May and June, 2020

NEPEAN SENIORS RECREATION CENTRE Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave Entrance #3 , , K2G 1W2

Information: 613-580-2828 ext 2

In this issue…

Activities

Carpet Bowling Creative Crafters UP AND COMING Communications Coordinator Contract Bridge Special Events / Programs Curling Outdoor Walking Club Cribbage

Cycling Club Duplicate Bridge Summer Programs Euchre News Five Hundred Five Pin Bowling NEWS FROM THE OFFICE Fun Bridge Nepean Songsters Blahs Bash Sixty-Six Snowshoeing / X-Country Skiing Shuffleboard Volunteer Appreciation Event Travel Club News Groovy Linens Volunteer Coordination Washroom Renos

Parking Lot

Something to laugh about

How to contact us

PROGRAM COORDINATOR’S REPORT [HOME] By Leslie Dondale 613 580 2424 ext 41264

UP AND COMING [HOME] At the time of preparing these articles, I am working from home and the Centre is closed due to COVID- 19. I originally decided to continue to advertise upcoming events, although they may or may not have taken place, but on April 6 we were told that all facilities will remain closed until June 30. Updates on all City of Ottawa facilities, when they will re-open, will be in the news and posted on our website at www.nepeanseniorscentre.ca I will also keep all the Activity Reps informed and they in turn will let their group members know. We have added virtual programming on our website so please check it out and encourage others to do so as well. It is a very difficult time and I know how much you miss your activities and your social contact with your friends here at the Seniors Centre. It will take some time for the City to get their facilities re-opened even if the closures aren’t extended. In the meantime, make sure you check in on your friends via telephone, Facetime or Skype. Try your best to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Thank you for doing your part in keeping a safe distance from everyone. I am still hoping to be able to see you all prior to my retirement!

Special Events/Programs [HOME] All special events that were scheduled to take place in April, May and June, including the Military Whists, Casino trip, Day BBQ, Bridge Tournament and Murder Mystery have all been cancelled. All spring programs will be cancelled and refunds will be given to anyone who is registered. All presentations for Travel Club trips will be cancelled or postponed. As well the Fit Minds™ course is cancelled. All drop-ins, including those that take place outdoors, are postponed until our facility has re-opened. Because we are closed, there isn’t any calendar of events attached to this edition or any flyers.

Outdoor Walking Club [HOME] Tired of walking indoors? Well, spring is finally here and the outdoor walking club will start up once the centre has re-opened. The group walks Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am on the trails behind the Sportsplex. Although there is no charge to walk with the group, you must be a member of the Seniors Centre. Please call the Centre before showing up to verify whether the conditions are good or not. So, get out, make new friends and start getting healthy today!

Cycling Club [HOME] Once the centre re-opens, the group will meet on Tuesdays at 9:30 am, weather permitting, at Britannia Beach and cycles along the Ottawa River Parkway. This club is for cyclists who would like to bike 20 – 35 kms in a social setting. All cyclists are required to wear a helmet. If you are interested, please call the office for more information. There is no charge, but you must be a member of the Seniors Centre.

Summer programs [HOME] If we are open, the following summer programs will be offered. Chair Exercise – July 6 – August 24 Mondays 9:30 – 10:30 am $73.25 Barcode: 1533816 Chair Exercise – July 8 – August 26 Wednesdays 9 – 10 am $83.75 Barcode: 1533809 Registration is ongoing. Currently you can only register online. Once the facilities are re-opened, you can register here at the Centre or at any Client Service Centre or Community Centre across the City of Ottawa.

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE [HOME]

Blahs Bash [HOME] Once again it was another successful year with close to 100 participants. I would like to thank the businesses who graciously donated prizes: Tim Hortons (Merivale/Hunt Club), The Butchery, Lapointe’s Seafood Grill, Ross’s Independent Grocer, Loblaws (Bells Corners, ), Metro (Bells Corners, Greenbank), Canadian Tire (Bells Corners, Merivale Road, Barrhaven Gas bar), Chances ‘R Restaurant, Summerhays Grill, Sobeys (Barrhaven), Swiss Chalet (Barrhaven), Giant Tiger (Bells Corners), East Side Marios (Bells Corners, Hunt Club), Shoppers Drug Mart (Bells Corners), Starbucks (Bells Corners), Lone Star Bar & Grill (Hunt Club), Riverside Pub, Madarin (Hunt Club), Lowes (Hunt Club), Moxie’s (Riverside) and Farm Boy (Barrhaven). Please support their businesses. I would also like to thank The Redwoods for donating the delicious muffins in the morning and the lovely desserts at lunch. Finally, I would like to thank Barbara St Laurent, Terry Mayne, Heather Campbell and Dorothy Latour for soliciting the prizes from these businesses.

Snowshoeing / X-Country Skiing [HOME] We had a fantastic, enthusiastic group this winter. It was great to get outside and enjoy the trails, beautiful snow and fresh air. Below are a few photos of some those who came out. There were a lot more people involved, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a whole group photo. Time to start riding my bike to work…if I can even go back to work! It’s hard to ride my bike from the kitchen to the den.

Volunteer Appreciation Event [HOME] Due to the pandemic, this was postponed to a future date, still to be determined. Any updates will be sent to the Activity Reps and be reported in the next issue. Of course, I want thank all of the volunteers who keep this centre the vibrant, welcoming place that it is today. I can’t do it without you!

Groovy Linens [HOME] Once again, Groovy Linens gave us an excellent deal on cleaning all of our tablecloths that were used at our Christmas Breakfast. They are located at 19 Grenfell Cres. Unit 12.

Washroom Renos [HOME] The washrooms by Hall F will be completely renovated and made accessible. As well, a separate universal accessible washroom will be added. This is supposed to take place over July and August so all groups who use Hall F will be moved to either Hall A or B. Details will be communicated to the Activity Reps as they become available.

Parking Lot [HOME] The entire parking lot, front and back are supposed to be done this year. This means we may have to close our entrance for a period of time. Updates will be communicated as soon as they are available. It is a huge undertaking, but as you know is very necessary, so please be patient.

ACTIVITIES [HOME]

CARPET BOWLING [HOME] by Alida Dopplinger I hope that we will all be out doing our favorite things when the Hub comes out. We bowl every Tuesday and Thursday on the Concourse from one until three o’clock. We charge $1.25 plus 25 cents for tea or coffee or cocoa, and a cookie or two. Everyone is welcome, and we ask you to show up 15 minutes early to help set up.

CREATIVE CRAFTERS [HOME] by Audrey M. Fitzpatrick As we wait out this scourge several of us are creating items for our inventory at home. We made our annual charity donation of excess stock. This year we chose The Bethany Hope Centre. Run by the Salvation Army, it reaches out to the needy in our community as well as having daycare and classes for teenage moms and moms-to-be so they can continue their education. Items sent included: 11 toques, 3 sets of hats and scarves, 1 scarf, 3 head bands, 1 shawl, 3 pairs of mitts, 10 sweaters of various sizes, 3 sets of hats and mitts, 2 hoodies, 7 bulky sweaters with hats, 4 bibs with attached toys, 1 pair of slippers, baby hat and sweater, 2 sets of booties, 3 pairs of baby mitts, 1 baby hat and 1 large knitted blanket. All items were greatly appreciated. We now have “card wheels” on display in our showcases. These little gadgets are for the benefit of card players who suffer from arthritic hands. Easily carried in pocket or purse we hope they will help. Our annual Winter Break breakfast was cancelled. We hope we can get together at a later date.

With spring here, our cabinets will soon be displaying a variety of children’s play clothes ranging from capri sets, dresses, sun hats and jumpsuits. As this is the last HUB before Leslie retires, the Crafters would like to thank her for her many kindnesses and to wish her the very best in her retirement. Her shoes will be hard to fill. Thank you Leslie. Our Thursday sessions will end the later part of June and we hope to return to Hall F in September. Exact date TBA later.

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR [HOME] by Heather Campbell Firstly I would like to introduce myself. My name is Heather Campbell and I am the new Communications Coordinator. I was voted in as a Board member at the AGM in the fall and took up my position as a Board member on January 1, 2020. Janet Laframboise, the previous Communications Coordinator is now the Board Chair.

The Military Whist on March 13 was enjoyed by all who attended and we thank Julia Riddick of Amica Westboro Park for the lovely treats provided.

As you know the Casino trip, which was to take place on March 25, had to be cancelled. We are planning a new trip, which will hopefully happen on June 17.

Please keep up to date on the activities at the Seniors Centre by checking our website.

CONTRACT BRIDGE [HOME] by Gopal Kunchur Due to this Covid - 19 pandemic, it is indeed sad that we have not had the opportunity to meet. I am sure that the social aspect of our get together is greatly missed by all of us. However, it is important to note that we collectively must do whatever we can to help contain and control this virus. We as the senior citizens are most vulnerable, therefore let us protect ourselves, and the ones we love. Looking forward to seeing you all in the very near future.

When partner opens bidding, you have the responsibility to reach a game or part game. With 11 to 12 points, you have two constructive bids, but with 6 to 10 points only one constructive bid. With 6 to 10 points, you bid one no trump, indicating you don't have 4 card major. However there should not be void or singleton in unbid suit. When partner bids one club, you bid one no trump (no 4 card major) with 9 to 10 points. With 6 to 8 points, you bid one diamond, over partner’s bid of one club.

CURLING [HOME] by Lloyd Nieman The Curling Club completed an unexpectedly shortened but none-the-less successful year. We welcomed seventeen new curlers this year.

Our playoffs were interrupted by the closure of the Sportsplex because of the Covid-19 virus.

The teams contending for the league championship were:

Team 1 Gary Switzer, Bruce Nevitt, Fred Casselman, Kathy Brunelle Team 2 Marlen Landry, Glen Salter, Mike Fricker, Judy Sagle Team 3 Keith Wilson Russ Mayotte, Brian Ironmonger, Margo Loucks Team 4 Lloyd Nieman, Don Froh, Liz Nieman, Helen Rose-McHarg

Team Landry and Team Nieman won the first play-off round and were set to play for the league trophy. A decision will be made as to whether we will play the final playoff game at the start of next season to crown a 2019-20 winner.

The annual Team City (Leslie and company) versus Team Seniors match took place March 5. The Senior’s team defeated the Leslie’s City team in a closely contested game. The Seniors’ team included lead, Margaret Sutton (left); second Russ Mayotte (left); third, Lloyd Nieman (centre) and skip Sue Mayotte (centre). Leslie (right) presented the trophy to the winners.

A team from the club participated in the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE) bonspiel on January 31 in and came back with a championship. Thanks to the team for the great showing. Congratulations to Skip, Sue Mayotte; Third, Bob Streicker; Second, Russ Mayotte and Lead, Lorna King.

The club thanks Leslie for her involvement in making this another successful season. As well, thanks go out to the icemakers (Randy and Shannon) and the Athletics staff for their work in making curling an enjoyable experience for the 81 seniors who played this year.

Watch for the fall issue of the HUB for information about the 2020-21 curling season. New and experienced curlers are always welcome.

CRIBBAGE [HOME] by Smitty Almost everyone (or so we hope) is cognizant of what’s going on in the world and especially their neighborhood…we were lucky to get out of Spain (one of the hotspots) via France not that long ago and are (as mandated by the government) in quarantine for 2 weeks.

On the crib front:

January 28 - Both Lou Webb and Ron Anderson both had a perfect day – and won all 8 games. February 14 - Sadly enough we lost Jake Enns…a real avid crib player with a smile that could light up a room. February 18 - Pizza Day was cancelled due to an anticipated snowstorm…and was rescheduled for a future Tuesday. February 20 - Lois Hogan had a perfect day – and won all 8 games. February 20 - Marie Bousquet – joined the Cribbage Group. February 25 - Sue Maniscalco had a perfect day – she won all 8 games.

February 25 - The long anticipated Pizza Day arrived - 39 in attendance. March 16 - Seniors Centre closed due to COVID-19, Corona virus until???

Similar to other activities…you will be notified once it is safe to return to the centre!

DUPLICATE BRIDGE [HOME] by Gopal Kunchur I am pretty sure that suspension of our Bridge club due to ongoing Covid - 19 is causing a lot of hardships to some of you. In the grand scheme of things these small sacrifices will contribute greatly to the slowing and stopping of this virus. It is indeed unfortunate that we are not able to meet on a regular basis. In the interim please be diligent and maintain a safe social distance, practice safe hygiene and keep our outings only for necessary tasks. Looking forward to seeing all of you again in the near future. Between January 29, 2020 and March 31, 2020, there were 26 events with 363 pairs participating. There were 11 pairs over 65%: Joan/Jim 74.5 Gerry/Jim St. 65.7 Dean/Jim St. 72.6 Mary/Jim St. 65.3 Mark/David F. 71.4 Mary Tr./Louis 65.3 Rashid/David W. 70.8 Norma/Norman 65.2 Gerri/Robert B. 66.4 Mark/David F. 65.2 Joan/Jim 65.7

EUCHRE NEWS [HOME] by Betsy Shorthouse So, wasn’t that just a fun time had by all. We were all enjoying our euchre games until mid-March and then it was no more. I hope everyone is well and doing what is expected. We won’t be playing again until the Centre is up and running and there will be an e-mail sent out to notify you. Stay healthy everyone.

FIVE HUNDRED [HOME] by Joan O’Meara As I sit here and write this we are in the middle of this terrible pandemic, Covid-19. My most sincere hope and prayer is that by the next issue things will have improved, that none of you have been affected and that life as we know it is on the horizon. In the meantime the best we can do is STAY SAFE, STAY HOME and WASH OUR HANDS.

On a lighter note the few weeks before the closure of our games we had been having a little bigger attendance which was nice to see more people.

We hope Anne and now Gary, who are both away with health issues, are doing better. We still miss you and hope you'll both be back when the rest of us return.

We have a new member who joined us a couple of weeks ago. Her name is "Joan Kitty".

A cute little toy kitten who, if you get a very good kitty, will sit with you and bring you more luck until the next person steals her away. High scorer from the week before starts her off on her table visits. Her cute face and fun-loving nature has made her a welcome addition.

The top scores since our last edition are:

June Frechette 5750 Steve Pressey 5580 Lois Langford 5410

Congratulations everyone.

If and when we are back join us on Thursdays at 12:30 pm in the Heritage Room.

FUN BRIDGE [HOME] by Wilma Matchett As I write this I am wishing I am more optimistic that the restrictions that everyone is urged to follow to avoid cross-contamination of the COVID-19 virus will be lifted soon and our lives will return to “normal”.

The Fun Bridge Group meets every Friday afternoon from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm in the Heritage Room, although many of our participants arrive as early as 12:30 pm and start playing Bridge as soon as their table has 4 players. Players change partners and/or tables every half hour after our official start time.

We are a friendly bunch and we do like to play as many challenging bids as the cards permit. We don't keep score but we do congratulate those who make their bids and cheer on those who tried hard.

There are many experienced Bridge players in our group who are more than willing to help newcomers to this challenging game and those who are coming back to it after many years. The "new and innovative" methods of bidding and play don't make much sense to a lot of us but we do encourage flexibility in bidding and playing.

Stay safe everyone and hopefully we'll see you soon.

5-PIN BOWLING [HOME] by Marsha and Roger Hack Due to the COVID-19 epidemic Monday, March 9, was our final day of bowling for the shortened 2019/20 season. Special achievements during the season were as follows:

High Average High Game (Handicap) Men: Pierre Ouellette 204.1 Men: Rudi Kurtz 319.9 Women: Connie Corbett 169.1 Women: Rejeanne Fournier 317.9

High Game (Scratch) High Series (Handicap) Men: John Gregoire 284 Men: Mike Drouillard 765.9 Women: Karen Leach 261 Women: Jean Ruiter 723

High Series (Scratch) Men: Raymond Stewart 633 Women: Elaine Atkinson 615

We hope to see everyone again next season beginning on September 14. We bowl Mondays at 1:00 p.m. at the Merivale Bowling Centre, 1916 Merivale Road, and newcomers are always welcome to join us.

Wishing all an enjoyable and healthy summer!

(Contact: Roger Hack / [email protected] / 613-225-1420; Rudi Kurtz / [email protected] / 613-435-5828)

NEPEAN SONGSTERS [HOME] by Nikki White Unfortunately, due to Covid 19, the Nepean Songsters are on sabbatical for the foreseeable future. Prior to our forced vacation, we were making beautiful music while learning and practicing our many new songs. This year, our Musical Director, Heather Lynn has us expanding our vocal range as we work on different harmonies and sing in different languages!

It is with enormous sadness, that in the last months, the Nepean Songsters have lost three members of our choir. Gordon Moore, who never failed to be at choir come rain or shine; Kevin Nolan, who will always be remembered as the Purple People Eater and Claire Ap Simon, whose tireless work as our librarian made sure that we were musically prepared for any occasion! We miss them.

When again the Nepean Seniors Centre opens, we welcome new singers. We practice every Thursday morning from 9:00 – 11:00. If you like to sing and meet new people, please drop by!

SHUFFLEBOARD [HOME]

We play shuffleboard from 1 pm to 3 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, on the concourse with typically four or five courts in use. We have room for more as there are six courts so if you would like some exercise and fun, come and join us.

SIXTY-SIX [HOME] by Emil Dukovac On the weekend I had a great chat with members of my 66 club. All is well with the members and they have a positive attitude to the given situation. Marc Beachamps gave me a big laugh stating that there will be a population explosion and maybe some divorces. I'm sure he will get one of his predictions correct. My daughter, Caroline created a great exercise package for us and we are following it faithfully as instructed. We daily walk .8 km around two blocks, come in have a coffee and then repeat the walk. The fresh air is doing us well. Remember it is Ace, 10 high!

TRAVEL CLUB NEWS [HOME] by Lynda Obenauf and Joan Terris LET YOUR ADVENTURE BEGIN!

At the time we are writing this article, the Covid 19 crisis has caused everyone to stay in their homes as much as possible and practice social distancing. Plans for future travel are very much on hold for the foreseeable future. We have already planned several trips for this year, one to City in May, one to PEI & Iles de la Madeleine in June, and the last to Italy in late October. We also have plans for a trip in September for a 3-day trip to Stratford and St. Jacobs, which has not been formally signed off yet.

Currently we feel that the trip to Quebec City in May is probably going to be cancelled; we are waiting to hear from the travel agent. Travac Tours has formally cancelled its April and May trips to European and US destinations, so at this time the trip to PEI & Iles de la Madeleine is still viable. We will be informed before the final payment would be due if it is going to be cancelled. Italy has been hit very hard by the Covid 19 crisis but so far this trip has not been formally cancelled. A decision on the Stratford trip will remain on hold for the time being.

Please check on the Travel Club web page for updates, we will post any changes there as soon as we have more information. Keep well, everyone!

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION [HOME] by Dorothy Latour Volunteers have reported a total of 189.5 hours in the first quarter of 2020. The hours reported at this time are low in comparison to last year because of the Sportsplex being closed. Volunteer hours are reported for anything and everything you do to help with any of the events/activities held by the Nepean Seniors Recreation Centre. You can forward your hours to me at [email protected] or complete a volunteer form found in the Heritage Room when the Sportsplex opens again.

Something to laugh about [HOME]

Now something to laugh about, as we certainly need it during this crazy, crazy time!

Remember, this too shall pass so do your best to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.

[HOME]

How to contact us:

Visit us at our facilities: Nepean Seniors Recreation Centre Nepean Sportsplex 1701 Woodroffe Ave Nepean, Ontario K2G 1W2 (Entrance # 3 at rear of building)

Contact our front office (613) 580 - 2828 extension 2

Get more Program information (613) 580 - 2828 extension 2 (Get more information on NSRC Activities and Programs)

Contact the Hub Editor Betsy Shorthouse [email protected] (Questions, comments or suggestions about the Hub) eHub production Chris Taylor [email protected]

Contact the NSRC Management Board NSRC Management Board (Questions, comments or suggestions about the general administration of the NSRC)

Nepean Seniors Recreation Centre NSRC Website

The eHub is a publication produced by the volunteer members of the Nepean Seniors Recreation Centre.