Deep Bay - High Tea

Hello PQRTA Members:

Last April’s tour of the Deep Bay Marine Station and “High Tea” lunch received such high praise that we are offering this event again!

WHERE:  Deep Bay Marine Station - 370 Crome Pt. Rd., Deep Bay (Bowser), BC

WHEN:  Thursday, March 9, 2017 - 11:30 to 1:30

WHAT:  Tour and High Tea Lunch

Guided Tour of the Facility (including touch tanks, aquariums, and projects) 

Followed by “High Tea” Lunch by the Sea - served on china tiered plates

• A selection of dainty tea sandwiches
• Fresh pastries and homemade jams
• Fresh fruit kebabs
• A selection of seasonal sweets
• Local artisan tea

January 2017 Newsletter

PARKSVILLE QUALICUM RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER #3 – JANUARY 2017

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE from Cathy Van Herwaarden: I hope that your new year is off to a good start!  Mine sure is!!!  As you read this, I am flying off to Cuba with my husband.  Glad to leave the deep freeze behind!  YIPPEE!!!

PAST EVENTS:  R. Elaine Young (Program Chair)

November 30, 2016 - Parksville Tour of Munchkinland, WOW (Words on Wheels) Bus & Technology Learning Centre

Four Retired Teachers were treated to an informative tour of the WOW bus, Technology Learning Centre and Munchkinland in Parksville. Judi Malcom, the Manager of Oceanside Building Learning Together (BLT), the society that runs all these positive programs, provided a good update of the resources available.

Even those folks who were involved with BLT of the past, were very, very surprised by the offerings these days. Munchkinland provides a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to bring children for open play. A Saturday morning program (running this winter) is widely attended by many parents, including dads. In the spring, the program moves outside to nearby Mark’s Park, where children and parents can experience and explore nature first hand.

The WOW bus takes the programs on the road to many communities in the area. Building Learning Together (BLT) is retiring their current bus and will be outfitting a bus provided by School District 69.

The most “senior” friendly program is offered through the Technology Learning Centre (TLC). This program is focused on adults, and promotes financial and technological literacy. They are open regularly and provide many specialized workshops. Last year, the TLC offered a series of workshops that focused on financial health after retirement, wills, powers of attorney etc. Participants were very surprised by the width and breadth of the TLC Program.

Christmas 2016 Luncheon

December 14, 2016 - CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON – Nanoose Bay

Fifty retired teachers and friends donned their best “ugly” Christmas attire and gathered at Fairwinds Restaurant in Nanoose Bay for some scrumptious food and Christmas cheer. The room was filled with festive fun and frivolity! Maybe even the best yet!!!

This year, everyone received their meal at a reduced rate, as we have a bit of extra money to spend on our members. We gifted a poinsettia to three life members: Betty Harrower, Eva Hilborn and Art Skipsey. Other poinsettias were delivered to the homes of life members.

Bob Taverner (Past President of BC Retired Teachers Association) gave us a brief run-down on the New Societies Act and the repercussions for BCRTA and its local branches.

Bill Cave provided the background Christmas music and accompanied our carol singing. Also, many lucky people received door prizes: angel decorations, star candle holders, poinsettias, Santa candles, seasonal table runners, a stacking box snowman, a Santa doll, and a box of Purdy’s chocolates.

Thanks to Barb and Al Brett for organizing the donations for Salvation Army. There was $760 in monetary donations and a very large number of food donations. The Salvation Army was thrilled with this contribution. What a wonderful group of generous people!