Spring 2026 Newsletter

It may seem that we have been very quiet over the past three months, but it really is not so. We have followed through with renovations and now have a quiet office space for confidential consultations; a new bathroom following necessary replacement of all the drywall, cabinets and flooring after finding extensive damage from flooding; a new hot water system; and the purchase of a new stove as well as office equipment. All these upgrades were done with grateful thanks to a SS Community Services grant as well as support from Salt Spring Foundation.

We are now ready to move into Spring. Following a successful AGM in January, we held our first general meeting with an invited guest in March. Our own Ted Baker talked to us about 'Waking Up the Garden' and reminded us that we do not wake up the garden, but rather, it wakes us, as all those spring flowers emerge telling us it is time to get busy, to find all those muscles we forgot we had, and to practice safe gardening. While offering tips on maintaining our gardens throughout the year, Ted responded to our questions and concerns with patience and humour, who knew that if you had a stubborn morning glory that you just were unable to contain, sometimes, the only solution is just to move.

Spring also precipitates energies for planning for the year. Below is a description of new initiatives we are undertaking and is a reminder from a young friend about how to stay healthy and active as we move into the busy summer months. Check our calendar on the website for other activities that are available from the centre. And there is one little update to note. The Mystery Writers Group does not actually write mysteries as their name suggests. To describe their purpose more fully, they have become the Murder Mystery Swap and Chat Group. Now that sounds like fun!

And here are some new items to look out for........

The Navigator Program

Are you home from hospital and struggling with daily activities that will help you to stay safely at home? Are you caring for a partner or parent and looking for help in finding support and rest? Beginning in April, two retired nurses will be available to offer direction regarding where to find support that will assist seniors to age in place. Under the auspices of the Community Services, Community Connector Program, which is funded by the United Way, these volunteers will help you to find the service you need, Joan Douglas and Susan Astill are available for consultation and advice. For more information or to reach Joan or Susan, please contact them through fulfordseniors@gmail.com. All information discussed is private and confidential.

Opening the Centre to the Public.

Are you missing the Harvest Cafe and the opportunity to sit and chat with your neighbours over coffee and one of Brody's delicious temptations? The Gathering Place is opening our doors to the community on Wednesday and Friday from 10 – 1. The coffee will be hot and there will be tempting goodies to share with neighbours and friends. Come and sit and enjoy conversation, bring your favourite board games or cards. Sit and knit or stitch or just quietly read in good company. All welcome and no membership necessary, just a donation for the coffee and goodies will do. When the weather gets warmer we can move outside again and watch the world go by.

Finally, remember Luca who visited us in October and taught us how to exercise to maintain our strength and balance? He thoughtfully sent a copy of those exercises for you to pin up on your bathroom mirror as a quick reference for your morning routine. He hopes you are keeping them up and getting strong and ready to tackle the garden. I am attaching them below.

We hope to see you all very soon. Carol and the crew.........