APRIL 2020 - PR&H Homeplayinpa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/April-Monthly-Newsletter.pdfOur latest read was "Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ" by Giulia

APRIL 2020

There is magic all around us,

You can feel it in the air

For the lovely signs of springtime

Are unfolding everywhere.

It’s a time of fulfilled promise,

It’s a time of hope and cheer;

Joy time of resurrection ~

Blessed Easter time of year!

Happy Easter!

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Events Special Events Program – Submitted by Carrie Smith and Lue Carlos Wednesday, April 8 at 1:30 pm This month’s Special Events program will have an Easter and Spring theme. Wear your

brightest floral fashions and give welcome to Spring! We have great entertainment and performers planned for you so make sure you come out and enjoy this

month’s special event. The Sunshine Cub line dancers will perform a few dance routines that they have been working on and the Strummers will play some lively music for everyone’s enjoyment.

The monthly Special Events are a great way to get out and enjoy some wonderful entertainment, refreshments, goodies and socialize. It is a fabulous way to spend the afternoon. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss this fun afternoon at Echo. We encourage you to come on out and enjoy the entertainment and fun. It will prove to be a great time! Tickets are $2 each and are available now at the Sunshine Club office. In consideration to those who organize these events, we ask you to please purchase your ticket(s) by Monday, April 6. Buying your ticket ahead of time, allows us to know how much food to buy, places to prepare for and how many tables to set up.

All those members with birthdays in April will also be honored with a sweet treat! Hope to see you there! The ticket price includes refreshments, goodies, entertainment and a ticket on the door prize. Doors open at 1:00 pm, entertainment begins at 1:30 pm and tea service is at 2:15 pm. Sunshine Club Volunteer Tea Wednesday, April 22 at 1:30 pm All Sunshine Club volunteers are invited to attend!! This year’s Sunshine Club Volunteer Tea is on Wednesday, April 22 at 1:30 pm. This is our chance to say thank you and to recognize all the hard work, time and effort our volunteers give to the Club. If you are a Sunshine Club volunteer, we hope you join us for a wonderful afternoon. There will be entertainment, goodies, refreshments, door prizes and all of our volunteers will receive a small gift of appreciation. We will also take this opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of some of our long term volunteers and present them with certificates.

Tickets for this event are FREE and are available now from the Sunshine Club Office. We encourage all volunteers to attend so we can express our sincere appreciation for all that you do throughout the year. Volunteer certificates will be awarded on 5 year intervals for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years. Congratulations to the following people who will be recognized for their years of service at this year’s

Volunteer Tea:

5 Years (started volunteering in 2015) Jean Bishop Lil Davidson Lauralee Edgell Ann Gagnon Shirley Gagnon Betty Hanson Joe Hartman Don Hawkins Arleen Hoffman Zana Nesbitt Bev Nickerson Joan Palmer Cheryl Titanich Evalina Zamana 10 Years (started volunteering in 2010) Sylvia Broadfoot Karen Irvine Nicole Milne Maggi Slassor Kathy Toms Carol Weiers 15 Years (started volunteering in 2005) Barb Atkinson Sebo Chand Orlando Delano Francis Gaetz Sandy MacFadden Ron Manners Elaine Van Kooten Jake Van Kooten 20 Years (started volunteering in 2000) Pat Evans Nobby Haider Ado Iacuzzo Gordon LaPlante Al Parker Jean Parker 25 Years (started volunteering in 1995) Doreen Bessette Erma Hopkins Jim Kirkman 35 Years (started volunteering in 1985) Richard Anderson

Thank you!

A very special thank you to the volunteer organizing committee for their hard work! Thank you to Doreen Bessette, Eileen Pettigrew, Margaret Bigelow, Sally Francouer, Muriel Guldager, Deb Barr, Sharon Ault,

Jean Woppenkamp, Erma Hopkins and Faye Domovich for planning such a great afternoon for all of

our deserving volunteers!

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Events March General Meeting *Last Minute Reminder Wednesday, March 25 at 1:30 pm at Echo Centre All Sunshine Club members and directors are asked to attend these meetings and support our Club. The next meeting agenda items will include: Volunteer Tea, Seniors’ Week, Craft/Bake Sale Evaluation and more! Coffee, tea and refreshments are served free of charge after the meeting and there’s even a chance to win a door prize! Hope to see you there! Lobby Wall Display at Echo Centre The Sunshine Club Digital Photography group will be displaying their spring exhibit and showcasing their photographs on the lobby walls from April 17 – May 8. We encourage you to please drop by Echo Centre and enjoy their work and support their efforts. We hope you enjoy the display! Dinner at the Casino and Rim Rock Restaurant

Tuesday, April 21 Doors Open: 5:00 pm Dinner Served: 5:30 pm Sunshine Club members are invited to attend the Casino for a dinner buffet. The dinner buffet includes a delicious meat dish, roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, seasonal salad, fresh buns, dessert, tea and coffee. Dinner is $15 per person and includes the buffet, a $5 entertainment coupon, taxes and gratuities.

April’s dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 5:30 pm. Come early if you wish to sit together with a friend. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Sign up and pay for this dinner now at the Sunshine Club office. In an attempt to be as fair as possible to all members who are eager to go to this dinner, please note: there is a maximum of 2 tickets per person (each ticket for members only) until Thursday, April 9. If there is space available, registration is available to non-members starting Tuesday, April 14. Due to the popularity of this activity and in an effort to reduce the waitlist, we have increased our participation numbers from 60 to 70! Now 70 people can enjoy this great meal and experience!

Tickets will be issued on a first come, first serve basis and we require payment to be cash only and exact change. Make sure you come early, to avoid disappointment because tickets for this dinner are very popular. Registrations cannot be accepted over the phone as payment is required at the time of registration. If you are unable to use your ticket, please return it to the Sunshine Club office so the next person on the waiting list can participate. Please do not promise your ticket to a friend, as we must follow the order of the waitlist as people return their tickets. Please note, we will not sell or cannot accept cancellations after 11:00 am on the day of the dinner as our reservation numbers are confirmed with the restaurant at that time. Happy Birthday To You… ♫♪♫ If you are celebrating a birthday in April. We hope your day is filled with love, laughter, family and friends…and don’t forget to eat lots of cake!!! Birthday acknowledgements are offered every five years. Therefore, birthday congratulations will be mentioned when members turn 50, 55, 60, 65 etc. Happy Birthday greetings go out to the following members who are celebrating their special day (5 year intervals):

Audrey Smith George Toombs Dora Moen Don Chater David McCreight Marie Sedgewick Maurice Bernier Larry Brechin Bob Jakubowsky Michael Streeter Marilyn Kapchinsky Richard Andrew Erik Willkomm Beate Granneman Lois Leyenaar

New Program Ideas____________________________

A Philosopher’s Café - New Program Idea! We have had a good response to this new idea! So far, we have 6 people signed up and we require 8 names before we can pursue this activity. We are hoping to get a few more people to express interest so we can start. If you would like to see this new program idea added to the Club, please sign up!

Philosopher’s Café is a way of generating fascinating conversation from pre-selected topics. Topics are decided on in advance by the group and then they are scheduled for discussion. Topics can be vast and varying and conversations around this topic will be discussed by the group. You do not have to be an “expert” on any topic, in fact you can just attend and listen. There is no obligation to speak at all. It is interesting to hear different perspectives and varying philosophies. Discussions will be respectful, supportive and everyone’s point of view will be heard. The concept of the Philosopher’s Café is meant to be interesting, engaging and fun for those who are open-minded, enjoying learning and have a zeal for expanding one’s perspective. Participants are welcome to join in the conversation or just sit back and listen. If you are interested, please sign up at the Sunshine Club office or phone 250 720-2505.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regular Programs

Program Cancellations Please note the following programs are cancelled due to other bookings, events or holidays: Friday, April 10 All programs cancelled due to Good Friday stat Monday, April 13 All programs cancelled due to Easter Monday stat Activity Stop Dates for April: Beginner Ukulele Monday, April 27 Bowling Monday, April 20 Carpet Bowling Friday, April 24. Drop-in bowling will continue on Tuesdays & Thursdays Clogging Thursday, April 23 Crib Tournament Monday, April 27 Light Lunch Service Monday, April 27 Line Dancing Tuesday, April 14 Strummers Thursday, April 30 Ukulele Friday, April 3 Whist Tournament Friday, April 3 and Whist is now on a drop-in basis Activity Stop Dates for May: Computer Lessons Thursday, May 14 Digital Photography Friday, May 8 Mah Jong Thursday, May 28 Painters Group Monday, May 25 Scottish Country Dancing Wednesday, May 6 Woodwork Shop Thursday, May 7 Tai Chi Wednesday, May 27. Monday classes will continue until June Activity Stop Dates for June: Creative Writing Group Tuesday, June 23 Hobbies and Crafty Wools Tuesday, June 16 Floor Curling Thursday, June 25. Dates for August are August 11, 13, 18, 20 Limber Up Thursday, June 25 Limber Up 2 Thursday, June 25 Pottery Tuesday, June 30 Quilting Wednesday, June 17 Shimmy Sisters Friday, June 12 Stamp Crafts Wednesday, June 10 Table Games Friday, June 12 Table Tennis Wednesday, June 24. Tuesday and Friday continue through the summer. Tai Chi Monday, June 29 Activity Stop Dates for July: Whist drop-in Friday, July 31 Activities Continuing: Bridge continues throughout the summer on Tuesday evenings Carpet Bowling drop-in continues throughout the summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays Pickleball continues throughout the summer on Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:00 –

9:00 pm and Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 – 11:00 am Second Book Club continues throughout the summer on the first Wednesday of each month Sunshine Garden Club continues throughout the summer - second Wednesday of each month Table Tennis continues throughout the summer on Tuesdays & Fridays Turn the Page Book Club continues throughout the summer on the last Thursday of each month TBA Volleyball New Program Ideas Are Always Welcome! Do you have an idea for a new activity? We are listening! We are always open to new ways to grow and expand our offerings within the Sunshine Club. Activities require a director, an instructor (not always necessary), a minimum of eight interested members and approval from the Executive. If there is an activity that you would hope to add to the Sunshine Club, please contact Karen Freethy at Echo Centre, phone 250 720-2509 or email: [email protected].

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regular Programs Cont. Turn the Page Book Club – Submitted by Pat & Alexander Miller Our latest read was "Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ" by Giulia Enders. For too long, the gut has been the body’s most ignored and least appreciated organ, but it turns out that it’s responsible for more than just dirty work: our gut is at the core of who we are. The book gives the alimentary canal its long-overdue moment in the spotlight. With quirky charm, rising science star Giulia Enders explains the gut’s magic, answering questions like: Why does acid reflux happen? What’s really up with gluten and lactose intolerance? How does the gut affect obesity and mood? Communication between the gut and the brain is one of the fastest-growing areas of medical research—on par with stem-cell research. Our gut reactions, we learn, are intimately connected with our physical and mental well-being. This book had mixed reviews. Some loved it, others not so much and others still just couldn't get into it at all. We commented that it was an unusual book for a book club read. Overall the rating was seven and a half.

Second Book Club – Submitted by Pauline Rice Every month we all read the same book of the month from the library and then discuss it at the following month’s meeting. The books all take us out of our normal comfort reading zone and we have all discovered delightful books that we would never have read were it not for the book club. We have lively discussions which are very enjoyable even if that particular book was not our favorite. If you love to read, we invite you to join our group. New members and guests are always welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:00 am in the Hemlock Room at Echo Centre. For more

information, email Pauline Rice at [email protected] Carpet Bowling Update - Submitted by Joyce Luecke If you are looking for a fun, interesting game, we invite you to come out and try Carpet Bowling. It is similar to Lawn Bowling, but is done inside on a 30’ carpet. The bowls are built on a bias, so curve instead of running straight. We will teach you how to deliver the bowls as well as the strategy of the game. We welcome anyone interested in learning carpet bowling. Sunshine Club members are welcome to join us and learn this fun and interesting game. We hope you join us! Last Day of the Season for Light Lunch Service – April 27

The last day for the light lunch service will be on Monday, April 27. Thank you to all the members who come for lunch or coffee and enjoy the services that our volunteers offer. A huge thank you goes out to all of the volunteers who help to make the lunch service a possibility. It takes a lot of volunteers working together to make this program a success. Thank you to our activity director Kathy Berard for doing such a fabulous job! Your energy and help is greatly appreciated by the Club. We are so grateful for your leadership and we would like to thank you for all your hard work and efforts! We would

also like to thank the purchasers, muffin makers and kitchen volunteers. Together, you make it happen!! Thank you so much for your time, energy and dedication. After April 27, our volunteers are going to take some well-deserved time off, so enjoy the summer break and we hope to see everyone back again in the Fall. Cribbage Awards Afternoon and Fun Tournament Date: Monday, April 27 Time: 12:30 pm Place: Cedar Rooms – Echo Centre Cost: $4.00 per team (which is $2.00 per person) Tickets on Sale: NOW in the Sunshine Club office Last Day of Ticket Sales: Wednesday, April 22

The final stage of our Crib Tournament is now starting and we are coming to the end of the season. The last day of our tournament will be Monday, April 20. The awards will be presented at our Fun Tournament on Monday, April 27, following our Fun Tournament of 6 games. Prizes will also be awarded for the results of the “fun tournament”. Refreshments will be served after the Tournament.

You can sign up and pay for the tickets at the Sunshine Club Office. Please register with your partner and pay for both at the same time. If you do not have a partner check with the directors to see if there are others looking for partners. The Fun Tournament is on April 27 and it is open to members who played in the weekly tournament and also any new members who would like to play in this one-day tournament. The last day to get your ticket is Wednesday April 22.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regular Programs Cont. Creative Writing Group – Submitted by Marilyn Bueckert

Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 am, you can find a group of writers in the Hemlock Room, avidly discussing things we have read, what is happening in the news and just enjoying the company of one another. The Creative Writers group meets for two hours every week to listen to the writing of each other, or sometimes the writing of another author someone has found meaningful. Our own contributions vary greatly from action tales, adventures in space, tales of growing up in small northern villages, political commentary (and sometimes

satire), reminiscences of our own lives, etc. No one is under any pressure to produce something each week but we often brainstorm ideas to help unblock one another’s creativity! Please drop by and join us…everyone is welcome. Floor Curling – Submitted by Larry Lehtonen We had an in-house bonspiel on February 4 and the teams listed below each won three games. Thank you to Quality Foods for suppling and excellent and for our 104 players and guests. Fun was had by all!

Jake VanKooten (skip), Tom Parkinson, Donna Reed and Gerry Grexton Fred Hanson (skip), Al Boyko, Shirley Vanderhoek and Arlene Wilkie Hank Krahn (skip), Margaret Loyd and Jean Boyko

On February 12, we sent two teams to the Oceanside bonspiel in Coombs. The following team won first place in the C Division:

Marilyn Chretien (skip), Jane DeVries, Eva Bottaro and Muriel Guldager

Floor Curling is a fun, social game. We encourage you to join in and start having fun! Drop-ins and beginners are welcome. There are always people willing to show beginners how to play the game. All equipment is supplied and it’s an easy game to learn, so drop in on a Tuesday or Thursday from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm at Glenwood Centre and give it a try. New teams are drawn every morning. Start time is 9:45 am but we ask everyone to please arrive before 9:30

am so that we have time to draw the teams, set up and organize the play. Doors open at 9:00 am. It is an easy game to learn and participants enjoy the fun and socialization. Coffee, tea and cookies are available between games for $1.00. Please note: in an effort to be environmentally friendly, we are not using styrofoam cups for coffee. We ask you to bring in a regular-size cup or mug for your use (tall cups will not fit in the storage bins). Floor Curling is a fun game and one of the Club’s most popular activities. Games end by 12:00 noon. We encourage everyone to come to Glenwood and join in the fun – you will be glad you did!

A reminder to members that Sunshine Club activities are “scent free”. Please do not wear any perfume, aftershave, cologne or scented products as some of our participants have asthma and other respiratory sensitivities. Thank you. Sunshine Garden Club – Submitted by Pauline Rice If gardening is your passion, this is the Club for you! As always we share plant cuttings, seeds and ideas. Occasionally we invite speakers to share their knowledge. Newcomers are welcome whether you are just starting to dig in the dirt or if you are an experienced gardener. Come to share and to learn. We regularly meet the second Wednesday of the month from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon, in the Hemlock Room at Echo Centre. New members and guests are welcome! For more information, email Pauline Rice at [email protected]. Library Cart – Submitted by Carol Weiers Have you started spring cleaning and are wondering what to do with those books and magazines you don’t want anymore? Don’t throw them away – donate them to the Sunshine Club library cart. We are always grateful for donations of newer books and magazines. The library cart operates on an honour system whereby you are welcome

to borrow any books or magazines you find of interest and then return them once you are done for others to also enjoy. What a great way to share a good book!! Next time you are at Echo Centre take a few minutes to check out the library cart. You’ll be glad you did. 😊😊

Painters Group – Submitted by Rose Windley The Sunshine painters are busy painting for their next wall display coming in May. Members of this group will be showcasing their latest paintings. If you are interested in joining us, we encourage you to drop by on Mondays from 12:30 - 2:00 pm. We are in the Fir Room, right across from the main desk at Echo Centre.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regular Programs Cont. Pickleball Pickleball is going strong with the Sunshine Club. It is one of the most popular activities and many of our members are having a blast! Pickleball is a fabulous, social game and we are playing regularly at Glenwood Centre during the winter and wet months. We have a great turnout each week with a fun, enthusiastic group. It is a user-friendly sport and is accessible to people of all abilities. There are five courts at Glenwood and there are nets, paddles and balls for anyone who is interested in joining us. We continue to welcome new players and we encourage you to drop-in and join the fun. Beginners are always more than welcome. Don’t worry if you haven’t played before because we are there to help and you will pick up the game in no time! We invite members to drop in and join in the fun. We are playing indoors and will continue to do so during the wet and cold months. The schedule is as follows:

Mondays 7:00 – 9:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 – 11:00 am Fridays 9:00 – 11:00 am

Please note: There will be no pickleball on Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13. Spanish – Looking for a New Director The Spanish activity is looking for a new director. This group already has a wonderful instructor, Orlando Delano but they require a director for their program. Starting in April, Orlando will be hosting Spanish sessions on Thursdays and Fridays at Abbeyfield. These sessions will begin with lessons in basic Spanish. We will be starting this beautiful language from the very beginning, learning basics. Participants do not need to have a background in the language and those you who are new to Spanish are encouraged to join. All you need is a willingness to learn and a desire to have fun together. Speaking another language is a great way to keep the brain active. All are welcome!! We are very fortunate to have Orlando Delano as our teacher. He is patient, kind and very knowledgeable with the ability to bring this beautiful language to life! It is a very enjoyable time. There are lots of laughs and support as we struggle with the grammar and pronunciation that is unique to this language. Classes are held at Abbeyfield in the downstairs meeting room on Thursday and Friday from 9:30 – 11:30 am. Please note, after a break in March, Spanish will begin again in April. Saludos!! Lunch Bunch – Submitted by Barb Atkinson and Norm Taylor Thursday, April 30 at 12:30 pm at Starboard Grill

All Sunshine Club members are invited to enjoy lunch with the “Lunch Bunch” gang. What a great opportunity to enjoy friends, great conversation and a delicious lunch!! Each month this group meets to enjoy the company of others and a tasty meal at a local restaurant. In April we will be going to the Starboard Grill. It is always a great group of people and a wonderful time and we hope you join us!

Each month we change our location and we circulate a variety of restaurants throughout the year. We would love for you to join us!! We all look forward to this social lunch and we think you would too! If you are interested in joining the Lunch Bunch please phone the Sunshine Club office at 250 720-2505 to sign up. Everyone is responsible for ordering and paying for their own lunch at the restaurant but ask members to sign up ahead of time so we can confirm the reservation numbers with the restaurant. Friendly Phone Service Asks - Do You Live Alone? – Submitted by Wendy Stanley

Do you live alone? Would it be a comfort for you or for someone you love to receive a call every day to ensure their safety and to hear a friendly voice each day? We would like to remind you that the Friendly Phone Service is available to anyone living alone in the valley who would like to have a friendly contact each morning, between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. The Friendly Phone Service program is a free service. This is an amazing program that helps people feel safe, cared for and comforted. We welcome new clients. There are information pamphlets available in the Sunshine Club office. On the back of this pamphlet

there is a registration form for new clients to fill out. You do not have to be a member of the Sunshine Club to receive this service. It is available to all citizens who live alone. For further information please visit our website at https://friendlyphoneservice.home.blog, email: [email protected] or phone the Sunshine Club Office at 250 720-2505 or Wendy Stanley at 250 723-5285. Mah Jong This game is a Chinese version of dominoes, with similarities to rummy. It is played with tiles and in groups of 4 with each person playing for himself. We would really love to see some new members come out and learn this interesting game. Beginners are always welcome! Why not bring along a friend and learn a new game? We meet on Thursdays at 10:00 am at Echo Centre. Hope to see you there!

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regular Programs Cont. Whist Update The annual whist tournament has been enjoyed by many members once again this year! Thank you to the activity directors, Barb Atkinson and Norm Taylor for all their hard work and efforts throughout the tournament season. The tournament is scheduled to finish soon and after its completion, whist will continue on a drop-in basis. Below are some important upcoming dates to note:

April 3: Last day of tournament April 17: Awards Day April 24: No Whist May 1: Drop-in whist begins Pottery – Submitted by Alanna Miller

The pottery group is extremely grateful to four of its members for undertaking the onerous task of sorting, mixing and testing all of our glazes for food safety. It is a lot of work and these four made short shrift of this work so that we now have all glazes indexed and sorted. Thank you to Kate, Debbie, Diana and Kim for taking the time out from your own work. It is much appreciated.

We have had an influx of new members join us in the last year with the result that the pottery room is buzzing with activity. The more experienced potters have taken the new members under their wings and it is heartening to see how well they are doing with their various

projects. As with any craft, practice makes perfect but each person has their own way of expressing their creativity and some exciting pieces are being produced.

Everyone has been busy trying to get special pieces ready for the upcoming Craft and Bake Sale event, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm on March 7. It is an important fundraiser for the Sunshine Club, so please bring your friends and stop by our pottery table to see what we have been doing of late, maybe you will find just the thing you have been searching for. Limber Up Limber Up is a great exercise program that uses exercise bands, light weights and bodyweight to improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility. Instruction will also include stretching to enhance range of motion. Exercises can be modified and adapted to accommodate all fitness levels. This program is instructed by certified fitness instructors that offer high quality, safe leadership. We encourage you to come out and give it a try. It offers excellent instruction, with an affordable drop-in rate at a convenient time! We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to stay fit!

Tuesdays, 11:00 – 12:00 $1 drop in fee Instructor: Nomi Samson Thursdays, 10:10 – 10:50 $1 drop in fee Instructor: Lauren Shubert Thursdays, 11:00 – 12:00 $1 drop in fee Instructor: Nomi Samson Table Games – Submitted by Gillian Shearwater

The Table Games group invites you to drop in and join in -- no partner needed! We offer all kinds of games for fun. Looking for someone to play your favourite table game? Bring your own, or try any of the games other members have brought. Selection varies: anything from Backgammon to Scrabble, and lots of games you've never heard of before. Special on Mondays: Settlers of Catan. Card games are always on hand too! Rummy, Joke Rummy, Phase 10, Euchre and more. You are always welcome! We play on Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon at Echo Centre in the Pine Room. For more information, please contact our activity directors, Judy Collins at 250 724-2370 or Gillian Shearwater at 250 724-7293. Walking Groups Last Spring the Sunshine Club started a Walking Group as a new activity. The group divided into two. One group met and walked the Kitsuksis Dyke the other group met and walked various trails in the Alberni Valley Region. We wrapped up in October and decided we would start up again in April: Group 1 – Trail Walkers: Will start up Friday April 3, 2020 at 9:00 am. If you would like to explore the many trails of the Alberni Valley Region join them on Friday mornings. They meet in the parking lot at Echo Centre and go out from there. For more information, call June Windley at 250 723-2207. Group 2 – Kitsuksis Dyke Walkers: If you are interested in walking the dyke on Friday mornings please sign up in the Sunshine Club office. We do not have a start date for this group as yet and need to see if there is interest and someone who can take on the responsibility of coordinating this group. Interested participants are asked to sign up and we will contact you as we organize the coordination of this activity.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volunteer Corner

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

Do you want travel back in the Club? Looking for Travel Director Travel has been such an important component of the Sunshine Club and we want to bring it back! Members have enjoyed many day-trips exploring this beautiful island of ours, as well as short trips to the mainland, the interior and Washington. There have been amazing cruises, incredible oversea tours and many wonderful adventures! The Executive regularly hears that desire for travel to return to the Club but we cannot offer this service until we have a member who is willing to become the Travel Director. Several people have expressed interest in helping on a travel committee, being a trip host or being a travel assistant but we have not had anyone step forward to take on the position of Travel Director and that is what is required before we are able to reinstate travel in our Club. Ideally, there would be two co-directors that would share the travel job. There are many ways to frame this position and the job description can be altered and updated to accommodate a new travel director. Ideally, this volunteer would have strong organizational skills, a friendly, outgoing personality with good people-skills and a basic knowledge of our island and travel. Many Club members are eager to have travel back but we must have a volunteer as Travel Director before this is possible. If you are interested in this position, please contact either Karen Freethy at [email protected] or 250 720-2509 or the Club’s Volunteer Director, Maureen Brechin at 250 724-1036. Looking for “Kitchen Crew” Volunteers & a Special Tea Service Director Members of the “kitchen crew” team have been in this position for many years together and they feel it is time to pass the torch to new volunteers. This group helps serve in the kitchen and organize food and beverages during Sunshine Club Special Events and the General Meetings. We are looking for 4 – 5 volunteers and a director who are willing to work as part of a team to arrange food and drinks for Club events. This is a fun, social position that requires good team work, organizational skills, attention to details and a commitment to attend the scheduled events and meetings throughout the year. We are looking for new volunteers to be a part of the “kitchen crew” as well as someone to take over the role as Special Tea Service Director. If you are interested in any of these positions and would like to learn more about the job requirements, please contact either Karen Freethy at [email protected] or 250 720-2509 or the Sunshine Club’s Volunteer Director, Maureen Brechin at 250 724-1036.

New Volunteers Are Always Welcome Volunteers play a vital role in the success of the Sunshine Club! The Club

operates on the generosity and involvement of our volunteers. Thank you to all the volunteers who help throughout the year and express our sincere appreciation for your time, energy and enthusiasm. Volunteers are integral to the success of the Club. Thank you for your dedication and sharing your

time and talents with us.

Volunteering is a great way to feel involved, share your knowledge with others, stay active and contribute in a meaningful way. We are always looking for new volunteers to join us and

there are many different ways to become involved. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Maureen Brechin at 250 724-1036. We will work together to find the right fit for you. Together, you really do make a difference! Office Volunteers Meeting Wednesday, April 1 at 10:00 am in the Hemlock Room What better way to start April Fool’s Day! But this is no trick – we have a meeting on Wednesday, April 1 at 10:00 am in the Hemlock Room. All volunteers who help in the Sunshine Club office, including spares are encouraged to please attend the monthly meetings to keep up to date on Club information. Attendance at these monthly meetings is very important to the operation of the office so we really hope to see you there! Friendly Phone Service Update – Submitted by Wendy Stanley Next Meeting: Monday, April 6 at 10:00 am in Craftroom A downstairs

Just a reminder that our next meeting is in the “Craftroom A” in the basement, around the back of Echo Centre on Monday, April 6 at 10:00 am. Please remember to bring your used March record sheets. New record sheets and the April Calendar will be available. We would like to announce that we have welcomed a keen young man named Ryan Hart as our latest spare and who has already phoned a list of clients a couple of times. We welcome anyone in the

Valley to join our team. Ryan has proved he is a very likeable volunteer. Thanks Ryan! We are happy to have you aboard! For any information regarding the Friendly Phone Service, phone the Sunshine Club Office at 250 720-2505 or Wendy Stanley at 250 723-5285.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Volunteer Corner Cont. April’s Volunteer of the Month - Submitted by Maureen Brechin Our Volunteer of the Month is Ann Levesque. Ann became a volunteer in 2001 and she has volunteered in various areas including Floor Curling, Tea and Bazaar, Light Lunch Service and the Friendly Phone Service. Thank you Ann for your many years of volunteering!! An Update On Our Volunteers - Submitted by Maureen Brechin The Sunshine Club has many wonderful volunteers and there are always new updates as people retire, change positions or new people join our volunteer group. We would like to remind directors and volunteers to please keep us updated if there are changes to current positions. Below are some of our most recent volunteer updates:

We welcome Claire Bredsen and Lynne Suhr as new volunteers. Claire and Lynne will be helping with the Craft and Bake sale. Claire is helping with the hampers and Lynne is coming on board as the Bake Table Convener. Thank you, Claire and Lynne for stepping forward!!

Shirley Shanks, one of our dedicated volunteers is stepping down from the position of Director of Volunteers. Shirley became a volunteer in 1998. She has helped to get volunteers for so many areas of the Sunshine Club we could not list them all. While Shirley is not going to be the Volunteer Director she still intends to continue as an Office Volunteer so you will still see Shirley in the office. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Sunshine Club and so we sincerely thank you Shirley for your many years of service as the Director of Volunteers!!!!!!

Doreen Bessette another of our very dedicated volunteers is stepping down as Director of Collating of the Newsletter. Doreen became a volunteer in 1995. She has volunteered in many areas of the club and has overseen the Newsletter Collating for many years. We thank you Doreen for seeing that the Newsletter gets out each month and for the many other ways you have contributed to the Echo Sunshine Club over the past 25 years!!!!!

A Message from our Retiring Volunteer Director, Shirley Shanks Just a short note to all the Directors and volunteers, that I am retiring as “Volunteer Director”. It is not an easy decision but after 15 years, I feel that it is time to step down but I will continue to work in the office. Thanks to all the Directors for keeping me updated in changes in their activities. It has made my job much easier. We have so many amazing volunteers that make our Club one of the best so my personal thanks to each of you. Thanks to everyone for the lovely cards and gifts that have brightened my days. A big thank you to Maureen Brechin for taking over as Volunteer Director. Maureen is a wonderful, hard working volunteer and we appreciate her loyalty. I would like to also extend a very special thank you to Carol Weiers for all her kindness and support over the last year. Carol is one of our very, very busy volunteers. Thanks again to all! See you soon. Shirley Seniors’ Week Update – Submitted by Karen Freethy Port Alberni will be celebrating its 35th annual Seniors’ Week from June 7 - 13. Each year will create an organizing committee to help plan and execute the annual Seniors’ Week. If you would like to be involved on the organizing committee and help plan this special week, please sign up at the Sunshine Club office or call 250 720-2505. Anyone who signs up will be called soon to confirm the date and time of our first committee meeting Thank you. Volunteer Tea Organizing Committee This year’s committee worked hard together to help make this tea a success. Thank you to members who are on our organizing committee for taking the time to appreciate and acknowledge our wonderful volunteers. Thank you to Doreen Bessette, Eileen Pettigrew, Margaret Bigelow, Sally Francouer, Muriel Guldager, Deb Barr, Sharon Ault, Jean Woppenkamp, Erma Hopkins and Faye Domovich for planning such a wonderful afternoon. Your hard work and caring is greatly appreciated! We encourage all Sunshine Club volunteers to mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 22. It is going to be a wonderful event! Tickets are free and can be picked up at the Sunshine Club office.

Reminder to Volunteers It is very important that we maintain our volunteer records accurately. Our volunteers are such an important part of the Club and we want to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. Directors are responsible for providing information as to who their volunteers are in their activity and of any changes that occur throughout the year. It is very challenging to keep updated information on all of our volunteers. Please ensure you inform the Sunshine Club office or our Volunteer Director, Maureen Brechin of any volunteer changes (retirements, additions, position changes etc.) as they occur. We want to ensure our volunteers are being recognized for their contributions. All volunteers should have filled out a blue “volunteer form” from the Sunshine Club office. If you are a volunteer and haven’t done this, please complete the form and return it to the office. Thank you for your help with this.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunshine Club Notices

Sunshine Club Office Hours – Come In and Visit Us! The Sunshine Club office is open regularly on Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and Fridays from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm except for on statutory holidays. Do you have questions about an activity or are interested in volunteer opportunities? Come in and see us, we are always happy to help! “Scent Free Zone”

No scents makes good sense! Members are reminded that all Sunshine Club activities and programs are “scent free.” There are members who are highly allergic and have respiratory sensitivities to smells from perfume, colognes, lotions, oils, hairspray, etc. so members are encouraged to please refrain from wearing scents while attending Sunshine Club activities, events, etc. Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

Welcome New Members Welcome to the Club! We would like to extend a warm “sunshine” welcome to the following people who have joined our Club recently: Marilynn Forbes Penny McLean Maria Lommen Donna Artel Ron Merwin Penny Yeomans Bruce Masson Nesta McGraw

Craft and Bake Sale Fundraiser Update – Submitted by Karen Freethy We are pleased to announce that the annual Craft and Bake Sale made a net income of $3,283.80! Thank you to everyone for your support and donations. The success of this event is due to many people…. thank you to all those people who generously donated pottery, woodworking, crafts, stamp craft cards, baking, hamper food items and other works of art. Thank you to those who attended the event and those of you who helped with the phoning and distribution of posters. I would like to extend a big and special thank you to members of the Sunshine Club Executive who organized this event and the event volunteers who donated their time and efforts for the good of our Club. Thank you so much. Congratulations to the Winners at the Craft and Bake Sale Congratulations to the following people who were big winners at the Craft and Bake Sale: 50/50 Draw Winner: Maureen Brechin Garden Basket Winner: Lois Nash Spring Raffle Winner: Juliette Garipy Draw Prize Winner: Lois Nash Concert Tickets Winner: Dee Kraneveldt Food Hamper Winners: Linda Nicklin Bill Dol Hank Terry Berry Glen McRae Jean Parker Joe Kozsan Lois Nash Annie H Joe Kozsan Gwen Hayhurst Jim White Upcoming Changes to the Sunshine Club Newsletter In an effort to be environmentally friendly and fiscally responsible the Sunshine Club newsletter will now be printed on white paper only. Coloured paper does not recycle as effectively as white paper and it is more costly to purchase therefore, we have transitioned to white paper. Thank you for your support and understanding with this change to Sunshine Club newsletters. May Newsletter Deadline The deadline for submissions for the May newsletter is April 1. Submissions can be dropped off at the Sunshine Club office to be put in the “Newsletter File” or contact Karen at 250 720-2509 or email: [email protected]. The May newsletter will be ready to be picked up at Echo Centre on Tuesday, April 21. Sunshine Club Newsletter is Available Online We would like to remind everyone that the Sunshine Club newsletter is available online and can be accessed at www.portalberni.ca. When you arrive at the City’s website, click on the red heading that says ‘Parks, Recreation and Heritage’. Once that screen is open, then click on “Echo Sunshine Club”. Click on the newsletter link and you can access the newsletter from your computer. The newsletter and the calendar of events are posted each month. Newsletter Mailout Requests If you would like to receive the newsletter by mail, please let us know. We require the cost of the postage payment by either cash or cheque. The cost of receiving a newsletter each month starting in April is $9 annually. If you are interested, drop by or phone the Sunshine Club office so we can process your request and add your name to the mailing list.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Notices

Spring Raffle Continues – Submitted by Gareth Flostrand Summer is fast approaching! Won't $100 cash or a $50 gift card to Chances Rim Rock Gaming be a lovely win? Tickets for these two awesome prizes are available in the Sunshine Club Office until the draw date of June 10, 2020. Only $2 a ticket! Good Luck! 55+ BC Games Update – Submitted by Barb Sheare Planning for the Richmond Games on September 15 - 19 is in full swing. They are working hard to make them “The Best Games Ever”. I hope many of you are making plans to attend. Check out our website at www.bc55+games.org for information about your sport. A great place to start is by reading the general rules for your chosen sport. Our zone is Zone 2 and the Zone page has information about registration dates, playdowns, meetings and other social events that might be happening in our area. If you are interested and need some help getting started, please contact Barb Sheare at [email protected] or 250-724-0364. Timbre! Choir – “Of Love and Marriage” – Submitted by Frances Ketteringham Sunday, April 26 at 2:30 pm at ADSS Theatre Tickets on sale now for Timbre! Choir’s spring concert – ‘Of Love and Marriage’ on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 2:30 pm at ADSS Theatre. The choir will be joined by three very special musicians – Dave Auld on Drums, Ken Lister on Bass and Danielle Marcinek on Piano. The music of Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini, to name a few, will be sure to put you in a romantic mood! Tickets on sale at Echo Centre, Finishing Touches, Rollin Art Centre, Salmonberry’s, Choir Members and at the door. Adults/Seniors are $20 and Children and Students (under 18) are $5. Barkley Sounds Community Choir presents "Spring Medley” Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 pm at the ADSS Theatre The Barkley Sounds Community Choir will perform their spring concert on Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 pm at the ADSS theatre. Songs will include Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jersey Boys, Beach Boys, Everly Brothers, Abba and more. The concert is directed by Michael Villette, with special guests: Phil`s Harmonic String Orchestra, Dennis Olsen, Guy Langlois, Dave Auld and the Alberni Valley United Church Handbell Ensemble. Tickets will be available soon at Echo Centre, Rollin Art Centre, from Choir members and at the door. Tickets are $12 for an adult and Children 12 and under are free. Come, be entertained and enjoy! Volunteer Income Tax Program This program is offered to anyone with low income (maximum gross income $25,000 for an individual or $35,000 for a couple). Available session times are between 9:00 – 12:00 noon and 1:00 – 3:00 pm on:

♦ Mondays, March 23, 30 & April 6, 20, 27 & Tuesday, April 14

All sessions are held at Echo Centre. People are asked to please take a number off the coffee table in the lobby, have a seat and wait for your number to be called. There are only a few volunteers helping with the program, so they ask for your patience and someone will be with you as soon as possible – the volunteers will do their best. The first couple of weeks are always the busiest, so if you don’t want to wait so long, it would be wise to come later in the month. Please have all your forms with you before coming to get your tax forms filled out. It is also helpful to bring your last year’s form if possible. We ask that you do not wear perfume or fragrance to this service as some of our volunteers have respiratory concerns that can be aggravated with scents. If you need more information, call the Volunteer Income Tax Coordinator, Joyce Bergen at 250 723-6056. Canadian Council of the Blind, Alberni Chapter – Submitted by Jean Kanngiesser The next meeting of the Canadian Council of The Blind (CCB), a support group for the visually impaired and blind serving the Alberni Valley, will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday April 1 in the basement meeting room of Abbeyfield. A representative of Port Alberni Transit will be present to speak of the Handi-Dart and other transit services in the Alberni Valley. Relatives, friends and caregivers are welcome to attend. For further information, call Jean Kanngiesser at 250 724 1272. Jane Austen Fans – Welcome to the Isle of Austen - Submitted by Gillian Shearwater Jane Austen fans -- we have a group for you! All Gentlemen and Ladies who share an interest in the

life, writing, and Regency period of Jane Austen are invited to join us. We hold regular meetings and social gatherings for our members. Activities include literature (of course!) as well as movies, costuming, food, dance, games, history etc. Share your enthusiasm for all things Jane, meet others and share skills, information and ideas about the Regency era. We are the Isle of Austen Regency Group. For activity dates and times, contact president Tricia Knight at 250 913-2111, or email, [email protected].

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Notices Cont.

The Greater Victoria Police Chorus Concert – Submitted by Jean Kanngiesser Sunday, March 22 at ADSS Auditorium Hurry! Only a few days remaining to get your tickets to the Greater Victoria Police Chorus concert on Sunday, March 22 in the ADSS Auditorium at 2:00 pm. This lively, entertaining Chorus sings everything from Rock & Roll to Spiritual and Old Favorites. Tickets are $15.00 each and they are available at the Rollin Art Center or by phoning Jean Kanngiesser at 250 724 1272. Donations of Aluminum are No Longer Accepted The Hospital Auxiliary is no longer taking aluminum so the Sunshine Club office will not be accepting aluminum products anymore. Thank you.

Parkinson’s Support Group – Submitted by Linda Nicklin April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month! Although Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder, do not get in the mindset that it is all going to be downhill from here on out. Change in medication, life circumstances, reduced stress, the addition of exercise and nutrition can maintain you on a plateau for a long time and make things better. Continue with activities you enjoy, find new interest and activities that give you energy. Parkinson’s Support Group can be invaluable resources, we share our solutions with each other, and share laughter over the failures. The Parkinson’s Society of BC and Support Groups want to bring to light, not only what it means to live with Parkinson, but also what it means to live a vibrant life. Our next support group meeting is on Monday, April 6 at 10:30 am at Smitty’s Restaurant. More information please call Linda 250 723-3755 or Jan 250 723-8230. Alberni Valley Historical Society There is a special guest speaker for the April meeting. Michael Layland will be giving a talk on his recent award-winning book “In Nature’s Realm: Early Naturalists Explore Vancouver Island”. It will be illustrated with many sketches and paintings that were made of the flora and fauna as they were discovered by European explorers and by the native people. This meeting will be on Thursday, April 16, at 7:00 pm in the Alberni Museum, and will be followed by refreshments (and the opportunity to purchase the book). Seating is limited, so come early to what should be a fascinating evening for all lovers of plants, birds, and animals.

Rollin Art Centre News – Submitted by Melissa Martin

Gallery Exhibits: April 8 – May 2 Joanne Thomson – watercolour, wood and water Artist Workshop with Victoria Artist, Joanne Thomson: Saturday, April 18 Join Joanne Thomson for this two-session workshop, titled: Easy Mini Watercolours - winter trees and misty landscapes. Cost: $50 + $5 supplies for both sessions or $35 + $5 supplies for one session (morning or afternoon). Times: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (focus on trees and negative space painting) and/or 2:00 – 4:00 pm (focus misty landscapes and additive painting). There is an everyone welcome talk at 1:15 -1:45 pm. Register today 250 724-3412 as space is limited. Fun Flowers Painting Workshop: Friday, April 24 The Rollin Art Centre will be holding a one-day painting workshop, Friday April 24, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, at North Island College. This workshop takes you through the process of painting sunflowers. You will learn how to design your painting, working with the composition, how to use layers of glazes to bring your painting to life, what to leave in-what to leave out and how to bring your piece to completion. Open to all levels. Cost $90. Register at the Rollin Art centre at 250 724-3412. Space is limited. Book Donations for Annual Book sale: May 8 – 9 at the Athletic Hall The Community Arts Council is accepting all gently used books for our Giant book sale. Please drop off all your gently used books at the Rollin Art Centre Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Volunteer Coordinator Needed for Arts Council The Community Arts Council is looking for a volunteer coordinator who can help manage and help perhaps recruit volunteers. The Art Council is a not-for-profit organization that relies on a strong volunteer base and we need someone who would be willing to take on this very important role. If you are interested, please stop by the Rollin Art Centre and speak to Melissa. Call to All Artists for Art Exhibit 2021 We are accepting applications to all visual artists and artist groups to exhibit their work in our Fine Arts Gallery during 2021. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your own or group art exhibit. Application forms are available at the Rollin Art Centre or on our website. Deadline is April 30, 2020. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, located at 3061 - 8th Avenue. Admission is by donation. Phone: 250 724-3412, www.portalberniarts.com, http://www.facebook.com/rollinartcentre.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen’s Korner

April’s Challenge Happy Easter everyone! Here is an Easter word search for you. I hope you enjoy! 😊😊 March’s Answers I hope you enjoyed this one! The answers are below…

Ailing Animal Sicamouse Lucky Valley Cloverdale Female Metal Worker Ladysmith Leafy Joint Fernie Ignited Heavy Weight Lytton Deep Hole’s Grassland Pitt Meadows

Want Hope First Man’s Water Adam’s Lake Butt Pond Fanny Bay Harbour’s Temperament Port Moody Path Trail Depressed Water Blue River