Winter 2015-2016 - Gravenhurst Seniors Centre Newsletter

GRAVENHURST SENIORS NEWSLETTER ALL ABOUT US

WINTER 2015-2016

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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 2

ALL ABOUT US

Celebrating the activities of Gravenhurst Seniors Published by the Gravenhurst Senior Citizens Club Affiliated Club #325 United Senior Citizens of Ontario

Volume 23, Number 4

THE EDITOR SAYS Welcome to the Winter Edition of All About Us featuring a great variety of stories and information associated with the folks and activities at the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre.

The Winter edition includes interesting articles entitled, The One Room School Houses of Morrison Township S.S. #3 Morrison Township, our new Secretary, Ellen Camm, our new Director of Communication, Al Denne, U.S.C.O. 57th Annual Convention, The Evaluation of Activities at the Seniors Centre, and Christmas Memories.

As we approach the Holiday Season a flurry of activities will be taking place within the Centre and our community. It’s that time of year when we fill our calendars with festive events, seasonal social activities, and decorate our homes. It’s the perfect time to take in some of the activities at the Centre.

Why not drop into the Centre for a relaxing cup of coffee or tea. Introduce a friend or neighbour to the many benefits of being a member of the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Club.

To all the messages of goodwill you will receive, may I add my own to each and every one of you and wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2016.

Fred Schulz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: All letters to the editor must be signed: include first and last names. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

WINTER 2015 - 2016

Editor Production Editor Secretary Treasurer Cover Design Photographer Committee Members

Fred Schulz Pat Wright Cliff Flavell Pat Wright Glenna Kergon Fred Schulz Jim Goodwin Roy Kerr Garnet Schenk Ruth Robertson

Contributing Writers

Allan Denne Lisa Edlington Cyril Fry Roy Kerr Ruth Robertson Fred Schulz

Advertising Distribution President (ex officio)

Al Denne Harold Campbell Cliff Flavell

All information to be included in the next issue of ALL ABOUT US should be submitted before February15tth. Materials can be left at or emailed to the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre, 480 First St. N., Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1B9.

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

CLIFF FLAVELL

As I write this, my final message as your President, I can’t help feeling a little nostalgic. It is the end of my third two-year term having been President in 2000-2001 and 2006-2007. Thank you to everyone who has made my term (although challenging at times) a very enjoyable time.

In particular, I want to thank Lynn Quesnelle. I was the last President before we hired Lynn as our Administrative Assistant. I wanted to be President again with her “on board” as we realized ALL ABOUT US

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that the President’s “job” was too onerous for a volunteer and she does all the administrative work that the President did during the 57 years prior to her being on staff. People don’t realize that she does so much more due to her expertise with the computer.

Thanks also to Pat Wright who looks after our financial matters and has done so for 21 years. She also volunteers her time to do the All About Us newsletter. She does, however, remind me from time to time that my computer skills are non-existent and we have a good laugh about it.

Our main focus as we start a new year with different Executive at the helm will be to concentrate on attracting new members. We realize that what appealed to some seniors in the past no longer totally applies. We are not the only club in this situation. Most clubs in Parry Sound/Muskoka Zone 39 (20 USCO members) are dealing with the same problem. We have already started new activities and are always looking for suggestions from the public.

I wish the incoming Executive all the best.

Keep working together to maintain the quality and efficiency for which our Club is well known.

On behalf of my wife, Pat, and myself, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

“ALL ABOUT US” TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

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TITLE

The Editor Says From our President Table of Contents Activities/Board of Directors Pictures - Smile Theatre Picture - One of a Kind Show Lyla Street Thank you to Activity Leaders Christmas Memories Al Denne Getting to know…….

My Life of Crime Pictures - Carpet Bowling Culinary Corner Muskoka Summer Post Offices Evaluation of Activities One Room School Houses #3 &4 “Morrison Township” 21 An Oooooooop’s Fostering an Attitude of Gratit.

22 Policy Clarification 23 Why people don’t trust Senior Citizens 24 Ellen Camm 24/25 Pictures - 65th Anniv. Dinner 26 Annual Convention U.S.C.O. 28 Gravenhurst’s WW1 Quilt 29 Did You know That………….

32 Coming Events

About Our Cover Winter 2015 - 2016 Designed by

Glenna Kergon 4

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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., Dec. 9th, Jan. 13th, Feb. 10th 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Appointment necessary Toe Nail Clinic Wed., Dec. 9th, 16th Jan. 13th, 20th, 27th Feb. 10th 17, 24th 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon 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: Thurs. - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE President Past President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary Treasurer

Cliff Flavell Ruth Robertson Fred Schulz Aileen Passmore Ellen Camm John Mowry

Billiards - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday Workshop - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday & 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.

DIRECTORS Culture Food Services Health & Well Being Health & Well Being Asst.

Membership Newsletter Property Property Assistant Publicity/Communication Recreation Ways & Means Workshop

ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTRE

Wilf Flavell Lynne Briden Ruth Robertson Kathleen Powell Lillian Gillan Fred Schulz Lorne Robertson Ron Belfry Al Denne Bob Macksey Janet Lamorie Roy Kerr

Quarterly General Meetings: Second Friday of March, June, Sept. & Dec. For more information, call 705-687-8126 (Calendars of club activities are available at the Centre.)

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The Towm held the Smile Theatre production of Home for the Holidays at the Seniors Centre on November 26th at 2:00 p.m. with very good attendance. Shown are Melba Smith, Cast Members Jessie Cox and Stephanie Wilson, and Gay Coon.

What can I say!! We enjoyed every minute of it!!!!

The Town held the Smile Theatre production of Newfoundland Mary at the Seniors Centre on October 22nd with good attendance. Shown are Cast Member, Rennie Wilkinson, President Cliff Flavell, Pat Flavell, and Cast Member, Daniel Abadie.

The singing was great with a very colourful production.

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Janet Lamorie, Director, Ways & Means, and Ruth Robertson, Past President, at the Muskoka One of a Kind Show held at the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre on October 24th. “It was a wonderful show!”

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The active lifestyle of Lyla Street As you arrive at the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre on Euchre or Bid Euchre nights and hear this very hearty laughter, it would be coming from 98 year old, Lyla Street. She is a delight to our card nights and very alert, so don't play the wrong card or she will catch you. She has been a member of the Centre and coming to cards for the last 12 years. She needs a walker to come to the Centre and to church as she has had one hip replacement and one knee replacement within the last 10 years. Lyla gave up driving her own car just two years ago and at 98 she cooks her own meals, does her laundry, she has beautifully blooming violets, and a Christmas Cactus. Her daughter, Darlene Barnes, who lives in Gravenhurst, takes her shopping, help her with a few things, and brings her to our luncheons and bazaars,

Lyla was born on November 24.1917 in Smith's Township, 4 miles West of Peterborough and lived there until she was age two. Then her family moved close to Omemee, near Lindsey and she lived there until she married Lloyd Street on November 14th, 1936. They moved to Newtonbrook which is now known as Willowdale.

During her married life she moved many times including to a farm in Oro Township which they farmed from 1941 to 1947 and they remained in Oro Township until 1958. During this time they had two children, Harvey and then 10 years later Darlene was born. Lloyd worked in many jobs including at Malton Airport which led to his transfer to Muskoka Airport in 1958 and they moved to Gravenhurst. He retired in 1977 and they moved into the Greenwood Apartments where Lyla lives today. Lloyd passed in 2003.

Lyla has five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She doesn't want a big celebration for her 98th Birthday, she wants it for her 100tth and I want to be there.

Respectfully submitted by Ruth Robertson 8

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HOW CHILDREN PERCEIVE THEIR GRANDPARENTS After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-yearold say with a trembling voice, “Who was “THAT?” A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like.

“We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods.”

The little girl was wide-eyed, taking all this in. At last she said, “I sure wish I’d gotten to know you sooner!”

I didn’t know if my granddaughter had learned her colours yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what colour it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, “Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these colours yourself!”

My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, “Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?” I mentally polished my halo and replied, “No, how are we alike?” “You’re both old“ he replied.

A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog’s duties.

“They use him to keep crowds back”, said one child. “No”, said another. “He’s just for good luck.”

A third child brought the argument to a close.

“You’re both wrong...They use the dogs”, she said firmly, “to find the fire hydrants..”

Thank You to Activity Leaders

by Fred Schulz The Gravenhurst Seniors Club can boast the inclusion of a group of dedicated Activity Leaders who ensure the 30 plus activities that take place at the Club run smoothly and in a well organized manner.

These well managed activities are the key to the success of a vibrant and active Centre and the participants enjoy all the benefits of their memberships.

This key to success relies solely in a large part on the leadership and guidance of the Activity Leaders who collect fees, keep attendance, set up equipment and clean up at the end of the activities.

The role is definitely an ever-changing position as it requires a continuous supervisory role at each session, while making every activity fun and enjoyable for all those involved. Anyone who’s filled this role will certainly attest that at times it’s a challenging one, but overall it’s good fun.

Energy, enthusiasm and the ability to relate to the members of your activity are the key to the success of the Activity Leaders. We are very fortunate that the Gravenhurst Seniors Club has a group of dedicated Leaders who possess these qualities.

Thank you to all the Activity Leaders for their dedication to the smooth running of their particular activity involvement.

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Christmas Memories

By Fred Schulz

Christmas is a festive time of the year that always brings a number of pleasant memories from childhood days and growing up remembering memorable times in our lives and those special people.

I always remember this time of the year growing up at my parents’ store in Kilworthy with a number of wonderful memories. The arrival of large quantities of mixed nuts, Christmas candy and tangerines all added to the excitement of the arrival of Christmas around a country store.

The supply of dry goods such as mitts, wool socks and tuques was always in good stock as they provided a handy and useful Christmas gift.

The Christmas tree in the front window of the store with a small village complete with houses, a store and train station was always a popular spot. I spent many an hour re-arranging the village with its tiny people and houses.

Sandra Buckley

“Senior Real Estate Specialist”

Home: Cell: Office: Fax:

705۰687۰3857 705۰644۰3815 705۰687۰5656 705۰687۰5626

410 Muskoka Road S., Unit 3 Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1J4 Sandra@enjoymuskoka.com www.EnjoyMuskoka.com

There was also an excitement of the arrival of a full-size cardboard Santa Claus provided by Brown’s Beverages, the fancy Christmas cakes and cookies from Christies Bakeries, the wide variety of specialty items from Orillia Smallwares, and the eggnog delivered locally from Briar’s Dairy that made Christmas a wonderful time of the year.

Music has always been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember particularly during the Christmas season. Many of us received an excellent introduction to music early in our school years through our good friend Harvey Bradley. Harvey directed the Muskoka Boys Choir for a number of years and the Christmas season was a particularly busy time of year with our concert schedule.

There was always excitement surrounding every Christmas concert that we performed and Harvey always put together a tour of singing locations that just fit right for the Christmas season.

We’d perform at a number of the nursing and 10

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retirement homes throughout Muskoka, concerts throughout Muskoka schools, and the most exciting of all was our performance on Wanda Miller’s Radio Show on CFOR. Christmas is a nostalgic time to enjoy rekindling the memories of those special moments and people associated with past Christmas seasons.

New Director, Communications

Al Denne Al was born and raised in Gravenhurst. He graduated from Gravenhurst High School in 1960 and started his first career in July of that year, retailing for Stedman's chain all over Ontario. He has lived in Parry Sound, New Liskeard, Fort Frances, Delhi, Tweed, Renfrew, Huntville and in 1980 came back to Gravenhurst. Boy does he know Ontario!

In 1964 he married Sharon Rumford from Orillia and she moved to Delhi with Al. They have three boys; eldest in Ottawa, next in age in Gravenhurst and his youngest in Mississauga. They have three grandchildren. Al and Sharon moved back to Gravenhurst in 1980 where he worked for 12 years at Oliver McCloud as Purchasing Agent, then a few years at Rubberset as a Cost Accountant. After Rubberset moved, he worked for the Town of Gravenhurst as Stock Keeper with Public Works. He developed an Inventory Control System for them and claims this was the best job he ever had.

Al and Sharon enjoy working together visiting and helping Seniors, hearing their stories. They visit Veterans in the community, in the Retirement Homes, and Long Term Care Facility and in the Veterans' homes.

Al has been a writer for “All About Us� for the last few years and we have been enjoying his articles on local school houses in our area. He loves to explore information for his articles on the computer and with his computer skills he has joined our Board to increase our Gravenhurst Senior's profile in the media.

We welcome Al to our Board and his input will be valuable to all our members and community.

Respectfully submitted by Ruth Robertson

As Jean Cornell was moving to Kingston , Lynne Briden presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation for her long service as a Hostess at the Centre.

Shown with Jean and Lynne are Lillian Hamill and Lois Shubrook.

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Full Audiological Evaluations Batteries, Sales & Service State of the Art Digital Hearing Aid Technology

We are the big white house with the red roof located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge.

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

All of the staff here at Chartwell James Street strive to exceed the expectations of our residents with all inclusive affordable services delivered with skill and dedication. We offer a short stay program with all of the same amenities and services that our permanent residents enjoy. This can be for convalescing, respite for care givers or perhaps a winter stay.

Happy Birthday &

Chef Victoria continues to ‘wow’ everyone with her culinary delights including a wide selection of meals

Anniversary to all of our

and desserts for everyone to enjoy.

Each month our calendar provides physical, emotional,

Members who celebrate in the months of December, January and February.

spiritual, intellectual and vocational activities to stimulate the senses and ensure something for everyone. Our library/bistro is often the meeting place for residents to enjoy a cup of coffee, listen to some music and provide a chance to connect with others.

There is so much to share, please call me for your personal tour and lunch so that you can see for yourself.

I look forward to meeting you!

Lisa Edlington CHARTWELL JAMES STREET retirement residence 148 James Street, Bracebridge 705-645-1431 12

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ledlington@chartwell.com

GETTING TO KNOW……..

There are still a few leaves on the trees following the splendor of fall colours we have enjoyed here in Muskoka. Sitting in my office at Chartwell James Street in Bracebridge I have two windows to take in the sights but also the sounds. In the branches on the big tree directly outside my window there are some ‘dancing squirrels’ as I refer to them. The jiggling, tail flapping and squeaking to attract a mate is rampant and so is their preparation for winter.

WINTER – oh my…….I know we live in Canada and it’s part of the deal here but it seems to sneak up on me every year. I love the fluffy white stuff to look at but the thought of the cold makes me shiver just thinking about it. Luckily my husband has once again compiled an ample stock of firewood to keep us warm again this year. Soon we will pull out the snowshoes, mitts, winter coats and maybe even a flask to endure the great outdoors in our own back forty.

So often I hear from seniors about their reluctance to go outside or drive in the winter so it tends to be a season for staying in the house. Perhaps that’s partly why I don’t relish the idea of winter – too many seniors in our area become isolated for many months. If it’s too snowy to get out – do not risk the roads but please do arrange a ‘buddy’ system for phone calls, errands, assistance and companionship. It always makes me so happy to see “my residents” enjoying the camaraderie here at James Street. Each year when I go outside to decorate our beautiful front porch for the festive season I have an audience looking at me from our dining room enjoying dinner, a hot beverage and/or goodies. The pleasure derived by onlookers because of my efforts is worth the cold for me each and every time. Seeing the smiling faces and hearing the chatter taking place warms my heart knowing that each of our seniors has company, comfort and caring in their home. If truth be known I’m convinced that my decorating handiwork is being critiqued on the warm side of the panes of glass.

Of course with winter comes the wonderful Christmas Season – a personal favourite for me. This year my grandson Maddox will be just over one year old. He has recently started to find his voice with continuous babbling and giggles – much to my delight. Though I know he won’t understand the idea of Christmas just yet, I do know that he will feel an awful lot of family love this holiday as my husband and I will be hosting 18 people for dinner and possibly the weekend. There will be mattresses, beds and futons full to the brim this Christmas at our house and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have so many fond memories of Christmases growing up with five brothers and sisters. I sure appreciate the time, money and effort made by our parents every single year. It wasn’t about the gifts – it was about family and fun. Laughter, music and food were always available for anyone who dared enter a home with six children. Looking back I remember my mom retrieving our senior neighbours ~ the Jones’s, the Mills’s and Mel and Clara – she thought it must be far too quiet for them over Christmas - but I’m thinking that maybe she just knew we would be polite, calmer and quieter with this company in our home. My mother was clearly very clever and I like to think that I’m much like she was.

Please continue to introduce yourself to me if we cross paths – I’m still struggling to remember everyone’s name but I will work on it. I am sure enjoying my time as a hostess at the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre and I’m so glad to be making new friends.

Lisa ALL ABOUT US

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MY LIFE OF CRIME

by Cyril Fry I was born in Brantford and lived there until a few weeks short of my 11th birthday, when my parents moved to Toronto. I must have decided to go with them, although I don’t actually remember any alternatives.

Brantford was an industrial city, like most of those in southern Ontario,- Kitchener, Guelph, Hamilton, Galt its population was 30,000.

Nowadays, developments in electric automobiles are ever present news, but electric vehicles were commonplace when I was a child. They weren’t cars. A few were intercity trains, but most were streetcars.

on its way. Before the next stop, the driver looked around, and beckoned to me. I walked up to the front, and in a low voice, he said “The fare is five cents” and pointed to my three coins at the bottom of the fare box. I had been the only person to get aboard at the previous stop. He hadn’t tripped the little lever to drop my pennies out of sight. He had seen me many times before, so he knew that I knew the fare was five cents and he was, perhaps, pretending that I’d just made a mistake, I fished the other two pennies out of my pocket and dropped them into the box. “Don’t do that again” he said, again in a low voice. I went back to my seat.

Perhaps it’s thanks to that streetcar driver that I didn’t end up as a guest at Beaver Creek.

Brantford had an extensive system of street railways. I remember having trouble with that concept. A railway to me was a set of tracks that went across the countryside, not down the middle of a city street.

We lived in Eagle Place, a neighborhood of the city. The streetcar crossed our street at an intersection then continued around a short, triangular route, which brought it back to the other end of our block, before continuing on its way to “uptown”. It was very handy. If you headed for the streetcar at one end of the block, only to see it cross ahead of you, you just turned around and walked (maybe a bit quickly) to the other end of the block to catch it a few minutes later.

Like most people at the time, my parents did not own a car, so I used to go uptown by streetcar fairly often, usually either to the Public Library (there was only one), or to the “show” (the movie theatre) on Saturday afternoons.

The fare for children was five cents. I usually paid with pennies, not a nickel. When you stepped aboard the streetcar, you dropped the coins into a glass-sided box. They landed on the bottom, so the driver could see them, then he pressed a lever to drop them into the closed box below. As far as I know, the same system still works in Toronto streetcars.

My travel was occurring during the Great Depression of the 1930's, so one was careful about spending money. Thus it was that an idea for stretching my funds occurred to me. One day, when I boarded the streetcar, I dropped not five, but three pennies into the box, and moved briskly to a seat. The streetcar started up, and went 14

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Old George & The Night Light George… a 90-year-old man goes for a physical. All of his tests come back with normal results.

The doctor says, “George, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?” George replies, “God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight, so He’s fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, poof! the light goes on. When I’m done, poof! the light goes off.”

“Wow, that’s incredible,” the doctor says.

A little later in the day, the doctor calls George’s wife. “Ethel,” he says, “George is doing fine!

But I had to call you because I’m in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night, and poof, the light goes on in the bathroom, and when he’s done, poof, the light goes off?”

“Damn”, exclaims Ethel……”He’s peeing in the refrigerator again!

Aileen Passmore showing her skills in Carpet Bowling.

(Excerpt from Eric Lai’s column “Auto Know” in the Toronto Star October 24, 2015.)

If you see flashing lights, get out of the way.

What should I do when a responding emergency vehicle approaches?

Bob DeShane, Keith Stratton, Olive Cooper and Mary Jones enjoying the game.

The Carpet Bowlers play every Friday morning except in the summer. Aileen Passmore, Bud Herd, Renata Loesel, and Carol Steven.

Eric Lai replies: Under S.159 HTA, when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren activated, all drivers should immediately pull right as far as possible and stop clear of any intersection.

Common Sense also comes into play. For example, a driver ahead once pulled right and stopped, but wouldn’t move forward enough so I could do likewise, thereby leaving me cockeyed between lanes.

In another instance, stopped traffic remained frozen after a red light turned green, thereby stonewalling a responding ambulance trapped in their midst.

By law, traffic ahead of the ambulance and not in the curb lane should have proceeded through the intersection on the green light, then pulled right and stopped.

On a one-way road or divided highway, the law requires drivers to pull to the nearest curb - left or right - and stop.

If you see the emergency vehicle moving freely up the vacant shoulder, common sense says just stay our of its way.

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******URGENT****** RENTAL SPACE AVAILABLE

HOSTESSES/HOSTS NEEDED

GRAVENHURST SENIORS CENTRE MICHAEL LIPISKI AUDITORIUM

Volunteer 7 hours a month

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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Regular and replacement people required.

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

CULINARY CORNER BRUNCH EGG BAKE (Brackets) = Full Recipe - 9X13 Non Brackets = Half Recipe - 9X9 Square (3) 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (3) 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (1) 1/2 can mushrooms (1/3) 1/6 cup sliced green onions (1/2) 1/4 medium red pepper chopped (1/4) 1/8 cup butter (melted) (8) 4 oz cooked ham (julienned) ********** (1/2) 1/4 cup all purpose flour (1 3/4 cups) 7 oz milk (2) 1 tbsp fresh parsley (8) 4 eggs, beaten In a large bowl, lightly toss cheeses together.

Sprinkle half of cheese mixture in ungreased 9 X 13 Pyrex or square for half recipe. In skillet, cook mushrooms, green onions and red pepper in butter until tender. Arrange vegetables over cheese. Arrange ham strips over vegetables. Sprinkle remaining cheese over ham. (To make ahead, prepare to this point; cover & refrigerate) Heat oven to 350 F. Blend flour, milk, parsley & eggs; pour over layers in baking dish. Bake at 350 F for 35 to 45 min or until mixture is set and top is lightly browned. Let stand about 10 minutes. Cut into squares. (12) 6 servings.

Submitted by Lynn Quesnelle CHEESE BALL 3/4 cup whole almonds 1 8 oz pkg cream cheese 1/2 cup miracle whip 1 tbsp chopped green onions 1/2 tsp dill weed 1/2 lb. bacon Roast almonds at 350 degrees for 10 minutes and cool. Cut up bacon and cook until crisp, then drain. Beat cream cheese and miracle whip. Add rest of ingredients. Shape into a ball and refrigerate. After a few hours and ball is firm, cover with roasted almonds.

Submitted by Lynn Quesnelle

10-MINUTE TOMATO SOUP 2 cups crushed canned tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 cups milk 2 tablespoons butter or margarine In a large heavy saucepan, heat tomatoes until boiling. Remove from the heat; add remaining ingredients. Return to heat and cook on medium until butter is melted and the soup is heated through.

Yield: 3-4 servings (1 quart).

From: 2001 Taste of Home Annual Recipes CHOCOLATE PIZZA CAKE 1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp baking powder 3/4 cup chocolate chips 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp water Assorted candy for decoration Melt chocolate chips and butter in microwave on medium low for 2 minutes. Stir and put on medium high for 20 seconds. Cool. Stir in flour, sugar, eggs and baking powder with fork; mix well. Spread evenly onto well-greased 12 inch pizza pan. Bake @ 375 for 15 min. Cool.

Combine 3/4 cup chocolate chips, butter and water in small bowl. Microwave to melt. Stir then spread on cooled pizza. Decorate with candies.

BUTTERSCOTCH CONFETTI 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 cup butterscotch chips 250g bag small coloured marshmallows Melt butter and peanut butter in large saucepan over low heat. Stir in chips until melted.

Cool until you can hold your hand on bottom of pot. To speed process, stir while holding pan in cold water until cool enough. Add marshmallows and stir until all are coated. Pack down in 9 X 9 pan that has been lined with wax paper. Refrigerate. Makes 36 squares.

Submitted by Lynn Quesnelle ALL ABOUT US

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With permission, an article from The Real Muskoka Story, Spring 2015 Issue 93, published by the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society.

MUSKOKA SUMMER POST OFFICES In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Muskoka had become a popular vacation destination. Many tourists remained for lengthy visits and they needed a means of communicating with their friends and families back home.

New post offices were established to accommodate these guests and they remained open as long as the tourists were in residence.

These summer post offices were designated by Canada Post as ones that were open from May to the end of September each year. There were approximately 51 summer post offices over the years in Muskoka. The first one was established at Cloverport on the Big Island (Tobin Island) in Lake Rosseau in 1887 with Postmaster Martin Collins. This first summer post office remained in operation until 1892.

According to Susan Sheffield in her book The Companion Guide to Muskoka District Post Offices, the Beaumaris summer Post Office was the last one established. It opened between June and September of 1999. It is interesting to note that each summer post office also had a winter address, usually connected with a nearby settlement.

These post offices were usually located in resorts and stores in summer communities.

They handled letters, post cards, newspapers and parcels. These rare postmarks are valuable collectibles today. Each item of mail travelled along many intersecting distribution routes. They would have been carried by rail and possibly steamer and then by launch, canoe or row boat.

We are reminded that most of the Muskoka ships were designated as mail ships and still today a guest can mail a letter on board RMS Segwun and have it cancelled with the ship’s unique post mark.

There were many mail contractors who carried items overland to offshore summer post offices. These routes were very efficient. A letter mailed in Tioronto could arrive in Muskoka the same day. Messages posted in Rosseau would arrive in Gravenhurst accepting a dinner engagement that evening.

As you can imagine, these summer post offices added greatly to the commerce of the area..

There are many reasons for the closures of these special post offices. Many resorts burned down, including their post offices. Other resorts went bankrupt. Some postmasters retired or left the business without being able to 18

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find a replacement. Eventually, rural mail delivery improved and in 1954, Canada Post did not renew the contract with the Muskoka Lakes Navigation and Hotel Company and the ships could no longer officially carry mail.

Eventually, Canada Post Corporation closed all summer post offices and now all mail is picked up only at year-round postal facilities.

Eileen Godfrey Archives Volunteer

ARAPROSDOKIANS are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence is unexpected. Winston Churchill loved them. Some examples: Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.

If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.

War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

They begin the evening news with Good Evening’, then proceed to tell you why is isn’t.

To steal ideas from someone is plagiarism.

To steal from many is called research.

I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

Behind every successful man is his woman.

Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

A clear conscience is the sign of a bad memory.

I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not so sure.

And my personal favourite: I am not arguing with you, I am explaining why you are wrong.

The Evaluation of Activities at the Gravenhurst Seniors Activity Centre

by Roy Kerr & Fred Schulz The Gravenhurst Seniors Club offers a wide variety of activities and programs that provide both a social and physically active opportunity to its membership.

Over the past 65 years, the Club has been located in a variety of locations including the Orange Lodge, St. James House, the Opera House Basement and an assigned room at the Rubberset Plant. In the early years, the activities were limited to what the facilities could accommodate, therefore, card games and table games such a bingo were the popular activities of the day.

With a new Seniors Centre building being established in 1990, the opportunity to expand activities was provided and the addition of Shuffleboard was a welcomed activity. In l991 an interim Board of Directors was appointed and included a Director of Recreation and Culture, Vera Ann Ruttan. She took on the task to develop and organize a full activity schedule in response to the wishes and desires of those interested in being part of the new Seniors Centre.

The new craft room provided space for the popular quilting group as well as the Gravenhurst Horticultural Society that occupied the space which is now the downstairs kitchen.

In 1993, a building permit was issued for the construction of the Workshop project and was handled by Mike Lipiski, the Centre’s Volunteer Manger and the Director of Property, Roy Kerr, who designed the building. The workshop has been an extremely important and popular activity for both woodworking enthusiasts as well as the Carving group. Ray Wright was the first coordinator of the Woodworking shop.

Over the years, the Seniors Centre has hosted a variety of community groups including the Elderberries Choir, Men of Song, Weight Watches, Scottish Country Dancing, The Gravenhurst Rotary Club, Square Dancing, Tai Chi, to name a few. The Bifocal Band continues to be a very important activity hosted at the Seniors Centre and exposes a number of new people to the Centre and its opportunities.

The dedicated Activity Leaders are a key part of the success of the wide variety of wonderful activities that are presently scheduled at the Centre. They deserve a tremendous vote of thanks for making the Centre a vibrant busy facility.

The details of Programs and Program Development is outlined in the wonderful book

Stop in For Breakfast Take Lunch to Go Full Menu Available

SUBWAY GRAVENHURST 351 TALISMAN DRIVE

“The History of the Gravenhurst Seniors Club” by Garnet E. Schenk and is available for sale at the Seniors Centre.

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THE ONE ROOM SCHOOL HOUSES OF MORRISON TOWNSHIP: S.S. #3 MORRISON TOWNSHIP Freddy married Lois, Walter married Ruth, Mary married Lyle, and so on and so on and so on - - Just some romances that might have taken root in Morrison Township one room school houses.

S.S. # 3 Morrison Township one-room school house was a wood-frame single story structure with red insul-brick siding that stood on the south -west corner of the intersection of District Rd. 13 (Southwood Rd.) and Kilworthy Rd. Built on lot 26, concession 7 on the east side of Sparrow Lake, it stands there still, rooted in time, facing north onto Kilworthy Rd. not a mile from the eastern shores of Sparrow Lake. Down that mile of road to Sparrow Lake was a summer tourist lodge named Franklin House and I remember, as a school child from one of those one-room school houses of Morrison Township, gathering at Franklin House on Sparrow Lake for our yearend school picnic. Students from all five schools would gather: there would be fun and games, swimming for the older kids, and ice cream cooled and transported in an insulated burlap sack and handed out in little cardboard cups with wooden spoons. There would be lemonade and girls. Oh yes, there would be girls. No doubt some of the romances that took root there still stand just like the old school house still stands.

S.S. #3 opened in 1870 and the old wood-frame structure was used for a school house until 1959.

It has since been converted and renovated several times and is now a private residence. The Sparrow Lake area of Morrison Township developed quickly in the late 1800’s and two schools were built in the area quite close together. S.S. #3 right on the four corners facing north with the ball field and playground on the west side. On the north side of the Kilworthy Rd. just across from the old school was the Gill farm and sawmill. Local lumbermen would truck their logs into the Gill saw mill where they would have them cut into lumber before re-loading their trucks with the finished product. Heidman’s farm was on the east side of the school but that farm faced onto District Rd. 13 (Southwood Rd.) and on the north east section of this corner was, and still is, the Sparrow Lake United Church. This historic place of worship still operates and is open for services through the summer. Farther north on Southwood Rd. and around the corner to the right on District Rd. 19 (Beiers Rd.) about a mile and a half away stood S.S. #4 Morrison. This old school was built on Lot 26 of concession 10 of 20

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Morrison Township and was the first school in the Township to close. S.S. # 4 was on the north side of Beiers Rd.(concession 10) and the old structure, burned at least twice, has since been replaced with a family dwelling.

S.S. #4 closed in December of 1951. Attendance of only 8 or 9 students, the cost of operating the facility and keeping it warm, and no available and willing teacher, all contributed to its demise. Students were sent to S.S. #3 to finish their school year. Those who wanted to go to S.S. #3 either walked or caught a ride. Fred Beiers told me he snow-shoed over to #3 quite a few times that winter. Art Schulz had an old pick-up truck that he put a cover over and transported kids from #4 over to #3 for the January to June term of 1951.

When #4 opened again for the 1952 school term it was to be the last year of operation for that school. Mr. Schulz had bought a panel truck into which he built wooden seats and used it to transport kids that normally would go to the #4 school over to the #3 school. When Art Schulz no longer wanted to continue that task, he sold the panel truck and the route to Don Houston from Severn Bridge - and Houston Bus Lines flourished for many years after providing school bus transportation in Muskoka.

In the 1950’s, names like Gill, Clipsham, Heidman, Culkeen, Pridmore, Robinson, Franklin and Wright to name a few, were among the student learners at S.S. #3. Mr. Clare Johnson was the teacher and may well have been the teacher in the closing year 1959. S.S #4 featured names like MacDonald, Woods, Schell and Beiers and the teacher at closing there was listed as Mrs. W. Brady. Very little remains of the old S.S. #4 school history. Students who did attend that old school house are few and far between, the old building is long gone, and many of the memories are slipping from our history. And the romances, well; Ruth Davis from S.S. #1 married Walter MacDonald from S.S. #4; Mary Gill from S.S. #3 married Lyle Denne from S.S. #1; Freddy Beiers from S.S. #4/3 married Lois Pridmore from S.S. #3 and so on and so on - - - -.

Allan Denne

An OOoooppp’s!

In an article in the Autumn issue of All About Us from the Gravenhurst Seniors Citizens Club, the contributing writer of the article titled “The Tweedsmuir Community Histories” erroneously commented, “In recent years this hall has been taken over by The Town of Gravenhurst - - - - .” A reader from the Severn Bridge community took issue with this statement and I, the contributing writer, stand corrected. To clarify an assumption I made in that issue, I checked with Candace Thwaites, Deputy Clerk/Manager of Special Projects, Town of Gravenhurst who informed me as follows - -.

The Severn Bridge Community Hall has never been a municipal facility, however over the years the municipality has provided funding assistance to the organization to help with various renovations and upgrades. In past years (2013 the last that I could locate), through the Rural Facilities Reserve, Council provided $5,000 and as recently as March of this year, through the Terence Haight Funding Assistance Program that Council established, the Severn Bridge Community Hall was provided a grant in the amount of $6,900.

My apologies to the fine committee who manage and operate The Severn Bridge Community Hall for the incorrect assumption stated in that newsletter. They certainly deserve an entire issue of praise and mention for their efforts in the community. My article “The Tweedsmuir Community Histories” intended to deal only with the events surrounding the Severn Bridge Women’s Institute and their commitment to that particular project. My unfounded assumption that the Town of Gravenhrst had actually “taken over” that facility was indeed erroneous and I do humbly apologize to the Severn Bridge Community Hall Committee.

(With permission, the following article is from the Health Newsletter of Drs. Michael Metis & Kelly McIntosh, chiropractors in Gravenhurst.)

Fostering an Attitude of Gratitude Whether we’re thankful for family, health, finances or friendships, having a grateful heart is good for the body, mind and soul.

“Thousands of years of literature talk about the benefits of cultivating gratefulness as a virtue,” says Dr. Robert Emmons, a University of California, Davis psychology professor.

Research shows that those who practice gratitude are more likely to eat a healthy diet often, engage in regular exercise, have healthier immune systems, and manage stress better.

Because stress is responsible for up to 90% of medical doctor visits, having a thankful outlook can help keep you well.

How to show thankfulness? With these simple, effective actions. Foster a thankful attitude by regularly writing down all that you’re thankful for: be mindful of what you have instead of comparing yourself to others, and have a positive mindset.

Having a glass-half-full outlook could improve your health and your life?

Allan Denne

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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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WHY PEOPLE DON’T TRUST SENIOR CITIZENS The other day I went over to a nearby Pharmacy.

When I got there, I went straight to the back of the store to where the Pharmacist’s counter is located.

I took out my little brown bottle along with a teaspoon and laid them both onto the counter.

The Pharmacist came over, smiled and asked if he could help me.

I said, “Yes! Could you please taste this for me?”

Being I’m a Senior Citizen...I guess the Pharmacist just went along with me.

He picked up the spoon and put a tiny bit of the liquid on his tongue and swilled it around.

Then, with a stomach-churning look on his face, he spit it out on the floor and began coughing.

When he finally was finished, I looked him right in the eye and asked, “Now, does that taste sweet to you?”

The Pharmacist, shaking his head back and forth with a venomous look in his eyes, yelled, “HELL NO.” So I said, “Oh thank God! That’s such a relief! My Doctor told me to get a Pharmacist to test my urine for sugar!”

Well, I can never go back to that Pharmacy, but I really don’t care though because they aren’t very friendly there anyway!”

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New Director:

Ellen Camm, Secretary Ellen was born and raised in Toronto where she eventually graduated from Western Tech High School. After graduation in 1966, she went to work for an Insurance Company and in 1970 she switched to an Insurance Brokerage firm. She worked for a couple of brokers until 1987 and then semi-retired.

Peggy Hawthorne, 1st Vice-Pres. of USCO, presented Cliff Flavell, President, Gravenhurst Seniors Citizens Club, with a Congratulatory Certificate on the Centre’s 65th Anniversary.

Ellen has been married to Jim Camm for 32 years, has two step daughters, and five grandchildren ages 11-19 who live in Barrie and Guelph. Ellen and Jim cottaged in Port Carling, Acton Island, and Bala. They bought a cottage in Bala in 1986 and Ellen travelled back and forth from Toronto to the cottage as she was doing freelance work for several brokers until 2000 when she retired permanently. In 2007 they moved to Bracebridge until 2009 and Gravenhurst was very fortunate when they moved to the Wharf.

Ellen enjoys golfing and gardening, and she and Jim both love to help others. They walk dogs for those who have difficulty getting out, as well as in their condos, and they drive others who need transportation to and from shops and appointments. For those of you who come to Euchre, you know that Jim and Ellen both add a spark to our night.

Ellen has joined the Board of Directors as Secretary, and everyone is enjoying her lively spirit and wonderful smile.

Submitted by Ruth Robertson

May you live to 100 And The last voice you hear be mine!

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65th Anniversary Dinner—Thursday, October 8th, 2015 at the Gravenhurst Senior Citizens Club

While waiting to hear the speeches and to be served their dinner, everyone was filling out a question form about Muskoka.

Tony Clement, MPP, Lorraine Etler, Paisley Donaldson, Mayor, Fraser Donaldson, Bob Calhoun, Councillor, Seniors Liaison , Peggy Hawthorne, 1st V.P, USCO, Father Joeseph Moran, Pat Flavell, and Cliff Flavell, President, Seniors Citizens Club.

Entertainment consisted of music and fun by the Ukulele Band headed by Danny McCoy. ALL ABOUT US

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ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE UNITED SENIOR CITIZENS OF ONTARIO (U.S.C.O.) th

The 57 Annual Convention was held August 10th to 12th, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario. The purpose of the Convention is to bring all USCO Clubs together to vote on the 58 resolutions submitted by Clubs, Zones and Executive members in preparation for a Brief to be sent to the Ontario Government and also to elect their Board of Directors for 2015 – 2016.

The resolution concerns regarding seniors at this convention are Health, Transportation, Housing, Personal/Financial Issues, and Miscellaneous.

The Brief is posted on our bulletin board for all to see with full particulars on all 58 issues.

iors in Ontario. In their 57 years of existence, we have always had an excellent relationship with whatever party is in power as we are selfsupporting. They rely on contributions and a $3.00 membership from all USCO members to sustain their operation in their own building in Toronto. They rely on volunteers to run their organization with two part-time employees to keep their organization going.

For more information on USCO and the 40 Zones in Ontario, you can visit any USCO club (approximately 1,200 in Ontario) or contact their Head Office in Toronto at 1-888-320-2222 or Email office@uscont.ca and talk to Bev or Maureen Dougherty.

Cliff Flavell

Greetings were extended by James Bradley, M.P.P. for Niagara Region, Bill Phillips, Deputy Mayor for St. Catharines, Herb John, President of National Pensioners Federation, and the Honourable Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs who was our guest speaker.

Other speakers at the Convention were: Lorne Coe, Regional Councilor, Durham Region (Whitby) who spoke on Affordable Housing and the Government’s commitment to work with municipalities and USCO in further developing the Ontario strategy on housing.

Jamie Wilson Howe, Alzheimers Niagara speaking on services available, symptoms and types of dementia.

Catherine Turner, Johnson Insurance – their home, auto and medical travel insurance is available to all USCO members at reasonable rates.

Peggy Hawthorn, 1st Vice-Pres. of USCO spoke on Nurse Practitioners and the functions they are able to perform.

Jeremy Bertrand, Ontario Minister of Finance, spoke on “Get Your Money” - understanding Ontario Tax Credits and Benefits for Individuals and Families, 2015.

Other speakers of note were Mike Lepine, Disability Benefits for Seniors/Veterans, Jennifer Sauve, Service Canada, on programs for seniors provided by the Federal Government, Marshall Swadron on Estates and Guardianships. More information on all speakers is posted on the bulletin boards of all seniors clubs.

To the uninformed, USCO is the only grassroots organization in Ontario that advocates for all sen26

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On the Lighter Side Brilliant Irish Text Message “Mary, I’m just having one more pint with the lads. If I’m not home in 20 minutes, read this message again.” ……………….

I put my Grandma on speed dial.

I call that “Instagram”. …………………

    

Gentle Earwax Removal Hearing Tests Hearing Aid Evaluations, Sales and Repairs Discounts on Batteries Custom Noise Protection & Swim Plugs

Kimberley

B.A., M.CI.Sc Audiologist

Marshall,

Free Hearing Aid Cleaning 118 Kimberley Ave., Bracebridge Tel: 705 645 3455

On the Lighter Side A tourist stopped a local in a village he was visiting and asked, “What is the quickest way to the lake?

The local thought for a while. “Are you walking or driving?” he asked the tourist.

“I’m driving.”

“That is the quickest way!” the local said.

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With permission, an article from The Real Muskoka Story, Summer 2014 issue published by the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Scoiety.

GRAVENHURST’S WWI QUILT The History of a Survivor The Town of Gravenhurst became aware of the existence of a quilt made by the Women’s Patriotic Committee in 1915, when the Mayor received an email from Nicole Neyrat in France.

In 1915 during the First World War, her grandmother and great-grandmother had helped a wounded Canadian soldier in her hometown of Chatellerault near Poitiers and the soldier had left them the quilt as a thank you. Being a seamstress and a laundress, these kind women cleaned up the quilt in the hope that the soldier would return, but he never did. The family kept the quilt carefully tucked away until Nicole’s father became ill. It was his dying wish that she repatriate it to Gravenhurst where it belonged. Nicole, now aged 70, also felt it was time to send the quilt home.

This began a series of emails between Nicole and Diane Harrop, a French-speaking Gravenhurst resident, as they tried to establish a more defined history of the quilt’s travels. In the end, they could not because Chatellerault is not near any official WWI battle and firsthand accounts were no longer possible. Nicole’s father was eight years old at the time of the event so he was the last link to the full story.

Once Nicole decided that Diane was as dedicated to preserving the quilt and respecting its history as her family had been, she decided she would send it to Gravenhurst. It arrived early in the new year of 2010.

When the quilt arrived, there was a flurry of interest in it and all of the family names written on it. This is a signature quilt created with red thread on a white background and red crosses in each of the four corners. The stitching in the center of the quilt includes GRAVENHURST, the names of the Town Council, LIGHT & WATER COMMISSION and their names, as well as 1915 CANADA. There are 287 names on this quilt representing many families still resident in Muskoka.

It is a miracle that the quilt has survived. What we know for certain is that it would not have survived except for the devotion of a French family who respected a foreign soldier’s gift.

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We must show the same respect for this rare and fragile memento that we are so fortunate to have.

It is now time for this important piece of Muskoka history to be in a permanent home where it can be appreciated and respected by all. With some small fund raising to build a suitable archival display box, the quilt will be dedicated on November 11, 2015 - one hundred years after it was made — and hung in the Town of Gravenhurst offices for all to see.

Further information about the quilt and to make a donation to preserve this incredible piece of Muskoka history, please contact archives@real muskoka.com.

Diane Harrop, Gord Durnan, Mary STorey Quilt Committee

DID YOU KNOW THAT ……………

Bud Herd was a POW. for ten months in WWII. Jim Goodwin had congestive heart failure. He had an aorta valve replacement, a bypass and a pacemaker. He is doing very well and we see him back in Men’s Fitness.

The Committee members of the All About us publications are looking for articles for this column. Do you have any?

Cliff Flavell is anxious to complete his third term of office as President. Please refer to his comments on Pages 1 & 2.

The new activities, 6 Hand Pepper and Bean Bag Toss, are very well attended.

The Centre has acquired an ink drawing by Molly Ayling of our original building. It has been framed and is located on the north wall of the Craft Room downstairs.

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Stop in to see us for all your home, garden, paint and giftware needs.

290 First St. North Gravenhurst, ON. P1P 1H3 PH: 705-687-0554 Fax: 705-687-0720

Owned and operated by Ian & Tara McNaughton

Chicken tenders/wedges

Steve Vandermolen Pharmacist/Owner Seniors Day every Tuesday Special 10% Discount 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 30

Terry & Susan Candow Owner/Operators

Gravenhurst Home Hardware 1170 Muskoka Road Phone: (705) 687 - 3479 www.homehardware.ca

180 Brock St., Gravenhurst P1P 1X2 705-687-2207 Fax 705-687-3995

. . . . .

“Your Store for Low Prices Instore Pharmacy”

KIM BEIGHTON ALL ABOUT US Care Dept.

Home Health

Tender Tuesdays

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

Gary W. Rolston Investment Advisor 2-140 First Street South Gravenhurst, Ontario 705-687-0630

TUESDAY SPECIAL

ANNUAL GIC RATES

1 YEAR 2 YEARS 3 YEARS 4 YEARS 5 YEARS

1.80% 1.90% 2.05% 2.15% 2.40%

$3

29 99 plus tax

Rates as of November 20, 2015.

Subject to change and availability All GICs provided by CDIC Member Firms RRSPs, RRIFs, Cashable GICs, TFSAs

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COMING EVENTS CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED December 24th, 25th, 26th, 28th December 31st, January 1st Family Day - February 15th QUARTERLY GENERAL MEETINGS Friday, December 11th, 1:30 p.m.

Election & Installation of Officers Friday, March 11th, 1:30 p.m.

CHRISTMAS BANQUET Saturday, December 12th - Tickets $20.00 Socializing 4:00 p.m. Catered Dinner 5:00 p.m.

Note: Doors will be closed until 4:00 p.m.

SENIORS LUNCHEONS Friday, January 22nd, 12:00 noon - $8.00 Friday, February 26th, 12:00 noon - $8.00 GRAVENHURST HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY GENERAL MEETINGS Tuesday, January 19th, 7:30 p.m.

Christina VanKlink - Unusual & exotic plants for your garden Tuesday, February 16th, 7:30 p.m.

Mike Hindle - Photo presentation, Scotland & England GRAVENHURST BIFOCALS CONCERT BAND Tuesday, December 8th, 10:15 a.m.

Castle Peak, & James Street Place, Bracebridge Tuesday, December 15th, 10:15 a.m.

The Manor at Gravenhurst & Granite Ridge, Gravenhurst Sunday, February 14th Sweetheart Dance & Concert - 2 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ZONE 39 MEETINGS’ Friday, January 8th, Gravenhurst Seniors Centre 10:30 a.m. Speaker on Income Tax Benefits for Seniors Lunch provided at 12:00 noon - General Meeting 1:00 p.m.

(Snow date - Friday, January15th)

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