Make it your resolution to “Get Active and Get Involved!”
Start…. by reading your newsletter – find out what is happening!
Flu Season – Stay Healthy
I’m sure you have watched or read the news about the terrible flu season, complicated by a new strain of COVID, and RSV that is upon us. As a public organization we follow the health advice of the PHO or Provincial Health Officer. So far, wearing masks is advised at indoor public events but not mandatory. Our advice is you have any signs of illness stay home and away from others. If you or family members are susceptible to illness, then wear a mask! No shame in being careful and wearing a mask does give you a higher level of protection from circulating viruses and germs. If provincial advice is updated and changes, we will change our recommendation regarding masks so it matches the new policy. Be safe and responsible and think of others when participating in indoor activities.
Activities Resume….Current Membership a Must
Many of the seasonal activities are up and running again which begs the question – Have you renewed your membership for 2023? Many of you have, as we are nearing 500 members for this year - 2023, which is just under half the number we finished last year with. Thanks for your diligence in making sure your membership is up to date if you are participating in PGOSA events.
We always get asked, why do I need to fill out another form every year?
The answer has three parts – the liability waiver you sign on the form means we, who are responsible for the organization, want assurance that you understand there are inherent risks in participating in sports as seniors……and….our liability/incident insurance would not cover you if you are not a current member. Because you have been a member for X number of years means nothing if you haven’t renewed for a new year and an unexpected accident happened. Also, we want your current information, not a phone recording that says, “this number is no longer in service” or emails that bounce back. Enough said…you get the picture!
Social Activities Survey
Thanks to the two hundred and fifty or so members who took the time to complete the survey in December’s newsletter. We are very interested in what current members are thinking when it comes to the social events PGOSA once had. Numbers at social events have dwindled, organizers are difficult to find, so the Board of Directors wanted input into where to go next with social events as we come out of the COVID years and look forward to better social times.
The ”tried and true” events no longer draw out members as the culture of PGOSA has changed considerably over the last 5 plus years as newer/younger members have moved to our area and joined the organization. Our older, long time members who were the mainstay of our organization have aged and many do not attend PGOSA events any longer. So…we needed current thinking and input!
A summary of the survey results will be in a future newsletter and the newly formed social committee will use the data as it plans for the year.
PGOSA Table
2023 Memberships Available Now
All memberships expire on December 31 of the current year. One can always join PGOSA using one of three methods – in person, by mail or online. See below! PLEASE NOTE – Memberships must be renewed before you commence any PGOSA activities or attend PGOSA events come January 1st.
In Person. Registration for PGOSA membership is now at Oceanside Place Arena in the front lobby, just beside the entrance door. We are now there Wednesday mornings – 9:30 to 11:00 am. Read on to see exceptions. There may be periodic cancellations due to other events at the Arena. Check the PGOSA calendar.
January 25 Special Guest: Brian Collicott from the OBLT computer centre will be at the PGOSA desk on January 25 from 9:30 to 11:00am to offer help with computer or cell phone issues that PGOSA members may have.
Brian is the person who offers the Friday technology sessions on many different topics that you can attend via Zoom if registered in advance – they send you the Zoom link and you can attend from your computer in your home.
He will be at the PGOSA table to answer technology related questions you may have – this includes smart phones, computer, tablets, iPads etc. Bring your device along and he can advise you on next steps. If it's only a quick fix he may be able to do right there, or he can set you up with an appointment to go to the TLC building on the corner of Temple Rd. and the old Island Highway. Take advantage of this opportunity, meet Brian, talk to him regarding your device, and lessen some frustration you may be experiencing.
Online membership application now available here and is always open. Your PGOSA membership card will be emailed to you for you to print and keep in your wallet or save and display on your smartphone. Or have it mailed to you. You can order your PGOSA name badge at the same time.
Mail-in. Download the membership form from our website, fill it in, print it off, sign it, and mail it to us with payment and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Mail to PGOSA, P.O. Box 957, Parksville, V9P 2G9.
Your membership card will be mailed to you in the envelope you provide.
Membership Fee:
Ages 55 - 79, the annual fee is $15
For those reaching the age of 80, the annual fee is $10
And upon reaching the age of 90, membership is complimentary
All memberships expire on December 31 of the membership year. Check your card to see your membership year.
Use your Membership…..Get involved! Hopefully you didn’t join PGOSA to be a bystander!
PGOSA Speaker Series - via ZOOM
Online workshop - Fire Safety
Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 10AM - 11AM
Safety topics to be covered include:
Woodstoves
- Importance of cleaning
- What to do in case of chimney fire
Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors
Fire safety plans at home
Kitchen fires
Fire extinguishers
- How and when to use
- Different types of extinguishers
Upcoming Technology Training for Senior Adults - via ZOOM
FREE Online Technology Workshops via Zoom Fridays at 9:30AM
Friday, January 20 Backing up your digital life in 2023
For most of us, our cellphones are now how we capture and store everything from photos to tax returns, bank records, utility bills, email, eBooks and even the software we buy to use our devices. Backing up the contents of our computing devices is essential. Join Robbin Johnson as he reviews the why's and how's of backing up the contents of your desktops, laptops, smart phones, and tablets Friday, January 27 Free online TV, Movie and Music services
Looking for free TV/Movie music content from around the world that you can access anytime from your mobile devices like tablets and smart phones? Attend this workshop to start exploring some of these entertainment options and start accessing more free entertainment and information content today
View and register for workshops online at www.oblt.ca/calendar or phone 250-947-8258 and leave your contact information.
PGOSA Speaker Series - in person
"Frauds, Cons, Schemes & Scams"
A part of the "Ageless Wisdom" series specifically oriented towards avoiding being a victim.
Our focus will be "How to recognize and prevent cons and frauds" and "How to report cons and frauds".
We will have local case files from the Parksville Qualicum area.
Who: Michael Garland, RCMP E Division (BC) Where: The Bradley Centre, 975 Shearme Rd, Coombs When: 10am until Noon, Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023
Cards and other Games
Games Activity Expanding!
The games session held every two weeks at the Bradley Center is expanding- second and fourth Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30 pm is offering MORE in hopes of growing the numbers who attend.
We now have the use of three table tennis tables so those who like to play ping pong can play at their own level – hopefully you can find a partner who hits and bounces that little ball to your liking. We can now accommodate 6 singles players or 12 who would play doubles. Come on out and give it a try!
Also, after a few requests we have found a Mahjong player who teaches this game to others. All she asks is that you don’t quit after the first lesson as the game appears complicated, does involve “memory” and “stick-to-itiveness” to learn the moves. If interested, join us next games session and find out what Mahjong is all about and if it's for you.
Usual games played are cards, mostly crib and Mexican Train. Other games are welcome if you will teach others how to play!
Location: The Studio at the Bradley Center Days: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.
January 11th and 25th
February 8th and 22nd
March 8th and 22nd
April 12th and 26th.
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm Fee: $2.00 drop in fee and membership at Bradley Center - $5.00 per year for an annual membership
No advance registration required. Coffee and treats are served!
Questions, or for more information, contact Jim.
Seamanship & Trip Planning Course
Adventuress Sea Kayaking is offering, at a discounted price for PGOSA members, the Seamanship & Trip Planning Course for Paddlers in March 2023.
It is taught by Jan Kretz, PGOSA member, owner of Adventuress based in Nanoose, a Paddle Canada instructor, and a certified sea kayak guide. If you have ever wanted to learn more about weather, navigation, tide & currents, chart reading, and trip planning, this is the course for you! Especially geared for kayakers, this 15 hour course, taught over 5 weeks, will enable you to assess weather conditions, understand a marine radio broadcast, read your chart, calculate tides and currents, use a compass, take a bearing, and plan a paddling trip. It is an in-depth and great foundation course for those wanting to learn more, be better and safer kayakers, plan a trip, enjoy themselves and meet other paddlers. This course brings the paddling world into focus and all the many decisions you need to make to ensure you stay safe and see new places. As well, your confidence level in your abilities begin to increase and you can plan an exciting trip on your own, and join others with your new found knowledge.
It is being held in Nanaimo at the Oliver Woods Recreation Centre on 5 Wednesday evenings... March 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 2023 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Adventuress is offering a substantial discount to the PGOSA members. The regular price is $199, but for PGOSA members, it is only $139 plus gst. Email Jan to reserve and for the registration information package.
Trip Planning 101 for Paddlers
Friend of PGOSA Adventuress Sea Kayaking has a great course that she is offering online to PGOSAns at a discount. Online courses - the 2023 way of doing things!
If you would like to take an overnight canoe or kayak trip, but don't know how to start planning one, this course is for you!
This course is especially geared for new paddlers or for those who want a refresher. You will learn the many things to consider when planning a day or an overnight trip. Come join fellow kayakers online to learn, share and discuss planning a local overnight or day trip. Get ready now so you can take that trip this summer!
By the end of the course you will learn: Pre-trip planning, introduction to weather, charts, tides & currents and navigation; how to plan a paddling route and camping destination, how to pack and outfit your boat for safety and comfort, what gear to bring, how to be a green camper, safety and emergency protocols, local areas where you can camp and enjoy beginner overnight and day trips. You also have the option of planning a day or overnight trip to be discussed in class.
Dates: 2 Saturdays, April 1 & 8th, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: On Zoom, an online teleconferencing easy-to-use software (can be downloaded for free)
Cost: $79.00 but for PGOSA members only $59.00 (plus gst). Includes resource and checklist hand-out.
Additional supplies may be required. To register and for more information and a course outline, contact Jan Kretz at adventuress@shaw.ca or call 250.755.6702
19th Annual Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday (2023)
Theme: “Seeding the Future” When: Saturday, February 4, 2023, 10:00 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. *Seedy Saturday Events, Activities* Where: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, Qualicum Beach, BC Seed Swap: Booth Room Other Activities: Seed Vendors, Plant Vendors & other Participants, Seed Swap, Master Gardeners, Seedy Cafe, Door Prizes & Two 50/50 Draws 50/50 Draws: (BC Gaming License # 138058) Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5
There will be two 50/50 draws: at 12:00 noon & 3:00 pm.
Please Note: Ticket holders MUST be present to win — so if you can't stay for the draw(s), give your ticket to someone you trust so that they can collect your prize money for you if you win. Cost: Admission by Donation Other: Town of Qualicum Beach truck in parking lot to collect pesticides/herbicides for safe disposal Contact: Murray Chantler, Publicity Coordinator EmailWebsite
The list of Friends of PGOSA is growing!
They include restaurants, car maintenance and repair service, computer training, banking, veterinary services, and bicycles (and bike gear).
Remember to show your card. Most offers may not be combined with other coupons or discounts. Check the PGOSA Friends page for terms and conditions.
M&N Mattress - 10 - 20% discount, depending on item
Health, Fitness and Sports
Advanced Health + Sports Clinic Physiotherapy – 10% discount on exercise equipment (bands, pulleys, ankle weights etc), $5.00 discount off all initial assessments for members and "front-of-the-line" access to urgent-care treatment blocks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Contact the clinic directly to book.
Happy 2023! 
Social Activities Survey
January 25 Special Guest: Brian Collicott from the OBLT computer centre will be at the PGOSA desk on January 25 from 9:30 to 11:00am to offer help with computer or cell phone issues that PGOSA members may have. 
PGOSA Speaker Series - via ZOOM
Upcoming Technology Training for Senior Adults - via ZOOM
PGOSA Speaker Series - in pe
rson
Cards and other Games
Also, after a few requests we have found a Mahjong player who teaches this game to others. All she asks is that you don’t quit after the first lesson as the game appears complicated, does involve “memory” and “stick-to-itiveness” to learn the moves. If interested, join us next games session and find out what Mahjong is all about and if it's for you.
19th Annual Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday (2023)