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SUMMER - 2016

GRAVENHURST SENIORS NEWSLETTER

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT FRED SCHULZ

There have been many great reasons to celebrate the past months at the Gravenhurst Seniors Club with many special events and activities taking place over the spring season. We’ve enjoyed the monthly luncheons, the soup, Sandwich & Pie Fundraiser, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Smile Theatre’s “Remember That Song?”, Big Buck Bid Euchre, the Bi-annual Volunteer Luncheon as well as the many weekly activities that take place at the Seniors Centre. It is a pleasure and a privilege to sincerely thank all the Board of Directors at the Seniors Centre, the many activity leaders who work tirelessly keeping the 32 activities on track and well organized. Along with these people, the many volunteers that help with the activities and luncheons are essential to the smooth running of the organization. My sincere thanks go out to everyone. The Ontario 50+ Seniors Games will be taking place in the near future during the summer season with a number of participants from our very own club. May all those involved enjoy good sportsmanship and friendly levels of competition. As we approach warmer temperatures and sunny days in Gravenhurst, I wish you all a happy,

healthy and safe summer season.

Fred Schulz President

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Celebrating the activities of Gravenhurst Seniors

Published by the Gravenhurst Senior Citizens Club Affiliated Club #325 United Senior Citizens of Ontario

Volume 24, Number 2 SUMMER 2016

Editor Production Editor Secretary Treasurer Cover Design Photographer Committee Members Contributing Writers Advertising Distribution President (ex officio)

Cliff Flavell Allan Denne Ellen Camm

Lynn Quesnell Glenna Kergon

Fred Schulz

Jim Goodwin Cyril Fry Roy Kerr

Garnet Schenk Ruth Robertson

Allan Denne

Cyril Fry Glenna Kergon

Fred Schulz Jim Goodwin

Andrea Baston Kathleen Powell

Al Denne Harold Campbell

Fred Schulz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: All letters to the editor must be signed with first and last names. Letters may be edited for size and clarity.

THE EDITOR SAYS

I’m always amazed at how fast the weather changes, one day it snows and two weeks later the grass is growing and buds are on the trees. There are always changes here at the Centre. Pat Wright has resigned due to poor health. We were very fortunate that Allan Denne is able to take her place. Also new to our committee is Jeff Childs. He will be our proof-reader. In this edition you will read a tribute to Pat Wright. There are also articles of interest on our town, and photos and news about some of our activities here at the Centre. We are always looking for new contributing writers, new interesting articles, pictures, jokes and riddles. We always want to thank those who are already contributing. To everyone, have a great summer.

Cliff Flavell

AlI submissions to be included in the next issue of ALL ABOUT US should be submitted before Aug.15tth, 2016 Submissions can be left at, or emailed to, the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre, 480 First St. N., Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1B9. Submissions that promote and/or enhance the activities of The Seniors Centre and Seniors in general are always welcome. Try and keep submissions to a maximum of 1000 words. Pictures are also welcomed. Tel: 705-687-8126 Email: gscnewsletter@live.ca

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About Our Cover SUMMER- 2016

Designed by Glenna Kergon

“ALL ABOUT US”

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE TITLE 2 From our President

3 The Editor Says 4 Table of Contents 4 Tribute to Pat Wright 5 Activities/Board of Directors 6 The “Over 90’s Club” Letter from Gord Locklin 7 Judy’s Crossword Puzzle 9 Battling T.B. in Gravenhurst Andrea Baston 10/23 “That’s Ice” by Allan Denne 13/18 “A Column With a Cause.” By Cyril Fry 14 Smile Theatre 15 Culinary Corner 19 Lou Burke Memorial Snooker’s 22 St. Patrick’s Day. Fred Schulz 24 Approach To Kind Behavior Kathleen Powell 27 Did You Know That!

HELP! Pat Wright has resigned from her position at The Gravenhurst Seniors Club. Regrettably she has also resigned as the Production Editor of the All About Us Newsletter. We will miss you Pat! For Twenty (20) years this newsletter has been Pat Wright’s baby. Pat once explained, “I was taught how to put together the All About Us newsletter by Mary Irvine, Production Editor”. That was back in 1995. Since the Spring Edition, Mar/Apr 1996 Pat Wright has nurtured and supported this publication, fed it and watched it grow and all on her own time. This wasn’t an obligation Pat accepted as part of her job, it was strictly a volunteer activity. Pat alone has pressured contributors to get their articles in, monitored and up-dated ad’s for the advertisers, kept the pictures and captions matched and printed, kept the activities lists, cover pages, index pages, Directors list and everything else about this Newsletter current and published four times a year so every member of The Club could read the news from The Seniors Centre. She has done that for 20 years now. We doubt there is a Seniors Club anywhere in Ontario, perhaps even in Canada that can boast as fine a newsletter as does The Gravenhurst Seniors Club. As a fill-in Production Editor it is my responsibility to make sure the fine tradition nurtured by Pat Wright continues in the excellent fashion that Pat has upheld all these years. We will miss you Pat! This wonderful Newsletter you have brought through these 20 years is far too good to let slip to mediocrity. We hope you feel free to call us when we slip up just as we hope you’ll forgive us when we call you for your advice and assistance.

“All About Us Newsletter” Committee.

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ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTRE

Billiards - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday Workshop - 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday to Friday (July & August by appointment only) Sunday: A.A. - 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon 6 Hand Pepper - 1:30 p.m. Monday: Shuffleboard - 1:00 p.m. Line Dancing - 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (except July & August) Euchre - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday: Bifocals Band Practice - 9:00 a.m. (except July & August) Snooker Tournament - 9:00 a.m. Crokinole - 1:00 p.m. (except July & Aug.) Bingo - 1:15 p.m. Darts - 1:15 p.m.(Sept. to May 15th) Horticulture - 3rd Tues. - 7:30 p.m. Texas Hold’em - 6:45 p.m. Wednesday: Palette/Art Group - 10:30 a.m. (except July & Aug.) Gravenhurst Rug Hookers - 12:00 noon Shuffleboard - 1:00 p.m. Bridge - @1:00 p.m. Oct. to May @7:00 p.m. June to Sept. Woodcarving - 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursday: Cribbage - 1:00 p.m. Table Tennis - 7:30 p.m. Friday: Carpet Bowling - 9:30 a.m. Bean Bag Toss - 1:15 p.m. Bid Euchre - 7:30 p.m. Saturday: Texas Hold-em - 9:45 a.m.

Quarterly General Meetings: Second Friday of March, June, Sept. & Dec.

For more information, call 705-687-8126

HEALTH & WELL BEING

Arthritis: Arthritis Exercise Class - Every Friday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Except July & August) Blood Pressure Clinic Wed. June 8th, July 13th, Aug. 10th 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon No Appointment necessary Toe Nail Clinic 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Appointment necessary. Men’s Fitness: Mon. & Thurs. - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (Except July & August) Mixed Fitness: Mon. - 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Except July & August) Yoga: Thurs. - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE

President Fred Schulz Past President Cliff Flavell 1st Vice President Aileen Passmore 2nd Vice President Lorne Robertson Secretary Ellen Camm Treasurer John Mowry DIRECTORS Communication Al Denne Culture Fred Schulz Food Services Lynne Briden Health & Well Being Ruth Robertson Membership Lillian Gillan Newsletter Cliff Flavell Property Lorne Robertson Recreation Bob Macksey Ways & Means Carol Macksey Workshop Roy Kerr Director Ron Belfry Director Kathleen Powell

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Mar.31st 2016 Dear Cliff: Thank you for sending me the Spring Copy of All About Us. Thanks also to other members whose efforts make this a very valuable newsletter. I have read it from beginning to end, even the advertisements. It’s a great effort. Thanks everyone. I look upon those years which we spent in Gravenhurst and at The Centre as the best years in my life. It’s true that The Gardens is a super retirement home, there are so many activities that they often overlap with little time for relaxation. It does not have the age mix of The Centre. As I proceed my writing gets worse and worse so I must quit soon. Thanks again for keeping me up to date. Perhaps when the summer issue arrives I will be more awake. Best Wishes to all. Gord. Letter addressed to our Editor from Mr. Gordon Locklin: Bellville, ON.)

The OVER 90 Club!

Remember when 90 was a “Ripe Old Age?” To be 90 years old was considered to be a dinosaur! Not so in 2016. We have more and more of our club members who are 90 plus. A combination of good diet, good health care, clean living and a active body and mind are all important factors. Read the names and you will recognize these people as vibrant seniors. Many of them have been (and still are) volunteers in our Club. There are Veterans and Club Directors and Past Presidents. In no particular order we honour the following club members. John Ayling Roy Kerr Melba Smith Carol Hunter Ted Smith Walter Herd Lyla Street Lilian Hunter Fern Lipiski Gay Coon Doreen Forsythe Cyril Fry Marion Fry Grace Brooks Melva Clark Vic Johnson Georgie Adair Marion Paradis Gord Smith In addition, some well know previous Club members now living elsewhere deserve recognition. Gord Locklin Fred Boughen Rita Leavens Carl Bedal Velma Walker Joan Slemin To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom. There are many reasons why older is better: You can say, “When I was your age” to more and more people. Lying about your age is easier now as sometimes you forget what it is.

See column on left for ‘The Rest of The Story”

The OVER 90 Club (Continued)

Older folks remember when cars had ‘Rumble Seats’ and ‘Running Boards’. They also remember when the milkman, the bread man, the ice man, the doctor and the paperboy all did home deliveries. I expect I have missed some people who should be on the list. My apologies! Please notify the editor of any additions.

By Jim Goodwin’

Some mornings don’t you just feel like your

diagonally parked in a parallel universe?

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MUSKOKA

INSURANCE salutes the Seniors

and their community efforts

Dave Jon

Christy Gay

Stephen Amy

Brandy Andy

Marcia Charlotte

Nicole Christina

705-687-6606

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BATTLING TB IN GRAVENHURST

Did you know that Gravenhurst was home to the first tuberculosis sanatorium built in Canada? Or that four other tuberculosis hospitals located here too? At the turn of the twentieth century, tuberculosis was the single largest killer in Canada and in many parts of the world. In 1882, Germany’s Dr. Robert Koch discovered the cause of the disease -- microscopic bacteria. Scientists learned that tuberculosis was infectious, spreading chiefly by air through coughing, spitting and sneezing. These discoveries gave rise to the “Sanatorium Era,” where tuberculosis sufferers were cared for in hospital-like institutions, usually built in isolated locations. By removing the sick from regular contact with family, friends and the general public, a sanatorium helped limit the spread of tuberculosis. North America’s first sanatorium opened in New York State in 1885 but by the early 1890s, there was still no sanatorium in Canada. A Toronto businessman and philanthropist, William James Gage, changed that. Gage first attempted to have a sanatorium built in Toronto, but his efforts were rebuffed by Toronto’s City Council. Farm machinery manufacturer Hart Massey joined Gage in his quest and the men set up the National Sanitarium Association to build and run Canada’s first sanatorium. Where would it be located? Gravenhurst put in a bid for the sanatorium. Mayor Charles Mickle wrote to Gage in 1895, advising that the town would pay $10,000 towards the cost of the sanatorium if it was built in Gravenhurst. Local citizens supported the bid, voting overwhelmingly in its favour. Gravenhurst’s offer beat out other bids and in 1897, the Muskoka Cottage Sanatorium opened on thirty acres of land owned by Thomas M. Robinson, bordering the eastern shore of Muskoka Bay. It featured a graceful administration building topped by a tall observation tower, with cottages situated around it in a crescent shape. Patients followed a regimen of rest, nutritious meals, fresh air and exercise, all under medical supervision. In 1902, Gage and his colleagues built a second sanatorium, the Muskoka Free Hospital for Consumptives, located about 1.1 kilometres south of the Muskoka Cottage Sanatorium. The hospital served as Canada’s first tuberculosis sanatorium operating free of charge to the sick.

Mrs. Emile Fournier opened Gravenhurst’s third sanatorium in 1909, the Minnewaska Sanatorium. Located on a rocky bluff near Muskoka Wharf, it had formerly been a tourist hotel. The sanatorium closed around 1918. The Calydor Sanatorium became Gravenhurst’s fourth tuberculosis hospital, established by Dr. Charles Parfitt and colleagues in 1916 on lands adjacent to the Minnewaska Sanatorium. This grey stucco building with a pink shingled roof was known as a luxury institution and many of its patients came from society’s upper echelons. One famous patient was Dr. Norman Bethune, who spent a few months at the Calydor taking treatments for his tuberculosis. A native of Gravenhurst, Dr. Bethune is revered in China for his battlefield surgery and subsequent death in support of Mao Tse-tung’s Communists in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Depression forced the Calydor to close in 1935, when the class of patients it usually attracted could no longer afford to pay its fees. A disastrous fire in 1920 brought an end to the Muskoka Free Hospital for Consumptives, which was replaced two years later by the fifth Gravenhurst sanatorium, the Muskoka Hospital. Built on a peninsula near the Muskoka Cottage Sanatorium, the Muskoka Hospital was a V-shaped red brick structure, with a third wing added in 1932. Treatments changed over the years. In the early 1900s, patients spent long hours in the fresh air, even sleeping with windows wide open during snowstorms! After World War I, lung surgery was the predominate treatment. But the discovery of antibiotics like streptomycin around 1944 revolutionized tuberculosis treatment. Patients no longer needed to spend long years in a sanatorium but could stay home and follow a course of drug treatments there. Patients emptied out of sanatoria across Canada and many, including the Muskoka Hospital, closed. In 1957, the Ontario government purchased the Muskoka Free Hospital’s lands for use by the Ontario Fire marshal as a training school for fire-fighters, a program which continues today. In 1960, the Ontario government bought the Muskoka Hospital and converted it to a residential institution for people with intellectual disabilities. Known as the “Muskoka Centre,” it operated until 1994. Today, the grounds are used by the Ontario Provincial Police to train canines. The remaining buildings sit vacant, decaying, while the Province studies potential uses for the property.

by Andrea Baston

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THAT’S “ICE!” It’s hard to imagine that our bustling little tourist town right here in Muskoka was once home to several prosperous industries. You might have heard about Ditchburn and Greavette boats, about Rubberset brushes or Brown’s Beverages. Perhaps you knew about pre-manufactured insulated chimney pipes built here by Oliver MacLeod. Did you know one of the biggest and least remembered of the industries to have flourished in our town from years gone by would be “ice”? Now maybe it wasn’t actually manufactured here but it certainly was harvested in abundance here, and shipped all across this country from right here on Gull Lake. In the early 1940’s Perrie Boyd had already been harvesting ice for a few winters, off Sparrow Lake, for ice house customers around the Kilworthy area when he was approached by Jim Scott and Gus Husselstrom of Gravenhurst. Ice had always been harvested from Gull Lake to some degree but they urged Mr. Boyd to re-start and increase that harvest. He did. During an early harvest here in Gravenhurst, a Canadian National Railways “Director of Perishable Traffic” researcher secured water samples, through Mr. Boyd, from both Gull Lake and Muskoka Lake. That research determined that the ice from Gull Lake was the clearest, contaminant free, best quality ice to be found in Ontario. So began the “Ice Harvest” years in Gravenhurst. Beginning in late December or early January and continuing through the end of March, the ice harvest industry employed between 80 and 100 men, more than 17 teams of horses and 2 huge cutting saws. It also supported an assortment of other small business ventures. Workers were hired to clear the ice at night, removing snow so the ice would freeze to the proper thickness for harvest. Stables and bunkhouses were built and maintained for workers and teams of horses who stayed in town during the entire harvest. Workers were fed breakfast, dinner and supper from Perrie & Mary Boyd’s house on the corner of First Street and Church Street. Fried eggs and porridge, hot tea biscuits and back bacon would warm the workers at breakfast. A roast with fried potatoes, vegetables, pork and beans and various cakes and pies would finish their day. Many women from both Gravenhurst and the surrounding community helped in this operation. Teams of horses from all over the community and outlying areas also took part in the operation and any local farmer with a half of pork or a side of beef to sell might just make a sale to the ice

Company to feed this gang. Blocks of ice 36” long x 18” wide and 24” thick each weighing approximately 500 lbs. were cut from mile long strips of ice 10 feet wide stretching from Moody’s Bay to Pinedale. Blocks would be pushed down a canal chute (cut in the ice) to the western edge of the lake where a conveyor would load them onto horse drawn wagons. The wagons would exit the lake where the little parkette/boat launch is now at the end of Moody Drive. From there they would haul the ice to a large ice pen in C.N.R.’s gravel pit beside the Morgan Planing Mill down in the flat area where the Graeme Murray Arena sits now. The ice pen, about 180 feet long, 25 feet wide, 30 feet high was roofless. An old photograph of the pen shows blocks in a long line at least 10 blocks high. Sawdust to protect and preserve the ice was drawn from the Morgan Planing Mill just a few feet away. C.N. Rail had a little spur line down from the main line into the ice pit area. C.N. owned the land and had, for years, taken loads of gravel out of the pit area to maintain their rail lines. In the winter of ‘Ice Harvest’ empty rail cars were shuttled down to the pit constantly, each car filled with 40 tons of Gull Lake ice. Cars loaded with their 160 blocks of ice were hauled up onto the main line waiting for pick up and attachment to a departing train. This operation went on continuously every hour of the day for every day of the ice harvest. At peak as many as a dozen carloads per day were loaded with ice and hauled across the country and to C.N. yards in Capreol, Hornpayne, Toronto, Belleville, Midland and Collingwood. By 1948 the largest ice cutting contract ever let in Canada was awarded to The Perrie Boyd Ice Company here in Gravenhurst managed by Joe Ibbitson. Over a square mile of ice surface on Gull Lake was kept free of snow so a minimum of 6000 blocks a day could be harvested. At this peak harvest 120 names would be on the payroll. Men in the harvest would be paid $4.00 per day, two dollars more if they brought a team of horses . Many townspeople were in an uproar complaining that, “Perrie Boyd was taking so much ice from Gull Lake there wouldn’t be any water left in it come spring!” Men and teams of horses and wagons would swarm the lake well past the daylight hour. During the harvest, men wore special horse shoe clips on their boot heels to keep from slipping on the ice. Arches of ice dust flew in huge arcs’ from the cutting saws, while workers strove to achieve the required blocks of harvest for the day.

Continued on page 23

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The “Adult Colouring Book” craze is filling shelves at book stores and supermarkets all over the country. Advertising for this phenomenon promotes the activity to be relaxing and soothing for the soul! Whatever it is , it’s catching on like wildfire. Here at the Seniors Centre, several of the books have are available in the lounge and coffee area for members use and enjoyment. The results of that usage are just marvellous. So much colour, so much talent, patience and so much time. Drop in sometime and leaf through some of the magnificent work. It’s amazing. President Fred is spearheading efforts to take all that talent and art work to new heights here at The Centre. Perhaps an Art Show, an Art Exhibit, perhaps a special time and area set aside just for relaxing and colouring a picture. Unfortunately, our Newsletter is published in black and white only so a showing of some of this great art work in the publication would be worthless but we are working to get a “Collage Of Colour” section into the on-lime version of the “All About Us” newsletter for an up-coming edition so watch for that. Pictured above - Janet Lamorie, Patrick (Bear) Allen and Judy Sherman practice their skill and talent in the colouring books and I can tell you; they are good!

Allan Denne

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Happy Birthday &

Happy Anniversary

to all of our Members who celebrate in the months of

of June, July & August

Full Audiological Evaluations Batteries, Sales & Service

State of the Art Digital Hearing Aid Technology

Now Offering a Home Visit Program

Preeti Nichol, B.Sc., M.A., Audiologist Graham Cole, B.Sc., M.Aud, Audiologist

256 James Street Bracebridge, ON

Phone (705) 646-2227 Fax (705) 646-0150

muskoka.audiology@bellnet.ca

Your Hearing is Our Concern

We are the big white house with the red roof

located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge.

All of the staff here at Chartwell James Street strive to

exceed the expectations of our residents with all -

inclusive affordable services delivered with skill and

dedication. We offer a short stay program with all of the

same amenities and services that our permanent

residents enjoy. This can be for convalescing, respite for

care givers or perhaps a winter stay.

Chef Victoria continues to ‘wow’ everyone with her

culinary delights including a wide selection of meals

and desserts for everyone to enjoy.

Each month our calendar provides physical, emotional,

spiritual, intellectual and vocational activities to

stimulate the senses and ensure something for

everyone. Our library/bistro is often the meeting place

for residents to enjoy a cup of coffee, listen to some

music and provide a chance to connect with others.

There is so much to share, please call me for your

personal tour and lunch so that you can see for yourself.

I look forward to meeting you!

Lisa Edlington CHARTWELL JAMES STREET retirement residence

148 James Street, Bracebridge

705-645-1431 ledlington@chartwell.com

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A COLUMN WITH A CAUSE: Did anything happen for you in 1988 that you could use for a memory book? Grandchild born? Move into a new house? I can’t recall anything like that for the Fry family in 1988. In Gravenhurst, something happened that year which will continue to affect most of us for a long time. About 16 years earlier, 22 towns, townships and other recognized municipal structures were merged into six Area Municipalities, newly created to govern the District of Muskoka. In April one of these six, Gravenhurst, approached the Ontario Association of Architects for advice about concepts for development of its recently enlarged Municipality, with special concern about the harbour. In response, the OAA said the harbour could only be examined in relation to the remainder of the community. Enter, the CAUSE Committee! Its name came from its title, which was Community Assist for an Urban Study Effort. Designed to last less than a year, it was to assess structures and activities, aiming to keep what was good from Muskoka’s past and to add what might be better for the future. Mayor Holstock introduced the CAUSE team in September. Many issues had been examined, with the harbour and the future of the Hahne Farm at the top of the list. Businesses in the centre of town were concerned about the impact on them if stores relocated. Meanwhile, they urged that facades in the central blocks should be renovated. With help from a Steering Committee comprised of 10 Gravenhurst residents, the architects studied our town and prepared a report, including several lists of recommendations. For the harbour, they suggested park space, a hotel, residential accommodation, and a museum. Other ideas, included a yacht club and a community college. When Council considered moving the Town administrative offices to the harbour, also suggested in the report, opposition arose and that prospect quickly faded. With the thump of pile-drivers, and the throb of heavy machinery something began to take shape near the Bay. Behind property formerly occupied by Greavette’s Boats, a sports field, a children’s play area and an ice rink were constructed. The field was destined for multiple roles such as a weekly market, dock festivals, and rib-fests. The parking lots aimed to host boat and cottage shows. Restaurants rose near shore and boat docks. A boardwalk, with plantings native to Muskoka, led towards Grace and Speed, a museum honouring the history of steamboats and wooden boat builders. At a later time, a multi-storey hotel and condominiums offered new accommodation. The new label? Muskoka Wharf... The Report, submitted Oct. 3, 1988, included The Context of our community, in regional and historical terms, plus word on Residential, Commercial, Industrial, aspects of the geographical layout and Parks. Something that wasn’t mentioned extensively in CAUSE analysis was retail space. In one brief reference to “recent retail market studies” the team expressed agreement with “accommodating new retail space in the Harbour Area and the Central Business District”. When plans were released, there were many “footprints” available, for a large proposed increase in commercial opportunities. At the time the report was being written, a proposed development was in the news. It was to consist of three large towers crowning the high rock ridge above the square concrete industrial remnants near the bay, which had dominated the shoreline since World War I. As with press releases in Muskoka and throughout the world, action did not inevitably follow hopes. No blast of dynamite ever heralded the start of work on the top of the rock, so whether it might have influenced commercial activity near the shore will never be known. As for the Hahne Farm, CAUSE plumped for residential, with some public open space. They said any commercial face should be on Bethune Drive. The result is now known as Pine Ridge. If you stretch the definition of commercial a bit, and allow for a side branch of Bethune Drive, you could put the Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit into the equation.

The Health unit was to be a source of employment, as well as a conduit for health services. It wasn’t many years, however, before the discord between Muskoka and Parry Sound representatives on that body led the Province of Ontario to declare a misfit. As a result, most of the jobs evaporated. Muskoka was attached to Simcoe County’s Health Unit which resulted in one barely used building, the Gravenhurst Municipal Office. Beside it a Medical Centre soon moved in. Most communities focus their hopes on industry, which is what Gravenhurst started with, more than a century before, when its units of attraction were trees, waiting to be milled. Many varieties of industry operated later, but today few remain. Large factories, TB sanatoria, railway yards, ice cutters, resort hotels, all are memories. Partly replacing them are the folks who build, equip, decorate, maintain and repair the cottages and resorts which bring the customers our area. The Ontario Fire College, however, brought an educational institution into town.

Continued on page 18.

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Raymond & Bubba, two government mechanical engineers, were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking up. A woman walked by and asked what they were doing. “We're supposed to find the height of the flagpole,” said Bubba, “but we don't have a ladder.” The woman said, “Hand me that wrench out of your toolbox.” She loosened a few bolts, and laid the pole down. Then she took a tape measure from their toolbox, took a measurement, and announced, “Eighteen feet, six inches,” and walked away. Raymond shook his head and laughed. “Ain't that just like a Miss know-it-all woman! We ask for the height and she gives us the length!” Bubba and Ray are still working for the government.

Smile Theatre Presents & The Town of Gravenhurst Presents Remember That Song at the Seniors Centre

By Fred Schulz

Left to Right – Carol Macksey, Ruth Robertson, Mark Allan, Cara Pantalone and Lynn Quesnelle. On Thursday, April 7th, another excellent production was presented by Smile Theatre entitled Remember That Song written by Grant Tilly. An appreciate crowd enjoyed the story and mu-sical numbers performed by Mark Allan and Cara Pantalone as they took the audience mem-ber for a trip down memory lane singing some of the most popular songs over the decades. Smile Theatre has been entertaining seniors with professional musical theatre for forty years. It is through these presentations that they continue to bring the gift of music, theatre and smiles to many seniors.

The best way to eliminate kitchen odors is—to eat out!

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Line Dancing Classes every Monday afternoon at 1:30.

Come have some fun!

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******URGENT******

HOSTESSES/HOSTS NEEDED

Volunteer 7 hours a month

Regular and replacement

people required.

KEEP THE CLUB

RUNNING SMOOTHLY.

Contact -

Lynne Briden - 705-687-8527

GRAVENHURST SENIORS CENTRE MICHAEL LIPISKI AUDITORIUM

CAPACITY: Theatre Style: 180

Dining: 100

Ideal for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Funer-al Receptions, Stage Productions and Meetings

Kitchen Facilities and Stage available.

Also available: Meeting Rooms for smaller groups. Please call for rates: 705-687-8126 Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Subject: Senior Discount An elderly couple returned to a Mercedes dealership to find the salesman had just sold the car they were interested in to a beautiful, leggy, busty blonde. “I thought you said you would hold that car till we raised the $75,000 asking price.” Said the man. “Yet I just heard you closed the deal for $65,000 to that lovely young lady there. You insisted there could be no discount on the model.” “Well, what can I tell you? She had the ready cash, and just look at her, how could I resist?” Just then the young woman approached the old folks and handed them the keys. “There you go,” she said. “I told you I could get this joker to drop the price. See you later Grandpa.” Never mess with the elderly!

“My memory is gone honey, so I changed my password to “Incorrect.” That way when I log in with the wrong password, the computer will tell me… “Your pass-word is incorrect.”

A n article on page 24 of this edition addresses an issue that is critical not only to our Seniors Club, but to our community and to our society in

general. It has been written by Kathleen Powell on behalf of the Health & Well Being Committee of The Gravenhurst Seniors Club. Please take some time to read it. Comments and responses are welcomed.

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CULINARY CORNER

Here is a recipe taken right from the pages of the Purity Cook Book published by Purity Flour Mills Limited in 1932. Our copy is a 1945 revision. Apple or Rhubarb “Brown Betty”. ¾ cup brown sugar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt 3 cups chopped apple or rhubarb 2 cups fresh bread crumbs ¼ cup water (omit when using rhubarb) 1 lemon: juice & rind 2 tablespoons butter Mix together sugar, spices and salt. In a greased baking dish place in rotation layers of fruit, bread crumbs and sugar mixture. Mix water, lemon juice and grated rind together and pour over fruit layers. Dot with butter and bake in covered dish in moderate oven. (350 F.) for 40-45 minutes. Serve hot with or without cream.

CHERRY CRUNCH: Pre-heat oven to 350:

Crush finely 16 whole Graham wafers(1/2 pkg.) And put in large bowl. Add 1 1/3 cups brown sugar 1 cup melted butter (or margarine) 2 TBSP cinnamon Mix well then spread half of mixture into bot-tom of 8” or 9” square pan. Pour I tin of cher-ry pie filling on top and spread. Spread re-maining wafer mixture on top. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 . Serve with whip cream or ice cream.

Sweet and Delicious!

GARLIC SPARE RIBS:

Pre-heat oven to 350: 6 lbs Spare Ribs 1/2 cup vinegar 1 cup ketchup 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup soya sauce 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 small cloves of garlic (crushed) 1/2 TSP salt & pepper Put all the ingredients together, simmer 10 minutes. Put 1/2 the sauce on ribs and cook for one hour. Then put the rest on and cook 1/2 hour longer. Any left over sauce is delicious just poured on the ribs prior to eating!

SWEET POTATO FRIES: Pre-heat oven to 425 F.

3 large sweet potatoes. (about 1 1/2 lbs.) Peeled and cut into 2” slices. 2 tbsp. Olive Oil 1/4 cup light sour cream 1/4 cup lowfat plain yogurt 2 tsp. maple syrup 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag combine sweet potatoes, oil, and salt and pepper to taste; toss to coat. Place on a single layer on baking sheet . Bake for 20 minutes stirring after 10 min. Increase heat to 450 F and bake another 10 minutes.. Meanwhile, for dip, combine sour cream, yogurt, syrup and cinnamon in a small bowl. Serve fries with dip. Serves about 4.

195 Calories per serving.

There are lots of thing in life confusing L:ike higher scores in golf, yet losing? But the thing that really flips my wig is - How come “Hamburgers” got no PIG?

18 ALL ABOUT US

Stop in

For Breakfast

Take Lunch to Go

Full Menu Available

SUBWAY GRAVENHURST

351 TALISMAN DRIVE

Continued from page 13 CAUSE identified serious challenges with traditional industrial development, pointing out that it was unrealistic to consider competing with Barrie, that the labour pool was not large enough, and that level spaces able to accommodate clusters of industrial buildings plus room for trucks and parking, were scarce. They observed the local industrial park provided accommodation for small businesses, but few jobs, because many are staffed entirely by two or three people. The paragraph concluded “cottage industry could be encouraged”. Now, “cottage industry” usually means small scale production activity, but it could be applied to those trades people who fan out each morning to the winding roads. For the town overall, they commented on the heritage buildings, some with vintage stores, urging that these become a part of the attraction for tourists. Now, almost 30 years after the eyes and minds of CAUSE focussed on its earlier stage, we may wonder “Was their vision and advice sound and useful?” “Should we invite another talented group of outsiders to help us peer into the question marks of the future?” We’ve had various committees of enquiry and initiative, where they helpful? One hopes that the architects in CAUSE gained from their experience here. Of our Steering Committee, only two still survive and live here. At least two others live elsewhere; three are deceased and the status of the other two is unknown to me. However, the contribution of all has helped to guide the shape of the Gravenhurst of 2016. In almost two decades the number of stores and businesses trying their luck and skills by the Bay was never huge. Only one lasted much more than a decade, and that merchant closed a year or two ago. One or two others began there but moved uptown. The obvious challenge was a short season, combined with distance between the retail area and the docks for the Segwun and its siblings. If visitors arrived by bus, they left by bus, without strolling past shopping opportunities. Muskoka Wharf has settled into patterns. Is there a way to add to the residential utility and still increase seasonal income?

President Fred Schulz addressed his thanks and appreciation on behalf of The Gravenhurst Seniors Club to the many assembled Volunteers whom The Club feted with a “Thank You” luncheon on Friday, April 29th at the Centre. President Fred stressed that those Volunteers make up the back-bone of The Seniors Club and are the force that hold us together.

19 ALL ABOUT US

Grandson: “Grandma, is it true what you tell me about, ‘We all come from; and go back to, dust and ashes’?” Grandma. “Why yes, Grandson. Scriptures say we begin and end as dust! Why do you ask such a thing?” Grandson: “I think you should look under my bed Grandma, some ones either coming or going

THE LOU BURKE MEMORIAL SNOOKER CHALLENGE. Vera Burke was on hand at the Seniors Centre to congratulate the members who participated in the Lou Burke Memorial Snooker Challenge. Participants, from left to right were, Jim Tretheway, Jeff Childs, Larry Bartoloni, Peter Ayling (Vera Burke) Patrick (Bear) Allen, Bob Macksey, Moe Davis and Bruce Stephenson.

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POLICY CLARIFICATION

Membership: The policy states that for any activity in our Club, the person must be a member in good standing of USCO; that is, a current membership of a Senior’s Club that is affiliated with the “United Senior Citizens of Ontario”. Any group that does not wish to purchase memberships will be required to have a rental agreement, which will be reviewed each year, and approved by the Board of Directors. Any fund raisers such as Breakfasts, Luncheons, and Big Buck Bid Euchre Tournaments, and special groups: e.g. V.O.N. Smart Program exercise group, the O.S.G.A. 55+ (Ontario Senior Games) does not require membership to attend.

Power Outage: As soon as there is a power outage the staff or a Director is notified. (Directors to be called in order of listing on the contact sheet). Bathrooms are blocked and no one is allowed to use them. (Bathrooms available at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre next door, if necessary). If the power is still out after ½ hour, the same director is notified and will at that time make the decision to come to the GSAC so that the building can be closed after one hour of a power outage.

Inclement Weather and Bad Road Conditions: The Director in charge of the office that day will make the decision early in the morning re the necessity to close the building, Staff and Activity Leaders to be notified. If bad weather happens after the Staff has gone home, it will be up to the Activity Leaders to make the decision to close and notify the members of that activity.

Coffee: The Bottomless Cup: this had been voted on and passed in 2013, that it would be a

bottomless cup of coffee or tea for the present cost of $1.00. Styrofoam Cups & Lids: to be used if you are bringing your coffee/tea downstairs.

All drinks are to be kept away from the courts and billiard tables. Activities: It is up to each activity group to run their activity and to appoint someone to collect

the money for the centre and be the Leader. The club is not responsible for this with the exception of those activities that the club pays an instructor.

GUIDELINES FOR WHEN TO CALL AN AMBULANCE:

A person with: Chest pain/discomfort/tightness Difficulty breathing Confusion Signs of a stroke (difficulty speaking, moving, weakness on one side) Severe allergic reaction Head trauma or falls resulting in neck or back pain

A person that has fallen and cannot get up themselves An unconscious person A severe cut or wound Do not try to lift someone that has fallen, call the ambulance

**Never hesitate to call 911 if unsure of a person’s condition, injuries, or illness.

Updated & approved by the Board of Directors: June 9, 2014

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DID YOU KNOW THAT …………… Jim & Aileen Passmore celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary in April

2016 Habitat For Humanity salvage crew volunteers will safely remove reusable

products from your home or cottage for free! 2016 is the 150th Anniversary of Steam boating in Muskoka. Wenonah was

built and launched on Muskoka Bay in 1866. Tourism started then. Diabetics whose condition is controlled by oral medication do not require

home blood sugar monitoring. Anyone turning 90 in the next 12 months should contact our Editor, Cliff Flavell. - The BiFocals Band will be playing a concert at “Music On The Barge” on Sunday , June 19th. (Fathers Day). This will be the first concert of the season! - Doreen Forsythe has recently resigned her position as Sgt.. @ Arms of The Ladies Auxiliary of Royal Canadian Legion Br. 302 in Gravenhurst. Doreen had held that post for 50 years; sine 1966.

22 ALL ABOUT US

It was everything green on St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17th at the Seniors Centre when another “Special Holiday Social” was held in the Living room and Lounge area from 9:30 a.m. until 12 noon. Approximately, thirty people gathered to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while the sounds of the Irish Rovers echoed through the Livingroom. Special St. Patrick’s Day delicious Irish themed home baking was prepared by Aileen Passmore, Lynn Quesnelle and Lynne Briden that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in attendance. The usual games of guess the number of candies in the jar and a St. Patrick’s Day maze were available for those who felt like participating in the games. Giving the popularity of both the Groundhog Day and St. Patrick’s Day social celebrations at the Centre, future celebrations are definitely in the plans as the next holiday approaches.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Centre By Fred Schulz

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Continued from Page 10 By the mid 1950’s electric refrigeration happened. It became readily available and C.N. Rail adapted many of their rail facilities to this new invention. The Ice harvest fell into decline. Ontario Department of Highways built a fancy new highway up through Gravenhurst called “Bethune Drive” and the access to the ice pit from Gull Lake was restricted. By 1957 the ice harvest had diminished to 11,000 tons and in 1958 Joe Ibbitson made the last cut of ice from Gull Lake. A couple of years later C.N. removed the last of the stored ice from the ice pen. I suppose you could say the ice harvest ‘melted’. But it was fun and for those three months every year a carnival atmosphere prevailed over the town of Gravenhurst. People would gather on the ice on the weekend to watch the men and horses. Though they never worked on Sunday the horses would parade in their finest. Families whose husband/father worked in the harvest would visit and a fine old time would be had! Ice from right here in Gravenhurst was shipped to C.N. Rail depots all across the country, to resorts all up and down the lakes and to ice boxes in homes throughout Muskoka. Ice from vendors who bought their ice from The Perrie Boyd Ice Company, right here in Gravenhurst. Acknowledgments:

(1) Newspaper reports from 1948 suggested

the Ice Harvest Contract with C.N. Rail to be 396,000 tons of ice. This appears

to be erroneous as 396,000 of ice would have taken about 240 days. The contract

likely called for 100,000 tons, (396,000

blocks).

(2) Much of this story is developed from an

interview conducted by Fred Schultz with Phyllis Ibbitson, the daughter of the late

Mary & Perrie Boyd and widow of the late Joe Ibbitson. Her insight,

knowledge, memories and input from

that era of Gravenhurst’s history was critical to this piece.

(3) Judy Humpfries, who chairs the much

unheralded Gravenhurst Achieves was a

major contributor also, locating and preparing newspaper clippings and

summarizing a basic agenda of the ice

harvesting activity..

Allan Denne.

Answers To PUZZLE on page 7: Answers ACROSS Answers DOWN 1 Meetings 2 Snooker 3 Gay Coon 3 Garry Cockburn 4 Workshop 5 Kathleen 6 Friday 7 Yoga 8 Roy Kerr 8 Rob Gifford 9 Health & Well Being 10 Lorne Robertson 11 Carol 13 Aileen Passmore 12 Membership 15 Darts 14 Aileen 19 Lillian 16 Bob Macksey 21 Ruth 17 Ron Belfry 23 Kergon 18 Powell 26 Age 20 John Mowery 22 Euchre 24 Pat Wright 25 Newsletter 27 Gillan 28 Lynn 29 Bingo

THAT SAME BOILING WATER

THAT SOFTENS THE POTATO

HARDENS THE EGG.

ITS WHAT YOUR MADE OF,

NOT THE CIRCUMSTANCES

24 ALL ABOUT US

APPROACH TO ‘KIND’ BEHAVIOUR. Part of our Health and Well Being, is our emotional and spiritual health. These are very important factors in our general health, as one balances the other. Our sense of well-being, self- esteem and self-worth are greatly affected by our relationships with our family, friends and co-workers. These relationships can bring us great joy and gratification, or they can sometimes bring us emotional pain or sadness. It is important that we take a look at how we welcome our wonderful new members to The Seniors Club. Lillian has told us we have 55 ‘New’ members so far this year. We do not always see ourselves as others see us. Sometimes there can be unkind behaviour, that we are unaware of, or behaviour that we think is acceptable, but, it causes some discomfort for others. You will notice that there are little signs placed here and there in the Centre, that are reminders of being kind and some have a bit of humour attached. The board has received some concerns and comments about some negative behaviour in our midst. It is not something that we are able to tolerate as acceptable in our club. We thought that it might be good just to review a few examples, that are unfortunately all too common in our negative human behaviour: Insults or belittling jokes; Spreading rumours or whispering when the person enters a room; Invading a person’s “personal space”; Criticizing or ridiculing physical or mental disabilities; Offensive gestures or facial expressions. Now, we know that we get into routines and cliques with people whom we have befriended or feel comfortable with. We may save a spot at the table for friends and there is nothing wrong with that, as long as we are aware of new members around us, who may not be as sure of themselves in the new environment and may need a welcoming seat at your table. Introduce yourselves, if you do not know the person. This is our home and these people are a new part of our Senior’s Club family. We want everyone to feel welcomed and at Home here.

Our Club reputation should be one of warmth and friendship and a place to relax and enjoy one another. By getting to know the new parties, we may find talents and abilities that would help to strengthen our Club and make it more enjoyable. New ideas do not always have to replace old ones, they can complement what we already have. I took this description of negative behaviour, from an article entitled: “Coping with Older Adult Bullying in Senior Communities”. I preferred to entitle my talk as Encouraging Kind Behaviour, but the long and the short of it is, you cannot candy coat bullying. We cannot imagine that this could be part of adult behaviour and we think of this as being a childhood problem. Keep in mind there is zero tolerance in schools where this behaviour may occur. It could be that our bullying is more sophisticated as adults, but there is still a zero tolerance as adults. Ellen Degeneres ends her show every day with the simple request: “Be kind to one another.” It is a good approach to life and one from which we would all benefit. If you happen to observe negative or unkind behaviour, and you do not feel comfortable in approaching the person, please feel free to let our club president Fred Schulz know and he will help. Let us have a very healthy and happy experience at our beautiful centre and enjoy one another at the same time.

Kathleen Powell

25 ALL ABOUT US

Gentle Earwax Removal

Hearing Tests

Hearing Aid Evaluations, Sales and Repairs

Discounts on Batteries

Custom Noise Protection & Swim Plugs

Kimberley Marshall,

B.A., M.CI.Sc Audiologist

Free Hearing Aid Cleaning 118 Kimberley Ave., Bracebridge Tel: 705 645 3455

A little silver haired lady called her neigh-bour and asked, “Can you come over right away and help me. I have a killer jig-saw puzzle, and I can’t figure out how to get it started.” Neighbour asks, “What is it supposed to be when it’s finished?” “According to the picture on the box, it’s a rooster.” She replies. Neighbour goes over to help. She lets him in and shows where she has the puzzle spread all over the table. He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, turns to her and says. “First of all, we are never going to assemble these pieces into resembling a rooster.” He takes her hand soothingly and says, “Secondly, just relax. Let’s have a nice cup of tea and then,” he said with a deep sigh, “Let’s put all the Corn Flakes back in the box.”

26 ALL ABOUT US

180 Brock St., Gravenhurst P1P 1X2 705-687-2207 Fax 705-687-3995

Steve Vandermolen Pharmacist/Owner

Seniors Day every Tuesday

Special 10% Discount

YOUR FULL HOME HEALTH CARE STORE . Bathroom safety . Rentals . Rollators . Back Braces . Walkers . Support Braces . Support Stockings . Diabetic and Ostomy Supplies

“Your Store for Low Prices Instore Pharmacy”

Terry & Susan Candow Owner/Operators

290 First St. North

Gravenhurst, ON. P1P 1H3 PH: 705-687-0554 Fax: 705-687-0720

Tender Tuesdays Chicken tenders/wedges

Stop in to see us for all your home, garden, paint

and giftware needs.

Gravenhurst Home Hardware

1170 Muskoka Road Phone: (705) 687 - 3479

www.homehardware.ca

Owned and operated by Ian & Tara McNaughton

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

For More Information Call

KIM BEIGHTON

Home Health Care Dept.

27 ALL ABOUT US

99

We wouldn’t be here without the support of our neighbours. So it feels good to return the favour. That’s why

your local Gravenhurst Tim Hortons are proud to be part of this great

community.

Mister Roberts

Seniors’ Discounts on

Tuesdays through Thursdays

705-687-5400

275 KINGSWOOD DRIVE

GRAVENHURST

HAIR DESIGN

Gary W. Rolston Investment Advisor

2-140 First Street South Gravenhurst, Ontario

705-687-0630

ANNUAL GIC RATES 1 YEAR 1.80% 2 YEARS 1.90% 3 YEARS 2.05% 4 YEARS 2.15% 5 YEARS 2.40%

Rates as of November 20, 2015. Subject to change and availability All GICs provided by CDIC Member Firms RRSPs, RRIFs, Cashable GICs, TFSAs

29 plus tax

$3

TUESDAY

SPECIAL

28 ALL ABOUT US

CENTRE CLOSED

FRIDAY: July 1st. CANADA DAY MONDAY: Aug. 1st.. CIVIC HOLIDAY MONDAY: Sept. 5th. LABOUR DAY

2nd. QUARTER GENERAL MEETING

Friday, June 10th, 1:30 p.m. Speaker from Muskoka Travel

SENIORS LUNCHEONS

Friday, June 24th, 12:00 noon Sunday; Aug. 14th. SENIORS Annual BBQ

GRAVENHURST HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY HORTICULTURE EXECUTIVE: Mon: June 6th. 2 pm

HORTICULTURE GENERAL: Tues. June 21st. 7.30 pm HORTICULTURE CLUB

ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16TH.

OPEN HOUSE: 2 TO 4 pm.

SMILE THEATRE Gravenhurst Seniors Centre

Friday: June 17th. 2 pm.. “CANADA IN LOVE”

ZONE 39

MONDAY: SEPT. 12th. Humphrey Active Seniors# 1530

Luncheon 12:00 noon. General Meeting 1:00 p.m.

58th Annual Convention: United Senior Citizens of Ontario.

Cambridge Hotel & Conference Centre. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Aug. 8th, 9th and 10th

BIG BUCK BID EUCHRE Wednesday, July 27th - 10:30 a.m.

MUSIC ON THE BARGE

Sunday, June 19th - 7:30 p.m.

Please Note: Activities and events are subject to change.

COMING EVENTS

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