1. law, govt and politics
2. government
3. courts and judiciary

Table of Contents
President’s Overview……………………………………………………………….. ............. 2
Personnel .................................................................................................................................. 3
Organization Chart ................................................................................................................... 4
GWSA Income & Expenses 2013-2014 .................................................................................. 5
GWSA Budget 2014-2015 ……..………………………………………………………….… 6
Thanks To Our Contributors……… ……………………………………………………….
7
Advocacy Committee Report ................................................................................................... 8
Executive Committee Report………………..……………………………………………….. 9
Book Nook Report ................................................................................................................... 9
Finance Committee Report ...................................................................................................... 10
Food Services Advisory Committee Report ............................................................................ 11
Fundraising/Special Events Report .......................................................................................... 12
Zehrs Tapes .............................................................................................................................. 12
Governance Committee Report................................................................................................ 13
GWSA Services Advisory Committee Report ......................................................................... 14
Human Resources Committee Report………………………………………………………. 16
Information Technology (IT) Coordinator’s Report ................................................................ 17
Nominating Committee Report……………………………………………………………… 17
Membership, Marketing & Communications Committee Report............................................ 18
Program Committee Report ..................................................................................................... 19
Sentinel Operations Report ……………………….………………………………………….20
Travel Committee Report ........................................................................................................ 21
Volunteer Advisory Committee Report ................................................................................... 22
Webmaster’s Report…............................................................................................................. 23
City of Guelph Staff Report ..................................................................................................... 24
The Way Ahead ....................................................................................................................... 25
1
President’s Overview
I
n conjunction with the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Guelph Wellington Seniors
Association, this Annual Report provides an overview of the past year’s activities and
achievements of the Board of Directors on behalf of the membership.
The Board of Directors’ continuing goal is to make all activities and events that the Association
engages in, foster and enhance our mission which is “to empower Older Adults to be active, to
be involved and to age successfully.”
Funding is always a challenge for our non-profit organization. In the past year activity groups
were asked to increase their fees to help GWSA pay the rent and other expenses which continue
to rise with each year. As well, furniture and computers age and need to be replaced. New
activities come onto the scene and old ones expand; both require funding. The federal
government gave GWSA a New Horizon grant of $22,000 to purchase new canoes for the very
active canoe club, add lighting and filters for the skylights for the Art in the Halls art gallery,
purchase 50 new card tables, and funds to market skating.
The United Way funding has continued, enabling the GWSA to continue and expand the exercise
groups in the community and to bring isolated seniors from the community to outreach
programs, as well as providing an excellent education series twice a year which is always booked
within days of announcing the series. We are sincerely grateful for their support.
As a non-profit charitable organization, we must adhere to government laws and consequently
there are two initiatives that the Governance Committee has researched and kept the GWSA
abreast of. One is the accessibility legislation that will be enacted and the more pressing Not for
Profit legislation. A new bylaw is being presented to the AGM to conform to the provincial
legislation.
Finally, the Community Benefit Agreement signed for an initial two years is a new initiative
between the City of Guelph and the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association. It recognizes the
unique partnership that exists between the two and has set it out in print. The GWSA was one of
the first organizations in Guelph to enter into the agreement. As part of the CBA with the City of
Guelph, the GWSA has started new evening programming during weekdays. This is to attract
older adults who are still in the work force and to allow for new activities that cannot find
daytime space.
At this time, I would like to remember Pierre Desmarais, the past president who passed away
suddenly last summer, and acknowledge the tremendous contribution that he made to the GWSA
over his three terms.
In conclusion, may I say that the goal of the Board of Directors is to find great new members for
the association, the Board, and its committees so that the GWSA can continue to offer quality
programming to older adults.
2
Personnel
B
oard of Directors
President
Vice-President
Past-President
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Treasurer
Secretary
Senior Services Manager
Judith Carson
David Wrathall
Ross Coulter
Ken Chupa
Toni Crowther
Dorothe Fair
Marg Hedley
George Hughes
Joan Ksenych
Jean McClelland
Ken Russell
Barry Scutt
Geraldine Desmarais
Jennifer Blackie
Wendy Kornelsen
.
C
ity of Guelph Staff that work directly with the GWSA:
Lynne Briggs
Wendy Kornelsen
Becky MacDonald
Jocelynn Desroches
Jocelyn Pedersen
Maggie Evans/Tracy Benson
Kim Barton
Part-Time Staff:
Janice Walls and
Emma Balaban
Lorne Wollis and Audrey Pearl
Susan Neilson, Mary Loudon
and Valerie Hawkins
Manager of Partnerships and Inclusion: City of Guelph
representative
Manager of Senior Services: Board Member, Executive, Advocacy,
Governance, Finance, Community Support Services Advisory
Committees
Coordinator of Volunteer Services: Volunteer Advisory Committee,
Variety Show Committee, Travel Committee
Chef: Food Services Advisory Committee
Seniors Program & Partnership Development Coordinator: Program
Committee
Customer Service Clerk: Membership & Marketing Committee
Facility Cleaner – assisting with room set-ups, cleaning and
maintaining of GWSA physical assets
Back Up Chefs
Cleaners
Facility Co-ordinators
3
Organization Chart
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Executive
Committee
Advocacy
Committee
Program
Committee
Travel
Committee
Nominating
Committee
Finance
Committee
Governance
Committee
Food Services
Advisory
Committee
Volunteer
Advisory
Committee
GWSA Services
Advisory
Committee
Membership,
Marketing &
Communications
The &
Marketing
The
Committee
Sentinel
4
Human
GWSA Services
Resources
Advisory
Committee
Committee
GWSA Income and Expenses 2013-2014
5
GWSA Budget 2014-2015
Income
40000 · Membership Fees
40100 · Donations
40200 · Interest Income
40300 · Other Income
40500 · HST Retained (40%)
42000 · Community Support Services
43000 · Activity Groups - Taxable
44000 · Activity Groups - Non-Taxable
46000 · Sentinel Newsletter
60,000.00
3,500.00
2,500.00
2,280.00
7,000.00
172,851.00
41,395.00
3,996.00
28,720.00
47000 · Travel Group
55,000.00
377,242.00
Total Income
377,242.00
Gross Profit
Expense
60010 · Annual General Meeting
60015 · Audit/Accounting
60020 · Bank Charges
60025 · Conferences
60030 · Consulting Fees
60035 · GWSA Board Expense
60040 · GWSA Computer Expense
60045 · Charitable Donations
60050 · Equipment Repairs
60100 · Insurance
60150 · Lease - COG
60155 · Disbursement - COG
60200 · Membership & Marketing
60210 · Membership Dues
60220 · Office Expense
60230 · Off-site Storage
60300 · Volunteer Expense
62000 · CS Services Expense
63000 · Activity Grps - Taxable
64000 · Activity Grps - Non-Taxable
66000 · Sentinel Expense
67000 · Travel Group Expense
1,200.00
10,000.00
600.00
2,000.00
5,000.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
7,000.00
300.00
10,400.00
55,000.00
8,000.00
11,875.00
600.00
2,500.00
2,000.00
1,500.00
172,851.00
3,450.00
25.00
26,870.00
43,000.00
90000 · Capital Expenditure
8,071.00
377,242.00
Total Expense
0.00
6
Thanks to Our Contributors
Activity Group
Group President
Net Contribution
Art in the Hall
Mary Kroetsch
Badminton Club
Eleanor Stern
3,619.38
Book Club
Vionna Maye
353.98
Bridge Club
Joan Smith/JohnnyHrico
3,893.81
Bridge /Improving
Connie Budarick
1,255.76
Bunka
Mary Porter
453.12
Canasta Group
‐
278.45
Canoe Club
Ken Fugler
300.89
Chess Club
David Wurr
200.00
Computer Activities Group
Gord Clegg
821.98
Crafts
Judy Montgomery/Joan Bleach
12,947.51
Cribbage Group
Elaine Miller
2,200.00
265.49
Dart Club
Gord Knox
Euchre (Monday)
Don Quant/Sandra Rennick
1,500.00
Euchre (Wednesday)
Audrey Young
411.00
Euchre/Bid (Thursday)
Ken Johnson
3,090.56
Euchre (Friday)
Ray Barnes
1,761.32
Golf Club
Ken Hills
1,744.30
Guelph Porcelain Artists
Marion Kuti
200.00
Hearing Improvement
Marianne Matthews
44.25
Line Dancers
Irma Armstrong
2,834.78
Mah Jong Club
Georgia Taylor
167.00
Peer Learning
Malcolm Coutts
555.98
Photography Club
Jean McClelland
22.23
Pickleball
Garry Dagenais
Quilting
Beryl Drohan
See Crafts, above
Scrabble Club
Paul Brummer
439.50
Shuffleboard Group
Jean Campbell/Veronica Fowler
1,000.00
Silvertones Senior Choir
Darlene Pembleton
Silver Seven Skaters
Sharon O'Sullivan
176.99
‐582.54 ‐21.79 Ski Group
Ted Prichard
80.00
Snooker Club
Earl Hayward
979.68
Solo Club
John Hofstee
300.00
Table Tennis Club
Cecil Carnochan
1,769.91
Texas Hold Em Poker
Mike Rooke
530.97
Walking Club
Brenda Langham
510.97
Watercolour Painters Club
Elaine Ferdinandi
442.48
West End Art Group
Rhonda Steeves
477.88
Writer's Club
Ross Coulter
243.36
TOTAL
45,269.20
GWSA Corporate Donors for the period
Stevenson & Hunt Insurance
50
MS2 Productions
50
Bell 911
250
Parada Dentures
480
Dr. Samir K. Sinha Medicine
500
Norfolk Street United Church
10,000
$11,330
7
Advocacy Committee Report
Dorothe Fair - Chair
Ken Chupa Toni Crowther Kerry Detlor
Ken Russell Jennifer Blackie Wendy Kornelsen
Always working with your best interests in mind!
T
he Advocacy Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the GWSA (Guelph Wellington
Seniors Association) Board of Directors. Its mission is to recommend methods and means
by which the interests of GWSA members can be furthered by working with all branches
of government, public services, and community organizations to bring financial security, better
health care, and valuable products and services to our members. The committee meets monthly
to review proposed government legislation, local issues, and other public developments that may
impact seniors.
The Advocacy Committee is currently involved with the Board’s Strategic Plan assisting in
identifying certain ‘needs’ our members have that perhaps the GWSA cannot meet but certain
community organizations could provide services such as Housing, Wellness, Accessibility and
Transportation.
Also, the Advocacy Committee has been working with the Downtown Guelph Business
Association (DGBA) to enhance access to our City’s services for older adults and their families
in the downtown centre of Guelph.
Another ‘Advocacy’ initiative is to use the GWSA Board website to communicate to Senior
Adults all the resources and supports that are available in the Guelph/Wellington area.
Advocacy Committee Highlights 2013-2014




Working with the Downtown Guelph Business Association to enhance the downtown
experience for seniors.
Representing seniors on the planning committee for the 55+ Seniors Games – June 2-13th,
2014.
Representing seniors on the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for the Homelessness
Partnering Strategy Community Plan 2014-2019.
Attending numerous community information sessions:
- Liz Sandals and Frank Valeriote public interest events
- Display/information tables at various events like Retiring in Style, Old Quebec Street
Mall, and GGH.
Advocacy Committee Goals 2014-2015:



Coordinating an October 2014 All-Candidates information session at the Evergreen Centre.
Sponsoring an information session on HOARDING.
Using the GWSA website to share issues of interest and concerns with all seniors.
8
Executive Committee Report
David Wrathall
Ken Russell
T
Judith Carson - Chair
Wendy Kornelson
Geraldine Desmarais
Margaret Hedley
Jennifer Blackie
he Executive Committee met three times this year to discuss pressing issues and make
recommendations to the Board of Directors.
The major issue facing the Board was the resignation of the Treasurer effective in the Spring.
The Treasurer is a key part of the organization and Geraldine Desmarais provided outstanding
service for over five years. As the position is a demanding one, it took some time to find a
replacement.
Also, the committee needed to recommend to the Board how to proceed regarding matters
relating to the Community Benefit Agreement undertaken with the City of Guelph as well as two
governance issues: the Not for Profit legislation and the Accessibility Act.
The Board was provided with timely input from the Executive Committee.
Book Nook Report
Chris Fraser - Librarian
Joan Ksenych
Eleanor Harrison
Eileen Webb
Frank Witchey
Louisa Santin
Pierre Lauriault
Wes Anderson
Ginny Hammill
Gail McIntosh
Bob Waddell
Helen Waddell
W
e thank all the above volunteers for their faithful service in keeping the library running
in an efficient manner and always having the library kept neat and tidy.
The committee would like to thank Elaine Norris for her many years of faithful service as
Librarian for the Book Nook. Elaine has now moved away from Guelph and since January, 2014
Chris Fraser has assumed this position.
In March 2014 a new signing out system was implemented. It is now done alphabetically by the
book title. This saves our volunteers a lot of time checking off books that have been returned.
There is a good selection of magazines that have been sponsored by the Guelph Denture Clinic.
They are in plastic folders on the table for members to enjoy, while past editions are on the
magazine rack and may be signed out. Also there is always a jigsaw puzzle on the table for
members to enjoy.
The Book Nook holds a book sale twice a year, in April and November, with the proceeds from
these sales enabling us to purchase new books for the library.
9
Each month Chris writes the Book Nook column in the Sentinel to recommend new books for the
members to enjoy.
It is hoped many members will come into the Book Nook. It is situated overlooking the river so
it is a very peaceful place to come in and browse or sit and read for a while.
Finance Committee Report
Geraldine Desmarais, Chair
Eleanor Stern, Secretary
Wendi Hake
David Pinkney
Randy Taylor
Wendy Kornelsen
Dorothe Fair
A
s Chair of the Finance Committee, this has been a challenging one for me with the
passing of my husband, the past Association President, Pierre. I have had the wonderful
support of the Finance Committee and Board of Directors, but this will be the last time I
will be writing this report as the Board has accepted my resignation immediately following the
AGM.
The Finance Committee has been established to advise and assist the GWSA Board and its
Treasurer in the development and monitoring of:


Financial Policies and Procedures of the GWSA
Financial Operations of all Activities and Services of the GWSA
The Finance Committee meets at 9:30am on the second Thursday of each month throughout the
year, at which time it reviews the financial statements for the previous month and determines
whether any capital expenditure recommendations should be brought to the Board. At its
December meeting it reviews insurance coverage for the GWSA and in January and February the
Committee prepares a balanced budget for the ensuing fiscal year for approval by the Board, a
copy of which is included in the Annual Report.
Our Association completed the year in a positive position. Throughout the year the Board of the
GWSA, on recommendations of the Finance Committee, approved the following:




Purchase of 6 new computers to replace 6 obsolete ones
Increase in some equipment rental rates so as to be more in line with current market
conditions.
Input into the new Community Benefits Agreement with the City of Guelph
Review of funding sources for Grants
Many thanks go out to our Activity Groups, Special Event Groups, Sentinel publishers, Travel
Group and others who generate extra funds to enable us to keep our assets up to date and fulfill
our Mission Statement.
10
Food Services Advisory Committee Report
Inger Tonkin – Chair
Sandra McMaster Valerie Hawkins Tom Gordon
Shirley Dennis Mary Henderson Betty Wilson-McGee
Joan Ksenych (Board Representative)
Staff – Jocelynn Desroches, Wendy Kornelsen
A






ccomplishments:
 Provided meals to the GWSA Outreach program at Evergreen Seniors Community
Centre, West End Community Centre, St. Paul’s Church, McMaster Outreach at West End.
Began Partnership with GWSA and Diabetes Care Guelph to prepare all food for the monthly
food tasting sessions
Planned successful special event dinners: Roast Beef Dinner – Friday evening which
provided an opportunity to share a meal together (outside of regular dining service operating
hours), and to introduce new people to the Community Centre.
A “tea room” was provided at the community Attic Treasure Sale.
Catering – Liz Sandals
New Members Receptions
Fashion Show May 2014
Goals for the Year Ahead:



Recruitment of a volunteer food analyst
Craft Sale Community Tea / Fall
Provide beverage and food sales options at special events.
11
Fundraising/Special Events
T
hroughout the year, volunteers from the activity groups and ad hoc committees work
together to organize the different events listed below.
Art Fest: Members from all GWSA art groups hosted an Art Show in 2013 and contributed
$144.00 to the GWSA from the proceeds raised.
Spookarama (Bid Euchre Tournament): The Bid Euchre Activity Group hosted their annual
special Halloween tournament. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped set up and take
down in the auditorium and tracking scores. Thank you to those who supported the event and
provided donations as well as those who participated and help raise $410.00 for the GWSA.
Donated Books and Puzzles: $ 536.00 was raised from puzzles, $481.00 was raised from
selling dollar books, and $559.70 was raised from selling paperback books at the front counter
for the GWSA. The total for all 3 items: $1576.70.
Craft Group: The craft group no longer offers a GWSA bazaar. The Craft group participated
in the City’s Community Craft Sale as well as the Rummage Sale.
The activities listed above are due to the generous and committed volunteers working alongside
City of Guelph and Evergreen Seniors Community Centre staff. Thank you to all our fabulous
volunteers for your ongoing dedication and efforts. You are an asset to the team!
Zehrs Tapes
B
ased on previous years, we had budgeted a sum of $1,500 to be contributed from the
Zehrs Tape Program. Much to our dismay, at the end of 2013 Zehrs discontinued this
program, and we anticipated that we would fall short of our goal.
However when this discontinuation was announced our members, their friends and families dug
deep into coat pockets and searched high and low, turning in all outstanding tapes. As a result
we exceeded our target with a grand total of $2,092.00! Wonderful – give yourselves a pat on
the back.
12
Governance Committee Report
Marg Hedley
A


Ken Chupa, Chair
Wendy Kornelsen Jennifer Blackie
couple of significant accomplishments were achieved by the Governance Committee in
2014:
Working together with the Human Resources Management committee, we created a Human
Resources Policy and Procedure manual.
Developed a new By-law for the GWSA. It was time to modernize our current By-law, which
was written 25 years ago. Also, there is the new Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act to
consider. The GWSA members will be asked to approve the new By-law at the AGM in June
2014.
New policies and procedures were developed as required by the Board. This is an ongoing
Committee responsibility.



Developed the terms of reference for a new committee of the board for Special Events
and Projects
Support of Accessibility Legislation
Updated our policy relating to participation in research projects
Goals for 2014:





Review all the GWSA policies and procedures. We do this every 5 years, plus we need to
make them consistent with the proposed By-law.
Develop accessibility policies that comply with the new provincial Integrated
Accessibility Standards. These government requirements are being phased in over several
years, and we have until January 2017 to complete our work.
Develop new policies and procedures as required
Continue to refine the Organization Checklist
Investigate and review specific matters as and when requested by the Board
13
GWSA Services Advisory Committee Report
Margaret Hedley - Chair
Teresa McKeeman
Ken Russell
Wendy Wiman
Wendy Kornelsen
Kathy Brown
Lynne Roodbol,
Sister Pat Valeriote ( to June, 2013)
Pat Gage
Maryanne Wilford
Kathy Savage
Ivor Wright
Pierre Desmarais (to July, 2013)
Lionel Churchill (to June, 2013)
G
WSA Community Support Services (CSS)
GWSA Community Support Services are made available through the financial support
of the United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin, and support the mission of the
GWSA to empower older adults to remain active, involved, and to age successfully. A range of
innovative, senior peer led service programs are offered through GWSA CSS. They support
individuals who have difficulty accessing services in the community because of barriers such as
limited income, functional decline due to changes in health, cultural and linguistic differences,
isolation, limited support, lack of transportation and a lack of appropriate programming.
We are grateful for the support of our volunteer team who provide front-line service delivery.
While the thanks are all ours, many CSS volunteers tell us they appreciate the opportunity to
give back to their community in ways which lend focus and purpose to their retirement years. In
2013-2014, CSS volunteers contributed a total of 1845 hours of volunteer service and, together
with staff, helped 577 individuals through the Community Support Service Programs which
include Seniors Offering Support, Feeling Better Eat Well (Nutritional Support), Feeling Better
Move Well (Gentle Exercise), and the Outreach Half-Day Outing.
Partnerships and Accomplishments
GWSA CSS helps stretch our financial support and build resiliency in all areas of service
delivery through collaborations and partnerships. We were able to expand both our programs
and volunteer base in 2013-2014. Noteworthy accomplishments included:

In June, CSS collaborated in the GWSA Healthcare Forum "My Healthcare: Seniors in
Control" which featured a banner lineup of guest speakers providing participants with
valuable information regarding transformation in our healthcare system.

A generous donation from the Norfolk Street United Church Legacy Fund provided the
opportunity to fulfill a longstanding goal to expand operating days into the summer months
for the Outreach Program. In honour of Wilma Rose who acted for many years as
volunteer coordinator, the “Rose Days” program was launched in July, 2013 with a total
attendance of 61 participants. CSS also wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the
following in the delivery of the Outreach Program:
The City of Guelph, West End Community Centre; St. Paul's Lutheran Church; Stone Lodge
by Revera and The Village of Riverside Glen

Two new group exercise locations were launched in the City's West End, offering peer
supported, gentle exercise, bringing the total to 8 locations. These tailor-made exercise
programs support a range of abilities and can be performed at one's own level.
14

In recognition of Chinese New Year's, we were proud to partner again with the dining
room, Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington and members of our local Chinese Seniors
Community to offer a delicious traditional meal.

A collaborative agreement with McMaster University and Diabetes Care Guelph saw the
launch of an academic research pilot in 2013. Built on the successful model of the Outreach
Program, the program of support is for older adults with Diabetes.

The popular CSS Education Series was offered again at the West End Community Centre
and the Evergreen and brought informative sessions from academic and health
professionals. A total of 14 sessions were held addressing a diverse range of topics from
better sleep to skills for better balance and ways to optimize eye health.

Volunteers and staff from Seniors Offering Support continued to mentor the Toronto based
Serbians Citizens of the World for their telephone support line for Serbian seniors.

A partnership agreement with Diabetes Care Guelph was extended for the ongoing
delivery of the nutritious and tasty treats offered each month by the Eat Well Program and
for professional support to the Diabetes Support Group.

A collaboration with Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health helped support 9 Food
Demonstration sessions in which participants appreciated learning new ways to eat well in a
relaxed and fun social setting.

The CSS whiteboard was hosted each month by a different service provider, with a goal to
bring reputable and accurate information to our community. Last year we learned just how
much sugar is in the foods we eat and why we need to pay attention to carbohydrates,
through to the work of agencies such as the Alzheimer Society of Guelph Wellington, the
Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Hearing Society,
Osteoporosis Canada and Hospice Wellington.

As CSS moves forward, our goals are to grow and develop our work with our volunteer
team and network of service providers to remain responsive to the needs of the community
of older adults and caregivers we serve.

Finally, we wish to acknowledge and thank members of the CSS Advisory Committee who
through their professional and volunteer responsibilities bring tremendous support and focus
to the services we offer. Although we very much miss the expertise and input of Pierre
Desmarais as a key advisor, we know he would be very proud of our achievements.
Maryanne Wilford, Manager GWSA Community Support Services
Pat Gage, Administrative Assistant GWSA Community Support Services
Margaret Iutzi, Coordinator Feeling Better Move Well Program
Paula Frappier, Coordinator Outreach Program
Nancy Ebel, Coordinator Feeling Better Eat Well Program
15
Human Resources Committee Report
Marg Hedley
Wendi Hake
Judith Carson - Chair
Wendy Kornelsen
Ken Chupa
Pierre Desmarais (to July, 2013)
Geraldine Desmarais
Maryanne Wilford
T
he GWSA Human Resources Management Committee provides oversight for contract and
paid employees with the GWSA. The Committee had a busy first year managing
ongoing responsibilities related to GWSA employees and contract staff, while at the same
time as a new Committee of the GWSA, handling organizational responsibilities and the
development of its Terms of Reference.
A major focus was a comprehensive review and amendment of GWSA Policies related to human
resources management. The committee worked closely with the Governance Committee and
also hired an external consultant to ensure the GWSA as an employer has properly addressed its
liabilities, statutory and human rights requirements. This work will continue as the GWSA
meets its requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
To
accompany the amendments to GWSA Policies, a first draft of a Human Resources Policies and
Procedures Manual for Employees and Contract Staff was developed and is currently under
review.
At the close of the fiscal year, March 31, 2014, the Human Resources Management Committee
provided supervisory support for 3 employees and 2 contract staff with the Community Support
Services and 3 staff who receive honorariums.
16
Information Technology (IT) Co-ordinator’s Report
Ken Chupa, IT Co-ordinator
We continued to update the computer lab at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre. Four
desktop computers were replaced by new computers running the Windows 8 operating system.
Computer courses are conducted in the lab. At all other times, the room is open and available for
personal use such as browsing the internet, checking email, and Skypeing with friends and
family. The computer lab is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Wireless (wi-fi) connection to the internet is available throughout the Evergreen Centre building.
Thus, you can use your own laptop, tablet, or smartphone to stay connected while at the Centre.
The GWSA uses information technology in the daily operations of the association. We have
computers and printers in the Community Support Services office. Two of these computers were
replaced in the past year. Also, we have several laptop computers which are available to activity
groups and board members as needed.
Nominating Committee Report
Ross Coulter
Judith Carson – Chair
David Wrathall
Ken Russell
Becky MacDonald
R
ecruiting directors for the Board of the GWSA is a task that takes a great deal of time.
It is a way to meet talented members of the organization as they are scouted and
interviewed. Asking people to dedicate themselves to a three-year term on the Board of
Directors requires good communication and persuasion skills. And, as some directors are forced
to resign before the completion of their terms, recruiting directors is a regular function for the
committee.
The Nominating Committee is always happy to receive recommendations from GWSA members
for potential directors to the Board through the Board Secretary. Directors need to be team
players, be computer literate, be able to attend monthly Board meetings on a regular basis,
participate in or lead one of the Board committees, have ideas to contribute, and like to
volunteer.
17
Membership, Marketing & Communications Committee Report
Barry Scutt – Chair
Ken Russell, Joan Gordon, Maggie Evans/Tracy Benson, Aileen Jefferson,
Maryanne Wilford, Jean McClelland, Ross Coulter, Jennifer Blackie
O
ur purpose is to develop strategy to market and promote GWSA membership and service
for seniors. It was another busy year for our committee promoting the GWSA
throughout the community.
We continue with our articles in the monthly issue of Quality Living distributed by The Guelph
Mercury and so far have had very positive feedback from readers. For nine months of the year
we give interviews on Rogers Cable TV talk show Inside Guelph talking about a variety of topics
concerning GWSA.
Over the past year we have hosted three New Member Welcome Socials, all being very well
attended.
Though the variety show was cancelled last year we were busy promoting other events. In
August we had an Afternoon Dance and in October there was our Annual Bid Euchre
Spookarama tournament. In November various GWSA art groups combined their talents and put
on the Artists of Distinction Artfest with displays of art throughout the centre. These events were
very well attended with over 100 visitors at the Artfest. Also in November the West End Art
Group had their Art Show and Sale at the West End Recreation Centre.
We assisted our Photography Club in the production of a beautiful calendar featuring
photographs taken by their talented members. The calendars were sold with profits going to the
GWSA.
We have recently purchased some promotional items that are to be given away at various
functions we attend.
We have an ongoing relationship with Balnar Property Management and Williams & McDaniel
who both sponsor GWSA memberships to seniors renting one of their properties.
Our Goals For The Coming Year
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To continue to promote GWSA through a variety of events and local media.
To work with activity groups promoting their events which includes the 30th Anniversary
Variety Show.
To hold at least three New Members Welcome Socials and an Open House in the fall.
Redesign our 55+ brochure and our GWSA Events flyer.
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Program Committee Report
Chair – David Wrathall
Secretary – Eleanor Stern
Staff Representative – Jocelyn Pedersen
T
he Program Committee consists of representatives of the 39 Activity Groups within the
GWSA. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month except for June and July.
One of the objectives of the Committee is the exchange of information between the
Activity Groups, GWSA Board, Evergreen and West End Community Centre and the
City of Guelph. Some meetings are very well attended with close to 30 representatives; however
the average attendance is 22 members.
The Activity Group Leader Manual is the main source document for leaders providing guidance
in how to conduct the affairs of their respective groups. This manual was extensively revised
and re-published during the fall of 2013. Knowledge of the contents of the manual ensures
consistency in the running of each activity and the handling of any finances associated with the
group.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013/2014
 the Darts Club play time was expanded to fill up part of the time released by the collapse
of the lawn bowling group (completed in Feb 2013);
 the Line Dancing group moved from the West End Community Centre to the Evergreen
on Thursday afternoons to further use time released by the lawn bowling group
(completed in Feb 2013);
 a successful Art Fest was held at the Evergreen on Saturday, November 2, 2013 when all
the artistic groups showcased and sold their products;
 the association’s application for a New Horizon grant was successful. As a result, new
card tables for all groups were purchased, new canoes for the canoe group were
purchased, funding is in place to support a marketing program for the Silver Seven
Skaters group and funding is in place for new lighting for the Art in the Hall group;
 a new activity group, Bunka Flock (Bunka B&B) was approved by the Board. They meet
weekly on Wednesday mornings;
 Pickle-ball has finally begun as a leader came forth to run the group. Due to space
limitations at the Evergreen, they play twice a week at the West End Community Centre;
 unfortunately and again due to lack of leadership the Canasta group has ceased operation
at the Evergreen;
 as a result of the Community Benefit Agreement between the GWSA and the City of
Guelph there will be some time available for new groups and activities to use some
evening and weekend hours;
 one such group recently approved by the Board is Art Studio in 2 where all the various
art forms are able to gather together to work on their projects and to share information,
techniques and insights. They are meeting Tuesday evenings in of course room 2.
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Sentinel Operations Report
Don Hillman – Team Leader/Administrator
Carol Croft - Editor
Jenny Whiteside George Smith Toni Crowther Ken Pagniez
George Hughes – Board Representative
Proof Readers
Delivery Drivers
T
he Sentinel operations had a very good year. We started the year with a budget deficit of
$3,118 and ended the fiscal year with a surplus of $1,855. We were able to exceed the
budgeted advertising revenue by a small percentage and during the year, our non-Sentinel
printing work (personalized calendars, activity group manuals, event tickets and other outside
work) amounted to about $7800 which helped bring in the budget surplus.
In September we received a proposal from Canon for the replacement of the existing Ricoh
printer that included a reduction of the quarterly equipment lease and a lower cost of
maintenance (unit costs of printing colour and black & white images). Ricoh came in with a
counter proposal to replace the existing Ricoh small business level printer/copier with a newer,
commercial level printer/copier also for a lower quarterly lease and maintenance cost. The Ricoh
proposal provided a greater quarterly expense reduction (approximately $1,000 per quarter) than
the Canon proposal and following Board approval the new Ricoh printer/copier was installed in
December. The January Sentinel was printed with the new machine. These lower
lease/maintenance costs also helped the Sentinel operations to achieve the surplus above.
As reported last year, the manual collating of Sentinels was eliminated and all printing was
completed on the office printer/copier. When the manual collating stopped there was still an
operation that needed to be done manually. This operation required address labels to be printed
for members who had opted for home delivery, which had to be stuck on by hand. Features of the
new printer/copier have allowed us to do this hand operation mechanically.
At this time we would like to, again, thank all of the loyal collators for their efforts over the
many years for getting the job done regardless of the weather each month.
Hopefully, being able to meet our budgeted advertising revenue goal and the quarterly cost
reduction of the printer/copier, the Sentinel Operations team will deliver a small surplus budget
for 2014-2015.
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Travel Committee Report
Art Riley - Chair
Jean Colton, Leona Newman, Terry Lighty, George Hughes (Board Representative)
T
he Committee meets on the first Monday of the month with the exception of a holiday
falling on that day. We also meet on booking day for trips.
The communication and information about our scheduled trips are contained on the back page of
the Sentinel Issues.
The purpose of the committee is to explore, plan, publicize, and promote various trips during the
year of interest to our membership. Input is solicited from our members to assist us to plan trips
or outings directly related to the interest of the membership.
Last year, we had 28 trips with 1232 passengers of members, family, or friends. We travelled to
shows, plays, dinner mysteries theatres, boat cruises, and Bluejay baseball games. We do not
travel to the U.S. due to the high cost of insurance. The cities for our excursions were as far away
as Sarnia and as close as Fergus.
Great Canadian Coaches is our contracted transporter for trips and we have had a very successful
business relationship with them for many years. We use them due to safety, cost effectiveness,
and because they are the only bus company that can accommodate our mobility challenged
customers.
We are constantly challenged to provide trips of interest at a reasonable cost to our members.
Our mission is to keep seniors active, involved, and interested.
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Volunteer Advisory Committee Report
Becky MacDonald, Chair
Joan Ksenych, Board Representative
Toni Crowther, Lloyd LeBlanc
T
he Volunteer Advisory Committee consists of one GWSA Board representative, the City
of Guelph Co-ordinator of Volunteer Services and a member(s) of the GWSA who meet
monthly or bi-monthly to review and support the GWSA Volunteer Program. In my role
as the City of Guelph Co-ordinator of Volunteer Services, I provide support to the GWSA with
co-ordination of the GWSA Volunteer Program. The GWSA Board representative liaises
between the Board and the Committee to provide support, guidance and direction from the
GWSA board with moving forward with the accomplishments and goals set for the Volunteer
program.
Accomplishments
 Updating the City of Guelph Volunteer Policy and Procedures Manual to use as best
practices in ongoing review of the volunteer program
 The completion of the Volunteer Handbook for all City of Guelph and GWSA Volunteers
of the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre
 Sending out a survey to receive information and feedback on the volunteer program and
having a 26% response rate to assist with the strategic plan for the GWSA.
 The purchase of a Volunteer Database to support the Volunteer Program to assist with
statistics, reports and accurate records of all volunteers.
 On-going volunteer recruitment for the many different positions at Evergreen.
 On-going scheduling of meetings with current and new volunteers on a quarterly basis
and regular memos to maintain communication between the volunteers and staff
 Continue updating volunteer position descriptions
 Coordinated volunteer recognition on behalf of the GWSA Board of Directors for
National Volunteer Week. Prepared a “Thank you for Volunteering” letter from the
GWSA Board, accompanied with a Caring Community Card from the Volunteer Centre
of Guelph Wellington to celebrate all the volunteers for National Volunteer week
 Coordinated annual Volunteer Recognition Event for the 500+ volunteers at Evergreen:
A “Black and White” theme took place in November to recognize and thank the
volunteers who contribute their time throughout the year. City and GWSA Staff
organized and planned an evening of live entertainment the “Black Water Trio” and
dancing. Sponsorships came from two local retirement homes Chartwell and Schlegel
Villages; the GWSA and from the Guelph Hearing Clinic who all believe in the
wonderful work being done here at Evergreen. Norfolk Manor donated a shuttle service
for the evening to assist with transporting volunteers to and from Riverside Park.
Goals for 2014
The Volunteer Advisory Committee is moving forward with the recommendations made
regarding the structure and purpose of the Volunteer program (1.5 Provide Volunteer
Opportunities; 2.1 Support Older Adults to better deal with issues impacting their life; 3.1
Support Older Adults in resolving problems they face).
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 Working on converting all volunteer files into the electronic database and having a
communication computer touch screen in the main office for all volunteers to access.
 Reviewing and updating all volunteer positions and seeking the assistance from all areas
to help support this process.
 Reviewing the orientation and training procedures for all areas and ensuring all new
volunteers stepping into a role, receive proper and efficient orientation and training.
 Recruiting new volunteers and increase awareness of the vast number and diversity of
volunteer positions available.
 Work with the City of Guelph senior services staff and GWSA Board of Directors and
staff to plan the recognition program for all volunteers.
 Network with Volunteer Managers via the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington –
Volunteer Managers Forum within Guelph and the surrounding area.
Webmaster’s Report
Ken Russell - Webmaster
T
he GWSA website was created in 2008 and outlines the programs and services offered by
the GWSA to its members, as well as the City of Guelph programs for older adults carried
out at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre and other locations. The website also
offers a plethora of information about activities, and contains various website links to some of
these activities such as the Art in the Halls, Golf Group, Computer Club and Watercolor Painters
websites.
The GWSA newsletter, The Sentinel, outlining the monthly activities, programs and services to
members offered in the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre and throughout the community, is
also available for viewing on this website.
Throughout the past year, the website has been visited often both by its membership and by
people from all over North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. This continues to increase
each month as the website becomes more popular.
For people who want to be interactive, they can post comments on six Blogs which are: Take
Advantage of Your Seniority (94,588); Duffer’s Rule (36,440); Feeling Better – Eat Well
(30,167); Feeling Better - Move Well(6,731); Boomers Info Kiosk (59,991); and Go Evergreen
(44,973). The visitor total for all blogs is 272,890.
All this plus an online newspaper with 6,761 readers, a Flickr photo collection of 473 GWSA
subjects, a Facebook connection and information on Twitter. GWSA members are leaping into
the 21st. century.
The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association welcomes Guelph and Wellington County residents
to visit our website at http://www.gwsa-guelph.ca and to pass on any comments to improve its
contents to the GWSA webmaster Ken Russell at gwsainfo@gmail.com or by leaving a message
at 519-823-1291
We are planning an upgrade to our 6-year-old site in the not too distant future...Stay tuned!
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City of Guelph Staff Report
T
ogether, we are better! The longstanding relationship that exists with the Guelph
Wellington Seniors Association and the City of Guelph is an illustration of the truth of the
above statement. Together we serve seniors in the Guelph community, and by doing it
together, we are better!
This year the GWSA and City of Guelph have formally re-acknowledged this statement by
entering into a two-year Community Benefit Agreement between the two organizations. This
agreement formally outlines the supports afforded to each other – i.e. shared use of the facility,
City staff as resources to support GWSA initiatives, GWSA financial contributions to supporting
the facility, as well as outlining services and programs for seniors that we deliver together. I
believe the citizens of Guelph benefit from this positive, shared values approach.
Together the City of Guelph and the GWSA work on many projects that benefit the community.
One such example is the continued work on the Older Adult Strategy. As the City of Guelph
continues to grow, coupled with the increasing population of older adults and longer life
expectancies, the City of Guelph must prepare for the diversity of its older residents. . The City
of Guelph has recently adopted an Older Adult Strategy, with the goal of making Guelph a great
place to live and age well. The GWSA contributed to the development of the strategy in many
ways: as key members of the project steering committee, as respondents to surveys, as
participants at focus groups.
Currently work is continuing to address recommendations found in the strategy. In 2014 we have
committed to:
 Become an age friendly community, with World Health Organization (WHO)
designation.
 Create an age-friendly community profile.
 Define a tool that will assist all City of Guelph service areas in applying a seniors’ lens
to all existing and proposed new programs and services
 Work with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) to
investigate areas of opportunity to ensure Guelph is a great place to live and age well.
Together we are better! Thank you to all GWSA members for your active involvement in
making Guelph a great place to live and age well!
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The Way Ahead
P
lanning for the year ahead, the GWSA continues to forge ahead to make the community
more age friendly and to keep the GWSA strong and proactive. As a proactive and
innovative organization, the GWSA continues to lead the way for older adults in our
community through a timely educational series held twice yearly, with special events, and the
many activities and services provided by our member volunteers.
This past year saw the GWSA enter into a new partnership with the City of Guelph which will
help us expand our hours of operation to reach out to older adults who are about to retire and
introduce them to the programs we provide and the excellent facilities at the Evergreen Seniors
Community Centre. We are already planning an evening speaker’s series for the fall of 2014.
Also, we continue to send members to sit on community committees such as; the community
users group helping planners create recommendations to the City regarding a south end
community centre, the City waste water planning committee, the Neighbourhood Coalition
Network, and various community services committees.
With the help of all levels of government and members of the community, we pledge to continue
to help older adults age successfully.
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