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!
Sand Sculpting Beach Fest Cheque Acceptance + AGM News
November 2nd, 2025
Kathleen, John, and Bonnie went to accept the cheque from the annual Beach Fest event in Parksville, and also got 2 great pictures!
Special thanks to everyone who volunteered for the various shifts! I heard every shift the OSRS crew staffed went smoothly, and that’s really important to not only help secure spots for next year, but it helps make the experience a positive one for all the visitors!
In the picture below, while we can’t hear what Kathleen’s saying, we can hear her voice in our heads. No doubt she’s expressing her thanks and appreciation, while spreading the word about OSRS and advocating for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
This is a great picture (see below). Can you spot Bonnie?
Thanks again to everyone who makes this amazing event possible (Organizers, volunteers, staff, sponsors, etc.).
In other news: OSRS had their AGM recently! It went very smoothly, and was a rather enjoyable experience!
A Huge Thanks goes to out-going Board Member Gary C for volunteering his time helping make OSRS what it is.
Also it’s my pleasure to welcome our Newest Board member, Fern! Next time you see her, don’t forget to express your thanks to her for stepping up!