ISSUE 157 APRIL 2020

Presidents Message 1 Volunteer 2 Profile 3 AGM Report/Photos/Notices 4-5

Fitness 6 Notices 7 Flyer 8 Garden 9 Simcoe Readers 10 Jokes, article, Ads 11-13 Winners 14 Calendar 15

Did you know we have a Facebook page? Check

it out at BWG Seniors Association

President’s Message

I never thought I would write a message under these extraordinary circumstances. The Town of Bradford will tell us when we can re-open the Danube Centre, which could be well past April the 6th. In the meantime, let’s all follow the guidelines provided by the authorities. Stay safe, stay healthy so when things are back to normal, we can again enjoy each other’s company and the many programs at the Danube Centre. --Elke

The Danube Seniors Leisure Centre: 715 Simcoe Rd., Bradford ON L3Z 4B4 Phone: 905 775-0612 Web Page: danubeseniors.club

Email: danubeseniors@rogers.com Facebook: BWG Seniors Association

Inside this Issue

President

Elke Pitkin

1st Vice-President

Wendy Lonsdale

2nd Vice-President

Sandy Madill

Secretary

Sheila Marshall

Treasurer

Anne Spaulding

Director of Programs

Edale Levene

Director of Special Events

Jan Evans

Director of Facilities

Al Charlebois

Director of Food Services Vacant

Members-at–Large

Olga Bishop & Relly Weisinger

Past President

Elaine Love

Newsletter Editor

Edale Levene

Contributing Editor &

Photographer

Jan Evans

Associate Editor

Relly Weisinger

Web Page

Neil MacNaughton

APRIL 19-25 2020 IS

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER

WEEK

We would like to thank all the

volunteers of the Danube Seniors

Centre. You have spent countless

hours keeping the Centre

functioning, preparing food,

cleaning up, leading activities and

taking care of all the day-to-day

details. We appreciate it all.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

Introducing…… Wayne Spalding

If you happen to be at the Danube Centre on a Monday

or Thursday morning, you will see a small group of

members racking snooker balls and maintaining their

composure when they sewer the cue ball. Among them

will be Wayne Spalding, who took over leadership of

the pool group when former member Bob Fleming

moved to Barrie.

Wayne has been a Danube member since 2013, originally encouraged by his wife, Ann

(our current Treasurer), to attend Birthday Lunches. He found the people he met here

friendly and the activities fun, and good value for the money. “Where else can you play

pool for $1 and have a coffee for 25 cents?”

Wayne would like to invite anyone interested in learning to play pool to come out on a

Monday or Thursday morning and give it a try. (The games begin at 9am and Wayne

arrives shortly thereafter from his other love—being a School Crossing Guard). It takes a

bit of practice, but it’s time well spent.

In the meantime, if you find yourself at the corner of Aishford and West Park Drive any

weekday morning or afternoon, give a friendly wave to the crossing guard!

.

Danube AGM Report March 2020

President Elke Pitkin opened the 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Bradford West

Gwillimbury Seniors Association (a.k.a. Danube Seniors Leisure Centre) just after 10:00 a.m. on

Thursday, March 5th, 2020. She noted that many more members were in attendance than when

the meeting was held in the evening. “O Canada” was sung, led by Bill Bishop, with Jan Evans

on the piano.

Ann Spalding led a prayer for those we have lost since the last AGM.

The financial report given by Ann Spalding revealed that 2019 expenses slightly exceeded

income which Ann attributed to fewer special events and some unexpected major expenses

including the new copier, new blinds in the hall and a new computer. Overall, though, we are in

the black; moreover, we can now create and print all of our own posters, tickets and newsletter

in-house, and we can darken the hall sufficiently during movies and live performances.

Reports were given by various board members:

- Programs: Edale Levene reported that we introduced 2 new programs: a Book Club and

Zumba Gold, both of which are well-attended.

- Special Events: Jan Evans summarized events in another very busy year (Thanks to

everyone who supports the events in any way!)

- Constitution Committee: One constitutional amendment was proposed and subsequently

approved by a show of hands: that we amend the clause explaining payment of dues so

that it indicates that dues are based on the calendar year January 1-December 31 and not

on parts thereof as previously written. During discussion, it was explained that dues are

determined by the Administrative Board based on where municipal taxes are paid.

Reports were also heard from the Boutique (Olga Bishop), the Craft Group (Elaine Love) and the

kitchen (Elke for Kitty Sweet).

Bill Bishop directed the Election of the new Danube Seniors Administrative Board. The 2020

Administrative Board will consist of:

President - Elke Pitkin

1st Vice-President - Wendy Lonsdale

2nd Vice-President - Sandy Madill

Secretary - Sheila Marshall

Treasurer - Ann Spalding

Program Director - Edale Levene

Member-at-Large - Relly Weisinger

Thanks to Bill Burlton and Jonathan for counting the ballots. Elke thanked everyone for

attending and adjourned the meeting. Afterwards, a delicious lunch of homemade soup and

sandwiches was available for purchase. M-m-m, m-m-m good!

(Check out the following page for photos.)

Member-at-Large - Olga Bishop

Special Events Co-ordinator - Jan Evans

Director of Facilities - Al Charlebois

Past President - Elaine Love

Director of Food Services - unfilled

AGM PHOTOGRAPHS March 5, 2020

Winter Fitness Classes at the Danube

“Four, three, two, march it out!” And the members of the fitness class have been

marching it out on Tuesday and every-other Friday morning all winter long, under

the direction of Sandy Maisine-Magani. Sandy’s infectious enthusiasm (not to

mention her chicken stories and memory games) have kept us amused—and

distracted from the number of squats, push-ups and bicep curls we’ve actually

been doing.

So, keep it up during the closure! Lift those soup cans while you watch T.V.; march

on the spot; “take it wide”; stand behind a chair and do a few (dozen) squats. And

don’t forget to laugh out loud when you get a move wrong.

Here’s a link so you can exercise at home with a 30-minute hasfit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zyWa3vko6k

Check out YouTube for many more exercise programs.

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and sadly said, "I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away." The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?" "Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead," replied the vet. “How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something. “The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room. A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room. The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck. “The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman. The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$150!" she cried, "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead!" The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150."

NOTICES

We will let you know when we

are able to re-open and

continue with our programs.

Until then no programs will be

scheduled.

Useful Internet Link

Do you like to do online crossword puzzles’? Here’s a link with lots of

selection: (ctrl +click)

https://www.boatloadpuzzles.com/playcross

word

______________________________________

A guy is reading his paper when his wife walks up behind him and smacks him on the back of the head with a frying pan. He asks, "What was that for?" She says, "I found a piece of paper in your pocket with 'Betty Sue' written on it." He says, "Jeez, honey, remember last week when I went to the track? 'Betty Sue' was the name of the horse I went there to bet on." She shrugs and walks away.

Three days later he's reading his paper when she walks up behind him and smacks him on the back of the head again with the frying pan. He asks, "What was that for?" She answers, "Your horse called."

How to protect yourself and others:

The SMDHU advises you to take these everyday

steps to reduce exposure to the virus and

protect your health:

• wash your hands often with soap and

water or use alcohol-based hand

sanitizers

• sneeze and cough into your sleeve

• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

• avoid close contact with people who are

sick

• stay home if you are sick

• clean and disinfect frequently touched

objects and surfaces

Danube’s Garden Plot

Have you ever ventured out to the back of the Danube Centre? Did you know that there’s a garden out

there?

The garden was started in 1998 (the year the Centre opened), when Chris (Burlton) and a co-op student

dug out most of the weeds by hand. The next year, Bill Bishop began tilling the garden. For several

years, he planted long rows of potatoes for luncheons at the centre (see photo). Eventually, the long row

was divided into plots. Bill Bishop tilled the plots for everyone in the spring and in the fall after he spread

manure (from a friend's farm) as well as many green garbage bags of leaves (gathered at his home in

Bond Head), and, for a time, compostable materials from the Danube kitchen. For many years, he would

load a huge tiller onto his trailer, unload it at the Danube garden, work in the manure and leaves, then

load the tiller back on the trailer to take home. It’s quite likely that plot owners had no idea of the work

that went into preparing the garden and just assumed the "Good Fairy" came and dug it up

overnight! Those of us who know better are very grateful for Bill’s dedication.

The late President Gerry Slykhuis built the wooden compost bin that is still used by the gardeners—and

a very lovely garter snake who makes occasional appearances on warm, sunny afternoons (no photo

available).

The garden has grown over the years to what it is today: about 65 feet long and 8 feet deep. A few years

ago, Bill Bishop retired from tilling and planting the Danube garden. Last year Al Charlebois, Wayne

Spalding and Bill Burlton stepped up to till the garden with a borrowed tiller. Thank you!!! Bill Burlton

took over Chris's plot in 2005. Some of the other plots are grandfathered, but every year someone

leaves and another person comes. If you like gardening, this is just enough work for us seniors.

There are 2 conditions for having a plot in the Danube garden: first, everyone is responsible for weeding

and watering their own plot; second, some of the harvest is to be donated to the Centre for either the

Danube kitchen or members who do not have access to garden-fresh vegetables.

Simcoe Volunteer Readers

Hazel, a Simcoe Volunteer Reader, was shopping in Walmart when a little girl ran up to her and threw her arms around her knees and shouted "Mommy, Mommy this is the lady I read to every week. This made Hazel's week especially wonderful.

Once a week, for one-hour, Hazel listens to four children read from special books donated by the Volunteer Reader Program, the teacher selects children who are struggling with reading and matches each child with the appropriate level of book, so that reading becomes enjoyable. There are thirty levels of books and when each level is mastered the child is awarded a coloured ribbon. The adult listens, helps, and celebrates the success.

The Simcoe Volunteer Program was developed by Peter Ellis B.Ed., M.Sc., thirteen years ago and hundreds of Bradford elementary children have benefited greatly. The program is aimed at children who are at "risk" of not succeeding in reading and one on one support is thought to be useful by the teacher.

Peter is looking for adults to join his Simcoe Readers and bring the excitement of reading to more children. It is very rare for a nonprofit volunteer group to have a major impact on special children but it really depends on adults who understand the importance of reading to a person's success in future life. In early years we learn to read so that in later years we can read to learn. Please call Peter at 705-458-4852 or peterellis1000@gmail.com.

An elderly woman had just returned to her home

from an evening at church service when she was

startled by an intruder.

As she caught the man in the act of robbing her home

of its valuables, she yelled, "STOP! ACTS 2:38!"

(Repent and be baptized, in the name of the lord, so

that your sins may be forgiven.)

The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly

called the police and explained what she had done. As

the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the

burglar, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady

did was yell scripture at you."

"SCRIPTURE?!" replied the burglar, "She said she had

an AXE and TWO 38's!

The secret of staying young is to live honestly,

eat slowly and lie about your age.

– Lucille Ball

Respect old people. They graduated school

without Google or Wikipedia.

– Unknown

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TUPLING INSURANCE BROKERS Get Well Wishes

All our members are special to us:

This get-well wish goes out to

everyone feeling under the weather.

We would like you to know that our

warmest thoughts are yours each

and every day.

Get well soon, we miss you.

What kind of jewelry does the Easter Bunny

wear?

14 Carrot Gold

Where does Valentine's Day come after Easter?

In the dictionary

One Easter, a father was teaching his son to

drive when out of nowhere a rabbit jumped on

the road. Slamming on the breaks, the son said,

"I nearly ruined Easter! I almost ran over the

Easter Bunny." His father replied, "It's okay

son—you missed it by a hare.

"What happened to the Easter Bunny when he

misbehaved at school?

He was eggspelled!

Why shouldn't you tell an Easter egg a joke?

It might crack up!

Notice

The Danube Senior’s Centre regret that we are not able to continue the

lending of walkers and wheelchairs to our members, due to liability

restrictions. They can be used on the premises only.

We are also unable to accept Donations of mobility Equipment.

i

draw

Pesach (Passover) is April 8 to

April 16, 2020

The eight-day festival of Passover is

celebrated in the early spring, from the

15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew

month of Nissan. It commemorates the

emancipation of the Israelites from

slavery in ancient Egypt. It is observed

by avoiding leaven and highlighted by

the Seder meals that include four cups

of wine, eating matza and bitter herbs,

and retelling the story of the Exodus.

The Seders

The highlight of Passover is the Seder,

observed on each of the first two nights

of the holiday. The Seder is a fifteen-

step family-oriented tradition and ritual-

packed feast.The focal points of the

Seder are:

• Eating matzah. • Eating bitter herbs—to

commemorate the bitter slavery

endured by the Israelites.

• Drinking four cups of wine or

grape juice—a royal drink to

celebrate our newfound

freedom.

• The recitation of the Haggadah,

a liturgy that describes in detail

the story of the Exodus from

Egypt. The Haggadah is the

fulfillment of the biblical

obligation to recount to our

children the story of the Exodus

on the night of Passover.

pCc DUE TO ALLERGIE S

Reminder: There is a sign at

the front entrance of the

Danube Seniors Centre

Written and Installed by the

town, that smoking is not

allowed within 5 meters of the

entrance.

WINNERS

BRIDGE

Mar 2 First Dianne F

Second Malcolm P

BID EUCHRE

Mar 3 First Frances

Second Lynda B

Mar 10 First Clare

Second Grethe (sp?)

EUCHRE

Mar 5 First Shirley W

Second Ray

Mar 12 First George M

Second Gergie L (sp?)

NO SCENTS/PERFUMES

AFTERSHAVES OR

COLOGNES TO BE

WORN AT THE DANUBE

CENTRE

DUE TO ALLERGIES

DANUBE SENIORS CENTRE WEEKLY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MONDAY TUESDAY

9:00 am Pool-Snooker 11:00 am Fitness Class

9:15 am Scrapbooking 1:00 am Goldenaires

9:30 am Shuffleboard 1:00 pm Canasta

12:30 pm Poker 7:00 pm Bid Euchre

1:00 pm Bridge

1:00 pm Monthly Book Club

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

9:15 am Line Dancing 9:00 am Pool-Snooker

1:00 pm Crafts 10:30 am Chair Fitness

1:30 pm Skat 1:30 pm Euchre

FRIDAY SATURDAY

11:00 am Fitness Class 9:30 am The Varga Group

1:00 pm Carpet Bowling of Artists

Foot Clinic by appointment The Woodshop is open Monday &

Wednesday 9:00 am to noon. Other days

by appointment only.

Thursday, April 9

705 727-8814 Cost $18. Please

bring a towel.

Please remember the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre is closed on

Sundays and for all Provincial and Federal Statutory Holidays.