Uncategorized Archives - Wandering Wellington County

The Polar Express Train Ride

November 22, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

The Waterloo Central Railway Village Station in St. Jacobs hosts some wonderful Holiday rides. Walking towards the venue, you could see the glowing lights from the Christmas decor.

Bells could be heard jingling in the darkness of the evening sky. One of the smiling attendees from the previous Polar Express train ride said, “Enjoy your time, you will love it, it was so amazing!”

Entering the warmth of the building, there were Children dressed in pajamas clutching hands with their parents some were browsing the Polar express memorabilia and perhaps wondering what the night would entail.

The lights dimmed, smoke began to fill the room and our evening at the Polar Express began as actors began to tell the story of the popular Christmas book written by Chris Van Allsburg.

Entering train C, there were festive Christmas lights decorating the interior of the 1950’s old style train. We were met with the actors in costume greeting us all with smiles as we found our seating arrangements.

The conductor said, “All Aboard, we are embarking on a trip to the North Pole, please have your tickets ready!”

Rolling out of the station we all knew we were in for a special evening as the conductor began to inspect the golden tickets, walking up and down the aisle performing his golden ticket duties.

Attendees can enjoy a 1 hour train ride to the North Pole in the comfort of cozy seating while The Polar Express is read, hot chocolate and treats are served, carols are sang and everyone receives a gift and visit from SANTA.

The acting was really well done along with all of the details taken in to account to make the ride so memorable for Children of all of all ages.

Tickets are limited so be sure to check out the website and pre book your ride, Waterloo Central Railway, https://waterloocentralrailway.com/the-polar-express-train-ride/.

One of the last impressions I heard on the loudspeaker was, “What matter’s most is not where you are going, but that you got on!”

This annual family fun Polar Express train ride along with the Santa train ride experience takes place from Mid November only until Mid December, so get ready to make one of the most memorable experience’s your family will have this holiday season.

Talk soon,

Nancy

New Elora Luxury B&B Accomodations Inner Joy Getaways

September 5, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

An Elora couple has found a unique way to re-use shipping containers.

Will and Laura Feenstra are the owners of Inner Joy Getaways, just outside of Elora, where they have turned former shipping containers into luxurious suites.

Inner Joy Getaways 7.44 acres of land along four suites looking out onto the Grand River. Along the side of the property is Swan Creek which is a premium fly fishing spot on the Grand River.

“The property has acres upon acres of protected GRCA land and beside us is a small protected bush area. You can tube right from the Elora gorge all the way to the property. The Wilson flats are just minutes down the road from us along with various other hiking paths,” said Laura.

She said they had been watching the property on the market for 1.5 years prior and they thought they would look at it just for fun.

(This article was originally Published at Village Media, Guelph Today, see link below)

Talk soon ~

Nancy

A Walk in the Park

January 8, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

One of my favorite things to do is take a walk in the park. Anytime I am feeling life’s stresses or wanting to just take a few moments to remember what is really important, I love to walk around my favorite park in Guelph. Riverside Park is my park, it is the Park I grew up in, it is the park I like to watch bridge to-bridge as my father calls it.

I always love to think of the various conversations that take place on one of the many park benches I walk by. I love the park in all seasons, with Winter just upon us, I love the stillness and the quietness of the image of this lonely park bench set amongst the river bank.

When I take time just to spend 30 minutes in nature, I always feel better for doing so. Why is so hard to get going sometimes, I often spend more time thinking of doing something rather than doing it at times. This happens often on weekends when my paper arrives at its doorstep, coffee in hand and I plan my day. My plans always include a little walk or two but often the day floats into night and I am still on the couch serving the internet or changing the channels on the TV.

Why is so hard to get outside in the Winter weather at times when you know you will feel better after a little stroll around the block. I put pressure on myself at times when the wind is howling and the snow is blowing to get outside for a little fresh air, as I know I will feel better for even the most basic of steps in the Winter months. Clearing the car of snow, and oh the drag of shovelling can be overwhelming at times.

I am already counting down the days till Spring but know that we must first endure the quiet and stillness of the Winter. Maybe just maybe I can be OK with not being so hard on myself this time of year to get outside more. As it just looks so much prettier from inside. The snow glistening on the fence, or the kids building a snowman.

I have some gift cards for the ski hill which I know the kids and I would really have fun at. I just have to find the courage to get outside and get going on those days when it just seems simpler to stay inside. I used to ski but have not been in many years, and last year I had promised my Mother I would take the kids downhill skiing this season. I guess I still have a few more months to accomplish this task. Or maybe I could make it a fun outing rather than a task. I guess it is all how you look at things.

Winter I LOVE YOU, I WILL EMBRACE THIS SEASON!

“When you change the way you look at things…. the things you look at change.” ~ Wayne Dyer

Talk soon~

Nancy

Be Kind to Each Other The World Needs It!

December 20, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

The busy holiday season is upon us with just one week before Christmas Day. Lunch hour came and went however the memory of what made the day still lingers. Much can be accomplished on a one hour lunch break, thoughts of going for lunch with friends, last minute shopping or a walk around Riverside Park in the sunshine.

Choosing the latter option was a great chance to stretch the legs and clear the mind with a little time in nature. A favorite path at Riverside Park which has been referred to the, “Bridge to Bridge walk”. The walk started from the East side of the Speed River walking trail accessed from the Speedvale Ave. Bridge towards the Woodlawn Bridge. As the footsteps rounded the pathway just meters from the low lying woods near the Woodlawn Bridge, there it was glittering in the sunlight.

The beautifully decorated 3.5 ft. small pine tree was easy to spot just to the left of the path. Tiny red bows, a set of battery operated colorful lights, and a few ornaments adorned this tree in the woods. Underneath the tree lay a few presents marked with a Christmas tag which read, “To: You, From: Secret Santa” A card dangled on the tree in a plastic sleeve marked, “PLEASE READ ME!”

Looking around to see if anyone else was around besides the birds flying above. Nostalgic feelings of past Christmas’s were brought up which brought a smile. The card read, “Season’s Greetings to EVERYONE WHO READS THIS…..” It spoke about random acts of kindness and Christmas being a time of giving. “If you receive a gift, please enjoy it and consider doing a little something to pay it forward. I hope it brings delight to all who notice it.”

The world can be such a very busy place, Thank you to the kind soul who took the time to leave this very thoughtful message. “Be as Kind as you can as the world needs it!” This certainly made the day and helped to restore joy in the holiday season. Hopefully many will benefit from this beautiful Act of Kindness!

Talk soon,

Nancy

5 Reason’s We Need Little Breaks

October 21, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Lets face it, this life can get really busy at times. Being a Mom to young children can get really crazy at times, busing the kids around to their various activities, packing the lunches, bathing them, washing the clothes, making the meals, shopping. Oh my, I didn’t realize how glamorous all of the motherhood duties sounded until I wrote them down.

I don’t know if you are like me? Sometimes I have to admit, I am not always excited about making their lunches day in day out, or sitting in a cold arena watching my son’s hockey game, as I hear other parents screaming at their kids to do better.

I have to admit I like to daydream of far away places at times, and think of perhaps the last time I treated myself to vacation or a girls night away. OK maybe I do indulge in a few girls night’s away. I must say I am rather lucky to have a wonderful support system for my kiddies. I know lots of women with or without children, who could certainly use a much-needed break from the everyday demands of living in this fast paced world.

Don’t get me wrong, I am in love with my 2 little people, and I LOVE THEM TO THE MOON AND BACK! But being an older Mom, I truly appreciate “little breaks” and some time off from my duties to recharge and relax a bit.

Here are 5 reasons we all need a little bit of a BREAK.

1. Recharge your Batteries

2. Perspective

3. Gratitude

4. Take Care of Yourself

5. Have Fun

These are my top 5 reasons why a little break from the ordinary is needed. What are your 5 tips for taking a break from reality, I would love to hear your tips. Stay tuned I am in the process of creating some cool excursions to help busy people like yourself take a little break, and have a little FUN!

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST

Talk soon ~

Nancy

5 Things to do this Weekend in Wellington County!

September 24, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

This time of year the mornings are cooler but still warm enough to wear only a light sweater or two, when attending one of the many events going on in our community. Where is the sunshine the weather reporter promised us today with a high of 20…..MMMM I think they were wrong again.

Well this is not my favorite time of year with the shorter days and the cooler nights. However the leaves are beautiful, with stunning colors dotting the harvested landscapes of the rural communities. There is a lot going on in the Wellington County community this Fall, here are 5 top things you can mark on your calendars, and take advantageous of all of the adventures in our backyard!

FALL RURAL ROMP (September 29th 10-4pm)

There is a wonderful self guided tour https://www.wellington.ca/en/business/tr-fallruralromp.aspx. Print out the Map, fill the gas tank, grab a coffee and explore.

2. Fergus – Elora Studio Tour (September 22-23 / 29-30th 10-4pm)

Ever wondered what an artist’s studio looks like? Now is your chance to check out fabulous artisans in Elora Fergus. Here is the link for more information and a map to follow. https://elorafergusstudiotour.com/

3. Culture Days (September 28, 29, 30)

This is a Canada wide event with the local areas in Wellington County hosting tons of great, free cultural events. https://culturedays.ca/en/2018-activities/search/grid?location=city&postal_search=&postal_radius=25&province=&city_search=fergus+elora&city_radius=25&region_search=4801&search_all_activities=&day=&day%5B%5D=2018-09-28&day%5B%5D=2018-09-29&day%5B%5D=2018-09-30&start_time=&name=&organizer=&language=&wheelchair=0&type=&type%5B%5D=&category=&category%5B%5D=&keyword=&query=

4. Donkey Sanctuary Open Day – (September 30)

You have to go visit this amazing donkey sanctuary and maybe adopt your very own donkey? https://www.guelphmercury.com/events/8881954-749859-donkey-sanctuary-open-day/

5. Aberfoyle Market (Saturday’s & Sunday’s)

Why not browse at the many vendors at this great outdoor market, open weekends. https://aberfoyleantiquemarket.com/

Talk soon

Nancy

Wellington County Festival & Events Guide (Summer) 2018

May 28, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

WELLINGTON COUNTY FESTIVALS AND EVENTS GUIDE

EXPERIENCE WELLINGTON COUNTY Welcome to Wellington County. Get to know us better as you explore our back roads, visit our quaint towns and find your escape in our rural Ontario countryside. We have food that will require a second helping, breathtaking natural landscapes, an arts and culture scene to be envied and some of the coolest people you have yet to meet. Visit, visit again and make yourself at home. Show us your Wellington County. Get social and use hashtags for your chance to win. #experiencewellington

CULTURE HIGHLAND GAMES WHERE TRADITIONS ARE TRADITION. You may feel like you have been transported to another time or place, but don’t worry there are many opportunities to experience remarkable events in Wellington County. Find your festival at Visit the Experience Wellington Website Gather, compete and celebrate at the Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Fergus, Ontario.

FOOD AND DRINK FOODIE FEST THE TABLE IS SET and the food is ready. Pull up your chair, we have a place waiting for you. In Wellington County we turn ingredients into adventure, find your new favourite and taste your way across the County. The Taste Real Local Food Fest celebrates all things food in Guelph and Wellington County.

Visit Visit the Taste Real website RURAL ROOTS ON THE FARM A NEW EXPERIENCE can be found at each bend in the road. Wellington County offers a chance to plant your feet, breathe in the fresh air and see what life on the farm really means. Let the Taste Real Local Food Map be your guide. Get yours at Visit the Taste Real Website Take part in the Spring and Fall Rural Romps, self-guided farm and food tours.

NATURAL LANDSCAPES GET OUTSIDE A MORNING OUT on the lake, an afternoon hike through the forest, or an evening under the stars. Wellington County gives you time to slow down, reconnect with nature and escape your everyday. Guelph Lake is one of five Grand River Parks in Wellington County, Visit the Grand River Website MUSIC FESTIVAL FAVOURITES THE SOUNDTRACK in Wellington County is rich, diverse and eclectic. Find the beat and be prepared to have the music take you away. This summer plan to attend Hillside Festival, Riverfest Elora and Elora Festival. Check out Visit the Experience Wellington Website

CHARM COUNTY TREASURES SPEND SOME TIME roaming through antique shops, strolling village streets and cruising County roads. Stay over in a charming bed and breakfast and beco • Elora Culinary Walking Tour • Elora Sculpture Project • Fergus Grand Theatre • Grand River Raceway, Elora • Harriston Town Hall Theatre • Headwaters Stable Tour, Erin • Hillsburgh Heritage Walking Trail • John Webb Gallery, Harriston • Minto Arts Gallery, Harriston • Mount Forest Museum and Archives • Norgan Theatre, Palmerston • OLG Slots, Elora • Ontario Steam Heritage Museum, Puslinch • Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum • The Gorge Cinema, Elora • Wellington County Museum and Archives SEASONAL • Aberfoyle Antique Market Sundays, April 29 – October 28, Puslinch • Donkey Sanctuary Sundays, May – October, Puslinch • Drayton Festival Theatre May 16 – October 14, Drayton • Elora Skyrider Zipline June 2 – September 30, Elora Gorge • Lynes Blacksmith Shop By appointment, June 1 – September 30, Kenilworth • McClintock’s Water Ski School May 15 – October 15, Puslinch Lake • Monster Month October 1 – 31, Downtown Elora • Strom’s Farm Harvest Fun Area September – October, Guelph Eramosa • Simple Pleasures for the Summer Wednesdays, July 4 – August 29, Wellington County Museum and Archives •

FARMERS’ MARKETS • Erin Farmers’ Market McMillan Park, Village of Erin FRIDAYS, June 22 – September 29 • Rockwood Farmers’ Market and Live Music, 112 Main Street, Rockwood WEDNESDAYS, June 13 – October 3 • Elora Farmers’ Market Bissell Park, Elora SATURDAYS, May 5 – October 13 • Elora Farmers’ Market, Paddock Building, Grand River Raceway, Elora SATURDAYS, October 20 – December 22 • Minto Farmers’ Market, Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum SATURDAYS, June 2 – August 25 • Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market, 23 Brock Road South, Aberfoyle SATURDAYS, May 26 – October 27 • Wellington North Farmers’ Market, Victory Community Centre, Mount Forest FRIDAYS, May 25 – October 5 Dates subject to change. Please visit Visit the Experience Wellington Website APRIL • APRIL 6 National Tartan Day Concert, Fergus Grand Theatre • APRIL 8 Gallery Concert Series, Wellington County Museum and Archives • APRIL 8 Tartan Day, Downtown Fergus • APRIL 8 Tartan Day Historical Walking Tour, Downtown Fergus • APRIL 14 – 15 Elora Vintage and Antique Show, Elora Community Centre • APRIL 20 – 22 Guelph and District Kennel Club Dog Show, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus • APRIL 20 – 28 Musical Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, Grand River Raceway, Elora • APRIL 26 Wordfest, Elora Centre For the Arts • APRIL 29 Grand Taste, Grand River Raceway, Elora MAY • MAY 3 Flutters, Frocks and Flowers, Main Street, Village of Erin • MAY 4 – 6 Elora Festival Annual Giant Book Sale, Elora Curling Club • MAY 4 – 6 Spring Rain Weekend,Belwood Hall • MAY 6 Dollhouse Miniatures Show and Sale, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus • MAY 6 EW-CS High Tea and High Heels, St. Andrew’s Church, Hillsburgh • MAY 6 Elora Writers’ Festival, Wellington County Museum and ArchivesMAY 9 – 11 Fergu •

JUNE

6 – 8 Canadian National Fly-Fishing Champships, Centre Wellington • JUNE 9 Doors Open Erin, Various locations in the Town of Erin • JUNE 9 Drayton Kinettes, Super Hero Soiree, Ag Hall, Drayton Fairgrounds • JUNE 10 Donkey Day, The Donkey Sanctuary, Puslinch • JUNE 14 Aberfoyle Agricultural Society Chicken Barbeque, Puslinch Community CentreJUNE 15 Mapleton Custom Rodders Car Show, Moorefield Ball Diamonds • JUNE 16 Rotary Club of Erin presents “Ribfest”, McMillan Park, Village of Erin • JUNE 16 Doors Open Fergus and Elora, Various Locations across Fergus and Elora • JUNE 16 Doors Open Historical Walking Tours, Fergus and Elora • JUNE 16 Subaru Triathlon Series at Guelph Lake, Guelph Lake Conservation Area • JUNE 16 Touch a Truck, Harriston and Minto Community Centre, Harriston •

JUNE 20 – SEPTEMBER 1Insights, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JUNE 21 Sensational Elora’s Fabulous Fergus Pub Night, Four pubs throughout Fergus • JUNE 23 Puslinch Lake Alive Living Home Tour, Old Marina Restaurant, Puslinch • JUNE 23 Palmerston Handcar Races, Palmerston Railway Museum • JUNE 23 Party in the Park, Palmerston Lion’s Heritage Park • JUNE 24 Local Food Fest, Ignatius Jesuit Centre • JUNE 24 Celebrate Sunrise Summer Fundraiser, Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre, Puslinch • JUNE 24 Fergus Horticultural Society Garden Tour, Various locations across Fergus • JUNE 29 – 30 Clifford Classic Truck Show, Clifford Rotary Park • JUNE 29 – JULY 2 Arthur Optimists Canada Day Weekend Celebration, Arthur Fairgrounds and Community Centre • JUNE 30 Drayton Kinsmen Wing Night and Concert, Drayton Fairgrounds

JULY

Orton’s Annual Canada Day Celebration, Orton • JULY 1 Get in Touch for Hutch, Arthur Community Centre • JULY 1 Puslinch Canada Day Pancake Breakfast and Fireworks, Puslinch Community Centre • JULY 1, Canada Day Fireworks, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus • JULY 1 Dominion Day Elora, Downtown Elora and Bissell Park • JULY 1 Canada Day Celebration, Crossroads Life Church, Harriston • JULY 1 Canada Day Fireworks Display, Drayton Fairgrounds • JULY 2 – 6 Arthur SU Sports Camp, Arthur Community Centre • JULY 4 – AUGUST 29Twilight at Templin, Templin Gardens, Fergus • JULY 5 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JULY 6 Annual Wiener Dog Race, Grand River Raceway, Elora • JULY 6 – 15 Elora Community Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park, Bissell Park, Elora • JULY 7 FEDS Annual Special Needs Soccer Festival, Victoria Park, Fergus • JULY 7 – 8 Black Sheep Contemporary Textile Festival, Elora Centre For the Arts • JULY 8 Conestogo Lake Annual Fishing Derby, Conestogo Lake Conservation Area • JULY 12 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JULY 13 – 15 Hillside Festival, Guelph Lake Conservation Area • JULY 13 – 29 Elora Festival, Various locations in Elora • JULY 19 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JULY 20 – 22 Mount Forest Fireworks Festival, 514 Main Street North, Mount Forest • JULY 26 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JULY 28 Fergus Ghost Walk, The Bookery, Fergus • JULY 28 Fergus Medieval Faire, Downtown Fergus

AUGUST

AUGUST 2 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • AUGUST 3 – 5 Jeff Davie Memorial 3-Pitch Tournament, Palmerston and Harriston Ball Diamonds • AUGUST 4 – 6 Pirate Fest, Marden Park • AUGUST 4 Sensational Elora’s Film on a Plate, The Gorge Cinema, Elora • AUGUST 6 Grand River Raceway Industry Day, Grand River Raceway, Elora • AUGUST 9 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • AUGUST 9 Pipes, Plaid and Pageantry Parade, Downtown Fergus • AUGUST 10 Fergus Ghost Walk, The Bookery, Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 12 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 11 Fergus Scottish Festival, Downtown Edition!, Downtown Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 11 Fergus Scottish Festival, Historical Walking Tours, Downtown Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 11 Psychic Fair, The Bookery, Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 12 Drayton 161st Fair, ‘Best Pickin’ in Mapleton, Drayton Fairgrounds • AUGUST 11 Fergus Ghost Walk, The Bookery, Fergus • AUGUST 11 Downtown Harriston Street Party, Savour in the Street and Street Dance, Elora St. S, Harriston • AUGUST 17 -19 Riverfest Elora, Bissell Park, Elora • AUGUST 18 Spirit in the Hills Family Fun Day and Classic Car Show, Main Street, Hillsburgh • AUGUST 18 – 19 Classic Ford Truck Show, Arthur Fairgrounds • AUGUST 18 Mount Forest Agricultural Society 159th Annual Fall Fair, Mount Forest and District Sports Complex • AUGUST 22 – 26 Annual Palmerston Fair, Palmerston Fairgrounds • AUGUST 24 – 25 Grand River Truck and Tractor Pull, Grand River Raceway, Elora • AUGUST 24 – 25 Campin’ and Jammin’ in the Park, Drayton Fairground • AUGUST 25 Alma Car Show, Wallace Cummings Park, Alma • AUGUST 26 Antique and Classic Car Show, Wellington County Museum and Archives • AUGUST 26 Tri Kids Triathlon, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus

There are over 200 festivals and events in Wellington County every year. Visit Visit the Experience Wellington Website, https://www.wellington.ca/en/business/resources/TasteReal2017/PDF-Files/2018-Festivals-and-Events-Guide—Accessible-Doc.pdf.

Talk soon,

Nancy

Chatting with Hayley Kellett – Guelph Y Women of Distinction 2018 Honoree

May 1, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

WHO ARE YOU? Name: Hayley Kellett

Birthplace: Toronto, ON

Where do you live?: Guelph, ON

Career: Improv Incubator Director at The Making-Box

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU, TO BE A “2018 GUELPH Y WOMEN OF DISTINCTION”?

It is absolutely incredible to be included among the other honorees. All the women I get to surround myself with are inspiring and dedicated to improving their community. If I have the same impact on others as this ground has had on me, I am immensely proud. “IT TAKES A VILLAGE”, is this year’s theme.

Describe who / what your village is like?

My village is my improv family. The practise of improvisation is spreading across the globe, so my village is constantly growing. We are a community of open, happy and productive people who gather together in the spirit of acceptance and joy. When I visualize my village I image a Student Showcase at The Making-Box. A night full of excited students performing their first show for friends and family. My faculty of instructors beaming with pride, our community of supporters in the audience cheering and celebrating us all. It’s a night of group accomplishment – we are all successful together.

WHERE do you find Inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere. I’m very lucky to be submerged in a field of creative voices. My business partner and co-owner of The Making-Box, Jay Reid is a huge source of inspiration. He is dedicated to the creation of community through comedy and I can always lean on him for support and encouragement. Plus – he invented keg bowling which is a total blast. My family is a source of inspiration. My parents run a business together and seeing them work together and have fun doing it is wonderful. My aunt is also an entrepreneur in Santa Fe, NM working on selling jewelry with a conscious. I love surrounding myself with folks who are passionate about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.

Favorite quote / and or a favorite person? “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love anyone else?” – RuPaul “There is power in looking silly and not caring that you do.” – Amy Poehler “Fail, then figure out what to do on the way down.” – Del Close

WHY did you choose this career, or did it choose you?

I started improvising when I was 14 years old as part of my high school improv club. I immediately fell in love with every aspect of it. I met my tribe. I found incredibly friendships, partners and teammates. Improvisation has an incredible transformative power to make us 2018 Guelph YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Questionnaire more open, happy and connected people. I saw this happen to classmates of mine for years and so when the opportunity arose to help foster that power I jumped at the chance. I have been bringing improv professionally to all kinds of communities for 11 years now, and I have been able to witness that transformation have a positive impact every single time I lead a workshop.

Tell us something people usually don’t know about you? When I was growing up, my family spent our summers followed around a band called the Wakami Wailers from campground to campground. They exclusively sang songs about logging and I’m still obsessed with them. WHAT did you want to be as a child? I wanted to be a Marine Biologist to follow in the footsteps of my awesome babysitter who was studying to work with Great White Sharks. Then my third grade teacher tap danced in the class to explain what a noun was and ever since then I wanted to teach.

Where can people find your business/organization

Email Address: hayley@themakingbox.ca

Website: http://www.themakingbox.ca

Phone: 1 (800) 930 – 9892

Join Hayley and 19 other amazing women in our community at this year’s “2018 Guelph Y Women of Distinction Fundraising Gala” The Annual Gala, is taking place this, Thursday, May 3rd at the River Run Centre, proceeds help support the Guelph YMCA/YWCA. For more information and to purchase a ticket, here is the link to this 23rd Annual Event, https://www.guelphy.org/en/community-events-and-programs/women-of-distinction.aspx. Tickets are selling quickly, buy one before they are gone!

Meet Rosalind Slater – Guelph Y Women of Distinction 2018

April 24, 2018 by nancy 2 Comments

WHO ARE YOU?

Rosalind Slater

Birthplace: Oldham, England

Where do you live?

Guelph, Ontario

Career:

Retired

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU, TO BE A “2018 GUELPH Y WOMAN OF DISTINCTION”?

The encouragement given to me by my peers in the honour they’ve helped me attain has been a truly elating experience. I hope to use this encouragement to further help others to attain their hearts desires.

“IT TAKES A VILLAGE”, is this year’s theme. Describe who / what your village is like?

The friends in my village have each been present at different crossroads in my life. The first I met over fifty years ago when I was a new immigrant. He has travelled with me, being from the North of England himself and being a University Prof, as was my husband. I met my second friend in the early seventies when both of us shared a similar faith and had daughters who were friends. We have both loved Harcourt church since then and to the present day. My third friend and his wife were a complete support to us when my husband became ill with A.L.S. I cannot describe the love and support given to us by all friends at Harcourt and in the greater community of Guelph at that time. My fourth friend was one of my Professors at University he became one of my mentors and he also directed me in my last play at Guelph Little Theatre. Theatre was part of my life for over thirty-five years. The other two members of my village came into my life as nurses when my husband became ill and I was his 24/7 caregiver. They have been kind enough to say that I was a mentor to them. 2018 Guelph YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Questionnaire

Where do you find Inspiration?

From my faith. From love of my fellow human beings and from wanting to help others who are not so fortunate.

Favorite quote / and or a favorite person?

The stone the builder rejected has become the cornerstone of the whole building. (The Bible)

Favourite Person:

Mahatma Ghandi

WHY did you choose this career, or did it choose you?

I always loved theatre and after my graduation from University, in English and Drama, I began volunteering at Guelph Little Theatre. This has become a career and has lasted over thirty-five years.

Tell us something people usually don’t know about you?

My first career was as a hairdresser and beautician.

WHAT did you want to be as a child?

A wife and mother, and a Writer

Where can people find your business/organization?

I don’t have a business but I am involved again at Guelph Little Theatre. 176 Morris St. in Guelph I am also starting my new career as a writer. My home business and contact information is below.

Email Address: rosalindhslater@gmail.com

Phone: 519-824-7423

You can meet Rosalind along with the other 19 amazing 2018 Guelph Y Women Of Distinction Honorees on May. 3rd, at the River Run Centre in Guelph, at the 23rd Annual Fundraising Gala, 2018 Guelph Y Women of Distinction. Buy your tickets today, they are selling out quickly! https://www.guelphy.org/en/community-events-and-programs/women-of-distinction.aspx

JUST GIVE IT ALL YOU HAVE!

March 25, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Sometimes in life your kind of cruising along, then you hear something that just sticks with you. You know that light bulb kind of Eureka moment?

I was out with an old friend last night, which I had not seen in a while. You know the one who shares the ups and downs on this road called life! We went to the https://medieval.academy/ in Guelph, as I had heard how much fun it was to throw AXES and KNIVES around.

I must admit I was feeling a little nervous after we had signed the waivers; especially when they reviewed things like, “Don’t swing it this way, because if you do……”. Well I will not go in to details, but you can imagine? We had these metal pointy things in our reach, I took the smallest one in my hand, I was a little shaky. I could smell the newly greased edges on the blades and watched them glisten in the light with marks left from past patrons.

I glanced at my friends face and her eyes where lit up and she squealed with delight, “I really like this!” She had just thrown this huge metal object at the bulls-eye marker, and she had struck it right in the middle of the marker. I think she found a new favorite sport, or as they say properly “Activity”.

What happened for me last night, was a light bulb moment of sorts. I looked at her as she swung the axe and asked her, “How do you do that?” She said, “JUST GIVE IT ALL YOU HAVE!” MMM… isn’t that just so true. I took the big axe in my hand as she suggested big is better and I swung it like it was the last thing to do before I took my final breath. You know what? That bloody thing hit the mark.

Just like that, I was in the moment AXE in hand and just, “GAVE IT MY ALL”; man what a freeing feeling! At that moment nothing else seemed to matter. You know those things like laundry, work, aging parents, kids, and the everyday aches and pains of life.

Who knew throwing these weapons could be so bloody freeing. I joked with her, “this is better than therapy?” We both laughed and nodded at each other. It was the kind of nod only shared with an old/new kind of bonding experience of hanging out on a Saturday night without any expectations.

We knew then, (or maybe it was just me who finally figured it out), that this life stuff is better when you share, not only your tears but also those cool vibes with your tribe.

Sometimes it isn’t those big things in life, but rather those quiet times, that just kind of make you smile, and you know in your heart, “THANKS, I get it now!”

PS. Thanks Kim, for braiding my hair at my grade 8 graduation, and being that sister I never had xxx.

Talk Soon ~

Nancy