stated, “The health of a people is the foundation upon which their happiness depends.”

Smoking --- all is bad! First or second-hand tobacco smoke should be avoided.

Alcohol ---- excessive use is unhealthy. Recent studies suggest that red wine in small quantities may be beneficial.

Nutrition --- sensible eating habits and following Canada’s Food Guide is important – maximize fruit and vegetables and minimize sugars and animal meats. A low cholesterol diet is considered to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Vitamins can be a controversial subject. We all need them but we all don’t need lots of them.

If some are good it does not mean that large doses are ten times as good. . (continued on page 21)

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The greatest factor in healthy longevity is active physical exercise. Nothing beats the exhilarative feeling of relaxation after a session of muscle activity. But what kind of exercise? Any kind and all kinds are better than doing nothing. Walking is the easiest and most effective for total body fitness. Brisk walking with arm action (enough to make you puff) is desirable. All weight bearing activity is good for cardio vascular fitness and also a factor in osteoporosis prevention. Our town is fortunate to have excellent exercise facilities at the YMCA and at our own Seniors Centre. “Participaction” is not just a buzz word – it should be a daily slogan.

“Do passion and sex go together? Not necessarily. Sex is meant to define male or female but present terminality seems to imply sexual intercourse and that is not always compatible with an aging body. Many years ago a lady in her late 70’s confided that she and her husband had a wonderful sex life. She stated that they did a lot of cuddling, kissing, touching and hand holding. Sexual intimacy is not the same as sexual intercourse. We tend to get things twisted around. Love and youth do not go hand in hand. Love goes to anyone with imaginations. cuddling up like two spoons in a drawer is passion at any age. There is nothing to compare with two humans touching each other and too many seniors isolate themselves.

It’s pretty difficult to enjoy longevity if we are always worried about where our next dollar is coming from. We have medical advisors and spiritual advisors and likewise we need expert advice in money management to maximize our resources. It takes sound unbiased advice to take advantage of available opportunities. The place to get good financing advice is not from family or friends but from qualified financial planning, of which there are many in Muskoka.

Henry Segerstrom states “volunteerism is the highest form of public service and each of us has a need and wants to volunteer”. Reaching out to help others is a manifestation of compassion. Most volunteers are seniors. Loneliness is one of the problems of ageing and volunteering to help others can be the solution. The passion of living is to help each other. That’s a good reason for the bonus of longevity.

Tax Clinic BDO Dunwoody will be conducting a Tax Clinic for seniors who qualify on March 18, 2017 starting at 10.00 a.m. at Seniors Activity Centre . Threshold limit to qualify is $20,000 for an individual and $30,000 for couples.

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On the Lighter Side

We are Family

A 6 year old was asked where his grandmother lived. “Oh,� he said, she lives at the airport, and when we want her , we just go get her. Then, when we are done having her visit, we take her back to the airport.

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 22

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Tax Information Welcome to 2017! While I say that, I also need to remind you that it’s that time of year again where we begin to start collecting our information so that you can file your income tax returns.

Over the past several years, we have encountered new changes announced by the Federal and/or the Provincial governments that have varying effects to individuals depending where you may end up on the income scale. This year, however, it has turned out to be somewhat quiet as there are no new major announcements for seniors over 65. Therefore, the points listed below (which can be found on CRA’s website) are mainly reminders so that you can maximize your eligible credits as a senior.

Pension income splitting – There is some confusion on the elimination of the family income splitting that was announced in the Liberals 2016 budget. NOTE – THIS DOES NOT AFFECT SENIORS. If you’re receiving a pension, you may be eligible to split up to 50% of your eligible pension income with your spouse or common-law partner.

Age amount – You can claim this amount if you were 65 years of age or older on December 31, 2015, and your net income is less than $82,353. The maximum amount you may be able to claim is $7,033.

Pension income amount – You may be able to claim up to $2,000 if you reported eligible pension, superannuation, or annuity payments on your return.

Disability amount – If you or your dependant have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions and meet certain conditions, you or your dependant may be eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC). To determine eligibility, you must complete Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate and have it certified by a medical practitioner.

Medical expenses – You can claim the total eligible medical expenses paid for you, your spouse or common-law partner, and you or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s children born in 1998 or later for any 12-month period ending in 2015 and not previously claimed.

This can include amounts claimed for attendant care or care in an establishment.

Guaranteed Income Supplement – If you receive the guaranteed income supplement or allowance benefits under the old age security program, you can renew your benefit by filing your return by April 30. This form is available from Service Canada.

Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) – Deductible RRSP contributions can reduce your tax bill. You have until December 31 of the year in which you turn 71 to contribute to your RRSP. Registered disability savings plan (RDSP) – A registered disability savings plan is a savings plan to help families save for the financial security of a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit. RDSP contributions are not tax deductible and can be made until the end of the year in which the beneficiary turns 59.

Goods and services tax/Harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit – You may be eligible for the GST/HST credit, a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay. To receive this credit, you must file an income tax and benefit return every year, even if you did not receive income in the year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, only one of you can receive the credit. The credit will be paid to the person whose return is assessed first.

(-continued on page 24) ALL ABOUT US

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Family caregiver amount (FCA) – If you are caring for a dependant with impairment in physical or mental functions, you may be able to claim up to an additional $2,093 when calculating certain non-refundable tax credits. Non-refundable tax credits reduce your federal tax. If the total of the nonrefundable tax credits is more than your federal tax, you will not get a refund for the difference.

With so many different tax rules, things can become complicated. It is always good to seek professional advice and have your questions answered by an experienced tax professional.

Dap Thach, cpa DTA Accountants & Business Advisors (705) 687-7737 www.dtaa.ca

I Can’t Remember Just a line to say I’m living That I’m not among the dead; Though I’m getting more forgetful And mixed up in my head.

I got used to my arthritis, To my dentures I resigned, I can manage my bifocals But God I miss my mind.

For sometimes I can’t remember When one foot on the stairs, If I must go up for something Or have I just come down from there.

And before the frig too often My poor mind is filled with doubt, Have I just put food away, Or have I come to take some out.

And there are times when it is dark With my night cap on my head, I don’t know if I’m retiring, Or just getting out of bed.

So, if its my turn to write to you There’s no need for getting sore, I may think that I have written you And don’t want to be a bore.

So, remember that I love you And wish that you were near.

But now it’s nearly mail time So must say goodbye dear.

There I stand beside the mail box With my face so very red, Instead of mailing you my letter I have opened it instead.

Submitted by A senior who thinks she can’t Remember

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ALL ABOUT US

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

Mark Clairmont:

plus tax

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Cogeco Cable Tapes Program at Seniors Centre Here, Melissa Candelaria interviews 1st Vice-President Aileen Passmore following the February Luncheon.

Carpet Bowling Mary Jones getting ready to shoot, while Linda Martin looks on.

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ALL ABOUT US

Loretta donates her time calling bingo so others can enjoy the game

Lynne Briden, Food Service Director for the Seniors’ Centre and her assistants prepare a luncheon for the Canadian Federation of University Women’s Bridge

L.to R.– Ellen Camm, Loretta Lake, Judy Sherman, Judi Hodgson, Irma Salminen, Lois Shubrook, Bernice Sopher, and Director of Food Services Lynne Briden.

Dedicated Dishwashers and Kitchen Crew Patrick (Bear) Allen and Jeff Childs continue to be dedicated to their dish washing duties and kitchen clean-up. Their contributions and dedication are appreciated.

ALL ABOUT US

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COMING EVENTS

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ALL ABOUT US