Table of Contents President’s Overview……………………………………………………………….. ............. 2 Personnel .................................................................................................................................. 3 Organization Chart ................................................................................................................... 4 GWSA Income & Expenses 2013-2014 .................................................................................. 5 GWSA Budget 2014-2015 ……..………………………………………………………….… 6 Thanks To Our Contributors……… ………………………………………………………. 7 Advocacy Committee Report ................................................................................................... 8 Executive Committee Report………………..……………………………………………….. 9 Book Nook Report ................................................................................................................... 9 Finance Committee Report ...................................................................................................... 10 Food Services Advisory Committee Report ............................................................................ 11 Fundraising/Special Events Report .......................................................................................... 12 Zehrs Tapes .............................................................................................................................. 12 Governance Committee Report................................................................................................ 13 GWSA Services Advisory Committee Report ......................................................................... 14 Human Resources Committee Report………………………………………………………. 16 Information Technology (IT) Coordinator’s Report ................................................................ 17 Nominating Committee Report……………………………………………………………… 17 Membership, Marketing & Communications Committee Report............................................ 18 Program Committee Report ..................................................................................................... 19 Sentinel Operations Report ……………………….………………………………………….20 Travel Committee Report ........................................................................................................ 21 Volunteer Advisory Committee Report ................................................................................... 22 Webmaster’s Report…............................................................................................................. 23 City of Guelph Staff Report ..................................................................................................... 24 The Way Ahead ....................................................................................................................... 25 1 President’s Overview I n conjunction with the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association, this Annual Report provides an overview of the past year’s activities and achievements of the Board of Directors on behalf of the membership. The Board of Directors’ continuing goal is to make all activities and events that the Association engages in, foster and enhance our mission which is “to empower Older Adults to be active, to be involved and to age successfully.” Funding is always a challenge for our non-profit organization. In the past year activity groups were asked to increase their fees to help GWSA pay the rent and other expenses which continue to rise with each year. As well, furniture and computers age and need to be replaced. New activities come onto the scene and old ones expand; both require funding. The federal government gave GWSA a New Horizon grant of $22,000 to purchase new canoes for the very active canoe club, add lighting and filters for the skylights for the Art in the Halls art gallery, purchase 50 new card tables, and funds to market skating. The United Way funding has continued, enabling the GWSA to continue and expand the exercise groups in the community and to bring isolated seniors from the community to outreach programs, as well as providing an excellent education series twice a year which is always booked within days of announcing the series. We are sincerely grateful for their support. As a non-profit charitable organization, we must adhere to government laws and consequently there are two initiatives that the Governance Committee has researched and kept the GWSA abreast of. One is the accessibility legislation that will be enacted and the more pressing Not for Profit legislation. A new bylaw is being presented to the AGM to conform to the provincial legislation. Finally, the Community Benefit Agreement signed for an initial two years is a new initiative between the City of Guelph and the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association. It recognizes the unique partnership that exists between the two and has set it out in print. The GWSA was one of the first organizations in Guelph to enter into the agreement. As part of the CBA with the City of Guelph, the GWSA has started new evening programming during weekdays. This is to attract older adults who are still in the work force and to allow for new activities that cannot find daytime space. At this time, I would like to remember Pierre Desmarais, the past president who passed away suddenly last summer, and acknowledge the tremendous contribution that he made to the GWSA over his three terms. In conclusion, may I say that the goal of the Board of Directors is to find great new members for the association, the Board, and its committees so that the GWSA can continue to offer quality programming to older adults. 2 Personnel B oard of Directors President Vice-President Past-President Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Treasurer Secretary Senior Services Manager Judith Carson David Wrathall Ross Coulter Ken Chupa Toni Crowther Dorothe Fair Marg Hedley George Hughes Joan Ksenych Jean McClelland Ken Russell Barry Scutt Geraldine Desmarais Jennifer Blackie Wendy Kornelsen . C ity of Guelph Staff that work directly with the GWSA: Lynne Briggs Wendy Kornelsen Becky MacDonald Jocelynn Desroches Jocelyn Pedersen Maggie Evans/Tracy Benson Kim Barton Part-Time Staff: Janice Walls and Emma Balaban Lorne Wollis and Audrey Pearl Susan Neilson, Mary Loudon and Valerie Hawkins Manager of Partnerships and Inclusion: City of Guelph representative Manager of Senior Services: Board Member, Executive, Advocacy, Governance, Finance, Community Support Services Advisory Committees Coordinator of Volunteer Services: Volunteer Advisory Committee, Variety Show Committee, Travel Committee Chef: Food Services Advisory Committee Seniors Program & Partnership Development Coordinator: Program Committee Customer Service Clerk: Membership & Marketing Committee Facility Cleaner – assisting with room set-ups, cleaning and maintaining of GWSA physical assets Back Up Chefs Cleaners Facility Co-ordinators 3 Organization Chart BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Advocacy Committee Program Committee Travel Committee Nominating Committee Finance Committee Governance Committee Food Services Advisory Committee Volunteer Advisory Committee GWSA Services Advisory Committee Membership, Marketing & Communications The & Marketing The Committee Sentinel 4 Human GWSA Services Resources Advisory Committee Committee GWSA Income and Expenses 2013-2014 5 GWSA Budget 2014-2015 Income 40000 · Membership Fees 40100 · Donations 40200 · Interest Income 40300 · Other Income 40500 · HST Retained (40%) 42000 · Community Support Services 43000 · Activity Groups - Taxable 44000 · Activity Groups - Non-Taxable 46000 · Sentinel Newsletter 60,000.00 3,500.00 2,500.00 2,280.00 7,000.00 172,851.00 41,395.00 3,996.00 28,720.00 47000 · Travel Group 55,000.00 377,242.00 Total Income 377,242.00 Gross Profit Expense 60010 · Annual General Meeting 60015 · Audit/Accounting 60020 · Bank Charges 60025 · Conferences 60030 · Consulting Fees 60035 · GWSA Board Expense 60040 · GWSA Computer Expense 60045 · Charitable Donations 60050 · Equipment Repairs 60100 · Insurance 60150 · Lease - COG 60155 · Disbursement - COG 60200 · Membership & Marketing 60210 · Membership Dues 60220 · Office Expense 60230 · Off-site Storage 60300 · Volunteer Expense 62000 · CS Services Expense 63000 · Activity Grps - Taxable 64000 · Activity Grps - Non-Taxable 66000 · Sentinel Expense 67000 · Travel Group Expense 1,200.00 10,000.00 600.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 7,000.00 300.00 10,400.00 55,000.00 8,000.00 11,875.00 600.00 2,500.00 2,000.00 1,500.00 172,851.00 3,450.00 25.00 26,870.00 43,000.00 90000 · Capital Expenditure 8,071.00 377,242.00 Total Expense 0.00 6 Thanks to Our Contributors Activity Group Group President Net Contribution Art in the Hall Mary Kroetsch Badminton Club Eleanor Stern 3,619.38 Book Club Vionna Maye 353.98 Bridge Club Joan Smith/JohnnyHrico 3,893.81 Bridge /Improving Connie Budarick 1,255.76 Bunka Mary Porter 453.12 Canasta Group ‐ 278.45 Canoe Club Ken Fugler 300.89 Chess Club David Wurr 200.00 Computer Activities Group Gord Clegg 821.98 Crafts Judy Montgomery/Joan Bleach 12,947.51 Cribbage Group Elaine Miller 2,200.00 265.49 Dart Club Gord Knox Euchre (Monday) Don Quant/Sandra Rennick 1,500.00 Euchre (Wednesday) Audrey Young 411.00 Euchre/Bid (Thursday) Ken Johnson 3,090.56 Euchre (Friday) Ray Barnes 1,761.32 Golf Club Ken Hills 1,744.30 Guelph Porcelain Artists Marion Kuti 200.00 Hearing Improvement Marianne Matthews 44.25 Line Dancers Irma Armstrong 2,834.78 Mah Jong Club Georgia Taylor 167.00 Peer Learning Malcolm Coutts 555.98 Photography Club Jean McClelland 22.23 Pickleball Garry Dagenais Quilting Beryl Drohan See Crafts, above Scrabble Club Paul Brummer 439.50 Shuffleboard Group Jean Campbell/Veronica Fowler 1,000.00 Silvertones Senior Choir Darlene Pembleton Silver Seven Skaters Sharon O'Sullivan 176.99 ‐582.54 ‐21.79 Ski Group Ted Prichard 80.00 Snooker Club Earl Hayward 979.68 Solo Club John Hofstee 300.00 Table Tennis Club Cecil Carnochan 1,769.91 Texas Hold Em Poker Mike Rooke 530.97 Walking Club Brenda Langham 510.97 Watercolour Painters Club Elaine Ferdinandi 442.48 West End Art Group Rhonda Steeves 477.88 Writer's Club Ross Coulter 243.36 TOTAL 45,269.20 GWSA Corporate Donors for the period Stevenson & Hunt Insurance 50 MS2 Productions 50 Bell 911 250 Parada Dentures 480 Dr. Samir K. Sinha Medicine 500 Norfolk Street United Church 10,000 $11,330 7 Advocacy Committee Report Dorothe Fair - Chair Ken Chupa Toni Crowther Kerry Detlor Ken Russell Jennifer Blackie Wendy Kornelsen Always working with your best interests in mind! T he Advocacy Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the GWSA (Guelph Wellington Seniors Association) Board of Directors. Its mission is to recommend methods and means by which the interests of GWSA members can be furthered by working with all branches of government, public services, and community organizations to bring financial security, better health care, and valuable products and services to our members. The committee meets monthly to review proposed government legislation, local issues, and other public developments that may impact seniors. The Advocacy Committee is currently involved with the Board’s Strategic Plan assisting in identifying certain ‘needs’ our members have that perhaps the GWSA cannot meet but certain community organizations could provide services such as Housing, Wellness, Accessibility and Transportation. Also, the Advocacy Committee has been working with the Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA) to enhance access to our City’s services for older adults and their families in the downtown centre of Guelph. Another ‘Advocacy’ initiative is to use the GWSA Board website to communicate to Senior Adults all the resources and supports that are available in the Guelph/Wellington area. Advocacy Committee Highlights 2013-2014 Working with the Downtown Guelph Business Association to enhance the downtown experience for seniors. Representing seniors on the planning committee for the 55+ Seniors Games – June 2-13th, 2014. Representing seniors on the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Community Plan 2014-2019. Attending numerous community information sessions: - Liz Sandals and Frank Valeriote public interest events - Display/information tables at various events like Retiring in Style, Old Quebec Street Mall, and GGH. Advocacy Committee Goals 2014-2015: Coordinating an October 2014 All-Candidates information session at the Evergreen Centre. Sponsoring an information session on HOARDING. Using the GWSA website to share issues of interest and concerns with all seniors. 8 Executive Committee Report David Wrathall Ken Russell T Judith Carson - Chair Wendy Kornelson Geraldine Desmarais Margaret Hedley Jennifer Blackie he Executive Committee met three times this year to discuss pressing issues and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The major issue facing the Board was the resignation of the Treasurer effective in the Spring. The Treasurer is a key part of the organization and Geraldine Desmarais provided outstanding service for over five years. As the position is a demanding one, it took some time to find a replacement. Also, the committee needed to recommend to the Board how to proceed regarding matters relating to the Community Benefit Agreement undertaken with the City of Guelph as well as two governance issues: the Not for Profit legislation and the Accessibility Act. The Board was provided with timely input from the Executive Committee. Book Nook Report Chris Fraser - Librarian Joan Ksenych Eleanor Harrison Eileen Webb Frank Witchey Louisa Santin Pierre Lauriault Wes Anderson Ginny Hammill Gail McIntosh Bob Waddell Helen Waddell W e thank all the above volunteers for their faithful service in keeping the library running in an efficient manner and always having the library kept neat and tidy. The committee would like to thank Elaine Norris for her many years of faithful service as Librarian for the Book Nook. Elaine has now moved away from Guelph and since January, 2014 Chris Fraser has assumed this position. In March 2014 a new signing out system was implemented. It is now done alphabetically by the book title. This saves our volunteers a lot of time checking off books that have been returned. There is a good selection of magazines that have been sponsored by the Guelph Denture Clinic. They are in plastic folders on the table for members to enjoy, while past editions are on the magazine rack and may be signed out. Also there is always a jigsaw puzzle on the table for members to enjoy. The Book Nook holds a book sale twice a year, in April and November, with the proceeds from these sales enabling us to purchase new books for the library. 9 Each month Chris writes the Book Nook column in the Sentinel to recommend new books for the members to enjoy. It is hoped many members will come into the Book Nook. It is situated overlooking the river so it is a very peaceful place to come in and browse or sit and read for a while. Finance Committee Report Geraldine Desmarais, Chair Eleanor Stern, Secretary Wendi Hake David Pinkney Randy Taylor Wendy Kornelsen Dorothe Fair A s Chair of the Finance Committee, this has been a challenging one for me with the passing of my husband, the past Association President, Pierre. I have had the wonderful support of the Finance Committee and Board of Directors, but this will be the last time I will be writing this report as the Board has accepted my resignation immediately following the AGM. The Finance Committee has been established to advise and assist the GWSA Board and its Treasurer in the development and monitoring of: Financial Policies and Procedures of the GWSA Financial Operations of all Activities and Services of the GWSA The Finance Committee meets at 9:30am on the second Thursday of each month throughout the year, at which time it reviews the financial statements for the previous month and determines whether any capital expenditure recommendations should be brought to the Board. At its December meeting it reviews insurance coverage for the GWSA and in January and February the Committee prepares a balanced budget for the ensuing fiscal year for approval by the Board, a copy of which is included in the Annual Report. Our Association completed the year in a positive position. Throughout the year the Board of the GWSA, on recommendations of the Finance Committee, approved the following: Purchase of 6 new computers to replace 6 obsolete ones Increase in some equipment rental rates so as to be more in line with current market conditions. Input into the new Community Benefits Agreement with the City of Guelph Review of funding sources for Grants Many thanks go out to our Activity Groups, Special Event Groups, Sentinel publishers, Travel Group and others who generate extra funds to enable us to keep our assets up to date and fulfill our Mission Statement. 10 Food Services Advisory Committee Report Inger Tonkin – Chair Sandra McMaster Valerie Hawkins Tom Gordon Shirley Dennis Mary Henderson Betty Wilson-McGee Joan Ksenych (Board Representative) Staff – Jocelynn Desroches, Wendy Kornelsen A ccomplishments: Provided meals to the GWSA Outreach program at Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, West End Community Centre, St. Paul’s Church, McMaster Outreach at West End. Began Partnership with GWSA and Diabetes Care Guelph to prepare all food for the monthly food tasting sessions Planned successful special event dinners: Roast Beef Dinner – Friday evening which provided an opportunity to share a meal together (outside of regular dining service operating hours), and to introduce new people to the Community Centre. A “tea room” was provided at the community Attic Treasure Sale. Catering – Liz Sandals New Members Receptions Fashion Show May 2014 Goals for the Year Ahead: Recruitment of a volunteer food analyst Craft Sale Community Tea / Fall Provide beverage and food sales options at special events. 11 Fundraising/Special Events T hroughout the year, volunteers from the activity groups and ad hoc committees work together to organize the different events listed below. Art Fest: Members from all GWSA art groups hosted an Art Show in 2013 and contributed $144.00 to the GWSA from the proceeds raised. Spookarama (Bid Euchre Tournament): The Bid Euchre Activity Group hosted their annual special Halloween tournament. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped set up and take down in the auditorium and tracking scores. Thank you to those who supported the event and provided donations as well as those who participated and help raise $410.00 for the GWSA. Donated Books and Puzzles: $ 536.00 was raised from puzzles, $481.00 was raised from selling dollar books, and $559.70 was raised from selling paperback books at the front counter for the GWSA. The total for all 3 items: $1576.70. Craft Group: The craft group no longer offers a GWSA bazaar. The Craft group participated in the City’s Community Craft Sale as well as the Rummage Sale. The activities listed above are due to the generous and committed volunteers working alongside City of Guelph and Evergreen Seniors Community Centre staff. Thank you to all our fabulous volunteers for your ongoing dedication and efforts. You are an asset to the team! Zehrs Tapes B ased on previous years, we had budgeted a sum of $1,500 to be contributed from the Zehrs Tape Program. Much to our dismay, at the end of 2013 Zehrs discontinued this program, and we anticipated that we would fall short of our goal. However when this discontinuation was announced our members, their friends and families dug deep into coat pockets and searched high and low, turning in all outstanding tapes. As a result we exceeded our target with a grand total of $2,092.00! Wonderful – give yourselves a pat on the back. 12 Governance Committee Report Marg Hedley A Ken Chupa, Chair Wendy Kornelsen Jennifer Blackie couple of significant accomplishments were achieved by the Governance Committee in 2014: Working together with the Human Resources Management committee, we created a Human Resources Policy and Procedure manual. Developed a new By-law for the GWSA. It was time to modernize our current By-law, which was written 25 years ago. Also, there is the new Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act to consider. The GWSA members will be asked to approve the new By-law at the AGM in June 2014. New policies and procedures were developed as required by the Board. This is an ongoing Committee responsibility. Developed the terms of reference for a new committee of the board for Special Events and Projects Support of Accessibility Legislation Updated our policy relating to participation in research projects Goals for 2014: Review all the GWSA policies and procedures. We do this every 5 years, plus we need to make them consistent with the proposed By-law. Develop accessibility policies that comply with the new provincial Integrated Accessibility Standards. These government requirements are being phased in over several years, and we have until January 2017 to complete our work. Develop new policies and procedures as required Continue to refine the Organization Checklist Investigate and review specific matters as and when requested by the Board 13 GWSA Services Advisory Committee Report Margaret Hedley - Chair Teresa McKeeman Ken Russell Wendy Wiman Wendy Kornelsen Kathy Brown Lynne Roodbol, Sister Pat Valeriote ( to June, 2013) Pat Gage Maryanne Wilford Kathy Savage Ivor Wright Pierre Desmarais (to July, 2013) Lionel Churchill (to June, 2013) G WSA Community Support Services (CSS) GWSA Community Support Services are made available through the financial support of the United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin, and support the mission of the GWSA to empower older adults to remain active, involved, and to age successfully. A range of innovative, senior peer led service programs are offered through GWSA CSS. They support individuals who have difficulty accessing services in the community because of barriers such as limited income, functional decline due to changes in health, cultural and linguistic differences, isolation, limited support, lack of transportation and a lack of appropriate programming. We are grateful for the support of our volunteer team who provide front-line service delivery. While the thanks are all ours, many CSS volunteers tell us they appreciate the opportunity to give back to their community in ways which lend focus and purpose to their retirement years. In 2013-2014, CSS volunteers contributed a total of 1845 hours of volunteer service and, together with staff, helped 577 individuals through the Community Support Service Programs which include Seniors Offering Support, Feeling Better Eat Well (Nutritional Support), Feeling Better Move Well (Gentle Exercise), and the Outreach Half-Day Outing. Partnerships and Accomplishments GWSA CSS helps stretch our financial support and build resiliency in all areas of service delivery through collaborations and partnerships. We were able to expand both our programs and volunteer base in 2013-2014. Noteworthy accomplishments included: In June, CSS collaborated in the GWSA Healthcare Forum "My Healthcare: Seniors in Control" which featured a banner lineup of guest speakers providing participants with valuable information regarding transformation in our healthcare system. A generous donation from the Norfolk Street United Church Legacy Fund provided the opportunity to fulfill a longstanding goal to expand operating days into the summer months for the Outreach Program. In honour of Wilma Rose who acted for many years as volunteer coordinator, the “Rose Days” program was launched in July, 2013 with a total attendance of 61 participants. CSS also wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the following in the delivery of the Outreach Program: The City of Guelph, West End Community Centre; St. Paul's Lutheran Church; Stone Lodge by Revera and The Village of Riverside Glen Two new group exercise locations were launched in the City's West End, offering peer supported, gentle exercise, bringing the total to 8 locations. These tailor-made exercise programs support a range of abilities and can be performed at one's own level. 14 In recognition of Chinese New Year's, we were proud to partner again with the dining room, Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington and members of our local Chinese Seniors Community to offer a delicious traditional meal. A collaborative agreement with McMaster University and Diabetes Care Guelph saw the launch of an academic research pilot in 2013. Built on the successful model of the Outreach Program, the program of support is for older adults with Diabetes. The popular CSS Education Series was offered again at the West End Community Centre and the Evergreen and brought informative sessions from academic and health professionals. A total of 14 sessions were held addressing a diverse range of topics from better sleep to skills for better balance and ways to optimize eye health. Volunteers and staff from Seniors Offering Support continued to mentor the Toronto based Serbians Citizens of the World for their telephone support line for Serbian seniors. A partnership agreement with Diabetes Care Guelph was extended for the ongoing delivery of the nutritious and tasty treats offered each month by the Eat Well Program and for professional support to the Diabetes Support Group. A collaboration with Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health helped support 9 Food Demonstration sessions in which participants appreciated learning new ways to eat well in a relaxed and fun social setting. The CSS whiteboard was hosted each month by a different service provider, with a goal to bring reputable and accurate information to our community. Last year we learned just how much sugar is in the foods we eat and why we need to pay attention to carbohydrates, through to the work of agencies such as the Alzheimer Society of Guelph Wellington, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Hearing Society, Osteoporosis Canada and Hospice Wellington. As CSS moves forward, our goals are to grow and develop our work with our volunteer team and network of service providers to remain responsive to the needs of the community of older adults and caregivers we serve. Finally, we wish to acknowledge and thank members of the CSS Advisory Committee who through their professional and volunteer responsibilities bring tremendous support and focus to the services we offer. Although we very much miss the expertise and input of Pierre Desmarais as a key advisor, we know he would be very proud of our achievements. Maryanne Wilford, Manager GWSA Community Support Services Pat Gage, Administrative Assistant GWSA Community Support Services Margaret Iutzi, Coordinator Feeling Better Move Well Program Paula Frappier, Coordinator Outreach Program Nancy Ebel, Coordinator Feeling Better Eat Well Program 15 Human Resources Committee Report Marg Hedley Wendi Hake Judith Carson - Chair Wendy Kornelsen Ken Chupa Pierre Desmarais (to July, 2013) Geraldine Desmarais Maryanne Wilford T he GWSA Human Resources Management Committee provides oversight for contract and paid employees with the GWSA. The Committee had a busy first year managing ongoing responsibilities related to GWSA employees and contract staff, while at the same time as a new Committee of the GWSA, handling organizational responsibilities and the development of its Terms of Reference. A major focus was a comprehensive review and amendment of GWSA Policies related to human resources management. The committee worked closely with the Governance Committee and also hired an external consultant to ensure the GWSA as an employer has properly addressed its liabilities, statutory and human rights requirements. This work will continue as the GWSA meets its requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. To accompany the amendments to GWSA Policies, a first draft of a Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual for Employees and Contract Staff was developed and is currently under review. At the close of the fiscal year, March 31, 2014, the Human Resources Management Committee provided supervisory support for 3 employees and 2 contract staff with the Community Support Services and 3 staff who receive honorariums. 16 Information Technology (IT) Co-ordinator’s Report Ken Chupa, IT Co-ordinator We continued to update the computer lab at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre. Four desktop computers were replaced by new computers running the Windows 8 operating system. Computer courses are conducted in the lab. At all other times, the room is open and available for personal use such as browsing the internet, checking email, and Skypeing with friends and family. The computer lab is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Wireless (wi-fi) connection to the internet is available throughout the Evergreen Centre building. Thus, you can use your own laptop, tablet, or smartphone to stay connected while at the Centre. The GWSA uses information technology in the daily operations of the association. We have computers and printers in the Community Support Services office. Two of these computers were replaced in the past year. Also, we have several laptop computers which are available to activity groups and board members as needed. Nominating Committee Report Ross Coulter Judith Carson – Chair David Wrathall Ken Russell Becky MacDonald R ecruiting directors for the Board of the GWSA is a task that takes a great deal of time. It is a way to meet talented members of the organization as they are scouted and interviewed. Asking people to dedicate themselves to a three-year term on the Board of Directors requires good communication and persuasion skills. And, as some directors are forced to resign before the completion of their terms, recruiting directors is a regular function for the committee. The Nominating Committee is always happy to receive recommendations from GWSA members for potential directors to the Board through the Board Secretary. Directors need to be team players, be computer literate, be able to attend monthly Board meetings on a regular basis, participate in or lead one of the Board committees, have ideas to contribute, and like to volunteer. 17 Membership, Marketing & Communications Committee Report Barry Scutt – Chair Ken Russell, Joan Gordon, Maggie Evans/Tracy Benson, Aileen Jefferson, Maryanne Wilford, Jean McClelland, Ross Coulter, Jennifer Blackie O ur purpose is to develop strategy to market and promote GWSA membership and service for seniors. It was another busy year for our committee promoting the GWSA throughout the community. We continue with our articles in the monthly issue of Quality Living distributed by The Guelph Mercury and so far have had very positive feedback from readers. For nine months of the year we give interviews on Rogers Cable TV talk show Inside Guelph talking about a variety of topics concerning GWSA. Over the past year we have hosted three New Member Welcome Socials, all being very well attended. Though the variety show was cancelled last year we were busy promoting other events. In August we had an Afternoon Dance and in October there was our Annual Bid Euchre Spookarama tournament. In November various GWSA art groups combined their talents and put on the Artists of Distinction Artfest with displays of art throughout the centre. These events were very well attended with over 100 visitors at the Artfest. Also in November the West End Art Group had their Art Show and Sale at the West End Recreation Centre. We assisted our Photography Club in the production of a beautiful calendar featuring photographs taken by their talented members. The calendars were sold with profits going to the GWSA. We have recently purchased some promotional items that are to be given away at various functions we attend. We have an ongoing relationship with Balnar Property Management and Williams & McDaniel who both sponsor GWSA memberships to seniors renting one of their properties. Our Goals For The Coming Year To continue to promote GWSA through a variety of events and local media. To work with activity groups promoting their events which includes the 30th Anniversary Variety Show. To hold at least three New Members Welcome Socials and an Open House in the fall. Redesign our 55+ brochure and our GWSA Events flyer. 18 Program Committee Report Chair – David Wrathall Secretary – Eleanor Stern Staff Representative – Jocelyn Pedersen T he Program Committee consists of representatives of the 39 Activity Groups within the GWSA. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month except for June and July. One of the objectives of the Committee is the exchange of information between the Activity Groups, GWSA Board, Evergreen and West End Community Centre and the City of Guelph. Some meetings are very well attended with close to 30 representatives; however the average attendance is 22 members. The Activity Group Leader Manual is the main source document for leaders providing guidance in how to conduct the affairs of their respective groups. This manual was extensively revised and re-published during the fall of 2013. Knowledge of the contents of the manual ensures consistency in the running of each activity and the handling of any finances associated with the group. HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013/2014 the Darts Club play time was expanded to fill up part of the time released by the collapse of the lawn bowling group (completed in Feb 2013); the Line Dancing group moved from the West End Community Centre to the Evergreen on Thursday afternoons to further use time released by the lawn bowling group (completed in Feb 2013); a successful Art Fest was held at the Evergreen on Saturday, November 2, 2013 when all the artistic groups showcased and sold their products; the association’s application for a New Horizon grant was successful. As a result, new card tables for all groups were purchased, new canoes for the canoe group were purchased, funding is in place to support a marketing program for the Silver Seven Skaters group and funding is in place for new lighting for the Art in the Hall group; a new activity group, Bunka Flock (Bunka B&B) was approved by the Board. They meet weekly on Wednesday mornings; Pickle-ball has finally begun as a leader came forth to run the group. Due to space limitations at the Evergreen, they play twice a week at the West End Community Centre; unfortunately and again due to lack of leadership the Canasta group has ceased operation at the Evergreen; as a result of the Community Benefit Agreement between the GWSA and the City of Guelph there will be some time available for new groups and activities to use some evening and weekend hours; one such group recently approved by the Board is Art Studio in 2 where all the various art forms are able to gather together to work on their projects and to share information, techniques and insights. They are meeting Tuesday evenings in of course room 2. 19 Sentinel Operations Report Don Hillman – Team Leader/Administrator Carol Croft - Editor Jenny Whiteside George Smith Toni Crowther Ken Pagniez George Hughes – Board Representative Proof Readers Delivery Drivers T he Sentinel operations had a very good year. We started the year with a budget deficit of $3,118 and ended the fiscal year with a surplus of $1,855. We were able to exceed the budgeted advertising revenue by a small percentage and during the year, our non-Sentinel printing work (personalized calendars, activity group manuals, event tickets and other outside work) amounted to about $7800 which helped bring in the budget surplus. In September we received a proposal from Canon for the replacement of the existing Ricoh printer that included a reduction of the quarterly equipment lease and a lower cost of maintenance (unit costs of printing colour and black & white images). Ricoh came in with a counter proposal to replace the existing Ricoh small business level printer/copier with a newer, commercial level printer/copier also for a lower quarterly lease and maintenance cost. The Ricoh proposal provided a greater quarterly expense reduction (approximately $1,000 per quarter) than the Canon proposal and following Board approval the new Ricoh printer/copier was installed in December. The January Sentinel was printed with the new machine. These lower lease/maintenance costs also helped the Sentinel operations to achieve the surplus above. As reported last year, the manual collating of Sentinels was eliminated and all printing was completed on the office printer/copier. When the manual collating stopped there was still an operation that needed to be done manually. This operation required address labels to be printed for members who had opted for home delivery, which had to be stuck on by hand. Features of the new printer/copier have allowed us to do this hand operation mechanically. At this time we would like to, again, thank all of the loyal collators for their efforts over the many years for getting the job done regardless of the weather each month. Hopefully, being able to meet our budgeted advertising revenue goal and the quarterly cost reduction of the printer/copier, the Sentinel Operations team will deliver a small surplus budget for 2014-2015. 20 Travel Committee Report Art Riley - Chair Jean Colton, Leona Newman, Terry Lighty, George Hughes (Board Representative) T he Committee meets on the first Monday of the month with the exception of a holiday falling on that day. We also meet on booking day for trips. The communication and information about our scheduled trips are contained on the back page of the Sentinel Issues. The purpose of the committee is to explore, plan, publicize, and promote various trips during the year of interest to our membership. Input is solicited from our members to assist us to plan trips or outings directly related to the interest of the membership. Last year, we had 28 trips with 1232 passengers of members, family, or friends. We travelled to shows, plays, dinner mysteries theatres, boat cruises, and Bluejay baseball games. We do not travel to the U.S. due to the high cost of insurance. The cities for our excursions were as far away as Sarnia and as close as Fergus. Great Canadian Coaches is our contracted transporter for trips and we have had a very successful business relationship with them for many years. We use them due to safety, cost effectiveness, and because they are the only bus company that can accommodate our mobility challenged customers. We are constantly challenged to provide trips of interest at a reasonable cost to our members. Our mission is to keep seniors active, involved, and interested. 21 Volunteer Advisory Committee Report Becky MacDonald, Chair Joan Ksenych, Board Representative Toni Crowther, Lloyd LeBlanc T he Volunteer Advisory Committee consists of one GWSA Board representative, the City of Guelph Co-ordinator of Volunteer Services and a member(s) of the GWSA who meet monthly or bi-monthly to review and support the GWSA Volunteer Program. In my role as the City of Guelph Co-ordinator of Volunteer Services, I provide support to the GWSA with co-ordination of the GWSA Volunteer Program. The GWSA Board representative liaises between the Board and the Committee to provide support, guidance and direction from the GWSA board with moving forward with the accomplishments and goals set for the Volunteer program. Accomplishments Updating the City of Guelph Volunteer Policy and Procedures Manual to use as best practices in ongoing review of the volunteer program The completion of the Volunteer Handbook for all City of Guelph and GWSA Volunteers of the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre Sending out a survey to receive information and feedback on the volunteer program and having a 26% response rate to assist with the strategic plan for the GWSA. The purchase of a Volunteer Database to support the Volunteer Program to assist with statistics, reports and accurate records of all volunteers. On-going volunteer recruitment for the many different positions at Evergreen. On-going scheduling of meetings with current and new volunteers on a quarterly basis and regular memos to maintain communication between the volunteers and staff Continue updating volunteer position descriptions Coordinated volunteer recognition on behalf of the GWSA Board of Directors for National Volunteer Week. Prepared a “Thank you for Volunteering” letter from the GWSA Board, accompanied with a Caring Community Card from the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington to celebrate all the volunteers for National Volunteer week Coordinated annual Volunteer Recognition Event for the 500+ volunteers at Evergreen: A “Black and White” theme took place in November to recognize and thank the volunteers who contribute their time throughout the year. City and GWSA Staff organized and planned an evening of live entertainment the “Black Water Trio” and dancing. Sponsorships came from two local retirement homes Chartwell and Schlegel Villages; the GWSA and from the Guelph Hearing Clinic who all believe in the wonderful work being done here at Evergreen. Norfolk Manor donated a shuttle service for the evening to assist with transporting volunteers to and from Riverside Park. Goals for 2014 The Volunteer Advisory Committee is moving forward with the recommendations made regarding the structure and purpose of the Volunteer program (1.5 Provide Volunteer Opportunities; 2.1 Support Older Adults to better deal with issues impacting their life; 3.1 Support Older Adults in resolving problems they face). 22 Working on converting all volunteer files into the electronic database and having a communication computer touch screen in the main office for all volunteers to access. Reviewing and updating all volunteer positions and seeking the assistance from all areas to help support this process. Reviewing the orientation and training procedures for all areas and ensuring all new volunteers stepping into a role, receive proper and efficient orientation and training. Recruiting new volunteers and increase awareness of the vast number and diversity of volunteer positions available. Work with the City of Guelph senior services staff and GWSA Board of Directors and staff to plan the recognition program for all volunteers. Network with Volunteer Managers via the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington – Volunteer Managers Forum within Guelph and the surrounding area. Webmaster’s Report Ken Russell - Webmaster T he GWSA website was created in 2008 and outlines the programs and services offered by the GWSA to its members, as well as the City of Guelph programs for older adults carried out at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre and other locations. The website also offers a plethora of information about activities, and contains various website links to some of these activities such as the Art in the Halls, Golf Group, Computer Club and Watercolor Painters websites. The GWSA newsletter, The Sentinel, outlining the monthly activities, programs and services to members offered in the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre and throughout the community, is also available for viewing on this website. Throughout the past year, the website has been visited often both by its membership and by people from all over North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. This continues to increase each month as the website becomes more popular. For people who want to be interactive, they can post comments on six Blogs which are: Take Advantage of Your Seniority (94,588); Duffer’s Rule (36,440); Feeling Better – Eat Well (30,167); Feeling Better - Move Well(6,731); Boomers Info Kiosk (59,991); and Go Evergreen (44,973). The visitor total for all blogs is 272,890. All this plus an online newspaper with 6,761 readers, a Flickr photo collection of 473 GWSA subjects, a Facebook connection and information on Twitter. GWSA members are leaping into the 21st. century. The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association welcomes Guelph and Wellington County residents to visit our website at http://www.gwsa-guelph.ca and to pass on any comments to improve its contents to the GWSA webmaster Ken Russell at [email protected] or by leaving a message at 519-823-1291 We are planning an upgrade to our 6-year-old site in the not too distant future...Stay tuned! 23 City of Guelph Staff Report T ogether, we are better! The longstanding relationship that exists with the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association and the City of Guelph is an illustration of the truth of the above statement. Together we serve seniors in the Guelph community, and by doing it together, we are better! This year the GWSA and City of Guelph have formally re-acknowledged this statement by entering into a two-year Community Benefit Agreement between the two organizations. This agreement formally outlines the supports afforded to each other – i.e. shared use of the facility, City staff as resources to support GWSA initiatives, GWSA financial contributions to supporting the facility, as well as outlining services and programs for seniors that we deliver together. I believe the citizens of Guelph benefit from this positive, shared values approach. Together the City of Guelph and the GWSA work on many projects that benefit the community. One such example is the continued work on the Older Adult Strategy. As the City of Guelph continues to grow, coupled with the increasing population of older adults and longer life expectancies, the City of Guelph must prepare for the diversity of its older residents. . The City of Guelph has recently adopted an Older Adult Strategy, with the goal of making Guelph a great place to live and age well. The GWSA contributed to the development of the strategy in many ways: as key members of the project steering committee, as respondents to surveys, as participants at focus groups. Currently work is continuing to address recommendations found in the strategy. In 2014 we have committed to: Become an age friendly community, with World Health Organization (WHO) designation. Create an age-friendly community profile. Define a tool that will assist all City of Guelph service areas in applying a seniors’ lens to all existing and proposed new programs and services Work with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) to investigate areas of opportunity to ensure Guelph is a great place to live and age well. Together we are better! Thank you to all GWSA members for your active involvement in making Guelph a great place to live and age well! 24 The Way Ahead P lanning for the year ahead, the GWSA continues to forge ahead to make the community more age friendly and to keep the GWSA strong and proactive. As a proactive and innovative organization, the GWSA continues to lead the way for older adults in our community through a timely educational series held twice yearly, with special events, and the many activities and services provided by our member volunteers. This past year saw the GWSA enter into a new partnership with the City of Guelph which will help us expand our hours of operation to reach out to older adults who are about to retire and introduce them to the programs we provide and the excellent facilities at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre. We are already planning an evening speaker’s series for the fall of 2014. Also, we continue to send members to sit on community committees such as; the community users group helping planners create recommendations to the City regarding a south end community centre, the City waste water planning committee, the Neighbourhood Coalition Network, and various community services committees. With the help of all levels of government and members of the community, we pledge to continue to help older adults age successfully. 25 26 27
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