You and flowers bloom at the Caledon seniors' centre
By Lloyd Bittle

Yes! "The Merrie Month of May." Our May Queens, descended from Flora the Roman goddess of flowers. We welcome our centre Floralia, our centre homage to the renewal of life and beauty after the coldness and bareness of winter. An anonymous 13th Century poet said it, "Summer is icumen in."

We say welcome May, summer and our new centre year. President Monica Smith and our centre executive promise a 12th year second to none. Spring and summer are in the air.

Our annual members meeting was held April 22. Thank you to all members who made their presence known. Welcome to our new Caledon active senior centre executive 2007-2008:

President: Monica Smith, Past-president: Don Dalgleish, vice-president: Molly Jakeman, treasurer: Elaine Harvey, secretary: William (Bill) Cunning.

Sub committee Chairpersons: Physical Resource Maintenance: Robert (Bob) Smith Publicity and Promotion & Long Range Strategic Planning: Lloyd Bittle: Programs, Activities & Special Events: Fred Ewart. These are the (8) voting directors established by the CSC constitution. In addition there are (3) Rotarian voting board members. They are John Williams, Rotary treasurer; Don MacPherson, Rotary secretary, and Reg Lashbrook, Rotary member. Town of Caledon member, Councillor Annette Groves.

Non-voting directors confirmed are Douglas Ackers, Jeanne Egan, Pat Everson, Jim Maw, Randy Pitcher, Bill Simpson, Gorge Yeoman, Margaret Patterson: Catering, food and kitchen operation, Beverly Nurden: manager Caledon active senior' centre.

Expansion planning is under way. Peter Drake, our resident engineer and GB architect Guy Bellehumeur outlined two basic preliminary concepts for member consideration. (A) 7,394 square feet with full 7,394-square-foot finished basement and (B) 10,229 square feet on one level no basement.

All finishing, parking and landscaping to be included in finalized costs. Reviews had been conducted with our planning committee, board of directors to final presentation to our members. Overwhelmingly the decision was to continue and proceed with concept (A) 7,394 sq.ft. level with full 7,394 sq.ft. finished basement. GB Architects will continue to finalize cost proposals and construction details. Reviews will be conducted by Peter Drake and our long range committee.

Your opinions and suggestions are welcome. Contact any director or long range committee member and let us know your thoughts. Your opinion is vital to us. Not later, Now! Director Donald Dalgleish will finalize our business plan and establish fundraising options and timing. Our achieving charitable status is still awaited.

Our annual Spring Fling, dinner, dance and "Draw of Draws" held Friday, April 13 was a 2007 success full house evening for our centre. Like we say, "Our best yet!" All super draw winners have been notified. They are $1,000 cash, #5328 Thomas Brown: Niagara-onthe Lake, #1022 Liba Blaha: deluxe BBQ 5175 Linda Olson: patio furniture, #4272 Carl Gibson: Dirty Dancing tickets, #1362, Evelyn Brown: DVD player, #4742, A. Robbins: Swiss chalet, #2316, Nancy Wilson: M&M voucher, #1229, Erson Castator: Mayfield golf, #3429, Ken Bowen: wine set gift,#4512, Wendy Marshall: cordless drill, #4620, Romolo Troiani: Candle wax, #4221, Debbie Ryan: toaster oven, #0214, Evelyn Corazza: Coffee Maker, #0015, Donna McKendrick: 10 speed blender, #2558, Mark Pavilons: toaster, #3247, Anna Russo.

Many thanks to all who contributed in prizes, ticket sales and a super dinner and dance. You made it our 2007 success story. To all our volunteers and supporters "Thank you!"

Your Day was celebrated in grand style at our Caledon Senior Centre Volunteer Luncheon held Friday, April 27. To Beverly Nurden, Marg Patterson and our staff and many volunteers I thank you, our directors thank you and our Caledon and beyond members and friends "Thank you!" Thanks, Mayor Marolyn Morrison, Councillor Annette Groves and Hon. David Tilson. Your attendance and participation was the highlight.

May Highlights

Wednesday, May 9, Sandford Centre, Brantford. Taste of Scotland Cape Breton tenor Tom Leadbetter and Band, $78/person.

May 10, PROBUS, meet & greet 9:30 a.m. Speaker at 10 a.m., Mr. Lynn Phillips Hodgson, historian and author, Exploits of Canada's WW2 Spy Training Camp X. Memberships available anytime. Join now!

Sunday, May 13 Mother's Day (est. 1914). Celebrate and enjoy. Our one and only.

Monday, May 21 (Victoria Day) our centre will be closed. Fireworks and all. "The Queen!"

Thursday, May 24, lunch at noon. Members In-House games begin "Poker" at 1 p.m. Memberships available $15/year anytime. Join and Play!

Friday, May 25, 7 p.m. Seniors Variety Show II. Members, staff and friends meet to present a Shew of Shews. After Show refreshment reception. $10/per person. All welcome.

Future Events

June is Seniors Month. Join us at the Centre for games and fun! Annual senior members games under way. Contact the Centre at 905-951-6114 for all details.

Thursday, May 7, Toronto City Tour, transportation, buffet lunch Town & Country and boat cruise. $72/ person.

Sunday, June 17, Father's Day - a grand day it will be!

Thursday, June 28, noon In House Friendly Games Awards Banquet & Entertainment. Membership $15/year. Join now and play. Be a winner!

Welcome to our seniors' centre. For all activity schedules contact the office 905-951-6114 or e:mail. caledonsenior@rogers.com. Better still visit us. 7 Rotarian Way, snuggled behind the Wellness Centre off Kingsview Dr. North. A big "hello" and a "cuppa" waits.