May 2025 Newsletter

Bev's newsletters always felt like catching up with a good friend. As the new editor, I'll do my best to uphold that tradition while also introducing a few new monthly features.

When I came to the Centre, approximately five years ago, it was to take over as Yoga teacher. ...it has become so, so much more than that.

As I watched volunteers going about their duties, their happy smiles and the smiles they brought to the faces of each member they chatted with ...I knew I wanted to give back to this wonderful community of elders. Volunteering at the Centre has put new meaning into my days.

Thirty-nine wonderful volunteers attended our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Sunday, May 4th. Thanks to all the volunteers who made sure our luncheon, from setup to clean-up and everything in between, was a success. A special thank you to our Secretary Kate Walter for putting the whole thing together and to Liz Cameron for her lovely finishing touches ...the mini floral centre pieces were perfect .

Geez, what an amazing and diverse group of folks we all are here at the Centre. To all our members ...how fortunate we are to have one another and to have this place to come to and be together.

Feeling a bit sappy as I write this, but that's okay.

News Items:

☞Our 2025 AGM, held on April 30th, was well-attended. Board Directors stepping down, Bev Swann, Sharon Purves, Sheila Coulbourn and Dawn Ragan were thanked for their contributions to the Board. Also thanked was Patti Cloutier, who will remain on the Board as Past-President. Cheryl Colborne is our new President, and I have accepted the position of VP. New Director Laurel Lapointe makes it ten volunteers who will act as your Board of Directors. The minutes are on the main bulletin board. Please leave them there for others to read as well.

☞ An electric scooter was donated to the Centre by a community member; a most thoughtful and generous act of kindness. The Board is paying this kindness forward. Please leave your name with a greeter if owning a scooter would make getting around and about a whole lot easier for you. If more than one person puts their name forward, a draw will take place on Friday, June 6th. The scooter comes “as is,” and neither the Board of Directors nor the Parksville Seniors' Activity and Drop-in Centre can be held accountable or assume responsibility for any issue that may arise as a result of your requesting and accepting this item.

☞ The Wednesday Free Learning Series continues into June. Hannah Stiles, RHN from Choices Market, present the sessions. The remaining Gut Health sessions are: May 28th, Mental Health, June 4th, Lifestyle and June 11th, Aging Well. Posters are up at the Centre ...please see the greeter on duty to sign up.

Volunteering offers numerous personal benefits, including improved mental and physical health, the development of new skills, a sense of purpose, and a connection to the community. It can also boost confidence and reduce stress.

Kitchen

If you like meeting people and know your way around a kitchen, there are volunteer openings at the Centre.
Do you have a morning free from 9:00 – 12:30 to help us out?
Full training and support provided. Easy peasy.
Please call the Centre (250) 586-5999 or (250) 248-3200, or come on in and speak with the greeter on duty.

To all our volunteer soup makers. Your delicious soups are so popular, we've just about run out! Needed...” more soup, please”. A big thank you is coming your way!

☞ A reminder from our kitchen volunteers: please pre-order your lunch either by calling the kitchen at (250)-248-3200, or if at the Centre for morning activities, by giving the kitchen volunteers your order ahead of time so they can have it ready when you are. Orders must be in by 12:00. The kitchen closes at 12:30. Unless there is a mobility issue please pick up your order from the counter and return dirty dishes and utensils to the bin provided.

Greeters

If you like meeting people and are excited and proud to show our wonderful Centre to folks thinking about becoming members, why not consider becoming a greeter? Do you have a morning or an afternoon free to help us out? Morning shift from 9:00 – 12:30 and afternoon shift from 12:30 – 3:30.
Full training, duty shadowing and support provided. Easy peasy!
Please call the Centre (250) 586-5999 or (250) 248-3200, or come on in and speak with the greeter on duty.

 Quick Bits

☆ Advance notice: The Centre will be closed on Mondays and Fridays in July and August.

☆ All items on the Free Table and in the Lost and Found will be kept for 2 weeks before being donated to SOS.

☆ Please do not call Board Members directly. Call the Centre at (250) 586-5999 or (250) 248-3200, or come in and speak to the greeter on duty to ensure your message, question or request is directed appropriately.

☆ This month's draw for the $20.00 Thrifty Foods gift card goes to member Pat Peake. Come on in, Pat, and see the greeter on duty for your card.

“The Doorway Effect” ...isn't a real medical term, but it is used to explain why we can't remember why the heck we walked from one room and into another. Apparently, our brain stores the original reason for entering that room, e.g. to look for our glasses, in a specific memory compartment. But when we enter that room, the brain gets ready and "resets" itself to the new situation, making it harder (impossible!) to immediately access and retrieve why we are there in the first place. Sound familiar? What a relief to know “the Doorway Effect” is actually a “thing”!

“Not to brag or anything, but I can forget what I'm doing when I'm doing it. My grand kids say it's my Superpower.”

Have a great June, everyone.
Liz Moore, Editor