Keepin’ It Fun & Getting-R-Done with Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors At Home Program Inc. April 2015 April National Volunteer Month April is National Volunteer Month, a time that all non-profit agencies, service clubs, schools, church groups and more, celebrate their volunteers and thank the Volunteer. To highlight Volunteer Month each year we host our Annual Volunteer Appreciation dinner in order to thank those many volunteers that supported our Agency throughout the year. On April 11th we will gather at the Arnprior Legion for dinner, presentations, live entertainment and a few surprises, all to thank the Agency’s Volunteers. “We are thankful to have such a great diversity within our volunteers as they continue to be the backbone behind our agency and without them we would not be able to offer the many programs that ABMSH provides,” stated Dennis Harrington, Executive Director. Many of our Volunteers contribute to more than one of our programs while others may focus all of their talents on one, such as Bob Kohlt. For 22 years, he has assisted in the Agency’s Income Tax Program. “No matter if they volunteer for one program or three programs, it is clear that all of our volunteers bring a range of skills and experience to Seniors at Home that are invaluable. Thank you ladies and gentlemen”, praises Lisa Bottomley, Volunteer Program Coordinator, ABMSH. Volunteer- Continued on Page 2 The March Friendship Days were held Thursday the 19th with Patti Farr congratulating winners of the four door prizes that highlight the Agency’s 35th Anniversary which will be celebrated with an 35th Anniversary Gala on September 19, 2015. The lucky winners, were, left to right, Norma Dewar, Agency coffee mug; Sara Rothermel, Agency coffee mug; Patti Farr, Social Program Director ABMSH; Pat Noonan and Wili Wahyahst who both won an Agency 35th Anniversary tote bag. Watch for further details on the Gala plus other events in honour of the 35th Anniversary. Photo by Nancy Peck , In-Town Driver ABMSH Happy Easter Easter Celebrations Please make note that our office will be closed for the Easter Celebrations. Our office we be closed Good Friday (April 3rd) and Easter Monday (April 6th), and will re-open Tuesday, April 7th for regular office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. “Singing Into Spring” Join us on Wednesday, April 22 at East Side Mario’s as we “Sing into Spring.” Dine with family and friends while enjoying the music of Donnie Lascelle. Delight your taste buds with an all-you-caneat buffet, live music, door prizes, and a chance to win a 50/50 draw. Cost is $15 in advance or $17 at the door. Advance tickets are available at our office, 106 McGonigal Street West. Come “Sing into Spring” by enjoying some music and sharing some good food with family and friends. Seniors’ Radio Show “Seniors in our Community,” your local radio show, airs at a new time and on a new day. Please join your host, Marion Eidsness, on Valley Heritage Radio 98.7FM, Tuesdays from 12:15 to 12:50pm. You will hear a variety of speakers discuss topics that are tailored to the interests of seniors living in our communities. “Seniors in our Community” is brought to you weekly by the Community Support Services of Renfrew County, which Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors At Home Program Inc. is a proud sponsor of. Listen live online at www.valleyheritageradio.ca Our Volunteers... THANK YOU! Bob Kholdt - Income Tax Program Gary Dowd - Special Events Photo by Liz Wall, Development Coordinator It takes many dedicated volunteers, each year, to run our annual yard sales (one in May and the other in September). Without the ladies and gentlemen who donate their time on a Saturday morning, we would not likely be hosting such large events. Here, volunteer Liz Nadon (centre) brings her enthusiasm to the barbeque assisted by another enthusiastic lady, staff member Nancy Peck. Together, they have fun serving customer Lisa Bottomley (you know her as the Volunteer Coordinator and office receptionist at ABMSH). Our 2015 May yard sale will take place Saturday, May 9th, from 8:00am to 2:00pm, in our parking lot, 106 McGonigal Street West. For all the details, call Liz Wall at 613-623-7981. Volunteer Continued from Page 1 Sandra Black - Board of Directors Volunteering is a good way to stay socially engaged, help others, and give back to the community. Regardless of their motivation, most volunteers believe that they are much richer by giving their time because they receive so much more in return. What is clear is that all of the volunteers bring a range of skills and experiences to ABMSH. Skills and experience that are also valuable to the clients we serve. “In 2010 Floyd Herman (Agency Volunteer Driver) took me to an appointment that saved my life. I am still continuing with my appointments with Seniors at Home, which has truly been a blessing in my life. Thank you so much for all of your continued support”, wrote Susan Gamble of Arnprior. Renfrew County Seniors Games Calling all adults age 55 or over for the Renfrew County Seniors Games which takes place from May 3rd to June 6th, 2015 in Eganville and in other communities throughout Renfrew County. The Renfrew County Senior Games provides a venue for all seniors (age 55 and over) living in Renfrew County to compete in a variety of activities from euchre to golf and all in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie. For more information, including a list of all events and downloadable registration forms visit www. renfrewcountyseniorgames.ca or call the Nick Smith Centre at 613-623-7301. Notes Friendship Days Photos by Keith McNally, a fan of Fiddling Music Ursula Schultz of Shawville Alexander George of Almonte. Thank you: 13th Annual Fiddlin’ Fiesta The 13th Annual Fiddlin’ Fiesta took place on March 1st at St. John Chrysostom Parish Hall. An event that is hosted by both our Agency and the Arnprior Knights of Columbus and requiring the help of many to make the event successful. Thank you to the musicians: Kimberley Holmes of Halifax, NS, Alexander George of Almonte, Ursula Schultz of Shawville, QC, Gaston Nolet of Trois Rivieres, QC, Veronica Langdon, Peter Dawson, and Sherryl Fitzpatrick all of Ottawa. Thank you to Dennis Harrington for compiling and filling the shows program with a wide range of talent from Nova Scotia to the Ottawa Valley and beyond. His connection in the world of fiddling is invaluable to both the annual Fiddlin’ Fiesta and our Agency. Thank you to the Master of Ceremonies Guy Jamieson; Gerry Letang, event sound-man; Riley Harrington for assisting with setup of sound equipment; Thank you to the young helpers of Jared Wilson, Travis Wilson (twin sons of Nancy Peck, In-Town Driver), Josh Fergusson and Brydon Kauffeldt; thank you to all members of both organizations that assisted before and the day of the event. Thank you to our volunteers who provided refreshments and assisted with the Hospitality Lounge: Phyllis DohertyHereford and Teresa Kelly. Thank you members of the Business Community and friends who donated door prizes; Giant Tiger, Antrim Truck Stop, A Sense of Country, Island View Retirement Suites, Metro, Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, Rona, The Dish on Main, Tim Horton’s, Steve Stott and Friends of Seniors. See you next year at the 14th Annual Fiddlin’ Fiesta! Spring Yard Sale Spring Cleaning? Have unwanted, gently used items? May we suggest you think about donating them to our annual Spring Yard Sale of Saturday, May 9th? As this fundraiser depends totally on others, donations of all gently used items would be most appreciated. The morning starts at 8:00am and will end by 2:00pm. Shop and enjoy refreshments as our volunteers will be barbequing starting at 10:00am. Items can be dropped off the morning of the sale which is being held in our parking lot, 106 McGonigal Street West. Drop-off’s please any time after 7:00am on May 9th. No used televisions or large pieces of furniture please and thank you. If you require help, please call the week before and we will arrange for pickup. Call Liz Wall 613-623-7981. Rain date Sunday, May 10th. Let us help by recycling your stuff. Start your spring cleaning and save your boxes of goodies for Saturday, May 9th. Thursday, April 16, 2015 – Arnprior Legion 12 noon to 2:00pm Meal: Soup & Sandwich Live Entertainment: Gaston Moreau Door Prizes & 50/50 Draw Cost: $8 per person (purchase tickets by noon on Tuesday, April 14th at our office) All welcome age 50 and over, disabled, and individuals with special needs (no matter the age). Dental Hygiene Going Miles for Healthy Smiles Tuesday, April 14, 2015 9am – 3pm at our Office. To book your appointments call Patty McComb of Rural Roots Dental Hygiene Services directly at 613-323-6487 or email: pattymccomb@ruralrootsdhs.com. Breakfast N’ Learn Wednesday, April 22, Galilee Centre. Greetings 8:30am Breakfast 9:00am. Cost: $5/person. Guest Speaker: Dennis Harrington Executive Director ABMSH on the history of the Agency and the 24 programs provided by ABMSH. Sponsored by Tierney & Stauffer LLP, Arnprior. Limited seating. Register by noon Tuesday, April 21st. 613-623-7981. Diner’s Club Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Jim’s Restaurant 5:00 – 7:00pm Meal: Mediterranean Chicken Live Entertainment: Richard & Rita Quirt Cost: $13 per person (purchase tickets by noon on Tuesday, May 5th at our office) Welcome seniors 60 & over, disabled, & individuals with special needs (no matter the age). Leaving a Legacy is a HUMAN Need. We want to leave behind something that will immortalize us and ensure we mattered. If we don’t leave a positive legacy, what kind of society are we building? What kind of world are we leaving behind? What are we passing on to our children and grandchildren? How will you be REMEMBERED? By leaving a Legacy in support of Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors at Home Program Inc. • In Memoriam • Life Insurance • Cash or Securities • RRSP’s & RRIF’s • Beneficiary of your Pension More information Dennis Harrington Executive Director, ABMSH • Bequests in a Will 613-623-7981 dennisharrington@cssagency.ca • Annual Giving Leave a Lasting Legacy Keepin’ It Fun & Getting-R-Done with Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors At Home Program Inc. Sarah Rothermel On Tour with Nancy It amazes me the interesting stories and people I meet when riding around in the car. But it’s not just the stories; it’s the person sitting right beside me that teaches me their wisdom, endurance and perseverance, just by doing what they do on a daily basis. As I pull up to her home at the Royal Scot, I see Sara (88 years old) sitting patiently for me on her walker. I take her face that’s soft as silk in my hands and say, “Guess who?” She laughs and says, “You’re late!” and we both chuckle as I glance at my watch to see that I’m actually five minutes early. Sara knows this too, but there is nothing she loves more, than to get a rise out of me. She asks, “Do we have time to go on tour?” I check my schedule and say, “Sure. I have a couple more people to get - so enjoy the ride.” As she sits back and tells me stories, her blue eyes sparkle in the sunlight and she looks with interest out the window. It’s been five years since Macular Degeneration has claimed Sara’s eyesight and caused her to be legally blind. I mention to Sara that I think she’s pretty awesome, still getting out by herself or with a friend. She glances over at me and says, “Well, you have to keep on living. You shouldn’t just sit around and pout – get out there and do what you can. Help people and try to always see the positive in life!” Sara and her husband Francis, a Mining Engineer (passed 1989), were both born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and moved to Canada in 1964. Their marriage of 40 years blessed them with their daughter, Betsy (Dr. Vaughn Glover), Arnprior; their son, Douglas (Mary) who resides in Arizona; and five grandchildren. When I asked Sara about cherished memories she said that their children were the most important thing to them above anything else. They loved to take the kids to Disney World, and holiday time spent together was very special for all of them. “You know Nancy,” Sara commented, “There was also this little boy at school who had Supranuclear Palsy. I took him under my wing from the age of two until he graduated. I taught him to walk and talk and we got through the grades together. I was blessed to have such an integral part of his life.” She smiled and said fondly, “You know, he is married and has children now, and we’re still in touch! I’ve had a wonderful life!” Well Sara, we think you’re pretty wonderful too! Thank you for sharing your story with us. Can’t wait for our next tour….chat soon! Nancy xxoo Happy Easter Nancy Peck In-Town-Driver nancypeck@cssagency.ca April 10th is sugAr Bush DAy Join us at 2:00pm live Entertainment Pancakes with sausages Topped off with Taffy and Maple Cookies please rsVp. 613 623 0414 Arnprior Villa 15 Arthur Street 613-623-0414 “Cherish all of your memories for they are the experiences that moulded you”. Working Together For A Better Community 613-623-7981 • 106 McGonigal Street West • www.cssagency.ca