Membership Registration Meeting Update

{This post is best read on the Blog for better view}

A newsletter was sent out to our membership at the beginning of February with regards to our 2023 membership registration meeting at Rim park. Check your emails if you didn’t get it.

The Registration Meeting will be held in the Century Room at Rim Park in Waterloo.  There is plenty of parking, so park close to the “A” entrance of the Manulife Sportsplex which is where you will enter.  Go up the stairs  and our room is to the right.  There is an elevator for those who need it. The doors will open at 1:00 pm. An agenda will be sent out several days before the meeting.

Tables will be set up where you can either drop off your completed membership form and fee or you can register on that day.  Hard copies of the registration forms will be available for anyone without a printer. You can also sign up for training, volunteer to be a trip leader and if able, get on the tower list.

Have questions? One of our board members should be able to answer them. Interested in Bondi? Last year was a tremendous success, however, we are looking for a volunteer/volunteers to organize this wonderful get-a-way!

Cheques and cash (exact amounts…no change will be available) will be accepted.  We will also be accepting e-transfers at the registration meeting.

Membership: $50
Pool Training: $20

Basic Canoe Training: $65 (2 days)
Intermediate Canoe Training: $70 (2 days)
Refresher Canoe Training: $40 (1 day)
An updated version of the OSSCC Handbook and Rules can be found here {link}

If you can’t make the meeting, you can send your completed membership form (including signed waiver on pg. 2) and fee to:  Old Salts Seniors Canoe Club, 55 Northfield Dr. East Suite 242, Waterloo, ON N2K 3T6. (This is now the official address of OSSCC)

The membership registration form can be found on the club website here {link}. If you know anyone who would like to join, direct them to the club website found here {link} or have them email info@oldsaltsclub.com

We are pleased to announce that we will be proceeding with our regular training program, including pool training this season. The training schedule is now posted, including the dates,  costs, descriptions and training locations. New members from last couple of years are encouraged to take the pool training they were unable to take during covid. Details of what’s included are on the training schedule.  If you want to get the skills and confidence required to participate in some of our more challenging Tuesday trips, take the intermediate training. Our more experienced paddlers will also be able to brush up on some rusty skills and learn new things.  You can never have too much training and you will always learn something new, no matter how many times you retake a session! We strongly recommend that everyone consider refreshing their skills:)
Details on canoe training can be found here {link} Contact Lynn Warmington  at lynnwarmington1@gmail.com or 519-400-0388 if you have any questions or concerns.

The canoe schedule is posted. You will find it here {link} . The committee has planned some great trips…..some new, some we haven’t done in a while and many of our favourites! There have also been suggestions about possible overnight trips. What are your thoughts on that? Comment below this post. Check out the schedule and mark your calendars for the trips you want to participate in, especially if you would like to lead  or tow for a particular trip.

For our club to work, we need volunteers to run it, particularly  Trip Leaders {link}and Towers {link} for both our Easy Breezy Trips on Thursdays and for the more challenging trips on Tuesdays. Without volunteers, we don’t have any trips. So when you fill out your registration form, don’t forget to check the boxes under the volunteer part of the form. Don’t see anything that interests you?….make a suggestion and take the lead!

To make it less daunting, everyone who volunteers to tow or lead a trip will be able to attend an informal training workshop so they will know exactly what’s involved and will know what to do. This will ensure there is a consistency in how things are done and give the opportunity to get any questions or concerns answered, particulary any changes in procedure. The date(s) will be announced at the registration meeting.

Finally, we are all looking forward to seeing the friendly faces of members both old and new and having a wonderful 2023 canoe season. 
Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 23rd!

 

 

Come Hike with us!

OSSCC Hike: Sandy Hills Regional Forest
(nature preserve north of Elmira)
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 

Contact: Email Bett Fitzpatrick, bettfitzpatrick@gmail.com, or text 519-208-3408 if you plan to join us.
Please add cell # to your phone contacts in case of delays or last-minute cancellations.

 Time: 10:00 am

Hike Location: Sandy Hills Regional Forest, 390 Sandy Hills Dr/Township Rd 3, Elmira. We’ll begin the 5 km hike at the southern section of the woods. If driving through Elmira to Sandy Hills Drive, there is angled parking off the road on the right at the trailhead.  

Duration:   Betty Dyck is leading this approximately 2-hour hike.
Come join us! 

General Description:
The Sandy Hill Regional Forest consists of two tracts of land on either side of Sandy Hills Road at the extreme northern tip of the Region of Waterloo. It is a large complex of conifer plantations some of which were established as far back as the 1930s on wind-eroded sandy soils. Some of the older stands are now quite mature and have some of the attributes of conifer forests much further north. From 1957 to 1974, the federal Departmentof Forests had a research station within a clearing in the southern block to study forest insect pests. The conifer stands support a number of bird species (Golden crowned Kinglet, Ovenbird, and Pine Warbler) which prefer this type of habitat for breeding. One Scots Pine stand in the northern block is in poor condition, but is now being converted to Red Oak. The southernmost part of the forest is a cedar swamp.
( https://regionofwaterloo.ca)

Come prepared!
Layer for winter weather, wear sturdy footwear with good grip; bring drinks and snacks for elevenses. A backpack is useful to stash extra mittens and such.  As with any winter hiking, icers are recommended

Bett Fitzpatrick

There will be NO cancellation blog posted for hikes. Please register with Bett, she will send cancellation/update notices via emails received

Come Hike with us!

OSSCC  Hike: Economical Insurance Trailway (part of Walter Bean Trail), 326 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener
 Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Contact: Email Roseanna Rigo roseannarigo@gmail.com  or
text 705-898-3284  if you plan to join us.
Please add cell # to your phone contacts in case of delays or last-minute cancellations.

 Time: 10:00 am

Hike Location: Park in the Economical Insurance Trailway parking lot at 326 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener, by the Grand River. 

Duration:  2 hours.
This is an out-and-back approximately 2-hour hike along the Grand River towards Bingemans and back. 
There are some hills and it may be icy, so icers and hiking poles are recommended.

Come prepared!
Layer for winter weather, wear sturdy footwear with good grip; bring drinks (maybe a hot cider or hot chocolate) and snacks for elevenses. A backpack is useful to stash extra mittens and such.
As with any winter hiking, icers are recommended

Roseanna Rigo 

Please advise if you plan to hike: roseannarigo@gmail.com  or
text 705-898-3284

(There will be NO cancellation blog posted for hikes. Please register with Roseanna, she will send cancellation/update notices via emails received) 

Bowling For Fun

Tuesday, February 28th

Please let Roseanna know if you plan to attend
roseannarigo@gmail.com   or 519-888-9224 

Date
– Tues. February 28th 
Time– 1:45 pm.
Location– Victoria Bowl, 280 Victoria St., Kitchener
( Corner of Victoria & Strange St.)
Cost-$9.00 (this includes 2 games of bowling, shoe rental and taxes)

No talent necessary. Beat the winter blues, come out and socialize.
There might be chocolate! 

Don’t come early, Victoria Bowl will open at 1:45 for us OR
if you do, you can park at the bowling alley and walk across the street to City Cafe for a coffee. 

Hope to see you there ~ Roseanna Rigo 

If you plan to attend,
RSVP to roseannarigo@gmail.com   or 519-888-9224.  

(Please  mark your calendar , NO reminder will be sent out)

Come Hike with us!

OSSCC Hike: Iron Horse Trail  
Kitchener/Waterloo,  Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Contact: Email Bett Fitzpatrick, bettfitzpatrick@gmail.com, or text 519-208-3408 if you plan to join us. Please add cell # to your phone contacts in case of delays or last-minute cancellations.

 Time: 10:00 am

Hike Location:  Park in the big parking lot at 70 Caroline St. South, behind the King Street Liquor Store and Starbucks.

Duration:  2  hours.
Bruce  is leading this out-and-back approximately 2-hour hike on a wide, snow-cleared, paved trail. You may turn back at any time. Come join us!

The Iron Horse Trail is a multi-use urban rail trail which connects the cities of Waterloo and
Kitchener.  It runs from Erb Street West in the north near Uptown Waterloo, to Ottawa Street South in Kitchener to the south. It covers a distance of 5.5 kilometres.

Come prepared!
Layer for winter weather, wear sturdy footwear with good grip; bring drinks (maybe a hot cider or hot chocolate) and snacks for elevenses. A backpack is useful to stash extra mittens and such.
As with any winter hiking, icers are recommended

Bett Fitzpatrick

Please advise by email if you plan to hike: bettfitzpatrick@gmail.com  

(There will be NO cancellation blog posted for hikes. Please register with Bett, she will send cancellation/update notices via emails received) 

January 31 – Bowling For Fun

Bowling for Fun

Please let Brenda know if you plan to attend
brendajwelch@hotmail.com or 519-884-2168

Date
– Tues. Jan.31st
Time– 1:45 pm.
Location– Victoria Bowl, 280 Victoria St., Kitchener
( Corner of Victoria & Strange St.)
Cost-$9.00( this includes 2 games of bowling, shoe rental and taxes)

No talent necessary. Beat the winter blues and come out and socialize.
There might be chocolate! 

Don’t come early, Victoria Bowl will open at 1:45 for us.

Hope to see you there ~ Brenda Welch

If you plan to attend, RSVP to 
brendajwelch@hotmail.com or 519-884-2168

Trip Planning Committee Members Wanted

It is that time of year when we start planning our canoe trips for this summer. If you are interested in this committee, please email Anne Woolner:   annewoolner@hotmail.com

With the canoe season, May to September, this task is one best shared by members old and new. If you have an idea of an enjoyable-safe-fun experience for the club, plan to join this committee.

We usually meet in late January to pool ideas and get the trips into a tentative schedule. It will be great to be getting into the canoeing mood!!!

The initial meeting will be in person and Anne will provide the details to those who reply to request for members. 

Come Hike with us!

OSSCC Makeup Hike: Elmira Lions Lake Trail
(also known as Floradale Dam),
Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Contact: Email Bett Fitzpatrick, bettfitzpatrick@gmail.com, or text 519-208-3408 if you plan to join us. Please add cell # to your phone contacts in case of delays or last-minute cancellations.

 Time: 10:00 am

Hike Location: Parking is at the intersection of Ruggles Road and Floradale Road, to the side of Bonnie Lou’s Cafe’ and next to Canagagigue Creek, a tributary of the Grand River, which flows through the village.

*** Lunch at Bonnie Lou’s Café, 2238 Floradale Road!

Duration:  2 hours.
You may turn back at any time. Come join us!

This hike is a 7-kilometre loop around the Woolwich Reservoir. The trail passes through some private property and a maple bush. It was developed in 1980 by the Elmira Lions and is a favourite spot for cycling, hiking, fishing, and picnics.

Come prepared!
Layer for winter weather, wear sturdy footwear with good grip; bring drinks (maybe a hot cider or hot chocolate) and snacks for elevenses. A backpack is useful to stash extra mittens and such.
As with any winter hiking, icers are recommended

Bett Fitzpatrick

Please advise by email if you plan to hike: bettfitzpatrick@gmail.com  

(There will be NO cancellation blog posted for hikes. Please register with Bett, she will send cancellation/update notices via emails received) 

Christmas Dinner/Next Hike {December}

Last Chance to sign up for the Christmas Party!
We need your reply by Nov. 30th at the latest!
Cost is $38 per person

Payment details, menu choices, and other information can be found here {link} (previous blog post)

If you have any questions please call Brenda at 519-884-2168

Please note, if you are having concerns about flu and covid,  the Old Salts will be the only customers at the venue.  We ask that you wear a mask when not seated.

If you have a talent, poem, joke, etc. that you would like to share please let Brenda know so we can put you on our program.

Last year the indoor temperature was a bit cool.  Chef Duff has promised it will be warmer, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a jacket or sweater just in case.

Don’t miss this special event!

OSSCC Club Hike

Where: Mill Race Trail (St. Jacobs)

Monday, December 5, plan to join Bett and the crew for an enjoyable fall hike!

Contact: Email Bett Fitzpatrick, bettfitzpatrick@gmail.com, if you plan to join us.

Please add her cell # 519-208-3408 to your phone contacts in case of delays or last-minute cancellations.

 Time: 10:00 am

Hike Location: Mill Race Trail, 33 Front Street, St. Jacobs. There is construction in the area, but the trail is accessible. Turn right into the big parking lot next to Saliente Wood Designs (yellow building) and the Caboose (ice cream place in summer).

Duration: 4 km out-and-back, approximately 1 ½ hours

Come join us for this delightful, gentle walk on the Mill Race Trail, known locally as “Lovers Lane”! The trail is an easy, level, stone-dust trail that parallels the mill race diversion of the Conestogo River from the old 1850s Snyder Mill (the first mill in St. Jacobs), upstream to the dam at Three Bridges Rd. west of the village.

There’s also the option, on the return, to lengthen the hike by turning at the overhead railway trestle and adding on part of the Health Valley Trail. Others may choose to shop or lunch in town or enjoy a coffee and scone at Ecocafe. Either way, it’ll be a great hike, and we look forward to having you join us!

Come prepared!

 Dress for a cold morning; wear sturdy footwear with good grip, and pack icers in the event of snow; bring drinks for hydration, and, of course, snacks for elevenses at the dam. A backpack is useful to stash surplus clothing once we get moving and warm up!

Please advise by email if you plan to hike: bettfitzpatrick@gmail.com

Introducing……..

The AGM went very well yesterday. It was a great way to end our canoe season and have the chance to socialize with members we haven’t seen in a while. Many thanks to the Social Committee who provided the coffee and goodies!

I am also happy to say that we have a full slate for our new Board of Directors.   They are as follows:

President:   Bruce Williams
Vice President:  Michael De Andrade
Treasurer:   Pat Aiken
Secretary:  Martha Mackay
~~~
Membership Co-ordinator: Jaye Kuntz
Training Co-ordinator: Lynn Warmington
Scheduling/Trip Co-ordinator:  Anne Woolner
Equipment/Maintenance: Armand Martin
Social Committee Chairs: Brenda Welch/Pat Aiken

We would like to extend a big welcome and best wishes to all our new board members.  You will bring  fresh ideas and a new dynamic to OSSCC that  we can only benefit from.

At this time, I would also like to thank Denise Newell and Larry Martin (who have resigned)   and express our gratitude for their many years of service to the Club. Your  contributions  have helped shape the Club into what it is today!

The Club website has undergone an update. It has been integrated with the Blog for easier management and navigation. One feature that has been added is a Q&A page  that will answer questions future old salts may have about the club. Also, the “Conditions of Membership” (Waiver) has been included as well. (This is part of the waiver on page 2 of the registration form). If you know of anyone who would like to join the Old Salts next season, please send them to: https://oldsaltsclub.com/

For those of you who couldn’t make the AGM, please note that the spring membership registration meeting has been booked for Thursday, March 23rd (2023) at Rim Park…..mark your calendars!

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for the October 25th “Road Trek and Potluck“.  The Social Committee has been working diligently to make this a fun and challenging event. For more details see here {link}