Our Lunch and Learn about  Recognizing and Avoiding Scams was well attended. Two  officers from the local Crime Prevention department showed slides and videos. They explained how scammers operate and how to recognize fraud.  The audience joined in too with questions and anecdotes that indicated how frequently this crime happens.

We were advised to take the time to think before reacting especially when we sense we are being rushed, and to never divulge private information. Scammers are relentless and although many frauds are deliberately targetted at seniors, everyone is vulnerable.

Managing water consumption is good for the environment, saves the condominium money and may save you from expensive water damage.

You should know that bathrooms generally account for more than half the water used indoors so that’s a good place to start. Here are some tips for good water management at home.

• Consider installing low- or dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads and faucets with faucet aerators.
• Now may be a good time to change a few personal habits. When washing, brushing your teeth or shaving, try to avoid letting the tap run continuously. Fill a glass with water to rinse your mouth when brushing your teeth. Rinse your razor by filling the bottom of the sink with a few centimetres of water.
• Wondering if you have a slow leak in your toilet? Put a few drops of food colour into the tank, then wait to see if the bowl water changes colour. A plumber will be able to remedy the leak.
• Our municipal water system is not a dump. Do not throw garbage, dental floss or medicine into the toilet.
• Avoid toxic chemicals when cleaning the bathroom – choose biodegradable and environmentally-friendly products.

Small changes can make a big difference over time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not been conquered, although it is no longer considered an emergency. Heading into the fall of 2023 there has been an slight uptick in hospitalizations, positive tests and other indicators of virus activity in Canada. Kelly Grant has a good article in The Globe and Mail this week about how Canadians might be prepared.  Public Health Ontario is a source of current data in our province.

We have been lucky at Islington 2000 that Toronto Public Health has brought vaccination clinics to our recreation centre. Many residents have found this a great convenience. Watch for signs about the next clinic, especially if you are past the 6 month recommended interval for a booster.

Planning to attend an indoor event? Check in with this risk assessment tool beforehand, especially if you or family members are vulnerable. Be mindful of air quality – keep the air moving when sharing space with others.  There’s no harm in wearing a mask, and it’s wise to keep one handy. An N95 mask is an effective physical barrier in case you or your friends are infected.

A final word: if you are sick – stay at home!

The good news:  it didn’t rain. But how did we know that it wouldn’t rain when the sky was threatening all day and the wind kept up ominously? Hopes were high and the plan was still to party outdoors, until the very last moment when the social committee decided on discretion and moved all the tables and chairs back indoors.

Oh well… it was a great party anyway. We talked, we laughed, we ate, we danced.

Thank you to the social committee who once again were forced to double their efforts by our dodgy Canadian climate. We love you even if the weatherman is indifferent. Some photos below- click to expand.

One of our newer residents took the time to capture the water lilies in bloom last weekend.

Make sure to walk around the upper deck and the waterfall below to appreciate some of the most lovely features of our condominium grounds.

Each flower does not seek to be the most beautiful
It only seeks to bloom

Every year we look forward to July 1st and the best outdoor party of the year.  Again this year the residents of Islington 2000/2010 were eager to join the festivities. Even though there were some ominous signs in the weather forecast, everyone formed a line at 5:30, got a name tag and found a table. All expectations were positive for a great evening.

With very little warning, the storm blew in just as we stood up to sing the anthem. And the storm kept on and on, with driving rain and thunder. We all tried to wait it out but eventually the issue of food became pressing.

The social committee made the decision to set up a serving table in the fireside lounge and invited us to take our food to eat indoors, or if we could find shelter under a gazebo, to go back outside to eat.  And it all turned out fine.

Our social committee had planned and worked for long weeks to make everything perfect – then were forced to pivot and come up with a new plan. They showed tremendous grace under pressure and set the tone for everyone else to be flexible and amenable. The committee is Kam Chari, Mary Daversa, Santina Fasciani, Valerie Fiachetti, Gina and Luciano Galiano and Angelica McGowan. We are so grateful to each of them, and to all others who volunteered on the day. It was a Canada Day party to remember!