Meet our Instructor for our Exercise Hour: Judie C!
Hi Folks!
As many of you know, we have a new Instructor (and therapy dog) taking care of us during the exercise portion of our Friday meetings!
Judie and Ollie… moments before Exercise Therapy begins
Below is an introduction Judie shared:
My name is Judie Coulter, I am 66 years old.
I am a Fully Certified Level 4 Essentrics Instructor, Certified through the Essentrics Academy of Canada.
I have also been fully Certified through the BCRPA of BC for 37 years now.
I live in French Creek, have been here for 11 years now. I am an Islander, been here my whole life, Mostly in the Parksville area.
Seen oh so many changes over the years.
Fitness has always been my passion. Especially working with Seniors, and those with Mobility issues..Arthritis, Parkinson’s, and many more conditions.
Having Osteo Arthritis right through my body, I know how important it is to keep moving. I have found over the years that the Essentrics program is the most Age appropriate Fitness program for individuals over 50, and in many cases well into the 90’s.
Strength, balance, flexibility, Range of Motion. Is what the Program is all about.
Teaching for the Stroke Recovery Society has been very rewarding thus far.
I see everyone enjoying the music and the program and doing what they can to move.
Ollie… is my little therapy dog. He is a Lhasa Apso and 7 years old.
He is a Hypoallergenic little guy, doesn’t shed, so he is everyone’s friend.
He has been to several of the local facilities to see seniors who don’t get out.
I knew when i got him at 8 weeks old that he would be a very nice addition to my classes. He is very social, loves people, loves to be the class greeter.
And is a a very gentle and loving soul. He is a special little dog.
He comes to all of my public classes and My clients all love him.
Thank you, Judie! I’m hearing very positive things from our members who are enjoying and appreciating your Essentrics Program!
Ollie guarding Bernice!
Kathleen’s 80/30 Party!!!
December 31, 2025
Hi folks!
Earlier this month, our beloved long-time OSRS Coordinator Kathleen celebrated her 80th Birthday with a surprise Birthday/Retirement Party (80/30 = 80 years young, and 30 years helping OSRS).
Good job, everybody, for being able to keep it a secret from her! She was genuinely stunned when she arrived at the Parksville Legion:
Kathleen after stepping in the hall
It was a potluck, and there was no shortage of food:
There was even more than this! John cut and served the ham (Thank you!).
Mike MC’d the event (Thanks!):
MC Mike and Paul talking about the kitchen
With MANY Guest speakers and Gift givers:
- MJ spoke on behalf of Past Presidents Ron Fitzpatrick and Cathy Eades, as well as herself.
- OSRS President Christine gave a lovely speech.
- Councillor Mary Biel spoke on behalf of herself and the Parksville Mayor.
- Karen S Shared a beautiful message with a stunning plot twist!
- Suzanne R gifted a corsage, shared a few words and a funny story with Kathleen (who told us about her birthday plans for when she turns 100 – Mark your calendars! Hornby Island.
- Genelle G shared a OSRS branded picture that has special meaning for Kathleen.
- Marijke O shared the big $mall gift (thanks everyone for contributing).
- Doug “The Music Guy” shared an old story he had of Kathleen from when he was a teenager, and kicked off everyone singing Happy Birthday!
Here are pictures of many of the speakers:
Past President Jim said Grace (which was lovely)
Many of Kathleen’s family were able to make it!
Some special thanks to:
- Parksville Legion AND a BIG Thank you to the Legion ladies Auxiliary
- Save On Foods for the Birthday and Retirement cakes
- Val’s husband Kevin for the slide show
- All the members that worked together to Celebrate Kathleen Falvai
- Val and Karen for doing SO MUCH behind the scenes
- MJ taking so many pictures, and ironing out the agenda!
- Mike for MC-ing the event
- Kathleen for setting such an amazing example, and her contributions to OSRS, the community, and each of us, is what made the day so special.
Here are even more pictures of the guests and helpers:
Thank you Kathleen, for everything.
Annual Christmas Party
December 21st, 2025
Hi Folks!
Another year in the books! This Christmas event was a lot of fun.
Special thanks to our volunteers who helped package the baskets, set up the tables, manage the tickets/raffle, and take down everything down when it was over.
Also, lets not forget to thank:
- Brooke Nelson-St. Dennis (Save On Foods Store Manager) and Joey Thompson (Save on Foods Operations Manager) that donated 8 large turkeys in memory of Robb Glazier, (who often gathered at Save-On, for coffee with his friends)
- UP BEET EATS CATERING (DEBBIE AYERS) who prepared the food (donation of supplies, time, energy and skill to prepare our delicious meal). The deserts were especially amazing!
- The Bradley Centre for giving us the hall free of charge!
- Everyone who donated items for the silent auction
Attendance was strong, the baskets were especially good this year (Thank you Simple Home Edit), and the other fundraising elements were a great success!
Congratulations to Bonnie S for winning the 50/50 (she promptly donated the winnings to OSRS)! Thank you Bonnie! Bill Whitehead would approve.
Last, but certainly not least, thank you Kathleen for being such a wonderful coordinator for OSRS, and MC-ing the event!
See below for yourselves (thanks MJ and Fern for sharing these pictures)! If you took some pictures at the event, and would like to share them for the website, please send them my way!
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Merry Christmas, Everybody!
See you in 2026!
Outlanders Performance Last Meeting
November 11th, 2025
Hi Folks!
Today (Remembrance Day) is a day I appreciate more and more as the years go by. We at OSRS hope you’re having a very reflective day remembering those we’ve lost.
During the last meeting, we had a such a special Irish Music Duo, Outlander! Their performance was quite a special one. Our members thoroughly enjoyed their music, and the colourful jokes between music sets!
Irish Music Duo, Outlander
The image I will never forget, was watching Annie and Gayle clapping to the music.
Testing cropping “skills” to better highlight the moment
Thank you again Irish Musical Duo, Outlander (and your helper), for sharing your love and skill for Irish music with us, and making the last meeting such a special one!