Mardi Gras celebrations were held at Kathleen’s community room and 23 of our people attended. Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, merrymakers would binge on all the rich, fatty foods—meat, eggs, milk, lard, cheese—that remained in their homes, in anticipation of several weeks of eating only fish and different types of fasting. The Davenports cooked a turkey to share and others brought the vegetables and trimmings.
A few interesting facts:
Mardi Gras always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of lent.
These feasts, which first were only meant for Christians, were expanded so that Christians would celebrate with their neighbors and friends (Shrove Tuesday).
Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”.
The first North American Mardi Gras took place March 3, 1699, when French explorers landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana
The traditional colors of Mardi Gras were chosen in 1872 by King Rex. The three colors are purple (representing justice), gold (signifying power), green (symbolizing faith).
Mardi Gras is celebrated in other parts of the world including Belgium, Canada, Italy, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Australia.
Thanks to Lori and Rollie Koop for lending and setting up Mardi Gras decorations! The room looked awesome! Thanks to Kathleen for providing and organizing the community room again. And thanks to all who brought food to celebrate Mardi Gras Oceanside!
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day now includes events in more than 193 countries, which are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.
The biggest lesson from the first Earth Day: When we come together, the impact can be monumental. Go green with us by making small changes that add up to making a big difference. Commit to earth-friendly acts, make more sustainable choices, reduce your carbon footprint, conserve energy and resources, collaborate on environmental projects in your community, vote for leaders committed to protect us and the environment, and share your acts of green to help educate and inspire others to join our movement! Start protecting our environment today and help us create a healthy, more sustainable future.
April 7 – 13 is National Volunteer Week! Yes, you heard that right: there is a whole week dedicated to honouring volunteers across the country. Not only does the week commemorate the selfless efforts of so many people already volunteering, but encourages others to get out of their comfort zone and take action in bettering their communities. National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers.
Most nonprofits interact with volunteers at least a few times a year, whether that’s recruiting dozens for a big fundraiser, or just one to help out with your day-to-day duties. Volunteers come to you with the desire to help out (for free!) and that’s a pretty cool thing that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Oceanside Stroke Recovery Society would like to thank our amazing volunteers for their help.
Bernice, Jerry, Marilyn and Karen thank you for your KP duties making sure we all have our coffee or tea as well as leaving the kitchen in good order.
Vera, thank you for being the “The Lunch Out” telephone contact to all our members.
Donna, thank you for taking on our Facebook page.
Lynn, thank you for writing thank you notes to donors.
Elaine and Nancy, thank you for keeping our library resources in good order.
Mike, our newest volunteer, thank you for spreading joy.
Kathy, thank you for taking on the role of President.
Marie, thank you for taking on the role of Treasurer.
Paul, thank you for taking on the role of Secretary.
MJ, thank you for your help with communications.
To everyone take a moment and let our volunteers know just how much you value their volunteer involvement!
Our member Bob Davenport was on hand today to present a very generous cheque from the Parksville Qualicum Fish and Game. This gift is a result of their Memorial Clay Shoot fundraiser held March 23 at their Dorman Range. The money will be used to cover Oceanside Stroke Recovery’s therapy expenses. A huge thank you to all the Parksville Qualicum Fish and Game members who took part.
The Parksville Qualicum Fish and Game held its annual Memorial Clay Shoot at the Dorman Range on Saturday, March 23. Volunteers from Oceanside Stroke Recovery Society were on hand to help with lunch and registration. Chief Cook Joanne prepared chili the night before and guided our volunteers thru the prep time and serving the hungry PQFG members chili dogs with a side of potato salad and locally made donuts from Tomm’s Food Village. This is an annual fundraising event hosted by the Parksville Qualicum Fish and Game for Oceanside Stroke Recovery. We always enjoy our time at the club house. Thank you for your continued support!
19 members of the Qualicum Beach Ukulele Band entertained our members in March! Wonderful old songs and some hula dancing were the order of the day. The QBUB entertains around the Oceanside area for their own enjoyment as well as ours. Thanks to Judy Palipowski for leading the band and providing a refreshing afternoon. Come back soon!
Another fun lunch at the British Bobby Restaurant for our members and reminding us how important the social activity is for our healing journey. If you have any suggestions for other restaurants or ideas to gather, please let Kathleen or our Board of Directors know.
Check out some of the members who came to lunch!
Jim and Robb
Sandy and Evelyn
Bill and Marilyn
Rick and Bob
Annette and Jean
Todd and Joanne. Not sure who the fellow is behind Todd and Joanne.
28 of our members attended our first ever Pot Head party and learned some interesting facts about toys from the 1950`s. The star today was Mr. Potato Head who was first manufactured and distributed by Hasbro in 1952. Rick Treby shared that was the year of his birth too! Mr. Potato Head was the first toy advertised on television and has remained in production since its debut. The toy was originally produced as separate plastic parts with pushpins that could be stuck into a real potato or other vegetable. However, due to complaints regarding rotting vegetables and new government safety regulations, Hasbro began including a plastic potato body within the toy set in 1964. Known by kids today as the character from Toy Story, Mr. Potato Head was all the rage for kids in the 1950s.
The fifties was a decade that saw some of the greatest and most enduring toys to hit the market. Hula hoops, Barbie’s, Matchbox cars, play doh, silly putty, frisbees, slinky’s, Fisher Price Little People, Gumby and the pogo stick were all toys of the fifties.
After indulging in another infamous pot luck lunch, members enjoyed some rousing games of Chinese Checkers, Scrabble, UNO and Snakes and Ladders. Life is good.
Mr. Potato Head
Suzanne and Kathy
Marion and John
Ed Keen comes back for a visit
Kae and Bev .... looking for trouble
Roslyn and Annette
Tom and Kae
Snakes and Ladders and the competition is tough.
Bernice, Roslyn and Annette playing Chinese Checkers.
Christine trying to avoid those nasty snakes
Kathleen and Alf playing Scrabble - very serious game!
Good move, Annette
Bev coaching Jean
Happy people play Chinese Checkers and wear beautiful jewellry
Exercise therapist Melanie and art therapist Carrie had everyone moving both physically and mentally at today`s meeting. We are so blessed to have these excellent people helping us on our stroke recovery journey. Thank you, Melanie! Thank you, Carrie.
The Handy Board, a few pictures describe how the board is used. One end has raised strips to hold bread and toast for buttering with one hand. The other end has sharp tines to impale fruit, vegetables, etc. securely for slicing or peeling with one hand. I wish to thank both Windsor Plywood and Parksville Home Building Centre for the wood donations used to make the “Handy Boards”.
The boards were treated with two coats of Lemon Oil. Do not use a vegetable oil as in time it will go rancid. A coating of beeswax is ideal. Enjoy! Rick Turner
Tines holding potato in place for peeling or slicing.
The tines to hold veggies or fruits.
Bread or toast is ready for buttering.
Rick showing Gene of Windsor Plywood how the donated wood was used.
Benefits of Membership
As a member of Oceanside Stroke Recovery you will receive:
Ongoing therapy (Exercise, Speech, Art and Music)
Peer support
Caregiver counselling
Entertainment
Educational guest speakers
Social occasions
Opportunities to form new friendships
Membership fees are $45.00 per person (2018 season).
Karen and Annette
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day now includes events in more than 193 countries, which are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.
April 7 – 13 is National Volunteer Week! Yes, you heard that right: there is a whole week dedicated to honouring volunteers across the country. Not only does the week commemorate the selfless efforts of so many people already volunteering, but encourages others to get out of their comfort zone and take action in bettering their communities. National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers.
potato or other vegetable. However, due to complaints regarding rotting vegetables and new government safety regulations, Hasbro began including a plastic potato body within the toy set in 1964. Known by kids today as the character from Toy Story, Mr. Potato Head was all the rage for kids in the 1950s.
