By Pat Goyeche

The New Year is a time of renewal.  It is the time of year when we resolve to do better, achieve our goals, and freshen-up our ‘to do’ list. 

At Abbotsford (your community centre for Adults 55 +) it is definitely a time of renewal. e It is the time to renew your yearly membership and recommit to your personal goals and community goals. 

This is a time of year when the staff, volunteers and members of Abbotsford come together to celebrate the New Year and each other.  Please join us for a celebration of all that is good at Abbotsford on Friday January 4^th, with music by Colores Andinos.  Be prepared to enjoy the Latin American beat, some treats and good company.  Everyone is welcome to attend and ring in the New Year with us. Just give us a call so that we know how many to plan for.

Fitness is flourishing at Abbotsford this winter as we all struggle to keep our level of activity high even when challenged by weather conditions.  We have something for everyone.  Dance to a Latin beat in one of our Zumba classes, move to Music from Around the World, Belly Dance with us and/or challenge your core muscles with Stretch and Balance, Yoga, Joint and Mobility classes or the always-popular weekly Muscle Toning workouts.

Challenge your brain with classes in intermediate Bridge, Apple devices, Conversational Spanish, Classical Music Appreciation and Memoir Writing (advanced), as well as weekly stimulating presentations as part of our Learn & Explore ‘Speakers Series’.

Clubs keep us singing, talking about books, playing pool, crafting, practicing Tai Chi, making Teddy Bears, playing Ping Pong and even getting together with others who are facing the challenges of being a caregiver. 

The winter months are also prime time for warm kitchens, cooking delicious food and sharing it with others.  Check out our cooking workshops and weekly dining club.

Renew your goals, stretch your comfort zone and join in an activity of interest or two this winter at Abbotsford… ‘one of the best kept secrets of Ottawa’!  Shhh…

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+.  We are the community programs 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

With the help of a federal government grant program, Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre has a whole lot cooking.

The annual New Horizon grant, worth up to $25,000, helps the seniors’ activity centre across from Lansdowne Park stay vibrant and relevant, according to Karen Anne Blakely, Director of Community programs at Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre.

The grant is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

In 2018, this money has helped with three different initiatives, starting with fixing up the main floor kitchen in the heritage farmhouse.

“We’ve remodeled the main floor kitchen which includes a stove, a vented hood fan microwave, heating table and new cabinetry,” said Blakely

Members come together to learn some specialized culinary skills and then provide the delicious results at various events. The aroma of tasty food has been wafting through the main floor all fall.

Another portion of this year’s grant will go towards the Ottawa Seniors Housing Alliance, an initiative involving several Abbotsford members.

The alliance is brainstorming different options for the elderly besides retirement or long term care homes such as living in smaller spaces, community living or co-sharing care options.  

Blakely says grant monies will be used to help set up a forum and bring in guest speakers to discuss how to solve housing issues for seniors throughout Ottawa.

The forum called, ‘My Place to Age’ will explore housing options for seniors, discuss priorities and provide informative lectures on Friday, November 30^th 9:00am – 4:00 pm in Jean Pigott Hall at Ottawa City Hall.

There is a $10 registration fee that includes lunch that will also take place at city hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West.  

Everyone with an interest in seniors housing is encouraged to register and attend.  Please call: 613-798-3577 (extension 103) and/or find out more at www.coaottawa.ca

“It’s really about creating common spaces to socialize together and not be lonely as they age,” said Blakely.  “They want to create partnerships and tackle development of a housing plan.”

Another future project that will benefit from the New Horizons money is a friendly visit program to isolated seniors.

This special project will partner with local florists so volunteer visitors can drop off flowers and have a friendly visit with people who are just home from hospital, are socially isolated or physically frail.

The winter programming guide will be available mid-December.  Drop in to get your guide and find out when registration begins.  Your New Year resolutions can be fulfilled at Abbotsford.

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+.  We are the community programs 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

Finding Your ‘Groove’ at Abbotsford

By: Pat Goyeche

It is time to look ahead to cooler weather and finding your groove at Abbotsford, which houses the Glebe Centre’s Community Programs and Services for Adults 55+.

Finding your fitness, artistic, intellectual and social groove are all possible at Abbotsford this fall.

Not only do we strive to help you find your groove through Abbotsford’s programs, we now have a fantastic new fall event, which is the epitome of groovy.  Baby-boomers (and other generations of course) can ‘bliss out’ on Saturday, September 29 at GLEBESTOCK, in the Horticultural Building at Lansdowne.  The evening boasts a live 60’s cover band as well as fun retro booths, finger food and a cash bar.  Rock out with friends and neighbours while raising much-needed dollars for both the Glebe Centre’s community programs and services and the long term care home.  Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online or in person at Abbotsford.

Check out our sponsors and learn more about the event on our new Facebook page: @TheGlebeCentreInc.

Courtney Rock, the Glebe Centre’s Fund and Development Manager has a number of treats in store, including a special video thank you to the community which will have its premiere at the event.  Many staff, volunteers, members and residents have given considerable time and enthusiasm to the making of this wonderful video. It will only premiere once, and that is at GLEBESTOCK, don’t miss out getting your ticket now by clicking through at https://glebecentre.ca/upcoming-events/.

Finding your groove in the kitchen is also front and centre at Abbotsford this fall because our main floor kitchen has been upgraded significantly over the summer.  Look for cooking classes, communal dining and specialty workshops with the addition of a range, dishwasher and microwave (courtesy of the Abbotsford Members Council).

Our traditional fitness classes, favourite instructors and always-popular arts courses are returning to Abbotsford this fall, alongside new programming such as Chair Tai Chi and Finding Meaning in Song.  The fall guide will be available mid-August and will list a full complement of programs for Adults 55+.

Finding your groove has never been easier than it will be this fall, so join in and participate in all that we have on offer. Abbotsford is dedicated to forging new partnerships in our community, implementing new programming through grants and fundraising and continuing to work with our governments and agencies that help keep our 55+ population active and engaged.

We are also particularly excited to share the news that we have a new white high profile van, a Dodge Ram ProMaster fitted with a mechanical lift at the back for wheelchair access.  The Champlain Local Health Integration Network funded this van through the Champlain Community Transportation Collaborative led by Carefor, another community agency. Take a closer look when you see it. The three logos on the van indicate the organizations involved. The van has room to transport 7 passengers and 1 additional person in a non-collapsible wheelchair. The van seats are removable and the position of the seats are changeable to arrange depending on clients’ needs.

We are currently using the van to transport clients residing in the neighbourhood for two Adult Day Programs: dementia and frail seniors. When funding is secured for additional days in the dementia Adult Day Program, we will be able to expand use of the van. Meanwhile, you will continue to see our 2010 Lady Mary Ford bus on the road for a while for use by long term care residents as they enjoy outings to local venues, restaurants and for tours around Ottawa.

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+.  We are the community programs 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: Pat Goyeche

There are many good reasons why our regular fitness routines are disrupted. Summer weather and activities are certainly very good “excuses” for the disruption. But that does not have to mean that we give up those routines.

Instead, keep rooted in fitness and fun. Fertilize, water and grow your fitness this summer!

If anything summer gives us a chance to do more and feel better.  Try to at least keep up a minimal indoor fitness routine while adding gardening, walking, biking or hiking to your outdoor activities.

Indoor exercise classes in our air-conditioned facility are one sure way to keep fit and cool at the same time.  Complement an outdoor activity with indoor Zumba, Aerobic, Muscle Toning, Cardio Core, Balance and Stretch, Strength Training or Yoga classes this summer.  We offer a wide variety of classes at the level that suits you best.

Are you unsure of your level of fitness or would like to see a class before ‘joining in’?  Now is the time to check out The Glebe Centre Community Programs at Abbotsford while our spring classes are still running.  You are most welcome to ask for advice at Reception and drop-in for a class of interest to you.  This will give you a good idea as to what to expect in a summer class and to meet some of the instructors that offer those classes.

Have a look at our current summer guide on our website www.glebecentre.ca or, better yet, drop in to have a look at our daily schedules, meet the staff and pick up a copy of the summer guide.

New members will receive a discounted membership fee if they register for classes in the summer session.  This is for new members only, an incentive for those who keep meaning to join but have not quite yet managed to do so.  Now is your time to become that new member!  Registration for classes and new memberships are available starting on Monday, June 11^th.

Summer is a time of leisure, when we relax a bit and “smell the roses’’, get caught up on our reading and fertilize our souls in the sunshine.  At Abbotsford we keep the nourishment of mind and soul going with our club activities, such as fine-tuning our Bridge, Ping Pong and Tai Chi skills.

These and many other clubs run throughout the summer, offering a tremendous opportunity to connect with friends you know and friends you will get to know.

The Abbotsford book club is looking for new members.  They will meet next on Friday, June 22^nd to discuss Craig Davidson’s, Precious Cargo.  Please drop in and pitch your own picks.

We also continue to sell our much appreciated donations of women’s clothing, books, jewelry, crafts, cards, art and flea market items in our Fine Findz Reception area.  This fundraising activity helps us to continue to deliver our programming for Adults 55+.

This summer, we look forward to helping you ‘grow’ as you see fit!

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+.  We are the community programs 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, phoning  us at 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca.

By: Pat Goyeche

Spring is coming, though winter did manage to sneak in a few extra sprays of snow.  With spring comes a feeling of renewal, seeding fresh starts and more active living.  It is time to put away your winter boots and break out the sneakers.

The Glebe Centre Community Programs at Abbotsford offer a wide range of programming for Adults 55+.  Our programs work to challenge and engage the whole person.  We offer intellectual, social, physical and artistic programs and classes for everyone at all levels of ability.

Enjoy our weekly Learn & Explore ‘Speaker’s Series’ on Wednesday afternoons or our monthly Topical Talks as listed in our guide which you can pick up at Abbotsford or view online:  www.glebecentre.ca  under Community Programs and Current Guide. (pages 14 & 15)

On Wednesday, April 18, Mark Mueller, an electrician, economist and author of Hugo Frank in the Maelstrom of German History will be presenting his book.  We will learn how an ordinary family manages through turbulent times of German history, starting with Bismarck and ending with the Berlin Wall in 1961.  This is one of many weekly lectures that are open to the general public.  It is a great introduction to what Abbotsford has to offer. Please telephone Reception to reserve a seat at 613-230-5730.

Spring also brings out the cleaner in many of us; please think of Abbotsford when cleaning your basements and closets.  We gladly accept gently used women’s clothing for our Boutique as well as Elegant Treasures, Art, Flea Market items, Books, and Jewellery.  All of these donations are sorted, priced and resold with the aid of our many devoted volunteers.  The sale of these donations helps to maintain and enhance the programming offered through Abbotsford.

Art classes are blossoming at Abbotsford this spring.  We have a new roster this term including a beginner’s watercolour class on Friday morning and on Wednesday morning we have Drawing & Printing Techniques – More than Fifty Shades of Grey!  This is a beginner’s level course, developing basic drawing skills, sketching and making unique mono-prints.  There will be simple, fun exercises that will give you confidence in your own ability to create.  We also have Calligraphy, Embroidery on Paper, Working with Wood Projects, Pottery, Stained Glass and an Art course where you work on your own painting/drawing with a knowledgeable artist/facilitator on hand with helpful hints.  Don’t miss out on your artistic growth this spring!

We also have a new course this spring that combines physical and brain exercises called

Brain Shaker: a dynamic physical and mental challenge: Let’s use it, not lose it, this new physical/mental programming that stimulates through moderate physical exercise combined with fun trivia.  It combines instruction with N.U.T.S (Neuron Upgrade Training Stations) that are ready to challenge and boost your knowledge.  Welcome 21st Century instruction and technology for an engaging activity with a great fun factor.

Many of our popular classes and instructors are back this spring with appropriate levels for all students in Tai Chi, Aerobics, Dancing to World Music, Zumba, Yoga, Muscle Toning, Cardio/Core workouts and Balance and Strength classes.  Keep fit and find what works for you.  You are welcome to try a class prior to enrolling (if it isn’t already filled to the maximum amount of participants).  We have drop in rates, please check in with Reception prior to trying a class.

Clubs remain popular as members “own” their community centre practicing Tai Chi sets, playing Bridge, Pool and Ping Pong multiple times during the week.  Non-members are welcome to check out a club prior to taking out a membership.  Members enjoy the use of the facility to hone in on skills they have learned through courses at Abbotsford.  Some clubs such as Mahjong, Sing ‘N Jam, Opera, Book and Movie clubs keep members in touch with like-minded people who appreciate getting together on a regular basis.

These spring seeds: lectures, fundraising sales, classes and clubs spread and build strong roots at Abbotsford throughout the year.  Keep fit and engaged, come visit Abbotsford.

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+.  We are the community programs 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