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President – Laura South2013 - 2015.

Birkdale Seniors, Birkdale Community Centre1299 Ellesmere Rd M1P 2Y2, 416-396-4069

BIRKDALE BANTER

The summer has come and gone and now we are getting excited about the coming of winter. The past summer has been hot, wet and controversial with the gambling issue.I hope everyone had a great summer; with fond memories of things you did and with those who were part of your adventure.The year to date at Birkdale has been good, the Luncheons have been successful thanks to yoursupport. Freebie days or weeks have received kind feedback and everyone seemed to appreciate them. We will try to have more in future.I would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and energy, in making all of our functions go off without a hitch. Thanks also to those who give of their time to ensure that all our Drop-ins, (cards, wood working, bingo, etc.) are well run and people enjoy their time here.Birkdale has lost a number of members who have passed away this year, they will be truly missed.Get out and enjoy the fall colours and weather!Bruce.

A Message from the President

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A message from the President 1Notes from the office2Upcoming Events 2Benefits of Volunteering 3Travel 4Member testimonials 5Puzzles6/7Fall in the City 8

Fal l 2019

Birkdale Seniors Executive

PresidentBruce Frew

Vice PresidentBetty Wardrope

TreasurerLinda Stafford

SecretaryCarol Stark

Saturday Night DanceMargaret Hardy

KitchenCarol Stark

Craft ConvenorJane Vella

TravelMargaret HardySpecial EventsLynda Smith

Barb Anderson

Age is not important unless you're a

cheese!Helen Hayes

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Debbie AzumaCommunity Recreation Programmer

Karen BarrettSeniors Co-ordinator

Notes from the Office

Thursday October 31 – Halloween LuncheonTuesday November 12 – Meet and GreetSaturday November 23-Christmas BazaarTuesday December 3 – Christmas Luncheon

CLOSURES:We will be closed from,December 21To January 5 2020.

Upcoming Events

T.T.C TicketsTTC tickets are still

available!From the kitchen on a

Wednesday and Thursday only

10:00am to 2:00pm

MARK IT DOWN!Dates to Remember

Registration is well under way.Lots of spots still available in many of the fitness classes.

Come check them out!

MembershipsWe are a membership driven centre and in order to attend our drop in

programming, a Birkdale membership is required.We are a paid membership of $26.00 for 1 year. There are many benefits of becoming a member. Subsidized lunches, free giveaways and more!

See our website for more information.www.birkdaleseniors.com

MEET AND GREETAs part of our efforts to promote Birkdale and its programs we are holding a meet and greet. Come and meet your executive and the convenors of our

drop ins.Bring your friends, family and neighbours, it will be a great way for them to

learn about Birkdale

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Benefits of Volunteering!Benefit 1: Volunteering connects you to othersOne of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.Make new friends and contactsOne of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

Benefit 2: Volunteering is good for your mind and bodyVolunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.

Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Volunteering combats depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.

Volunteering makes you happy. By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel.

Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.

Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.

I have limited mobility—can I still volunteer?People with disabilities or chronic health conditions can still benefit greatly from volunteering. In fact, research has shown that adults with disabilities or health conditions

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TRAVEL INFORMATION CONVENOR: Marg Hardy, Pauline StinesBuffalo Shopping Tour:Thursday November 21 2019Depart; 8:15am Centennial ArenaShopping; 10:30 to 4:30 at Walden Galleria, Fashion Outlet Mall (Burlington Coat Factory and Jo-ann Fabric if desired) and Tops MarketReturn; Arrival in Scarborough approx.. 8:00pmPrice $42.00

Simcoe Christmas Panorama:Monday December 9 2019Depart; 12:00noon Centennial ArenaCoffee; 1:30-2:30 at the Dutch Mill on your ownShopping; 3:30-4:15 at the Apple Place.Dinner; 4:30-6:00 at the Erie Beach HotelLights; 6:15-7:30, Simcoe Christmas PanoramaReturn; Arrival in Scarborough approx. 9:30pm

“There was a big fight at the seafood restaurant. Three fish got battered.”

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COME JOIN US!

One advantage of talking to yourself is that you know at least somebody's

listening. Franklin P. Jones

10 Best spots to see Fall Foliage in Toronto!

The Don Valley, Glen Stewart Ravine, Moore Park Ravine,Necropolis Cemetery, Rouge Park, Scarborough Bluffs, Humber

Valley,High Park, Toronto Islands, Leslie Street Spit

WHY I LOVE BIRKDALE!Heather says: "When I first walked in it just felt like home!"

Barb says: "When I first came I found the people very friendly and welcoming, and I reallyenjoy the programming offered here."

Jean says: "It's all about the people!! Very nice, very friendly. I love it here!"

Sharon says: "The first time I came here I felt comfortable and welcomed. The people here are very friendly and welcoming!"

Sue says: "When I retired everyone told me I would be bored, I say they have not been to Birkdale, there is lots to do here! Always someone to talk to about anything. Great people."

Doug says: "It's the people!" Love how friendly everybody is."

Joan says: "I've been coming for 10 years and I love helping out, meeting new people and just getting out. The staff and executive are great! If feels like home to me."

Jim and Betty say: "It's a happy place to be! We have been to others and there is no comparison. The staff here make the difference"

Olinda says: "It just feels like home"

So the consensus seems to be the people here at Birkdale are what make it so special!!

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Word Puzzle answers on page 7

"Three Senior Pals"

Three seniors are out for a stroll.One of them remarks, “It’s

windy.”Another replies,

“No way. It’s Thursday.”

The last one says, “Me too. Let’s have a soda.”

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FALL IN THE CITY OF TORONTO!

Each row, column and box must end up containing all of the numbers from 1 to 9.

Word puzzle answers

1. Sixth Sense, 2. Sum it Up, 3. Blank ET, 4. Strong Undertow, 5. Back Issues6. Stretching the Truth

In the hardware store, a clerk asked, “Can I help you find anything?”

“How about my misspent youth,” joked my husband.

The clerk shot back, “We keep that in the back, between world peace and winning lottery tickets.”

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Navigate Through an 8 Km Corn Maze at Downey's FarmPrice: $9.73 per personAddress: 13682 Heart Lake Rd Inglewood, OntarioWhy you need to go: Explore this massive corn maze near Toronto, this year it's batman themed!

Gaze Upon Stunning Fall Colours At Mount NemoPrice: FreeAddress: 5317 Guelph Line Burlington, ON L7P 0A5Why you need to go: Take in stunning clifftop views of fall colours atop Mount Nemo, located just outside of Toronto!

Escape To Germany For A Day At OktoberfestPrice: $20 - $32 per adultAddress: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W Toronto, ON M6K 3B9Why you need to go: Enjoy authentic German beer, food, and culture at this massive October party!

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin At Andrew's Scenic AcresPrice: Admission costs $5 per person on weekdays, $10 per person on weekends and holidays Address: 9365 10 Side Rd Milton, ON L9T 2X9Why you need to go: Hop on a wagon and ride out to a field of pick-your-own pumpkins for the ultimate fall experience!

Distillery District's Sunflower WallPrice: FreeAddress: Case Goods Lane, Toronto, OntarioWhy you need to go: With over 400 sunflowers smiling around you, this is the perfect fall photo op!

Visit Apples of Glasgow's Dreamy OrchardPrice: $20 for a 10-pound bagAddress: 2249 2nd Concession Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 7X4Why you need to go: Breathe in the crisp smell of the season in this lush apple orchard. Pick some to enjoy at home!

Get Your Pumpkin Fill At Pumpkins After DarkPrice: $20 per adultAddress: 8560 Tremaine Rd MiltonWhy you need to go: Explore a wonderland of glowing carved pumpkins and pumpkin statues at this highly anticipated event!