President's Corner

It may be a cold, snowy February day and our bit of Lake Ontario
may be frozen but Vista readers don’t have time to be lonely.
The groundhog will be sticking his head out for a breath of fresh
air on the second and it will soon be time for those with romantic
hearts to make valentines for their best friends.

But, of course, the big news is that winter programs begin the
first week in February and there is still time to register. Along with
rejoining your favourite programs, you might want to give Virtual
Golf a try at Bogeys to Birdies on Wednesday, February 8.

Bogeys to Birdies is a new Corporate Member and “Out and
About” partner. Check out the article on page 12 and further details
found on page 26.

Have you tried our monthly Sunday Brunch? Your next chance
is February 19. Why not come and bring your friends? Details can
be found on page 28.

Thank you to all who responded to our Annual Appeal for
donations. Our Board members enjoyed the opportunity to talk to
you during the campaign. Personally, I would like to say a sincere
thank-you to everyone for their positive responses and genuine
interest in what we do and how we do it. The final total for 2011
Annual Appeal is $22,277.

Have you marked March 30 on your calendar? That’s the date
of our Annual General Meeting. This is an opportunity for all
members to hear what we have accomplished in 2011 and what is
planned for 2012. Dr. John Puxty, Director of the Regional Geriatric
Program of South Eastern Ontario, is our guest speaker.
2012 is a leap year, giving us a bonus day to do whatever we
choose. If you need some extra things to celebrate in February,
there’s Thank-a-Mailman Day, World Nutella Day, Kite Flying
Day (in the middle of winter!?!), Umbrella Day, Random Acts of
Kindness Day, Polar Bear Day, and many, many more. There’s
even “Hoodie Hoo Day” when you are supposed to go outside
and shout “Hoodie-hoo!” to scare away winter and make way for
spring. Sounds like fun to me!

As you might guess, I don’t agree with this quote from J.R.
Stockton: “February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time
until March.”

Carolyn Owen Holden
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Another August . . .
Savour the sun and heat along with the anticipation of things
to come and remembrance of summers past. The cover of
this Vista reminds me of my mother and the summer reunions of
her high school class (WHS 1922), consisting of 17 classmates.
Their “class” flower was the Black-eyed Susan which is one of the
common names for the Gloriosa Daisy pictured on the cover. My
sister and I helped make place cards decorated with Black-eyed
Susans while Mother did all of the flower arranging for the summer
luncheon affair. Hot steamy days infused with a sense of the past,
celebration, and long-term friendships!
This month is all about things to come. Enjoy the coolness of
The Centre for lunch in the Café or Hatter’s Cove. Remember that
Monday, August 2 is Civic Holiday and we are closed for the day.
Special events include the Birthday Lunch on August 13 and Armchair
Travel on August 24. Program Showcase runs at The Centre
from the 23rd to the 25th. Something new is a Welcome Back BBQ
featuring pork-on-a-spit, games, and music on August 26. For
further information see page 31.
But this issue leads us to the very last day of the month, August
31 ? Fall Registration Day. Complete information about the
programs and registration is included in the centre of this issue.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully and fill out your form
completely to assist our volunteers on Registration Day. Your cooperation
makes registration fun for all of us and ensures you are
in the programs of your choice. As usual, a Buffet Breakfast will
be available in Hatter’s Cove on that day.
Fall Programs begin on September 7.
I bet deep down you still wish your mom would take you
clothes shopping every August for the new school year.
Bridget Willard
Yes, I do!
Carolyn Owen Holden