May 2021 - Evergreen Club
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May 2021 The May pandemic version of the Monthly Evergreen Club (which is still ... closed) Newsletter. www.evergreenclub.ca Evergreen Club Memberships $27 January 1 to December 31 CLOSED Florence Filberg Centre 411 Anderton Ave. Courtenay, BC V9N 6C6 250-338-1000 The Evergreen Club at the Florence Filberg Centre Photograph by Art Hockley President’s Message Submitted by Gord Kruger, Evergreen Club President Greetings Everyone!!.....I hope all is going reasonably well in "Your" bubble". A new month is upon us and the first order of business for me is to retract to some degree the rather brash statement I made in my April message. I talked about the train in the tunnel and how I thought that there was some slight sign of improving numbers in our battle with the "Covid Monster". I seemed to infer that the train was still at the far end of tunnel but it's light was flickering. Well...I think that flicker has temporarily dulled. The train it seems, jumped the tracks shortly after that and at this time I'll not chance any further predictions. The numbers in British Columbia took off to new heights in April and Dr Bonnie and her political pals had to re-adjust their thinking. It seemed that we are almost back at square one......can't even go to Timmies or McDonalds and grab a sit down cup of coffee.....and as a matter of fact, we really can't do much of anything or go anywhere. I really didn't see that coming and the reality of it all stings severely. I'll not even begin to discuss what it's done to the status of the Evergreen activities. I'll leave that to our stalwart coordinator Janet and her team. I know she will have some things to tell you in her report in this issue of the newsletter....and I'll just sit here with egg on my face. As we continue to confront this menace it seems that the only real solution is to get the vaccine numbers up and continue our use of the safety layers that we have at our availability. Surely to goodness there will come a time when we will be able to put all this behind us and we REALLY will see that train get back on track. It's been a long long time now that our club activities have been scuttled.....we've all aged another year, a year lost at a time in our life when years are so highly coveted. Fortunately we live in an area where COVID numbers have been fairy low and our membership seems to have been lucky in that sense. But we have lost a few of our membership to natural causes over this past year and that part of it is sad....sad to have the end come during such a turbulent time. To the families and friends of those that have passed, I offer my condolences. I also want to take a moment to recognize our many wonderful volunteers. Although it may seem that there is little you can do at the moment, do not despair. "SOON"....and hopefully very soon, you will be called on to make it all happen once again....and our club will flourish once more. April was volunteer month and once again we were unable to recognize our volunteers with celebration.....hopefully April 2022 will be totally different.....gotta' get that train moving. That's a wrap for now....stay safe and continue with the safety protocols.........see you at the train station.....gk
evergreen Club News Reopening News - Let’s Get Together Outside! The Fine Print It is officially time to reconnect with old and new friends at the Evergreen Club All outdoor program plans are tentative as we will start to slowly reopen, starting with some outdoor activities. The until confirmed and are subject to the Evergreen Club will be offering a variety of new outdoor activities this spring and Provincial Health Orders (PHO) and summer for small groups. Have a look at the some of the new options on page 3. recommendations that are in place for June. In addition to this, some of our Activity Clubs may decide to meet outside. At this time we still cannot open up for Activity Clubs that share equipment such as Under the current PHOs outdoor cards or game pieces. Please contact your Activity Club volunteer rep or Janet gatherings are limited to the same ten (jhutchinson@courtenay.ca) for more information. All Evergreen Club activities people, and attendees must observe and programs are open to current Evergreen Club members only, no guests at this social distancing. These are subject to time. changes. All plans for Evergreen Club activities will be accordance with the current At this time masks are recommended Provincial Health Orders and are subject to change or cancellation. The Florence but not required outdoors. Filberg Centre is not open at this time for indoor Evergreen Club Programs. If we get more than 10 people interested in a program or activity we 2021 Membership may create two or more groups with no socializing or changes between the To renew or take out an Evergreen Club membership groups. Contact tracing information please visit will be collected. Courtenay Recreation’s online registration system at courtenay.ca/reconline Waivers are required and will be on or hand at the program location. Phone the Florence Filberg Centre 250 - 338 -1000 Please not contact the City of Courtnay The reception desk is not open for in person service but memberships for program information or for the can be purchased or renewed over the phone. interest list for these Evergreen Club programs. Thanks for supporting the Evergreen Club ! Table of Contents Evergreen Club Staff Evergreen Club Evergreen Club News p. 2 - 3 Cathy’s Corner p. 4 Executive Committee Courtenay Recreational Association EG Greetings p. 5 - 6 President 250-338-1000 Filberg Office Members’ Submission p. 7 Gord Kruger 250-339-4389 Member Spotlight p. 8 Vice-President Janet CRA Exec. Director & More EG News p. 9 Nettie Webers 250-334-3499 EG Club Coordinator Activity Clubs List p. 10 Secretary jhutchinson@courtenay.ca Newsletter Submissions Dianne Bruon 250-338-0940 Please submit newsletter items for Cathy Assist. EG Club Coordinator Committee Members the June 2021 newsletter & Volunteer Coordinator Wayne King 250-339-4127 by Friday May 22st. caudia@courtenay.ca Riki Jager 250-339-1316 Ron Webber 250-338-6603 Submit by email to Janet at Alisha EG Food Services Coordinator Louise Stevenson jhutchinson@courtenay.ca & Admin Support louisedragonrider@gmail.com 2 May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca
evergreen Club news Upcoming Outdoor Activities A Note from These outdoor programs are slated to begin in early June, if the Provincial Health Orders at that time permit. If you would like to be on the interest list for any Janet Did you enjoy our April sunny of these small outdoor gatherings please email or call with your name, phone weather? Like many people, I welcome number and the name of the program(s) you would like to sign up to do. Want the warmer weather and longer days. to join with a friend ? No problem, just let us know, and we will do our best to Each day I take a break from work and accommodate your request. get outside for a bit, a short bike ride, a walk on the beach, a picnic lunch, To be on an Interest List for these programs or just read on the deck. Wading is a Email caudia@courtenay.ca (email preferred) particular pleasure of mine. In April I was able to wade a couple of times. I or call 250- 338 -1000 love walking, in ankle deep water, and looking for sea life along the shoreline. and ask to leave a voice message for Cathy Now I can’t wait for my first ocean swim! One thing about working from Evergreen Club staff will be in touch towards the end of May to register you for home that I like is being able to slip your program of choice. Each program will run from 4 to 6 weeks and will be out for a walk on my neighbourhood hosted by our staff. Programs are free with the exception of Lunch in the Park. beach at random times or to catch a Locations to be announced. Cancellation notifications will be sent in case of low tide. inclement weather. These programs are open to current Evergreen Club members only, no guests. Please read The Fine Print on page 2. BEACH HOUR Once a week we will meet at a different local beach. Bring a chair and enjoy some conversation, ocean views and if you wish a ramble on the shore. Conversation Circle Once a week we will meet and hang out for conversation and maybe start with some probing questions and/or interesting facts to discuss! Bring a chair and enjoy a chat! However I do still miss the hustle and bustle of the Evergreen Club! With easy Walking Group Join us for short walks, less than 30 minute, on flat the current restrictions on all indoor trails followed by a time for visiting. Bring a chair if you want to sit and socialize activities we still have some time to after the walk. We will meet at different local parks each week. go before we can use the Florence Filberg Centre again. I am excited to Trail Walking Group Enjoy a short easy hike of up to one hour on local announce that we have a few outdoor trails. We will meet at a different local park each week. activities almost ready to launch. Read over the options and sign up to be on Games Hour Enjoy lawn games like Bocce, Croquet and others each week. an interest list. As soon as we have Bring a chair if you want to stay and socialize after a game or two. locations and safety plans approved we will be calling those interested to let Trivia Time Come try out your knowledge in this casual trivia game just for you know more details and sign you the fun of it. Bring your chair! up to participate. Lunch in the Park Alisha, our Food Services Coordinator will be making lunch Next month I hope to have an update and bringing it out to the park weekly for registered members. on resuming indoor activities. I have been think about that for so long I can’t Send us your name and phone number if you are interested in any of these even imagine it happening but it will! programs and we’ll call or email you with the details once they are confirmed. I am looking forward to seeing you all You can decide if you want to register at that time. and being at the office again. May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca 3
Cathy’s Corner MAy Edition We were fortunate to be able to host the Comox Valley Volunteer Tax Clinic again this year. Although the program had many modifications to comply with the safety guidelines, one thing remained the same, the service was greatly appreciated by the community. Thank you to all the tax volunteers and tax greeters who volunteered their time. It is great to see some of our volunteers return, even under these strange circumstances! Since the club has been closed I have been utilizing the time with some professional development. I took a course on volunteer management in the fall and now I am learning InDesign. InDesign is the computer program Janet uses to design our newsletters. I am excited to learn this new skill as I have always enjoyed learning and I have a creative side I like to incorporate into my work. This program will allow me to create fun things like posters and pamphlets for special events, and of course allow me to assist with the newsletter. Normally things like professional upgrading take a back seat during the busy times, so this has been a great way to maximize this (temporary) quieter time. I hope you are finding new and exciting things to do with your time as well. Missing the opportunity to connect with others has probably been one of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic. That is why, I am so excited about the announcement of the planning of some outdoor groups. With the arrive of spring, I couldn’t think of a better time to be outside to catch up with old friends and to soak up the beautiful spring weather. Miriam’s Muse This monthly column features wisdoms, jokes and sentiments that serve as inspiration for Miriam Piikkila. All of these gems are taken from her scrapbook she generously has agreed to share with us. Thanks Miriam! Is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it. The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way a person uses them. A mother’s love is unique from other types of love. A mother is programed through biology to love her Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be enjoyed today. child, from the moment she finds out it is on the way. You can’t get much done by starting tomorrow. Her love is protective, as she loves her children so fiercely, she wants to protect them from any harm or Practice makes perfect so be careful sadness. Her children’s successes and triumphs are what you practice. like her own, yet she can only be as happy as her most unhappy child. A mother’s love is unselfish, as the only The happiness of your life depends on the quality of thing she wants from her child, is their happiness. your thoughts. Here’s to all the wonderful Evergreen mother’s, as your Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of love makes the world a kinder and gentler place. happiness. by Cathy 4 May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca
Evergreen Club greetings The Art Group Book Club It’s hard to believe that we are heading We have not met as scheduled since the COVID-19 closure of the Evergreen Centre. into the fifth month of 2021, but We have, however, submitted to each other via email what we had been reading wasn't April beautiful? Sunshine and watching in the previous month. We had a Zoom get-together recently to and flowers, what else could we ask stay in touch with each other and talk about books. Some of the titles read and for? Well...........maybe...........it would recommended by our members were: be really nice to meet again right? Hopefully that time will come soon Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens (fingers crossed). In the meantime Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah we keep our camera’s handy, our Autopsy of a Boring Wife, Marie-Renee Lavoie brushes clean and our canvas ready. The Innocents, Michael Crummey Enjoy May as your garden and flowers The Long Call, Ann Cleeves grow and bloom and don’t forget your From Sand and Ash, Amy Harmon mother on Mother’s Day. Marcia The Race and Other Stories, Sinclair Ross As For Me and My House, Sinclair Ross Bible Study Shuggle Bain, Douglas Stuart As we persevere through this time Transcendent Kingdom, Yaa Gyasi of Covid-19 and the variances, there is comfort in focusing on God’s We have also been sharing what we’ve been watching: promises to us. Among His many Atlantic Crossing, PBS promises to all who have answered Blood, Acorn TV through the Library His call to follow Him, the following Vera, Knowledge Network & Library are a few. Mark Twain, Ken Burns DVD from Library The Coroner, CBC 1 John 5: 1,4 Everyone who believes Keeping Faith, Knowledge Network that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God. Everyone born of God overcomes the We look forward to once again meeting in person…. It may be getting closer! world. Joel 2: 32 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Psalm 32: 7,10,11 You are my hiding Choristers place; You will protect me from Hey we finally got a little rain like they trouble and surround me with songs have been promising us for so long, My of deliverance. Many are the woes of plants say thank you So I was thinking the wicked but the Lord’s unfailing "April Showers" would be a good song love surrounds the man (person) who to be singing this month. trusts in Him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all Our back yard is starting to look good you upright in heart! so you are welcome to take a drive Psalm 91: 14 “Because he loves me”, down our back alley for a look , There's says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will a good chance you’ll see Phil out there protect him, for he acknowledges my primping the beds. name. How about singing "Oh lonesome God’s Blessing to all of you! Look me" and Happy Trails" as well as April for His Blessings everyday and give Showers" to all and sundry this month. Thanks. We will meet again when the Evergreen re-opens. See you then. So long until we meet again. Helen Waddell 250-400-3400 May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca 5
Evergreen Club greetings Darts Drama Club Hi, dart players, hope you've all had your first vaccine shot by now. Nothing Hello Everyone, and a happy May to for us to do, but wait some more for you! With more folks being vaccinated the Covid 19 virus to be under control maybe we can start to see each other and we can get back to our schedule again outside this summer. Lets hope! and hit all those bulls eyes and triple Anyway, another funny anecdote from 20's (if we can remember where they our Betty Annand about her niece is are on the board). on Page 7. I loved it! Please remember to pay your 2021 Peggy membership fees, it's important to support our Evergreen Club through Genealogy Club the pandemic shutdown. We continue to hold our meetings on We've had some nice, warm weather the 3rd Thursday of every month via to enjoy, even if it's only a cup of tea Zoom. The discussions and webinars and looking out the window at all the are informative and enlightening. If blossoms and gardens coming to life. you are not one of our regulars, but Ginny in her Easter bonnet would like an invite, please contact Bob Scales at his email address Take Care. Be Safe. We’ll get through this together. cvbob47@shaw.ca. Ginny Greene 250-334-4334 vgreene@shaw.ca Diane 250-335-1510 Make the most of the best and the best of the worst. Gospel Sing a Long Happy Mother’s Day to every lady and may we soon be back together singing. Keep a song in your heart and mind and enjoy the warm sunshine and beautiful, colorful spring time. God’s gift to all of us. Hoping we will soon be back together singing the lovely Photography by Ginny Greene songs Jeanette always has prepared for us. Loretta Zoom Meetings Clubs meeting online include: Drama, Computer, Genealogy and Book Club. If your activity club would like to meet on Zoom or just get together for a chat we can set that up. Email Janet at jhutchinson@courtenay.ca 6 May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca
Evergreen Club members’ Submissions From “Stories About Lorna” by Betty Annand Lorna has a ranch and has raised some very talented horses. Through the years she’s also raised many other remarkable animals such as her “special needs” chickens, Bill, Lert, Stevie Wonder and Dob. The following are Bill and Lert’s stories - Bill When Lorna first acquired chickens, she didn’t have a chicken coop and the chickens had to run wild during the day, and roost in the barn at night. One evening she came across one of the hens roosting in a tree instead of the barn. The poor bird appeared to be starving. On closer inspection she discovered that its beak was deformed so badly it could barely eat. The top beak was straight but the bottom one had grown in sideways. No wonder it was starving to death! Because of the hen’s abnormality, Lorna nicknamed her “Bill.” I’m sure Bill would have been Sunday dinner if she belonged to anyone else, but Lorna couldn’t kill any animal. She fed Bill by hand everyday for the next 16 years! Because she worked as Chief Steward on the Powell River ferry, she was able to bring home all the leftover scrambled eggs from the ship’s café and those eggs, along with 140 corn kernels that Lorna flattened every day, managed to keep Bill alive and well all those years. Of course what Bill appreciated most was all the TLC Lorna gave her. Lert Bill proved to be a good broody hen and hatched a lot of chicks during the following years. Then, as the poor bird aged, and her health began to fail, there was always one chick from each of her hatchings that would remain at her side until the next batch, and then another chick would take over the vigilance. The last hen to watch over Bill stayed with her until the end. This chicken was so alert and dedicated to her task, that Lorna named her “Lert.” Near the end, Lert would cover Bill with one of her wings as though to comfort her and keep her warm. It was truly a heart- warming sight. Sadly, when Bill died, Lert was so upset that she tried to stop Lorna from taking her away to bury her and she made sad clucking noises. In fact, poor Lert was so heart-broken she refused to eat and she passed away four days later. SERIOUS LOCK DOWN ADVICE Submitted by Val Parmely Everyone PLEASE be careful because people are going crazy from being locked down at home! I was just talking about this with the microwave and the toaster while drinking my Pepsi, and we all agreed that things are getting bad. I didn’t mention any of this to the washing machine, because she puts a different spin on EVERYTHING!! Certainly, couldn’t share with the fridge, cause he’s been acting cold and distant! In the end, the iron straightened me out! She said the situation isn’t all that pressing and all the wrinkles will soon get ironed out! The vacuum, however, was very unsympathetic…told me to just suck it up! But the fan was VERY optimistic and gave me hope that it will all blow over soon! The toilet looked a bit flushed but didn’t say anything when I asked its opinion, but the front door said I was becoming unhinged, and the doorknob told me to get a grip!! You can just about guess what the curtains told me: they told me to “pull myself together!” We will survive!! Gotta keep the humour! May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca 7
Spotlight on Spotlight on Stephanie Whitelaw by Heather Rapin Stephanie Whitelaw was born at the Vancouver General Hospital. When she was five, her family moved to Oshawa, Ontario where her father served as the Eastern Ontario Sales Rep for General Motors. It was during this time that Stephanie fell in love with ballet during her five years of lessons. Her parents made sure to take her to see Swan Lake and she has attended many ballet performances since. While working for General Motors, one of her dad’s responsibilities was to arrange cars for celebrities, royalty and government officials. He met Prince Phillip and Princess Elizabeth, President Nehru from India, and Winston Churchill, among many others. Stephanie became a royal buff during this time and her father was excited for her to meet Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Kent. She remembers getting dressed in her Brownie uniform and practicing the curtsy for her visit with them. It was a short visit but the love of royalty stuck with her. Recently, Stephanie flew the Union Jack to commemorate the passing of Prince Phillip. Her parents missed British Columbia and moved back to Vancouver, camping across Canada on their return trip. The love of camping is still a passion for Stephanie. Soon after their arrival, her dad became the general manager for the PNE and under his watch, and because of his innovative ideas, the PNE had their Stephanie (nurse) with fellow cast first one million attendees come through the gates in one day. It is interesting to members Peggy and Cindy in the note that her father introduced the idea of having international pavilions where Evergreen Drama Club’s production patrons could learn about different cultures, much like Expo 86 did many years of “We Are Family”. later. Stephanie’s mother encouraged her daughter to audition for the Elgar Choir of British Columbia. Her mother had been a member of this touring choir for many years. Stephanie had to learn fifty two pieces of music in a few months to qualify for the European tour that performed in six countries in three months, partly financed by the Rotary Club International. Her mother spent hours plucking out the second soprano parts of the songs and when the choir master just randomly chose pieces of music for Stephanie to sing, she was able to do it. She boarded the train one day before her thirteenth birthday, the beginning of a journey that took her on the Carinthia from the Cunard line, a British ship that landed in France one week later at 1 a.m. and their first performance was six hours later, singing acapella in front of a cathedral audience. Stephanie has enjoyed music through her life. She has a favourite memory of being asked to sing a solo at her Grade 12 graduation. She chose, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’ That song exemplifies Stephanie’s life. She is a mother of two children, grandmother of two grandsons and great grandmother of two great granddaughters. It’s not surprising that Stephanie chose a care giving profession. Following in her mother’s footsteps who was a registered nurse trained at St. Paul’s Hospital, class of 1934, she trained as a Practical Nurse. She then married and had two children. After her children started school, she took more courses and trained as a Care Aide. Stephanie worked in extended care for ten years when all of the heavy lifting began to affect her shoulders. Believing that, “No matter how old you are, you can still train,” she took a one year course from the University College of the Fraser Valley and finished her profession working as a Nursing Unit Clerk for nine and a half years before retiring to Courtenay. Like many of us, Stephanie’s parents helped shape who she would become. Her father started running at 67 and he became a track and field athlete. He jumped his last hurdle at age 90. It was in this spirit, Stephanie signed up to hike the rugged Chilkoot Trail (the Klondike Gold Rush trail) at age 57. She had no previous experience and trained for six months. It was hard work, especially when she was falling behind the group one day and her leg went straight through the ice and snow. She had to get herself out, and with determination, she did and proceeded to make it to the end of the trail. She once again proved that she could set a goal and work to achieve it. Continued on page 9 8 May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca
Spotlight on Stephanie Whitelaw Tax Volunteers Rise to the Occasion! cont’d Our Community Volunteer Tax Program went extremely well throughout March At present, Stephanie is enjoying and April. The tax preparation volunteers did almost 200 tax returns. Volunteers retirement with her husband, John. attended a special training session and then leapt into action to run this year’s They moved to the Comox Valley program under Covid conditions. Alisha and Cathy took turns supporting the in 2003 and they both joined the program and the volunteers. Evergreen Club a year later. She is passionate about enjoying nature, The volunteers at the door were outstanding. They greeted each person, asked spending time outdoors and walking the Covid Screening questions, took names for contact tracing forms, ensured her dogs. John is the wagon master, everyone had a mask and wiped down surfaces between people. Each tax station (which includes making sure that table was set up with a Plexiglas shield between volunteer and participant and everyone is safe while traveling and the tax preparers were able to help people in a very safe environment. Their booking the campsites) of the Comox attention to detail and patience is especially acknowledged. The tax program ran Valley RV Club and they both enjoy like clockwork! camping in the area and making new Pictured here are just a few of our tax program volunteers. A very special thank friends. Stephanie loves writing stories you goes out to all of you for a very successful tax program this usual year. as a hobby. She broke into acting just a few years ago and enjoys the challenge of getting into character and learning all those lines! She is looking forward to the Evergreen Centre reopening but Stephanie lives in the moment and is busy enjoying each day to the fullest. What better place to do that but in the Comox Valley? Puzzle Program If you would like to be a part of our Puzzle Program please Greeters Jackie & Cecile Greeters Lana & Lena at the door give us a shout! Email Janet at jhutchinson@courtenay.ca or call the Filberg 250 338 1000 and ask to leave a message with your phone on Janet’s answering machine. Alisha will give you a call to set up a time to drop off or pick up puzzles at your home. Puzzle donations (complete please) are always welcome. You do not have to donate a puzzle to Mike, our Tax Program team lead, Our 2021 Tax Preparers participate. at his tax station. Carol, Mike and Rick (missing Moira) May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca 9
We will meet again in 2021 ! We will look forward to seeing you at the Evergreen Club in 2021! Active Creative Special Carpet Bowling Pursuits interest Cycling Art Group At the Movies Cue Sports Brazilian Embroidery Bible Study Darts Camera Club Book Club Floor Curling Drama Club Computer Club Golf Fabric Painters Genealogy Club (Virtual) Slo Pitch Knit & Crochet Friday Night Dance Table Tennis (Mon/Tues) Quilters Meet & Greet Singles Table Tennis (Thur Night) Stamp Club Walk & Talk Games Bingo Cards Chess Mahjong S 1 Bridge (Thurs) Mexican Train Music Bridge (Tues) Scrabble Choristers Canasta Gospel Sing Crib Plus Special Happy Gang Euchre Heartstrings events Texas Hold’em Poker Karaoke Whist bus trips Recorder (Tues) and Much more! Recorder (Thur) Ukulele The Evergreen Club is a program of the Courtenay Recreational Association (CRA), a non-profit organization. The Evergreen Club Executive Committee oversees the program on behalf of the CRA Board of Directors. 10 May 2021 Evergreen Club Newsletter • 250-338-1000 • evergreenclub.ca
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