April showers bring May flowers at the Caledon Seniors' Centre
By Lloyd Bittle

It was an entertaining time last Tuesday for the members of the Caledon Seniors' Centre. They were treated to the talents of numerous local young performers. Stephanie Guhl, 11, of Bolton, offered some selections on the piano, and Amanda Scott, 10, came all the way from Barrie to sing.

Yes! It's almost April and spring (we hope).

What a snow show March gave us! Showers of Pennies from Heaven abound at our Centre.

For you, April will be a month of great and grand happenings. We open April 4, with our annual Gala Spring Fling Dinner-Dance and our major Fund-Raising Draw for thousands of dollars in prizes. First prize is $1,000 dollars cash, and there are many others. Tickets are available up to draw time. Make sure you have yours. They are $2 each, three for $5, or $20 for a book of 12 tickets.

Our sixth annual Junior Talent Night was held March 18, and it was a grand night of dinner and an evening of music and song, enjoyed by a full house of families, friends and wellwishers. Caledon abounds with talent, amply demonstrated by all of our youthful performers.They were, in order of appearance, Stewart Matson, whose trumpet led singing of O Canada; Amanda Scott, singer; Stephanie Guhl, pianist; Jeremy Russell, classical guitarist; Emily Guhl, singer; Olivia Lazzaro, classical guitarist; Madeline Armata, pianist; Christina Campese, singer; Leah Rawlinson, singerguitarist; Gabrielle Micieli, pianist; Alanna Gibney, singer; Mary Lazzaro, pianist; Stewart Matson, violinist; Alexandria Micieli, singer with sister Gabrielle, pianist; Laura Grossi, singer; Rebecca Gilchrist, singer-guitarist; Claudia Searle, pianist; Harry Hautot, trombone; Michaela Todd, singer; Charlotte Searle, classical guitarist; and Robert Matson, violinist.

Each received a certificate of performance recognition, and appreciation. Future accomplishment is assured for each of our talented young people. Our centre wishes them well.

The annual Members Meeting will be April 27, at 2 p.m. All members are requested to attend this, our 13th annual meeting. Confirmation of your executive for the 2008-2009 period will take place there. Status reports and future progress plans will be submitted for discussion and approval. President Monica Smith, her executive, Beverley Nurden and our dedicated staff conscientiously work extremely hard to ensure our centre and you enjoy success. Your participation shows your sincere appreciation.

April highlights

April 1 - Happy April Fools Day. "All Fools Day is the day when we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty four." (Mark Twain).

April 4 - Gala spring Dinner, Dance and grand monster raffle and draw. Thousands of dollars in prizes; the first draw is for $1,000 cash. It's our major fund-raiser. Tickets are available until 8 p.m. the day of the draw. They are $2 each, three for $5 or $20 for a book of 12. Admission: $20 for member and $25 for non-members.

April 7 - Birthday and anniversary lunch at noon. Every Monday and Wednesday. Bingo and Club Italiano follow at 1 p.m. Wednesdays.

April 10 - Meet and greet at 9:30 a.m. The speaker will be entertainer John Hunter, who is active with the over 60s' Annual Show at Roy Thompson Hall.

April 18 - Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at noon.

April 22 - Earth Day celebration.

April 25 - Trip to Woodbine Racetrack. Bus, lunch, track, Tri-Acta? The cost is $47 per person.

April 27 - Our annual Centre Meeting. All members requested to attend. Voting and confirmation of the president and board of directors, accomplishments, status and immediate and long-term plans will be discussed. Let your voice be heard. There will be refreshments too.

April 27 to May3 is Volunteer Appreciation Week at our centre. A royal thank you and best wishes to all.

Future highlights

May 4 to 10 - Be kind to Animals Week. Beautiful Joe by Margaret Marshall Saunders speaks for all.

May 8 - PROBUS at 9:30 a.m. Meet and greet at 10. The speaker will be Dr. Payam Dehghani, teacher, healer, friend, senior cardiologist at St. Michael's Hospital - Terrance Donnelly Heart Centre, a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto, and an associate at Brampton Cardio Pulmonary Services.

May 9 - The Caledon Senior Centre Players present their fifth production, To Make a Living. Occupations galore! So book early. Meet the cast, and have refreshments too. The cost is $10 per person.

May 28 - Niagara on the Lake Tour. This includes a winery visit, lunch at Betty's, shopping, visiting Old Oak Country Market. The bus leaves the centre at 8:15 a.m., and returns at 7 p.m. The cost is $52 per person.

June 25 - Grand River Luncheon Cruise (Brantford). Visit Bennett's apples and cider store. Luxury coach leaves the centre at 8:45 a.m. and returns at 7 p.m. The cost is $68 per person.

Special note: There will be a five-day "get away" Sept. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 to the Colonial Resort in Gananoque. Detailed flyers are available at the Centre. We're taking bookings now. The cost is $386 per person, and that includes all taxes and gratuities.

For information on all activities and schedules, contact the centre at (905) 951-6114 or e-mail to caledonsenior@rogers.com

Visit the centre at 7 Rotarian Way, off Kingsview Drive north, one block south of Columbia Way. It's snuggled behind the Wellness Centre.

A warm welcome and a "cuppa" waits.