Winter Journal 2015-16

WINTER
2015/2016
WELCOME
1
Winter is a great time to get out of the house and GET ACTIVE. Ancaster
Senior Achievement Centre has a wide array of fitness, active living, dance,
music, art and social programs going on each weekday for adults 55+ years!
Not certain what you’d like to become involved in? Why not consider a “Just
Try It” class for FREE. We’re confident there’s an activity for you and know
you’re going to have a great time doing it! Ask at our front Reception counter
to learn how you can become involved today. After class, why not drop by our
Centre's “Cozy Corner Café” and enjoy our reasonably priced snack and lunch
items prepared fresh daily by our wonderful kitchen volunteers. Our warm and
inviting lobby space is a great place to chat and catch up with friends! Have a
few hours to spare each week? Why not ask about the many volunteer opportunities existing within our Centre. It’s a great way to meet new people, have fun and give back to your
local community. Finally, don’t forget to ask about our trips, seminars, workshops and special events
happening each and every week. It’s no wonder our members say “it’s worth the drive to Alberton.”
Until next time, Shari Farrell
JOIN
Come and be part of our Centre. Take a tour. Check us out online. Talk to the staff, a Board member or existing
member. Enjoy a long list of member benefits. Find out why members keep coming back.
RENEW
We are glad you are renewing your membership and enjoying the many things that make this Centre so great.
Share your stories with us.
GET INVOLVED
CLASSES
Check out our class schedule and registration dates and be part of the fun. Can’t commit to a
full term? We have drop in classes too so you only pay when you come. Try something
new. Not sure if you would like a class but would like to try it? Check with the office about
space and try your first class without obligation.
SPECIAL
EVENTS
We are a very active Centre and offer many events throughout the year. How about joining
us for the ones that interest you? See our calendar.
VOLUNTEER
This is one of the best ways to make new friends and learn new skills. There is always lots
to do if you can spare the time. We would like to learn from you too. Can you share your
skills and interests with us?
STAY
INFORMED
Connect with us through our Journals, monthly newsletters, on the web, on Facebook and
through the City of Hamilton Seniors Guide. Look for advertisements and displays throughout the Centre. Share your stories with us.
SOCIALIZE
Just show up and stay awhile. We have a fully furnished lobby with fireplace, and a lovely
courtyard garden. Have a snack at our Café. There are many people just like you who like
simple conversation and good food, and the opportunity to just get out for a while.
PARTNERSHIPS
Lots of discounts and fun to be had. See our Partnerships information for the full list.
DONATE
We welcome all gifts to improve our members’ experience. See further information for opportunities and how to donate.
ABOUT US
2
Our Mission
How to reach us
The ASAC55+ Mission is to provide a comfortable, friendly and
safe social environment where Members and older adults primarily from the former Town of Ancaster can increase their social contacts, learn, participate in recreational and fitness activities, and
enhance their opportunities to achieve a total sense of well-being.
622 Alberton Road South
Alberton, ON L0R 1A0
905.546.2999
Fax: 905.546.4338
www.asacseniors.ca
www.facebook.com/ ancaster-seniorachievement-centre
.
Office hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Goals: To provide a friendly, stimulating ‘Meeting Place’ for
Members and older adults in the community; to provide activities
designed to encourage social interaction and reduce older adult
personal isolation, to develop opportunities for Members and older adults to learn, remain healthy and adapt to social and personal changes, to encourage Members and older adults to participate
in community activities; to advocate on behalf of ASAC55+ Members and older adults; to actively promote volunteerism in the
communities ASAC55+ serves.
Our People
Office Staff:
Table of Contents
Shari Farrell
Rec. Coordinator x1642
Sue Traver
Rec. Assistant
x 1641
Sarah Mckenzie
Rec. Assistant
x 1641
Jeremy Agraan
Rec. Assistant
x 1641
Hillary Harper
Rec. Assistant
x 1641
Kelly Dowd-Taylor
Rec. Assistant
x 1641
Board Members:
Shirley Glauser
Chair
Al Gordon
Past Chair
Helmi Kaufmann
Vice Chair
Carol Hudson
Treasurer
Ramona Dechert
Secretary
Shari Farrell
Staff Liaison
Welcome message from Shari
1
About us
2
Registration information
3
Message from Shirley
4
Announcements and Events
Volunteering
Meet our Members
4-8
9
10-15
Cynthia Baker
Alan Clark
Donors and Sponsors
16
Partnerships
17
Mary-Ellen Gillies
Hartmann Kruegel
Brad Kuhn
Bob Harris
Lloyd Ferguson
Ward 12 Councillor
Jack Brown
Recreation Director
Eleanor Morton
Manager of Seniors
Cathy Isowa
Supervisor of Seniors
External advertisements
18-22
Classes at a glance
Back
3
REGISTRATION INFO
3
WHAT IT COSTS
 Annual membership fee
Required for classes and all member benefits.
Current rates: $31 for City of Hamilton residents. $44.50 for non-residents.
Rates subject to change.
 Class fee
See class schedule for fees.
Membership must be valid until end of class term
when registering for classes. Non-members pay an additional surcharge of $2.29 per class
or drop- in program per day. Rates subject to change. Classes may be cancelled or altered
due to low enrolment. Requested refunds will be granted before the second class or in
the event of illness. A doctor’s note may be required. Allow two weeks for processing.
LOCATIONS
Membership is valid at four locations:




Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre - 905-546-2999 - 622 Alberton Rd. South
Sackville Hill Recreation Centre - 905-546-2541 - 780 Upper Wentworth St.
MacNab Street YWCA Hamilton Seniors Active Living Centre - 905-529-7727 - 75 MacNab St. South
Ottawa Street YWCA Seniors Leisure Centre - 905-545-6249 ext. 31 - 52 Ottawa St. North
HOW TO REGISTER
In person at the Centre or online at www.asacseniors.ca.
Membership:
Winter Registration:
Spring Registration:
Monday to Friday 9 am to 3 pm, online 24/7
Dec 14 - 18 9 am to 3 pm
Mar 21 - 25 9 am to 3 pm
HOW WE TAKE PAYMENT




Cash or cheque
Mastercard, VISA, American Express
Debit
Online through PayPal
SPECIAL EVENTS
Many special events require advance registration so we can properly plan. Please remember
to register at the office to help make each event a successful one.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
4
On behalf of the ASAC55+ Advisory Board, I want to thank all of our members who
came to our Members' Meeting on October 21st. At that meeting, our updated Constitution was unanimously approved by the membership. Special thanks to the
membership for their previous written submissions and to Alan Clark and his committee for all of the hard work they put in over the preceding months to bring this
very important document up to date. Also at that meeting, we held elections to the
Advisory Board and are pleased to announce the appointment of three new members, Charlie Cruickshank, Sylvia Parr and Bob Wade. Their term takes effect on
January 1, 2016. Thank you to Al Gordon for his role in searching out candidates
prepared to take on the challenge. Al Gordon also thanked retiring board member,
Alan Clark and myself as Chair for all of our hard work. You will still see me a lot
around the Centre as I transition into Past Chair of the Board and as I continue to do as many things as
possible to continue to make ASAC55+ one of the best places to come and participate in activities. We
truly appreciate the many hours put in by our volunteers in so many capacities and we look forward to hosting our Volunteer Appreciation luncheon in the spring as formal recognition for jobs well done. In closing, I
would like to extend my personal thanks to my fellow board members for all of their support and help during my year as Chair. Every one of them has been more than helpful and a delight to work with. See you
around the Centre or around town.
Sincerely, Shirley Glauser, Chair, ASAC55+ Advisory Board
2015 Advisory Board (from left to right:)
Back row:
Hartmann Kruegel, Bob Harris,Carol Hudson, Brad Kuhn, Al Gordon, Alan
Clark, Helmi Kaufmann, Shari Farrell.
Front row:
Ramona Dechert, Cynthia Baker, Shirley Glauser, Mary-Ellen Gillies,
Cathy Isowa
From the Event Planning Committee (formerly Fundraising Committee)
Mark your calendar – Wednesday, June 22, 2016
ASAC 55+ ‘Expansion2013 and Beyond’ Golf Tournament at Oak Gables Golf Course
Golf Registration fee of $100. Includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch (at the golf course), supper, prizes and
silent auction (at ASAC55+). Registrants can also purchase a $20 passport. The passport includes two mulligans, Putting Contest, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Beat the Pro.
If you have any new items (large or small) that you could donate to the prize table or silent auction, it would
be greatly appreciated. All proceeds from the golf tournament help support the programs, activities and projects at ASAC55+. More information will be made available at ASAC55+ by early spring.
by Brad Kuhn and Shirley Glauser, Co-Chairs
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
DATES TO REMEMBER
Finding Your Way Seminar
1:00pm - 2:30 pm
January 11
Soups & Stews Cooking Workshop
1:45pm - 3:45pm
January 13
Lunch & Learn
10:30am - 1:30pm
January 27
Pancake Tuesday
10:00am - 11:30am
February 9
Italian Cuisine Cooking Workshop 1:45pm - 3:45pm
February 10
Winterfest Warm Up & Open House
1:00pm - 3:00pm
February 11
Valentine Chinese Luncheon
12 Noon
February 12
Lunch and Learn
10:30am - 1:00pm
February 24
Spanish Fare Cooking Workshop
1:45pm - 3:45
March 9
Lunch and Learn
10:30am - 1:00pm
March 23
Building Shutdown (Maintenance)
Spring Registration
March 29 - April 3
9:00am - 3:00pm
March 14 - 18
Spring Session Begins
COME OUT AND ENJOY
April 4
5
> Wednesday evenings
Introducing a pilot project in the
spring to see if Wednesday
evening programming is of interest to the members. More
information to follow.
> Cozy Corner Café
Dine with us at our volunteer
operated café. Monday to
Thursday 9:30am -12:45p.m.
> Special Events
The Centre hosts special
events year-round. Keep in
touch with our monthly newsletter. Register in advance at Reception.
> Trips and Tours
Remember to check out the
Trips Board at the Centre for all
of the exciting offerings.
> Gardens
Our volunteer gardeners do
such a great job. Let the office
know if you would like to join
the team.
> 1-Day Workshops
Look for these at the Centre
and sign up at Reception
> Suggestion Box
Located at the fireplace in the
main lobby.
> Pot luck Fridays
Bring a dish and join us every
Friday for good eats and great
company. Watch for our
themed events.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
6
Finding Your Way Seminar ™ – Monday, January 11th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Finding Your Way ™ program offers practical advice on how people with dementia can stay safe while
staying active. Learn how to best deal with the risk of going missing. Seminar includes a 45 minute
presentation followed by Q & A and refreshments. Hand-out literature will be available. FREE seminar
sponsored by the Older Adult Centres of Ontario and Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Takes place in Craft Studio 1.
Register in advance at Reception.
Soups & Stews Cooking Workshop – Wednesday, January 13th from 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Join Chef Nicholas Scime to learn how to prepare some great winter soups and stews. Sample what has
been prepared and take home the recipes. Cost: $20.00 per participant. A fun culinary afternoon. Register
in advance at Reception.
Lunch and Learn – Wednesday, January 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us for one of our FREE and informative Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Lunch and Learn workshops.
Topic: Tax Planning. Presentation is followed by a light lunch with time to mingle and ask further questions.
Register in advance at Reception.
Annual Pancake Tuesday – Tuesday, February 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
FREE event compliments of the Meadowlands Retirement Communities. Join us for delicious pancakes,
sausage, fresh fruit, hot and cold refreshments and more. Always a popular event. Register in advance at
Reception.
Italian Cuisine Cooking Workshop - Wednesday, February 10th from 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Go Italian! Join us in ASAC55+’s kitchen for this “hands-on” workshop. Learn how to make bruschetta
bread, porchetta, fresh pasta, Italian meatballs and homemade sauce lovingly prepared from scratch. Enjoy
cannoli with ricotta cream for dessert. Sample everything and take home the recipes. Cost: $30.00 per
person. Register in advance at Reception. Instruction by Chef Nicholas Scime.
Winterfest Winter Warm-Up & Open House - Thursday, February 11th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Winterfest. Join us at ASAC55+ for a FREE Winter Warm-Up and Open House. Bring your
friends. Enjoy tours of the facility and warm-up by our cozy fireplace while enjoying complimentary hot beverages and delicious cupcake treats.
Valentine’s Lunch - Friday, February 12th from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Join us for a delicious Chinese food buffet catered by Kim Shan’s of Ancaster. $12.00 per person. Come
by yourself or bring along that someone special. Register in advance at Reception.
Lunch and Learn - Wednesday, February 24th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a FREE Lunch and Learn presentation followed by a light lunch compliments of the RBC. Topic:
Fraud – How to Protect Yourself. Register in advance at Reception.
Spanish Fare Cooking Workshop - Wednesday, March 9th from 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Ole’! Hands-on learning of Spanish bean wraps, ham wrapped asparagus, paella with chicken and sausage, followed by drunken pear for dessert. Instruction by Chef Nicholas Scime. $30.00 per person. Register in advance at Reception. Spaces are limited.
Lunch and Learn - Wednesday, March 23rd from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a FREE Lunch and Learn presentation followed by a light lunch compliments of the RBC. Topic:
A Look Ahead at the Responsibilities of Being an Executor. Register in advance at Reception.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
7
FUN TIMES AT RECENT EVENTS
LADIES DAY A HUGE SUCCESS A sold-out Ladies Day event, with approximately 105 people
in attendance, took place on Wednesday, September 16 th. The morning included a vendor’s trunk
sale, fashion show, door prizes and refreshments. ASAC55+ volunteers modelled amazing outfits supplied by “Kari’s of Ancaster”. Appreciation goes to Kari Morrow-Floren, (owner of Kari’s of
Ancaster) for her generous giving of time, talent and expertise in coordinating the fashion show
portion. We are also truly grateful to ASAC55+ volunteer, Carol Hudson, for once again coordinating the entire day. The fundraising initiative raised approximately $500.00 for our Centre.
Congratulations and appreciation to all involved.
PYSANKY EGG DESIGN WORKSHOP Approximately 10 members registered in the Thursday,
October 1st Pysanky Egg Design Workshop. It was pure joy seeing the intricate egg designs
come to life. Each participant brought home their design and an enjoyable afternoon was had by
all.
ASAC55+ ANNUAL PIG ROAST A good time was had by all who attended the Friday, October
9th Annual Pig Roast. 110 people were in attendance throughout the lunch. All the delicious food
provided and served was compliments of The Meadowlands Retirement Communities. Our
friends at the Meadowlands have been sponsoring both our Annual Pig Roast and our Pancake
Breakfast for several years now and their generosity and time is very much appreciated.
HALLOWEEN POT LUCK
ASAC55+s Halloween Pot Luck event was a hauntingly
good time. It was great to see so many members
“dressed” for the occasion. It was certainly tough deciding upon the best dressed male, and best dressed female,
but in the end the winners were Charlie Cruickshank and
Dolly Michener. Congratulations!
ASAC55+ BAZAAR ASAC55+ hosted its Annual Bazaar on Saturday, October 31 st from 10:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Over 20 vendors were in attendance. Approximately $1400.00 was raised
through the rental of tables, as well as book, craft, bake and kitchen sales. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all who helped with the Bazaar whether it was donating items for
the sale, helping in the kitchen and other areas, or helping with the set-up and take-down of this
large event. We couldn’t have done it without you.
COOKING WORKSHOPS WELL RECEIVED In conjunction with Chef Nicholas Scime, ASAC55+ is showcasing its new kitchen by offering several cooking workshops. The most recent being
“Cooking for One or Two” took place on Wednesday, November 4 th. The workshop was filled to
capacity with 20 people in attendance. Watch for other exciting cooking workshops planned for
this winter and upcoming spring sessions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
8
FUN TIMES AT RECENT EVENTS
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY On Wednesday, November 11th ASAC55+
hosted a small but fitting Remembrance Day Ceremony followed by fellowship, light
refreshments and sweets. Special thanks to the Golden Swing Band, Shirley
Glauser, Al Gordon, Mary-Ellen Gillies, John Heaslip, Roy Jones and Alco Wiersma
for your participation in the service. Your thoughtfulness, talent and time is very
much appreciated!
GREAT TIME HAD BY ALL AT THE TRIBUTE TO BOBBY DARIN STORY FUNDRAISER ASAC55+’s
Event Planning Committee (formerly Fundraising Committee) hosted an extremely successful fundraising
event in conjunction with Carmen’s Banquet Centre. On Tuesday, November 24th, ASAC members enjoyed a delicious full-course lunch at Carmen’s followed by a Tribute to Bobby Darin Story show. A wonderful time was had by all and over $1,400.00 was raised for ASAC55+. Congratulations to Maureen Arnold, the $423.00 winner of the 50/50 draw. Thanks to all who supported this event.
Back Row:
Maureen Jaggard,
Joanne Ruttner-Hollin
Above:
Shirley Glauser,
Helmi Kaufmann and
Anne Goddard
Front Row:
Irma Princz, Bev McCrone,
Fay Mordeca, Pat Saunders
and Jo Peterson.
Golf scrambles program at Oak Gables Golf Club always a hit with ASAC55+ members.
Another successful season for ASAC55+ at Oak Gables Golf Club yields fun, participation, physical fitness
and cash for ASAC55+ programming thanks to the golf scrambles
program. The season ran once per month April through November
and attracted many ASAC55+ and non ASAC55+ members.
Thanks to Shirley Glauser (ASAC55+ organizer) and Ted Reinholdt
(official ASAC55+ ambassador) for their hard work organizing the
monthly scrambles, the volunteers involved in the registration of our
golf program and, of course, to Oak Gables for the financial partnership and the venue that makes this annual program such a success.
2016 program registration is April 13 from 9 to noon with first scramble on Monday May 9. More information to follow.
Nov 2, 2015 - Stephen Ross of Oak Gables (left) presents Shirley Glauser and Ted Reinholdt with
a cheque for $2,200 payable to ASAC55+ for the Centre’s participation in the golf scrambles program. There was a total of 550 golfers at $4/golfer over the course of the 7 scrambles season.
VOLUNTEERING
9
According to Volunteer Canada, being involved in your community by volunteering provides older
adults with many health benefits. It gives opportunity for significant physical, emotional and cognitive health benefits. Becoming part of a community network enhances social support, social inclusion and civic engagement.
CELEBRATE A SENIOR VOLUNTEER…..OR TWO
Meet Rene and Grady Ducroix, members since 1993 and
a great volunteer duo. You always see them at the Centre, talking, laughing and helping. Rene joined the Centre first. Both he and Grady knew Wilma Groen, former
ASAC55+ Administrator, and Rene was looking for something to do right after retirement. Euchre was his game
and so he signed up. Grady came a little later in the year
as she was more hesitant about coming to a seniors centre but she too joined Rene for euchre.
Euchre is still their interest and they play Thursday evenings. In fact, Rene is the Thursday evening
volunteer convener for the Centre. What is a volunteer convener? It is someone who is willing to
take responsibility for the opening, closing and monitoring of the premises after hours so that programming can be offered. Thursday evening euchre and woodworking could not take place without
volunteers like Rene.
Grady became a kitchen volunteer soon after she arrived and recalls the fun atmosphere making the
daily lunches for over ten years. “I really liked the socializing part of working in the kitchen”, says
Grady. While she is unable to work in the kitchen today, she volunteers at the Centre in other ways,
like modelling outfits for the Ladies Day event.
Rene also served on the ASAC55+ Advisory Board for one term and both he and Grady come to the
regular Members’ meetings and other official events to support the Centre. Most recently, Rene put
his construction skills to work and made this professional looking box to hold raffle tickets with a
hand crank for tumbling. You can see it in the above photo on the left. Very useful and thoughtful.
Rene and Grady have also volunteered at numerous special events including the Strawberry Social,
Heritage Days parade, 40th Anniversary Jubilee, annual ASAC55+ Christmas party (could it be Santa?) and many others. Rene also recalls a few parade floats that he and other volunteers built for
Heritage Days, particularly a military float and an ASAC 35 th anniversary birthday float. Wow, I said
I would like to see photos of those.
Rene and Grady usually sign up for District Senior Games for euchre (used to bowl in the Games
too) but they love their euchre at the Centre most of all. They are always looking for more members
who want to play but as Rene says “we only want players who want to talk and have fun while they
play, not the serious ones.”
Hats off to the Ducroix duo for all of their contributions to ASAC55+ and for making us all smile.
by Ramona Dechert, Oct 28, 2015
MEET OUR MEMBERS
10
GUITAR CLASSES
Have you always thought you would like to play the guitar? Debbie
Marshall has, so she joined John Lafferty’s beginner guitar class
here at ASAC55+. Debbie’s husband plays, so she thought she
would try it too Debbie plays left-handed, so no book can help her –
all the diagrams for chords are for right-handed. At ASAC55+, she
has found that the small class and John’s individualized approach is
working for her.
John Lafferty teaches acoustic guitar, focussed on folk, bluegrass,
country and jazz. In the beginner program, he teaches the basics
of chords and strumming. To begin, you need a guitar, fairly nimble
hands and a willingness to practice. Most people spend 1 to 2 years
in beginner.
Nancy, Debbie & John
Nancy Dickson is also in the beginner class. More typically, she had already taught herself to
play some chords. She did so in order to teach her children, whom she felt should learn to play
a musical instrument. They took off and became accomplished guitarists; Nancy now wants to
catch up! She feels that, in helping her focus on the notes and play them, “John has opened a
new part of my brain”. Nancy loves playing together with the group and feels she learns best in
the small group setting.
Once a player has learned the beginner chords by heart and can change chords with enough
speed to play a song, they are ready to move on to the intermediate class, where additional
skills are continually added.
As John teaches new chords, he has the constant challenge of finding songs at the right level
that use those chords. He knows his students look forward to the part of the class where they
play the songs. John also hopes to start a jam group, which would be open to players from either class.
Tom Feeney, in the intermediate class, is an experienced player of
many instruments. He likes the “fun” music that he can play on a guitar.
Tom says he is “performance-oriented” and would love it if John would
start a performance group of class members who would like to go out to
retirement homes and entertain.
Tom sums up well the best reason to take guitar at ASAC55+: “John is
a wonderful instructor, technically excellent, who has the ability to impart
his knowledge and is a person I enjoy spending time with. We really
lucked out in getting him.” Every class member I spoke with would
agree.
by Pat Saunders, Fall 2015
MEET OUR MEMBERS
11
Watch for Wentworth District #22 55+ 2016 summer games sign up soon
Meet Aubrey Smith and Charlie Cruickshank, two ASAC55+ members dedicated to
co-ordinating the Wentworth District #22 55+ Games. Aubrey has been the District
#22 Co-Ordinator for two years (six years as Assistant prior to that) and Charlie is
taking over the lead role in the early spring of 2016. There are a lot of other ASAC
members on the Committee overseeing the games: Shirley Glauser, Wilma Groen,
Joan Millard, John Rattray and Ted Seager who just recently left. Many of these
volunteers also participate in the Games. Shirley Glauser is one of the three founding members of District #22 and still takes an active role in the organization. I
learned that almost 90% of the 231 District #22 participants are ASAC members!
What are these Games?
The District #22 2016 summer games are still being organized. The District #22 2015 summer games included euchre
(bid doubles and bid triples), 5 pin bowling, cribbage, cycling (5km prediction and 10km trial), darts, duplicate bridge,
golf callaway, lawn bowling, prediction walks (3km and 1600m), nordic walking (1km and 3km), shuffleboard, swimming (100m prediction, 200m prediction, four sprint medley 25m and 50m). For prediction events, you don’t need to be
fast, just accurate in your prediction of how long it will take you to complete an event. For team events, you don’t need
to assemble a team of your own in order to register. The organizing committee and volunteer conveners look after all of
that. In June of 2015, there was an Awards Banquet held here at ASAC55+ for the District #22 summer games participants, medal winners, organizing committee members, volunteers and supporters. I attended the event as an observer and
was really impressed at the turn out and level of excitement that these Games bring to our members.
There are Bronze, Silver and Gold medal standings, and the possibility of
advancement in August to the Ontario (or Regional) and Canada Games
levels. The choice is yours as to how far you wish to go.
What is District #22?
The geographic areas of Ancaster, Dundas, Binbrook, Flamborough, Waterdown, Mount Hope, Glanbrook, Winona and Stoney Creek.
Where and when are these games played?
District games are played locally at venue appropriate locations within
the District during the month of May. 2016 Ontario summer games will
be played in Midland August 9 to 11 and the 2016 Canada summer games
will be played in Brampton August 16 to 19.
Why sign up?
ASAC55+ members obviously love these Games because so many regularly participate and some in multiple events.
The goal of the Games is to provider 55+ older adults with the opportunity to increase social interaction and physical
well-being; maintain and enhance their psychological and mental wellness through participation in recreational activities
and sports. Sounds similar to the ASAC55+ mission !!!
Mark your calendars and consider joining in with other ASAC55+ members to stay fit, have fun, and make new friends.
And most of all, don’t take yourself or the Games too seriously because having a good time at the Games is too good to
pass up.
How can I sign up or get more information?
Watch for announcements at ASAC55+ and on the Wentworth District #22 55+ Games website at www.infoflam.on.ca/
seniorgames. In the meantime, you can speak with an ASAC55+ organizing committee member at the Centre including
Aubrey and Charlie.
by Ramona Dechert, October 2015
MEET OUR MEMBERS
12
THE HAPPY UKULELE GANG (HUG)
Would you like to play an instrument that is easy to learn? Small and light to carry around? Great for singalongs and jams? HUG may be just the activity for you.
We have been fortunate to have Marnie Cunningham, a lifelong professional singer and
musician, as our instructor for the past 4
years. She has taught most of us how to play,
and has inspired us and built our confidence
to try many new things. Some members are
now happy to sing solo or dance, others have
added the harmonica to their repertoire. Most
of us are happy to play, sing along and be part
of the joy. Marnie emphasizes that “everyone
that chooses to play the ukulele has a special
panache for enriching happiness in others”.
One day, Marnie brought grass skirts…….so Faith Hill taught us to hula.
Marie Kerr has always been interested in music. During her husband’s illness, she
needed a place to go to do something for herself. Her daughter gave her a ukulele
for Christmas, so she came out to ukulele. She has found that the music “takes me
away and inspires me”. Marie has been with the group for 4 years and has made
lasting friendships. She plays the ukulele, sometimes adds a little harmony to our
singing, and has recently learned to play harmonica as well.
Jean & Marie warming
up on harmonica
Jean Dowell has also been in HUGS for 4 years and has made a huge contribution
to the group, sometimes leading us during the summer, providing extra music and
gifting us with her beautiful singing voice and ability to harmonize. But, when
talking about HUGS, she emphasizes that, above all, “the camaraderie, the friendship” are most important.
HUG performs several times a year at The Meadows Long
Term Care in Ancaster, where Julian D’Angela’s mother is a
resident. Julian tells us that she remembers the lyrics to Italian
songs she knew in her youth and that, although English is not
her first language, “the songs she recognizes make her happy
and some encourage her to sing along”. Because Mrs. D’Angela is blind, she depends on hearing for stimulation and “music
helps significantly in this area”.
Steve Potter
and Judy Chambers
Julian brought in a
new song for us!
HUG meets on Wednesday mornings at 10. If this very accessible instrument and the fun that we have entice
you, please feel welcome to come and check us out.
by Pat Saunders, October 2015
MEET OUR MEMBERS
13
Travelling with my ASAC Journal
Hello ! Guten tag !
I have been a member of ASAC for almost two years and enjoy my time here volunteering and taking classes. I have met countless new friends and always look forward to coming to the Centre.
My husband and I went to Germany and Austria in September, and just as we were leaving, I
grabbed my ASAC Journal to take on the trip for a few photos. We are independent travellers and
always find the journey by train in Europe quite easy. Train travel allows us to choose what we
want to see and for how long. We then augment our stops with themed guided tours that also involve day travel to other interesting stops. Our main stops on this vacation were Berlin, Potsdam,
Dresden, Wittenberg, Nuremberg, Munich, Salzburg, and areas south of Munich that included
Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace and Oberammergau.
I thought I would share some of my ASAC Journal photo favourites with you, and encourage you to
do the same on your travels and day outings near and far.
by Ramona Dechert, September, 2015
Woodcarving shop and store, Oberammergau, Germany
MEET OUR MEMBERS
14
Pot luck Fridays a long standing tradition at ASAC55+
Come to ASAC55+ at noon every Friday and you will see about 30 to 40 members in The Grand Hall enjoying a variety of pot luck dishes buffet style. It seems that this tradition has been going on for more years
than anyone can even remember and the pot luck foodies look forward to it every time. There are a number
of dishes you can usually count on such as scalloped potatoes, devilled eggs, spinach salad, fruit jello, and
desserts. And then there are the surprise hot and cold dishes from the rest of the brood such as chili, meatballs, a variety of salads, soups, and vegetable, fruit, pickle and cheese plates. The Centre provides coffee,
tea and water, and all of the dishes and cutlery. If there is not enough entrees, then the ASAC55+ staff have
a few items in reserve to augment the food table.
This is how it works. Volunteers and staff set up the tables and chairs in the Grand Hall. Pot luckers arrive
with their dishes around 11:30 to 11:45 and hand them over to the
staff and volunteers in the kitchen with some instructions on what
it is and if it needs to be warmed up. The kitchen team gets everything organized and laid out in the Grand Hall in time for the
noon start. Before the meal starts, staff make a few announcements at the podium and then grace is given usually by Jack
Cranston. The order of eating is announced for both main course
and then desert to reduce bedlam at the buffet tables. The whole
event lasts about an hour.
Mary Perry, Doreen Lisson and Dolly Michener
I have been to a number of pot lucks and this is where I started
meeting people at the Centre. The foodies seem to like to sit
in their usual spots and since I am a food traveller, I tend to sit
at any table with a seat open so I can meet more people. I particularly like the fact that the staff and volunteers decorate the
Hall by season, and that they hold themed parties for special
occasions such as Valentine’s Day and Halloween.
“The Guys Table”
There have been some pot lucks where the food ran out before everyone ate! This does not happen too often but Murphy’s Law sometimes prevails. This is because some
pot luckers pay $5 in lieu of a contribution, and if too many do that,
there’s money but not enough food! I have also been to a pot luck
where there was just salads. I have asked the pot luckers if they
see this as a problem, and the answer is no! The fun of a pot luck
is the surprise of what shows up. They all agree though that being
surprised by lack of food is not appealing, so inevitably when this
occurs, there is an over-abundance of food for subsequent pot
lucks. And so the cycle goes.
Jack and Shirley Cranston
When our stomachs are full, we all scurry out to collect our individual dishes and head out to enjoy the rest of
the day. It is the staff and volunteers who stay back to clean up what we left behind and put the the Grand
Hall back in order for Monday programming. Thanks to the staff and volunteers who make these regular
events possible.
by Ramona Dechert, November 2015
MEET OUR MEMBERS
15
Stained Glass Class
Rene at work
Scrabble Fun
Linda May Hinsch and Betty Flynn
IN MEMORIAM
The world may change from year to year. And friends from day to day. But sweet memories of you. Will never fade away.
Irene Alexander
Ruth Durham
Barb Millar
Jean Rushworth
Bev Alkerton
Marion Garland
Nancy Nagawker
Michael Ther
Barbara Brogly
Dorothy Kinsman
Mona Northey
Walter Turner
Joyce Butler
Janna MacLean
Carol Anne Pennylegion
Nell Veenedaal
Frank Coruzzi
John McCluskey
Bill Pout
Vella Wilfred
Mary Di Lella
Elsie Michaluk
Margaret Rieger
DONORS AND SPONSORS
16
DONORS
The Donor Wall is an ongoing opportunity for ASAC55+
Members to recognize or honour family and friends by donating a plaque. The plaques on the west (large) donor
wall are $150.00 to $999.00. Plaques on the east donor
wall are: Gold ($10,000.00 or more), Silver ($5000.00 to
$9999.00), Bronze ($1000.00 to $4999.00).
Funds are continually needed in order to proceed with programs and projects that will benefit ASAC members. A
shared goal of the Advisory Board and the staff of ASAC55+ is to explore and develop programs that meet the current and future needs of ASAC55+ members.
A special thank you to everyone who has generously
donated to ASAC55+ through the ‘Expansion2013 and Beyond’ initiative.
SPONSORS
We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing in kind generosity and hospitality from our business sponsors whose financial contributions through the supply of food, entertainment and prizes make many
of our special events possible. Please take the time to thank and support them too as community
partners and supporters of ASAC55+.
RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities
Lunch and learns
The Meadowlands Retirement Residence
Winter pancake breakfast, Fall pig roast
Chartwell Deerview Crossing Retirement Residence
Summer BBQ, two Smile Theatre Productions
PARTNERSHIPS
> Need to freshen up your driving knowledge?
55+ Alive Driver Refresher Course (A Canada Safety Council program)
Course Dates: April 8th and April 15th, 2016
17
Instructor: Wilma Groen
Cost: $25.00 (workbook is an additional $12.00)
A two day course designed to update older adults of new traffic laws and technologies and identify bad driving
habits while improving awareness of traffic hazards. See or call ASAC55+ Reception to register.
> Need to renew your license?
Contact the Ministry of Transportation: 1-800-396-4233 to register for seminar/testing (Register at least 2
months in advance). Seminars/testing are hosted at ASAC55+ in Craft Studio 1. MTO seminar/testing is 90
minutes and includes a written and vision test.
> Foot Clinic - Step Ahead
2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month. Appointments from 9:00 am to 1:30pm. $22.00 payable to Step Ahead.
Book your appointment at ASAC55+.
> Fundscrip
Support the Centre by purchasing gift cards through the Canada-wide Fundscrip program! How it works: buy
gift cards for businesses ranging from Esso to Sobeys, Canadian Tire to Walmart from the ASAC55+ front
desk and we receive a commission from 3%-20% of the gift cards’ face value.
The advantages: There is no cost to you or the Centre, making for a great and valuable way to fundraise for
important equipment needed at the Centre. See the front desk for forms!
>Cedar Springs Rotary Fitness Centre Ancaster
Are you looking to step up your fitness routine? The Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre has partnered with
Cedar Springs Rotary Fitness Centre Ancaster to provide ASAC55+ members with a special reduced rate.
$2.00 from every monthly member enrolled comes back to the Centre as part of our partnership agreement.
Cedar Springs is a fully equipped facility that provides a variety of exercise equipment including trained fitness
staff to help supervise, assist, and advance your fitness routine. Exclusive only to ASAC55+ members, Cedar
Springs will provide a daily 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. membership rate of $17.00 (plus HST) per month. NO
CONTRACT, NO ENROLLMENT AND NO ADDITIONAL FEES.
To register or for further information, please contact: Cedar Springs Fitness Centre Ancaster, 385 Jerseyville
Road, Ancaster, Ontario Telephone: 905-648-4571 x 246 of at ancaster@cedarspringsclub.com. Please have
your ASAC55+ Membership Card available for proof of membership.
> Trips and Tours
Keep up with trips and tours at the trip board in the Centre. Book trips early to prevent the trip from getting
cancelled. Payment is due at time of booking. For questions contact Marlene Smith: 905-679-0070 or
mar.smith@sourcecable.net.
> Oak Gables Golf Club (seasonal)
Keep your game sharp at Oak Gables. You must have a valid ASAC55+ membership to benefit from this
great partnership. To register: $10.00 is payable to ASAC55+. All other fees (green fees, carts, scrambles,
etc.) are paid to Oak Gables Golf Course. Special rates are valid 7 days a week, including holidays! To make
reservations for tee times and carts, call Oak Gables at 905-648-4653 or register online at
www.oakgables.com. More information will be available in our Spring Journal, including any price changes
from these 2015 rates.
Green Fees:
9 holes: $19.00
18 holes: $24.00
Cart Fees:
$9.00
$12.00
18
19
20
REGENCY
Tours & Travel
BRAD SCHEIFELE
Res: (519) 576- 5234
A Division of 872416 Ontario Inc.
Box 250 * Port Severn, Ontario L0R 1SO * (705) 756-2722
21
22
Carrington Place
Retirement Living
Come and Experience the Best!
At Carrington Place, our residents enjoy
safe and secure surroundings
in beautiful downtown Ancaster.
Shopping and banking amenities
are just steps away.
For further information or to arrange
for a trial stay, please contact
the Administrator
or Marketing Co-ordinator.
(905) 648-0343
75 Dunham Drive, Ancaster
TIME
8:00
MONDAY
Walmart Walk*
WEDNESDAY
Duplicate Bridge *
Walmart Walk*
Warm Water Stretch
(Aquatic Centre)
Warm Water Stretch
(Aquatic Centre)
Woodworking*
Computer Access Time*
Plié-tes
Exercises
8:15
9:00
TUESDAY
Walmart Walk*
THURSDAY
Walmart Walk*
FRIDAY
Walmart Walk*
Warm Water Stretch
(Aquatic Centre)
Woodcarving*
Warm Water Stretch
(Aquatic Centre)
Woodworking*
Pep Up Your Posture Pilates Body Workout
Quilting Beginners
Tai Chi Beginner
Nordic Walking*
Tai Chi Beginner
Exercises
Instructional Bridge
9:30
9:45
10:00
Quilting Intermediate
Ceramics
Line Dancing
Drawing & Sketching
Watercolour Beginners
Silver Belles
Balls of Fun
Computer Access Time* Body Workout
Rug Hooking & Stitchery*
Men's 55+ Fitness
Bid Euchre Doubles*
Acoustic Folk Guitar Beginner+
Fun Chorus
Tai Chi Advanced
Tai Chi Advanced
Ukulele Band
Line Dancing
Digital Photography
Jazz/Ballet
Tai Chi Intermediate
Oil Painting
Stained Glass
10:15
10:30
11:00
Ligthen, Loosen,
Lengthen & Laugh
Wool & Chat*
Lunch & Learn*
Tai Chi Intermediate
Yoga
Computer Access Time*
11:30
12:00
Acoustic Folk Guitar Intermediate Yoga
Yoga
Tap Dance Beginners
Pot Luck Lunch*
Scrabble*
Oil Painting
Belly Dancing
12:30
12:45
1:00
Quilting Intermediate
Bunka
Keyboarding
Bingo*
Decorative Painting*
Sit & Be Fit
Shuffleboard*
Contract Bridge*
Recorders
Woodworking Instructional
Watercolour & Mixed Media Bid Euchre Triples*
Clogging Beginner+
Darts*
Open Studio*
1:30
Flex, Stretch, Strengthen Golden Swing Band*
Zumba Gold
2:00
2:15
2:20
2:30
3:00
5:30
6:00
6:30
7:00
Yoga
Albertones
Gentle Start
Tone & Tighten
Clogging Intermediate NIA
Muscle Hustle
Book Club
(3rd Tues of month)
Chair Yoga
Pilates All Levels
Nordic Walking*
Duplicate Bridge*
Intergenerational Line Dancing*
Progressive Euchre*
Woodcarving*
[*]denotes drop-in class