Askennonia members did a wonderful job of presenting the latest fall fashions from Patricia’s and Patricia’s Petites at the Wed. Oct 29 Fall Fashion Show. The afternoon was hosted by the Askennonia Tai Chi group, who provided cheese, crackers and fruit for the 175 attendees. Our sponsors, The Villa and Bayfield House Retirement Lodges, complemented the lunch with fruit loaves and door prizes. Doug Hill filled the room with old favorites, while Sandra Taylor did a wonderful job with the commentary. Thanks to all volunteers who made this event successful!

New Belly Dancing Program will be offered Thurs 1:30—2:30 (all winter long) starting Nov 6. Cost for 4 weeks is $16. You should wear comfortable clothing with snug fitting top. Our new instructor, Shirley Sheehan, has enjoyed the health benefits and fun of this dance for many, many years. Come out and try it!! Sign up now!(read on for health benefits)

On Tuesday Oct 21, Askennonia Senior Centre & Huronia Vision Impaired hosted a Health & Wellness Fair that was well-attended by members & guests. Thirty local health practitioners and related organizations provided information and handouts to over 250 attendees. Askennonia volunteers provided a delicious lunch that was sponsored by Norvartis. Thanks go to Bayfield House & The Villa Retirement Lodges for donating dessert, bottled water and door prizes. We would also like to thank Dr.

John McDermott’s hauntingly beautiful tenor tones, combined with his relaxed, easygoing story-telling made for an unforgettably entertaining evening for the guests at Askennonia’s Gala 2008. John’s family tales about “The Old Man” brought tears to many eyes, while “I’m My Own Grandpa” had everyone is stitches. I don’t think anyone in attendance will ever listen to “Loch Lomond” without thinking about the young soldier who took the low road. All in all, the performance could not have been more enjoyable (read on).

Two new programs started in Oct. We rented the pool at the YMCA, complete with an Aquafit instructor and lifeguard. Participants can choose whether to take the class, swim lengths or just play in the water.
Also, Lori Moreau offered an exercise program, designed for, but not restricted to people concerned about osteoporosis. (Make sure it's ok with your doctor that you participate.) Both programs continue through Nov, so check the newsletter by clicking the "Newsletter" tab above for times, costs and registration details. You must pre-register for both of these programs.

Click on the Newsletter tab above to access our Nov 08 publication and to view all the new programs and special events planned for this fall.

Askennonia has lots of activities that are traditonally male-oriented. A group play pool and table tennis on Mon & Wed mornings. The art of woodcarving is considered masculine, although we have lots of women who participate. There is a healthy representation of guys in both the bid euchre and bridge groups, as well as, in all our exercise classes and tai chi. Many gentlemen enroll in art and cooking classes. The point is, that men should not consider themselves exempt from having a little fun or learning something new.

We offer Watercolour and Woodcarving from September until the end of May annually.
This year (2008) we have Jackie Sture teaching watercolour during Sept, Pat Keating teaching oil painting during Tuesdays in Oct., and MJ Weber teaching acrylic Tuesdays during Nov. We will welcome our regular Wednesday afternoon watercolour teachers, Charmiane Marier and Erin Burton, back for October and November. (registration required)