By Julie Ireton

Geoffrey Rider is hoping that tucked away in some attic or buried deep in a basement is a collection of long, forgotten photos that might include historic shots of one of the Glebe’s most grand homes.

Rider, a volunteer and member of Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre is trying to piece together a more accurate history and more complete photo collection of Abbotsford House, built in the late 1800s, right across from Lansdowne Park.

“It’s not too late,” said Rider. “There have got to be images around of the house. 1889, was actually when Kodak introduced the box camera and people were taking amateur pictures. There are probably some around in boxes and basements.”

At ‘Doors Open’ every spring, buildings across the region welcome guests to admire the architecture and heritage.  Abbotsford House has opened its doors over the years and every time, staff and volunteers seek out more information about the old house to add to the lore.

That’s where Rider, the former director of collections and research at the Canadian Science and Tech Museum, has helped out.

“Boxes needed to be sorted and I found some references to records that had been sent to the Ottawa archives,” said Rider. “I started going through the minutes from 1887 when they opened the Protestant House of Refuge.”

Rider was already aware of the home’s rich history, starting out from its construction by local pioneer and businessman, Alexander Mutchmor.

From 1889 to 1974 the house was a shelter for elderly men.  Then local churches came together in the early 70’s to build a retirement home for both men and women beside the house.

This became the Glebe Centre, and Abbotsford became what it remains today, a Senior’s Active Living Centre (Programs and Services for Adults 55 +).  The house was designated an official heritage sight in 1984.

Through his research, Rider discovered the house had barns, farm animals, fields and gardens.

There must have been hens too considering he’s found a “poultry and egg book” from the 1920s and 30s that shows the residents and staff at the house were selling chickens and eggs.

“People also rented the lawn to hold events including costume balls and tea parties on the premises,” said Rider. “Notable people would be in attendance, probably protestants, and members of the home’s board of directors.”

Local Protestant churches and a woman’s auxiliary helped fundraise and refer residents to the home so Rider thinks some Glebe and Old Ottawa South church archives may hold information or photographs.

“There’s a pretty wide net of people who could search for stuff,” said Rider who also hopes to clarify dates and set a more accurate historical record. “It should have been done 25 or 50 years ago, but it’s not too late.”

If you have any stories or photographs about/of Abbotsford House please contact Pat Goyeche, Coordinator of Community Programs at: 613-230-5730 or pgoyeche@glebecentre.ca.

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

OTTAWA (February 1, 2018) – The Rexall Foundation has donated $14,800 to the Glebe Centre, a long-term care home that provides specialized care to 254 residents ranging in age from 40 to 105 years old. The donation will go towards a purchase of eight electric beds.

Most residents currently have manual beds which requires staff support when a resident wants to get out of bed. Residents wait for staff to position the bed and help the resident get up or adjust the bed to a comfortable position.

“The Rexall Foundation is committed to improving the health and wellness of seniors in Canada and continues to help seniors live healthy and active lifestyles,” said Brian McLaughlin, Chair, Rexall Foundation. “The electric beds will provide residents with independence, allowing them to adjust their bed to the perfect comfort of choice whether sleeping, watching TV or reading.”

“The Glebe Centre is thrilled to receive a very generous donation from the Rexall Foundation,” said Courtney Rock, Fund and Development Manager, The Glebe Centre. “We are grateful the Rexall Foundation has provided us with the funds needed to purchase critical items needed in the home.”

The Rexall Foundation has been helping build strong and vibrant communities by supporting numerous charitable organizations since 2002. Whether it’s a community or children’s hospital or a disease prevention organization, the Foundation values the role it plays in helping the delivery of numerous programs and services in Canada. In 2017, the Rexall Foundation donated over $685,000 to 55 charitable organizations that promote the health and wellness of children and seniors, including charities in Ontario, such as Hemophilia Ontario, Hospice Renfrew, Nova’s Ark, Assaulted Women’s Helpline, Sunnybrook Foundation, The Darling Home for Kids, plus many more local and national charities across Canada.

For More Information:
Julia Sutton, (w) 905.501.7900, (c) 416.458.3648, jsutton@rexall.ca 

Courtney Rock, 613-238-2727 x 316, crock@glebecentre.ca

By: Julie Ireton

New retirees, along with gerontology students, even firefighters and police officers in-training, are among those who’ve been recruited to become volunteer drivers for Ottawa seniors heading to medical appointments.

“We love our volunteer drivers,” said Jane Stallabrass, Program facilitator, Community Support Services, Abbotsford House at Glebe Centre across from Lansdowne Park. “Our volunteers are an amazing breed of people and I’d love to clone the ones I have.”

But since Stallabrass can’t clone them, she finds herself continually recruiting new volunteers to help out.

The program provides the service for seniors who need more assistance getting to an appointment or doctor’s office than might be provided by a bus or a cab and Abbotsford’s transport volunteers do more than just drive the car.

“They can be heading to any medically related appointment, doctor, dentist, eye appointment, hospital, hearing aids, glasses, anything they need for their medical requirements,” said Stallabrass.

Thanks to the program, subsidized by government grants and fundraising, the rides are more affordable for clients, usually costing $12, but as high as $25 to get to the outskirts of the city.

“For most of our clients, most other services don’t work for them. Taxis work in some cases for some people, but the cost can be prohibitive,” said Stallabrass. “And knowing you have a driver who has experience with seniors, has had a police record check and is screened is important.”

The drivers are trained and while their cars aren’t wheelchair accessible, drivers do what they can to help seniors who have some mobility issues and use walkers.

Martha Hynna, a retired senior public servant, has been a volunteer for about a year and a half.

“I like to drive, I’ve got a car and I’ve got the time,” said Hynna. “What I like most is that I meet a whole bunch of interesting people I otherwise wouldn’t meet and get to have a little conversation with them.”

Hynna, like many of the volunteer drivers helps get seniors to their appointments once a week.

Stallabrass said many of their clients live in the Glebe and Ottawa South, but the pick-up area extends to Billings Bridge and all the way to Hunt Club.

One of the drivers, a federal government employee has worked out a flexible work schedule so he can volunteer as a driver for a few hours a week.

“Which is amazing. Even one drive a week is huge,” said Stallabrass.

Hynna said she would encourage others to volunteer.

“For me it’s so easy, I’m quite comfortable driving and it’s an easy thing to do and I get to meet people from all kinds of different backgrounds.”

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

Cheque presentation to Glebe Centre Community Services from the Bluesfest Green Team “Can-for-Charity” initiative.

Every year at Ottawa Bluesfest, the Green Team (recycling team) sorts and returns thousands of beer cans. The proceeds are divided between a number of charities that are nominated by Green Teamers. This year, we were the lucky recipients of S3,108.60. Pictured (L-R) Lawrence Grant (Executive Director of Glebe Centre) Courtney Rock (Fund & Development Manager, Glebe Centre) Anna Wood (Human Resources Manager, Volunteer Services, BluesFest) Karen Anne Blakely (Glebe Centre, Director of Community Programs & Services, Abbotsford) Emily Mason (Administration Systems Coordinator, Volunteer Services, Bluesfest) John Currie (Area Leader, Green Team, Bluesfest) and Jane Stallabrass (Glebe Centre, Program Facilitator, Community Support Services & Green Team Volunteer for Bluesfest).

Ever wondered what went on in that old stone house across from Lansdowne Park? Wonder no more; wander down our new walkway and find the hidden treasure that is Abbotsford.

Many people cut through the Glebe Centre’s walkway that connects Monk Street to Bank; but some may not have realized how often they used that shortcut, until it was closed off while being replaced. It took three weeks to complete but now the walkway is smooth and safe and will melt snow and ice on contact; keeping Abbotsford cleaner (less salt) and its’ patrons safer.

Next time you “walk this way” give a nod to the Glebe Centre for this much improved walkway. Dismount and walk your bike, smile at a senior and drop in for a tour of Abbotsford.

You’ll find out about our winter programming and meet the people that make it work. Our staff, volunteers and members all bring the best of what community is to this centre. Find out how and when to take the stained glass class you always wanted to pursue; or a watercolour, pottery or calligraphy class. If you are 55 plus, it is time to come in from the cold and participate in our varied programming. Membership to the centre and its programs runs from January 1st to December 31, 2018. A perfect time to join in!

We have weekly speaker presentations on Wednesday afternoons, courses on music appreciation, yoga, Tai Chi and various levels and types of fitness classes to help keep you in shape. We have clubs that bring people together to play mahjong, bridge, scrabble and musical instruments.

If you are hungry for a snack and a warm cup of coffee/tea drop into our dining room; our rates are very reasonable and you can sign up for lunch on either Tuesday or Thursday at noon. We also have a new breakfast club on Thursday morning; it is casual and friendly, an enjoyable way to meet new people or to meet up with ‘old’ friends over a cupper.

Abbotsford’s programming is geared to folks 55+; as are the centre’s services. You might want to schedule a foot care appointment or a massage with a registered massage therapist. Do you need a drive to a medical appointment or a supportive service like one of our Day Programs? Looking for a housekeeper or handyperson? Abbotsford has many services for older adults.

Thank you for your patience during the reconstruction of the walkway and for continuing to find your way inside to drop off and drop in.

We also would like to thank the community for their patronage of our 42nd annual fundraising bazaar this past fall. So many volunteers gave countless hours of their time during the day and in the weeks and months leading up to the bazaar. Others gave us the “stuff” we were able to sell; the wonderful flea market items, books, jewelry, boutique, art, treasures and baked goods. Some special folks created Teddy Bears, crafts, knitwear and handmade items such as purses and bags. Many came to the sale and purchased our goods and treasures; and then there were those who donated the yummy soup, coffee, lasagna and baked goods to keep the volunteers fueled. Others helped keep the crowds safe and orderly on what was an especially exciting weekend, with Grey Cup festivities spilled across the street from Lansdowne Park.

We would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and ask you to please ‘Walk this Way’ via our new walkway this winter.

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

Every Thursday afternoon at Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre a small, but dedicated group of crafters repurpose bells, burnt out light bulbs, empty thread spools and pipe cleaners into some unique Christmas ornaments and keepsakes to be sold at the annual bazaar.

Now they’re looking for more crafters to join them.

The group meets once a week, on Thursday afternoons between 1 and 3 pm throughout the year — except for summer. Other craft contributors work away at home, creating knitted and sewn treasures including hats, scarves, mitts and handbags to contribute to the bazaar’s craft table.

The annual, not-to-be-missed bazaar at Abbotsford House across from Lansdowne Park is on Saturday Nov. 25 from 10 am to 2:30 pm. The event helps raise money for a variety of seniors programs offered through the centre all year.

“Last year we did a whole bunch of sock owls, puzzle-piece tree ornaments and light bulb penguins and snowmen,” said Ruth Hetherington who’s been with the craft group for several years. “We’re a small, but mighty group.”

Hetherington said she’s the group’s “ideas person”, using the internet to find a variety of crafts that will lead to prototypes that are both cheap and cheerful.

“I come up with ideas that will appeal to people, but not cost a fortune. Things that people in the group can make,” said Hetherington who first got involved after finding the group on the Volunteer Ottawa website.

She said the group is looking for new recruits, especially those with crafty skills and a good instincts when it comes to organizing the inventory, and doing pricing.

The ability to sew or knit would be handy too.

“I’m not a knitter,” said Hetherington. “Give me a glue gun, a pair of scissors and some paint, I’m great,”

Another long time member of the group, Lindsay Thomson-Marmen, first got involved in stained glass classes at Abbotsford, but says she also loves her time spent in the craft room.

“I enjoy the people at Abbotsford everyone is just wonderful,” said Thomson-Marmen. “We used to get a lot of peach pits and make little loons, that was very time intensive.”

One of this year’s projects is making apple cores out of old thread spools and the ever-popular raffle baskets, which will include a “spa basket” this year, will also be put together by the craft group.

“We’re sort of rushed towards the finish line, said Thomson-Marmen. “Bazaar day is almost here.”

If you would like to join this group on Thursday afternoon, volunteering your time and talent please get in touch with the Glebe Centre volunteer coordinator at 613-238-2727 (ext. 353).

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
Article by Julie Ireton

Whether it’s freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal earrings or vintage Jackie-O style gems, there will be something for everyone at the Abbotsford Bazaar’s jewellery table on Saturday Nov. 25.

The jewelry team will make sure of that.

Since last January, volunteers have been taking in donations, cleaning and sorting the treasures for the annual sale.

The bazaar is a not-to-be-missed event at Abbotsford House at the Glebe Centre across from Lansdowne Park.

The event takes over the entire senior centre, attracting visitors from across the community who come seeking flea market finds, home baking, handmade teddy bears, books, vintage treasures and of course, the popular jewelry table.

“It’s so exciting when the bazar comes along. It’s a bit of a zoo actually.

People line up in hoards, said Penny Clelland, Abbotsford member and jewelry sorter. “There are crowds around the table, three to four people deep. We have a motto: ‘I have enough jewelry said nobody – ever’.”

Clelland and co-volunteer Susan Chibuk research the more precious jewelry online, to figure out a good price. They also seek appraisals or minor repairs from area jewelers.

Long-time Abbotsford member, Doris Smith who headed this group for many years still cleans up the watches and puts in new batteries.

“Our goal is to raise money for this charitable organization. It’s all for a good cause for Abbotsford,” said Chibuk. “There’s always something going on there. It’s an amazing facility.”

Both Clelland and Chibuk take part in other activities at Abbotsford and volunteer their time to more than just the bazaar.

Clelland helps seniors who need a drive to medical and hospital appointments – just one of the services Abbotsford helps arrange.

“That’s actually a wonderful thing to do,” said Clelland. “I meet interesting people and we have great conversations. I really enjoy doing that. It’s such a good support for the community.”

As the bazaar draws closer, Clelland and Chibuk said they’ll lose the use of their own dining room tables that get cluttered with the jewelry as they get ready to display and price it.

“There are all sorts of finds. Even some of the hippy stuff can be very fun,” said Chibuk. “And we just love getting together.”

You won’t want to miss the jewellery, flea market, book, art, elegant treasure, linen, teddy bear and craft corners.  There is something for everyone at this bazaar: “The Best Bazaar in the City”!

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

For most people, an empty flowerbed is just a pile of dirt, but for long-time gardener, Carol MacLeod, that dirt is actually more like a palette waiting to be filled with colour and fragrance.

The well-manicured gardens that surround Abbotsford House (where the Glebe Centre Community Programs and Services are run from) are thanks in great part to MacLeod, an Abbotsford member and the resident volunteer gardener.

From the time the snow melts, MacLeod loves to get her hands dirty.

“I start annuals by seed,” said MacLeod. “And I have to have colour in the garden really soon in the season, so I plant pots of daffodils.”

She said the “bones” of the Abbotsford gardens came from the old Sylvia Holden Park that formerly started at Bank Street and ran along Holmwood Avenue.

When those flowerbeds were uprooted to make way for the new, residential development at Lansdowne Park, MacLeod transplanted the perennials across the street at Abbotsford.

Today, among the plants surrounding the heritage, stone house, are what MacLeod refers to as “old fashioned” plants: hollyhocks, baptisia, Culver’s root, asters and even some of Lady Borden’s peonies, propagated from the cottage of former Prime Minister, Sir Robert Borden.

On Abbotsford’s Monk St. side, MacLeod has planted a “pollinator garden” that’s intended to attract bees and other pollinators.

“There’s so much talk about the dearth of bees, so I thought it would be a good idea,” said MacLeod.

Every year, she gets a bit of money from Abbotsford’s “coffee fund” to buy a few new plants. She also picks up beer cans lying around the neighbourhood and adds the money from the empties to her flower budget.

The gardens around the old stone house take about four hours a week to maintain, leaving MacLeod some time to join the exercise classes and play bridge at Abbotsford. She also helps with the beautiful, lush gardens that are also volunteer-maintained beside Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building.

But MacLeod doesn’t do it all alone, she has a few helpers who keep an eye on the Abbotsford gardens when she’s not around and she said a lot of people stop and chat and visit while she’s working away in the dirt.

“People really appreciate the gardens and say how beautiful they are,” said MacLeod. “And I really appreciate the feedback.”

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

We have a fresh slate of programming on offer at The Glebe Centre Community Programs at Abbotsford this September. Come see for yourself at our Open House on Friday September 8 th between 9 am and 4 pm. Get a tour, pick up a brochure, ask about the classes and meet the folks who make Abbotsford vibrant. Councilor David Chernushenko’s Seniors Lunch will take place at Abbotsford this September 8 th, for Capital Ward Seniors. Reserve your seat by contacting his office at 613-580- 2487 or by e-mail at lunch@capitlward.ca.

Take this opportunity to find out what you have been missing by visiting Abbotsford in person and/or have a look at our new website listing all of the community programs and services that are offered to those 55+ in our community. Look under the Community Programs/Services  and ask us for more information about the programs of interest to you.

Fall is the time of year when we can start with a “clean slate”, fulfill resolutions to improve our health and make an effort to connect with longstanding or new friends, or take up a pastime that we always thought we would pursue someday. Today is the day. Don’t put it off because it seems challenging; those new challenges may lead to fulfillment.

We had a suggestion for a new club so we formed a new breakfast club on Thursday mornings. This club will evolve with the needs and wishes of the participants, but its main goal is simply for people to connect with each other. Connection to community is never more important than in our elder years. This group is specifically designed with the “On My Own Again” individual in mind. Whether you find yourself a long-time single, widowed, divorced, new to Ottawa, away from home, or simply looking to meet new people, this is the club for you.

We also have Wine 101 class on offer for the wine steward in you who could do with a crash course on wines. You’ll find out where to start when choosing a wine for a friend, where to look within the LCBO (we might even go on a field trip!), and how to get good value for your money; to name but a few topics.

Music and dance are still playing an important role at Abbotsford with Propeller Dance workshops as well as Family Dance, Belly Dancing, Dancing to World Music and Zumba! On the music front we hope to gather enough interested musicians to form a band on Wednesday afternoons and the Sing N’ Jam group is going strong on Monday afternoons. We also have a course on the life and music of Leonard Cohen and a study of eight great Canadian artists in our Classical Music Appreciation class.

We have Conversational Spanish for Beginners this fall along with our Conversational Spanish Plus. Memoir Writing, Pottery, Calligraphy, Art, Stained Glass, Card Making and Bridge will keep you engaged. Clubs such as Mahjong, Tai Chi, Lok Hup, Scrabble and Opera will keep you coming in weekly if not daily for a dose of enjoyable and stimulating activities.

Our ping pong club is flourishing due to the avid players who all “pitched in” to purchase a second table. Book ahead and revel in a game that challenges the body and brain simultaneously.
You might ask how all of these activities are in one building and how we could possibly still be reaching out to ask more community folks to come join in. The answer is simple; the more the merrier! There is always room for one more person and if there isn’t, we simply add another class. Fitness is a fine example. Some of our classes do fill up on the first day of registration (Thursday August 24 th at 9 am). But when one fitness class fills up we can offer another. New instructors, new times and new days, as well as our well known fitness instruction, are all on offer this fall.

Put Abbotsford at the top of your slate of places to visit, courses to take, lectures to attend and people to meet this fall. You won’t be disappointed. 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

Doors Open Ottawa was just the excuse that was needed to bring out the vintage vehicles, period costumes, Abbotsford’s archival material and a ribbon cutting ceremony for a special commemorative bench!

The special ribbon cutting ceremony was for a brand new hand forged 3 seat metal bench which was sponsored by a special Provincial Seniors Community Grant.

Minister of Seniors Affairs Dipika Damerla was unable to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony but sent her good wishes in the form of a letter that was read by Karen Anne Blakely (Director of Community Programs at Abbotsford).

One of the Minister’s kind sentiments regarding seniors was expressed with these words, “We want Ontario seniors to remain healthy and independent for as long as possible and to feel safe and supported.” This encapsulates what Abbotsford is all about.

Attorney General Yasir Naqvi, Mayor Jim Watson and City Councillor David Chernushenko were all in attendance for the ribbon cutting and expressed their support of this stylish bench as a tangible symbol of supporting seniors in the community.

We thank those seniors who brought forward their ideas on how such a bench could symbolize both The Glebe Centre’s Community Programs and Services at Abbotsford and celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

Randy Gill of 180 Forge Works, Artisan Blacksmithing, was hired to take the conceptual design ideas of a group of Abbotsford seniors and forge a lasting, artistic commemorative bench. This goal was reached with aplomb.

As the sun shone higher and warmer our guests were treated to vintage vehicles outside and historical artifacts inside. Volunteers worked diligently to display and explore the history of the house, welcoming no fewer than 136 guests in this, Abbotsford’s 145th year and Canada’s 150th!

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.

By: Pat Goyeche