There was plenty of snow in the days before and after St. Valentine’s Day. But staying inside was no hardship. Residents here always have many ways to socialize without leaving the building. This week along with our usual activities (aquabics, bistro, card games, dancercise, trivia, scopa) we had a Valentine Crafternoon for the little ones on Saturday, some great fun singing along to familiar songs on Tuesday evening and a suprise ice cream social on Friday evening at our regular Friday happy hour – when we extend the bistro hours to welcome the weekend (on the fountain deck in good weather and indoors when it’s cold outside). Everyone is invited to join any of these events and more. Check the digiboard and bulletin boards for hints about what’s on each day.

A special evening at Islington 2000/2010! The Social Committee planned a wonderfully festive party this year, with great food, sparkling decorations, dancing and even a sing-along. Wishing everyone the joy of the season, health and happiness in 2025!
Click photo for more.

The Social Committee gave us a wonderful evening last Friday. The event was very well attended and everyone had a good time.  The caterers served the crowd quickly and their food was so tasty. As usual the MC was Roy and he played all the old familiars for dancing. For those of us who simply sign up and appear on time, the organization and unseen effort of the Social Committee is amazing and much appreciated. Thank you to all the helpers.

Click the photos to enlarge.

As it is Thanksgiving weekend, a word to the wise for everyone in the fall of 2024. The turkey has a cautionary tale for us. He’s been down on the farm with a bunch of like-minded birds. Food, both delicious and nutritious has been provided daily. He is living his best life without a care in the world. But then one day, just around this time of year.…

The long and easy summer days are over. October is the beginning of flu and cold season, with COVID 19 apparently showing up year round. Sharing a meal with family? Enjoying a night out in a restaurant? Attending a concert? Do you have an annoying little voice in your head wondering if there is risk?

Ignoring that voice won’t help. Doing something about it can. This is the expert advice: wash your hands often, keep vaccinations up to date, wear a mask when in crowds and indoors, eat your fruits and vegetables and get plenty of sleep.

Stay safe this Thanksgiving and be thankful for good health.

Once again we have to thank our Social Committee team for going above and beyond to arrange a Canada Day party to remember. The weather was perfect this year and everything was decorated in red and white. Roy provided music, as usual. With two serving stations everyone was able to sit down together to eat. Just look at all the smiling faces.

It is always exciting to see the pool being prepared for the summer season – the cleaning, the small touchups and finally the blue blue water. Our private resort is in its glory this time of year promising lazy days by the pool.

A warning though – the sun can be damaging. Parents of young children know the importance of protecting young skin from the sun. And as we age, the risk of skin damage increases. Older skin is also fragile. Our immune systems become weaker. And over our lives we have accumulated ever more sun exposure.  That’s why skin cancer is so prevalent in older people.

Here’s some advice for us all: Aim for the shade, especially when near water and sand which reflect the sun rays, and especially in middle of the day. Always wear sunscreen, even on rainy days. Sun protective clothing is a wise choice when outdoors. Know the signs of skin cancer and look for changes in moles, and birthmarks. If you find something out of the ordinary, see a doctor quickly.

Now grab a hat and safely enjoy the summery weather.