Appreciation and New Leadership at Abbotsford

By Pat Goyeche Coordinator of Community Programs at Abbotsford Seniors Centre

We’re pleased to welcome Dave O’Neill as the new leader guiding Abbotsford’s Community Support Services and Seniors Active Living Centre. With over 12 years of experience working with older adults—including the past four years at Perley Health—Dave brings a deep understanding of seniors’ services, community engagement, and program development. His passion for building inclusive, vibrant spaces for older adults makes him a great fit for Abbotsford’s mission.

Dave joins us at a special moment in Abbotsford’s history, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary of serving the community. His first event in this role was the inspiring performance by the Women’s Song Collective. Dave would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Chartwell for their continued support as our Sustainable Donor, and to JUHL Realty Group and David Burns & Associates for their generous sponsorship. He also thanks Amica in the Glebe for their wonderful support and delicious food. Dave looks forward to working alongside the Abbotsford team, members, volunteers and partners to honour our legacy and shape an exciting future together.

As we reflect on our 50 years as a community hub for seniors we are appreciative of all of the businesses who have consistently supported our major events over the years such as the Annual Bazaar, Holiday Craft Fair, Great Glebe Garage Sale, and Abbotsford Garden Tour. It is the community of members, staff, volunteers and businesses who have all made these special events thrive in their own way, whether through financial donations, supportive programming or showing up to do the hard work needed to make them succeed.

Thank you: Amica in the Glebe, The Lonsdale Financial Group, Chartwell Lord Lansdowne, Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy Glebe, Venvi Colonel By Retirement Living, JUHL Realty Group and David Burns & Associates for your generous financial support. Thank you to all of the local Ottawa businesses that have given us items for silent auctions, baskets for volunteer appreciation and delicious food to fortify our volunteers; without you we couldn’t do what we do!

Save the Date: Look for a day of celebration on Friday, September 5^th — both inside and outside Abbotsford. You’ll see the centre in action with fitness, art, hospitality, speakers and dance demonstrations as well as information booths. Celebrating Abbotsford members and volunteers is a joy we just have to share; we will lean into the joy of togetherness and share that with the larger community of Ottawa.

We’ll keep moving into the future while also celebrating our past and present. Drop in, drop by or drop over on Friday September 5^th, this is an open invitation!  All activities are free for seniors, bring a friend.

In the meantime, check out our fall programming and services. We are here for our community. You will be amazed at all that we have on offer.  

Abbotsford Seniors Centre of The Glebe Centre Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home.  Find out more about our services and programming by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and seniors services on our website www.glebecentre.ca

By Julie Ireton

The Japanese plants, trees and stone paths of Tim Davis and Nikey Impalawati’s Alta Vista landscape will be among the 17 gardens showcased during the Abbotsford Garden Tour on Saturday June 21 between 10 am and 4 pm. 

The tour is a fundraiser for Abbotsford Seniors Centre, across from Lansdowne Park, which offers a variety of classes and services for active seniors over 55, as well as specialized programming for people with dementia. 

“The front garden is structural planting, shrubs that rely on shape, and a Japanese maple that’s bright red all year round,” said Davis, an architect who built his Alta Vista home in 2017. “In the back, we have lots of irises, ground cover, woolly thyme.” 

The couple’s gardens illustrate a combination of French and Asian influences, said Davis, inspired by visits to Europe and Japan. It also features a gravel driveway and paths around the house, rather than pavement. 

Linden Holmes takes pride in her Glebe home’s unique, urban landscape which will also be featured as part of the tour. “In the back I have raised stone beds, stone pathways, landscaping with small shrubs, perennials, a gazebo,” said Holmes. “I’m really happy to participate and looking forward to seeing other gardens. I like how it’s organized by area so you can choose to see a few or the whole works.”

This year’s tour will include clusters of gardens in the Alta Vista area, some near Hog’s Back falls, as well as several participants in Old Ottawa South, Old Ottawa East and the Glebe, said Elizabeth Ballard, Abbotsford member and one of the organizers.

“We started the garden tour event last year and it was a great success,” said Ballard.

“Abbotsford is receiving a little less money from the city than it used to, so these fundraisers are intended to fill in the gap.” The tour will highlight a wide variety of styles, plants and inspire ideas, said Ballard. 

“Some are of an English cottage flavour. A couple are more wild, with more native plants and pollinators. Others are more refined, such as those with a Japanese flavour that are meticulously managed,” she said. 

Lesley Sibthorpe, an Abbotsford member for the past 17 years, attended last year’s tour which like this year is self directed. “It was an amazing selection of gardens. I’m a gardener so it gave me great ideas,” said Sibthorpe who is also a volunteer helper. “It’s like seeing people’s personalities in a garden. In this day and age we need to be uplifted and sometimes the simple, subtle gardens are very restful.”  

Even though she’ll be showing off her own plants, shrubs and trees in her own backyard, Linden Holmes hopes to see some of the other gardens featured on this year’s tour. 

“I’m interested in seeing some in Alta Vista in particular because they have bigger lots there, but I also want to see those smaller, pocket gardens.” she said. 

Tickets for the Garden Tour can be purchased at Abbotsford Seniors Centre by phoning Abbotsford Reception at 613-230-5730 or by dropping by 950 Bank Street. The tickets are on sale for $28. This is an adult friendly event.

The volunteer committee would like to acknowledge and thank the support of some of their generous donors: Wholehealth Compounding Pharmacy (Glebe), Venvi Colonel By Retirement Home, Brian Lonsdale of Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management and Chartwell Lord Lansdowne as one of Abbotsford’s sustainable donors. 

The committee welcomes the support of other local donors who want to support seniors in the community. The Abbotsford Café will be open on Saturday June 21. Coffee, tea drinks and treats will be available for sale, as well as some fun prizes and second hand garden décor.

Look for surprises at some of the gardens and bring cash, say organizers.

Abbotsford Seniors Centre is part of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon-Fri 9-4 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and programming on our website www.glebecentre.ca

Julie Ireton is Senior Investigative Reporter Podcast producer, contributor, and host for CBC.

By: Julie Ireton

After close to 11 years leading Abbotsford Programming at the Glebe Centre, director Karen Anne Blakely is retiring, but she doesn’t plan to go too far away.

“We all give what we can, and my role will change, but I’d like to do fundraising as a volunteer and help out with community support services like driving seniors to appointments,” said Blakely. “Abbotsford reflects the spirit of the community.”

Abbotsford Seniors Centre caters to those 55 plus, with exercise programs and social activities for active seniors, as well as specialized services for elderly clients or people with dementia. The centre is situated in the old stone house directly across from Lansdowne Park.

Blakely said while she’ll miss the “general chaos” in the centre as seniors find their way to daily activities, she’ll never forget the vital connections she’s had with individuals.

“I will miss the care and concern expressed during the case conferences to help an older adult make decisions for themselves or loved ones,” she said. “I will miss the shared stories over cups of tea in the dining room.”

After 38 years working in the social service sector, including time spent in child welfare programs in Alberta and later at Ottawa’s Jewish Family Services, before coming to Abbotsford, Blakely has a unique view into the needs of the communities she has served.

“She was the calm in the storm during COVID,” said Christine Nassrallah, president of Abbotsford member’s council.

When the global pandemic closed down workplaces, schools and forced many into isolation, Nassrallah says Blakely helped the centre pivot quickly to connect with elderly clients who were alone in their homes.

But Blakely is the first to say she hasn’t done it alone.

“The staff who work at Abbotsford are the best in their field and dedicated to being on top of research and how to help clients and members in the best way possible,” said Blakely.

Those staff members will miss her care and focus on each client, said Pat Goyeche, coordinator of community programs at Abbotsford.

“She has fostered an atmosphere of collegiality and engagement amongst staff, emphasising compassion for those we serve,” said Goyeche. “Her humour, fierceness and professionalism have all contributed to making Abbotsford Seniors Centre the ‘go to’.”

Abbotsford now has 1,200 members and clients, and as far as Nassrallah is concerned, it’s one of Ottawa’s best kept secrets. She said even though the leadership will change, the mission will not.

“She’s set a foundation for the next leader and created a momentum for whoever replaces her,” said Nassrallah, who notes they’re all glad she’ll be returning as a volunteer.

“Karen Anne is a master connector to funders, clients, staff, and members,” said Nassrallah. “She leaves a legacy of fearlessness, feistiness, and caring.

Abbotsford Seniors Centre of The Glebe Centre Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services and programming by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and seniors services on our website www.glebecentre.ca

Karen Anne Blakely stands with some of her team at the long term service awards held at the Glebe Centre in the fall of 2024.

By Julie Ireton

It doesn’t matter what age you are, one of the highlights of an Ottawa spring is cycling along the canal and taking in the tulips. Now, thanks to the Cycling without Age program at Abbotsford Seniors Centre, seniors who no longer cycle on their own, can get back on the bike path.

Thanks in part to the Provincial Senior Community Grant from the Ontario government, an adaptive, three-wheel bicycle is taking seniors out biking around the neighbourhood and over to the arboretum. The bike is piloted by a volunteer and there’s a bench for one or two passengers.

“They’ll be out biking as soon as the weather permits,” said Cassandra Ford, a program facilitator with Abbotsford. “The seniors enjoy chatting with the volunteer pilots, they get fresh air and socialization. The volunteers love it too.”

The Cycling without Age program runs between May and October.

Since last summer, the $24,000 Provincial Senior Community Grant has benefited more than the cyclists, as it’s enhanced some 20 different events and programs at the senior’s centre across from Lansdowne Park.

During the Lunar New Year in February, Chinese lanterns decorated the multi-purpose room as musicians and dancers helped celebrate Year of the Snake.

“The grant helped pay for the musicians and dancers and provide food,” said Ford, who works with the Day Away program for seniors with dementia.

“These kinds of events provide for a cultural sharing between communities,” she said.

On Valentine’s Day they hosted a friendship tea with an English tea service, and for St. Patrick’s Day, clients enjoyed Irish stew.

Grant brings in artists

In mid-March a three-hour Indigenous art workshop was held at the centre. An Indigenous facilitator showed several members ink on paper techniques which included decorating light switch plates.

“They turned out so well,” said Abbotsford member Carolyn Brule. “Everyone had a wonderfully diverse artistic expression, and everyone left there quite pleased with the art.”
Brule, who also volunteers at the centre, takes part in yoga classes and helps make teddy bears to sell at the Annual Craft Fair fundraiser in November, said she loves the support and activities at Abbotsford.

A little extra for ‘treats’

The grant has helped pay for musicians and treats for Abbotsford’s luncheon club and day away programs, including pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and Ottawa’s famous beavertails during Winterlude and monthly music programming that would otherwise not be affordable.

“The people in those programs are our most vulnerable seniors, so the grant money allows us to bring in more interesting programming,” said Jane Stallabrass, a program facilitator.

Money from the grant also helped Abbotsford celebrate its many volunteers at get-togethers at Christmas and in late March. Abbotsford volunteers are essential in the running of programming, fundraising and create such a positive and fun environment within the centre. Every person who uses Abbotsford programming and services will have benefited in some way with this generous grant.

“We like to thank them for everything they do,” said Stallabrass. “We hope to apply for the grant money again.” Every bit of extra funding goes a long way to enhancing the lives of seniors in Ottawa, whether as a member, volunteer and/or client this support enhances connectivity and people’s sense of community.

Abbotsford Seniors Centre of The Glebe Centre Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services and programming by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and seniors services on our website www.glebecentre.ca

Article By Julie Ireton

Photo: Doritt Crosby congratulates Norm Knight at Volunteer appreciation event.

This year, Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre is set to mark 50 years as a social hub and service provider for seniors, and for Dorrit Crosby, long-time staffer and volunteer, there’s much to celebrate.

“Abbotsford is very important to a lot of people — it’s where important friendships form,” said Crosby. “And it was pretty much my only place of employment.”

For her, it all began in the craft room, helping with ceramics classes in 1977. Decades on, she’s now taking advantage of the centre’s activities as a retiree and member herself.

Crosby has watched programs at the seniors centre across from Lansdowne Park develop and evolve over the years.

1990s at Abbotsford

Back in the 1990s, she helped out with the popular luncheon club that would pick up 30 clients, two days a week for lunch, exercises, word games, and music at Abbotsford.

Luncheon club was designed to give seniors who were at risk of isolation some social interaction with others living on their own, she said.

“It was a fun program. I really liked it. It was mostly ladies, but also some men,” said Crosby. “I just fell in love with many of the participants.”

Then in 1996, she helped develop the centre’s ‘day away’ program as it got underway.

Still in operation today, ‘day away’ provides activities and entertainment for seniors diagnosed with early stage dementia. It also helps provide some respite for the spouses or caregivers at home who watch out for them.

“We spent months researching and going to other ‘day away’ programs to see how they were run,” said Crosby. “We recruited volunteers — some who are still helping.”

Teddy Bear production

Since the 1990s, Norma Knight, another volunteer-turned-Abbotsford member has spent much of her time at the centre with the teddy bear crafters.
“Abbotsford has been a very good place for me,” said Knight. “I could go there and make friends and contribute to what they were doing.”

Knight, who grew up in Quebec’s eastern townships, was young when she learned how to sew, so volunteering with the teddy bear group was a natural spot for her.

“I’ve made several friends over the years making teddy bears. A lot of us are getting to the older age group now, so it’s nice to go in and see them,” she said. “We’ve done some recruiting and there are now some newer, younger members too.”

Friendly face

By 2001, Crosby had worked in a variety of staff positions at Abbotsford when she moved into her role at the reception desk and became the friendly face when visitors came through the door.

“I retired on a Friday, but was back in the chair on Monday,” said Crosby about her volunteering. “I worked every day the first week of retirement.”

Now as an active member, Crosby helps out with fundraisers, answers phones or prices items for the annual garage sale.

A celebration is being planned for the official 50th anniversary this fall. And you can be sure that Crosby will be at the party.

Abbotsford Seniors Centre is part of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon-Fri 9-4 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and programming on our website www.glebecentre.ca

By: Julie Ireton

Senior leisure activities at Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre have changed dramatically since the 1970s when crafting with macrame or decoupage was all the rage. By contrast today’s members, aged 55 plus, are more likely to be lifting weights than crochet hooks, as they take part in a wide variety of activities including Zumba Gold and belly-dancing.

“It’s so interesting how being an older person today is so different than it would have been in the 1970s,” said Janice Bridgewater, Abbotsford member, cardio instructor and the centre’s former executive director.

“I’m so proud of this place and the way it’s evolved.”

This year, Abbotsford is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a resource, social hub and service provider for seniors in the Glebe and surrounding communities.

“Abbotsford Seniors Centre has been a great touchstone for seniors living in the community throughout these past 50 years. Whether for recreation, socializing, creating, volunteering or keeping fit, Abbotsford has been a constant in an ever changing and aging society,” said Pat Goyeche, coordinator of community programs at Abbotsford.

Big changes in 50 years

The gothic revival stone house which has become a beacon for elders in the community has a rich history. It was originally built in 1872 as the private residence for Bytown pioneer Alexander Mutchmor.

When Bridgewater first arrived at the heritage house across from Lansdowne Park in the early 1970s it was an all-male senior’s residence, which at one point housed 38 men.

Now retired, Bridgewater has witnessed some of the changes at Abbotsford over the years, having worked there before starting university, then establishing her own career at the centre after graduation.

“We served meals for members of the community. If they’d lost wives or needed some help they came by for lunch – a dinner in those days,” remembers Bridgewater.

“1973 was an important time of transition – the evolution really started as it transformed into what it is today.”

When Abbotsford officially opened as the “Elderly Persons’ Centre” in 1975, the first formal duty of Ontario’s then-minister of community and social services was to cut the ribbon.

Crafts were the big draw in the 70s, said Bridgewater, including ceramics and quilting. Art classes and craft making for the annual Craft Fair are still woven into the fabric of what Abbotsford is today.

Celebration being planned

“Now at Abbotsford, people take language classes, meditation, writing and there’s a much different focus than 50 years ago,” she said.

Today, the exercise programs that fill the centre’s multipurpose room several days a week such as tai chi would have been unheard of at its 1975 opening.

“Abbotsford will keep reflecting the needs of seniors who want to and can ‘age in place’ through programming and services for at least another 50 fabulous years,” said Goyeche.

Stay tuned a celebration will be planned for the official 50th anniversary in the fall.

Abbotsford Seniors Centre of The Glebe Centre Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services and programming by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and seniors services on our website www.glebecentre.ca

By: Pat Goyeche
Before we shut the door on 2024 and open the window to 2025 I find myself reflecting on where we are and where we are heading. In 2025 Abbotsford Seniors Centre will turn 50 years of age!
Abbotsford Seniors Centre has been serving adults 55 + in community since in1975, when the last of the men who lived in Abbotsford moved into the ‘Tower’, now known as Chartwell Lord Lansdowne.
Abbotsford membership and participation in general recreational programming has more than doubled in the last 10 years. We also support clients through Community Support Services such as provincially regulated Day Programs: Luncheon Club (those at risk of isolation) and Adult Day Program (for people in the early stages of dementia). We also help seniors remain in their own homes through services such as home help, medical drives, friendly visiting and telephone assurance.
The population of seniors in Ottawa is growing, as it is in all of Canada. The baby boomers have bloomed into zoomers and they are looking for interesting, challenging fitness, art and other recreational activities to enjoy. Abbotsford is buzzing with activities, participants and volunteers.
Our membership and programming is flourishing but our government funding, though consistent, is not keeping up with inflation nor the demands of building maintenance. Our mandate is to offer affordable programming, but our challenge is that we are not fully funded and therefore we need to fundraise.
Luckily we have creative staff, volunteers and members who keep coming up with marvelous fundraising ideas such as the Birthday Circle where members and their friends donate their age in money on their birthdays. Other initiatives like the Abbotsford Garden Tour and The WomenSong Collective concert have been well supported by the wider community as well. These new initiatives, along with our traditional annual Holiday Craft Fair and our participation in the Great Glebe Garage Sale, go a long way to keeping Abbotsford on track. We also appreciate the many individuals who donate monthly or annually.
That said we couldn’t keep up our programming and services without the support of the many local businesses who donate goods for our silent auctions and lend a hand to sponsor many of our fundraising events.
We would like to recognize and thank Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy Glebe, Chartwell Lord Lansdowne, Glebe Metro, Amica the Glebe, Jack Uppal Realtors, and David Burns & Associates Brokerage, for their continued sponsorship of events and programming over the years.
As we look toward 2025 we value our community partners, friends, members and volunteers who continue to support Abbotsford’s programs and services.
Abbotsford Seniors Centre has a full menu of fitness programs set for 2025. Yoga, dance and different levels of fitness will keep many healthy, fit and engaged this winter. Some of our fitness classes are held on Zoom.
Are you interested in artistic programming? We have classes in pottery, mixed media and watercolour for our members.
Membership is $50 for the calendar year. Membership is key to our being able to offer so many affordable activities such as our clubs.
We have a retirement club, play reading club, book club, pool/snooker club, ping pong, writing clubs, bridge clubs, hand bell ringing, mah-jong, men’s breakfast, Tai Chi clubs and caregiver clubs.
We also offer language classes in Spanish, French and Italian. If you are looking for music, we have Ukulele and piano classes, and monthly Hootenannies where you are encouraged to join in by playing or singing along.
We hope you walk by and walk into Abbotsford if you haven’t already done so. Our volunteers curate and sell second hand items on the main floor to help Abbotsford thrive. You will find Dorothy’s Boutique (women’s nearly new clothing), a wide variety of books, jewelry, greeting cards and other treasures such as art, household items and décor for sale.
Our weekly Learn & Explore ‘Speakers Series’ is also a great way for non-members to get a taste for Abbotsford Seniors Centre. These talks take place on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 pm. You must register in advance but it is free and open to the public.
We welcome 2025 and all that it brings, we hope you pop in and see us. We would love to show you around the centre.
Abbotsford Seniors Centre is part of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon- Fri 9-4 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca

By Julie Ireton

Sharon Ferrill has been crafting with fabric, paper and paint for 60 years and for the past three she’s been doing it alongside a group of creative women every Thursday afternoon at Abbotsford Seniors Centre. 

“They let me do anything I like,” said Ferrill who moved to the Glebe from Winnipeg in 2021 and became a member at the senior’s centre. “Today I made mug rugs, kind of a tiny quilt to put beside your computer with your mug on one side and your cookie on the other.” 

As Abbotsford Seniors Centre, across from Lansdowne Park, prepares for its third annual Craft Fair, the crafters are working on seasonal cards, ornaments, baby clothes, knit wear, yoga bags and other hand-made creations.

The fair, set for November 30, from 10 am to 2 pm, will also feature hand-made teddy bears, and home baking including frozen apple pies. Visitors that day will also be invited to visit the tea room, where you can relax and enjoy lunch and treats.   All the proceeds will go toward supporting the senior’s centre.

Having spent close to four decades travelling the world on postings for Canada’s foreign affairs department, Ferrill was accustomed to moves and making new friends, but Abbotsford made the transition to life in a new city even easier, she said. 

“Everyone in the craft group is very friendly. It’s a social occasion, and a very relaxed, lovely place to go. We sit around, chat about other things – not just crafts,” she laughed. “Some are knitting, some are sewing, others are making cards.”

Ruth Hetherington, one of the veteran crafters, has been involved at Abbotsford for more than 20 years. She said Ferrill has been a great addition to the group.

“Sharon is amazing. She has tons of ideas and shows up with something different every week,” said Hetherington. 

After spending her career in high tech and government in Ottawa, Hetherington did some crafting on the side. Now it consumes a lot of her spare time.

“When COVID closed everything down, we were wondering what would happen to the craft group since it was dwindling then,” said Hetherington. “Now we have about a dozen members. Everyone gets on like a house on fire and we share ideas and suggestions.” 

Since Abbotsford often receives donations of supplies, the group will also set up a table at the Craft Fair to sell supplies, beads, buttons, fabric, yarn and fabric. 

Fundraiser concert

Abbotsford Seniors Centre hosted the Womensong Collective: celebrating local women songwriters and supporting community on Sept. 20. It was a fundraiser for the senior’s centre. 

Sponsors of the event included: Whole Health Pharmacy (gold level) DBA, (silver level) Amica The Glebe and JUHL Realty Team (bronze level) and Gigspace and The Blue Pearl Foundation. 

“Seventy audience members were riveted by the performance of five,

talented local musicians: Sarah Jackson, Lisa Taylor, Caroline Cook, Patti Burnett, and Karen Oxorn,” said Karen Anne Blakely, director of community services at Abbotsford. “Each musician showcased their inspirational songs within the genres of

folk, country and bluegrass music.”

At the cocktail party after the concert, bids were made on silent auction items in the Abbotsford dining room. 

The chef and director of culinary services at Amica The Glebe, Robert Hughes, provided the hors d’oeuvres.

I’m Retired! (now what?)

A Workshop of Discovery for the Newly, or Nearly, Retired

By: Nadine Dawson

(bear with me, it’s not really a non sequitur, but) Remember when you were expecting your first child?  That time in your life when you are completely consumed by What to Expect When You’re Expecting, along with such important decisions as midwife or obstetrician? home birth or hospital? Remember how you walked around town glowing with Expectation?

Soon enough, your little bundle of joy arrives in the world, and you are thrilled! Welcome, little one, welcome, you cry!  And then Junior does – cry, that is, and you realize, you have absolutely no idea how to care for an infant.  It occurs to you that maybe this parenting thing is going to be a bit more complicated than you first thought…

Fast forward a few years, and you are ready to retire.  Hooray!  You’ve taken the course about pensions and old age security and you’ve crunched the numbers.  You’ve made important decisions such as June or September? cruise or safari?  And you walk through your days glowing with Pending Emancipation.

Soon enough, your last day arrives. You say your farewells, pocket your gold watch (or in my case, a handbell…?!), and step out into Freedom.  That’s it, you cry.  I’m retired!  But then a little voice whispers, now what? and it occurs to you that maybe this retirement thing is going to be a bit more complicated than you first thought…

The truth is, just like parenting, retirement can test our mettle.

Statistics will tell you that many people’s happiness actually falls during the first two years of retirement.  Research will show you that many retirees end up spending their days with their new best friends – the couch, the tv, and the fridge.  And if by retiring younger than your peers, or in poor health, or from a workaholic job, and if you find your social contacts, like your finances, are tighter than expected or the hours in the day longer, quite unexpectedly you may find yourself drifting – bored and lonely and decidedly unhappy.

Before you give up on retirement and scurry back into the workforce, consider this: with a little knowledge, a little patience, and a few well-placed resources, you, too, can retire happy, wild, and free!

Yes yes, you exclaim.  That is exactly what I want!

Good news! An interactive, one-day workshop is coming your way.

The goal is to bring together new retirees so that we might discuss what it means to make the transition into retirement, explore ways in which we might reinvent ourselves for our new role, and consider how we might structure our time to better serve our happiness and satisfaction.  Additionally, we will consider ways to make meaningful connections in the community so that we remain vital, contributing members of society.

How did this workshop come about, you ask?  My former colleague, Kathy Bol, and I have sampled the panoply of emotions that retirement has to offer – from the early confidence of thinking, we got this, to the dawning realization that January in Ottawa is dark and cold and long when you’ve no particular place to be.  Thus began a search to discover how to be more happily retired.  Now collectively, we can speak personally about part-time work and volunteer work, physical activity and routine, creativity and identity and travel and play.  As retired teachers, not only do we still love to learn, we still love to share what we learn, and hence, we created a workshop for people to meet, exchange ideas, and move forward in retirement with greater awareness.

So if you are wanting to make the most of your retirement – but not exactly sure how, or if you would like to connect and share experiences with other newly, or nearly, retired people, please join us for the day on Wednesday, October 16th.   We can’t guarantee you will have a long and meaningful retirement – but we can help you orient yourself towards one.

For further inquiries or to register, look for the Fall Program Guide for Abbotsford Seniors Centre, or contact them at 613-230-5730 or abbotsford@glebecentre.ca.

Nadine Dawson is an artist of fickle loyalties who lives in Old Ottawa South.  She is the almost completely unknown author of Lavender, Longing, Love; A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Memoir.  Abbotsford Seniors Centre Member and Volunteer.