The Bowen Wanderers are a diverse group of seniors who meet to enjoy fresh air, exercise and congenial company each Thursday morning. Trails are scouted out ahead of time by our leader Mark and listed monthly in the NHCS Newsletter with the relevant meeting place. Locations are between Ladysmith and Qualicum.  Car pooling is encouraged. We walk all year but weather sometimes necessitates a change of destination to avoid flooded trails, icy paths or poor road conditions. If you are not sure if you are a stroller or a walker then  a "pub lunch" day often involves a shorter walk and is a good introduction to fellow Wanderers. Mark's philosophy is that "participants have the ability to talk and walk at the same time". With suitable footwear and dressed appropriately for the season you will have a pleasant day out exploring and making friends so don't be shy  - come and join us.

(From June 2010): We are wrapping up another year for the Friday painting pals, choosing the projects that we would like to paint in September and planning our luncheon at Gail's house for the summer break. We have done so many lovely projects this year and a few of us have some "UFOs " ( un-finished objects!) to finish, I know that I have at least 10. We have to admit that we have had a great year of painting and have had lots of laughs and a few tears.

    The graduates from the Folk-Art beginners have survived their year and have sailed through with flying colors. A few have pushed themselves to the limit with doing multiples of the project that we were doing and were just fine.

    I can't believe that it was just May 1996 when I was asked to teach this class, Inge is the only original painter left from the time that I started. I have enjoyed every minute of the class and it makes my week to know that the best day is Friday with all of my painting pals!

    We all hope to have a beautiful summer to refresh ourselves and gear up for September, when we do it all over again. Many thanks to Gail for having the year-end wrap up luncheon at her lovely house + yard. Thanks to all of us who set up and took down the class at Kin Hut this year, a great place to relax while you paint with the ocean just outside the window. Our class wish is that someone from Parks and Recreation set up  + take down the class as we ain't quite as young  + agile as we used to be. Maybe City Santa heard our wish !!!!

    For those who can paint, shade + highlight and love some fun you are welcome to join in and become a painting pal.   

    Blessings to our pals who have lost someone and the best blessing of all is that we are all here for you. Have a great summer and I will see you all back in class on Friday the 3rd of September at 9:30- 12 noon at Kin Hut.......   many thanks

 Karen Morgan

Crafty Workers

The Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors Crafty Workers (Bowen Seniors Crafty Workers) have consistently interacted and partnered with community groups such as Vancouver Island University , and the University’s Horticultural Department, to organize very successful Plant Sales.  Other individual members and groups from the Seniors also helped in this particular endeavor, and with bazaars and raffles, to raise funds for donation to various community organizations.  As a result of these combined efforts, donations of over $3000 have been made to the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation; the Nanaimo Telephone Visiting Society, and to the Masonic Community Charity Fund /Volunteer Drivers for Cancer.  Isn’t it amazing what can be accomplished?

FRIDAY CROCHET GROUP

The Friday Crochet Group was formed in 1992, led by Shirley Strong and 5 enthusiastic ladies who loved to crochet and were members of the Bowen Park Seniors. By the fall of that year, their final home became Games Room #1 and they have enjoyed meeting there ever since. Today 16 members of the newly named Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors enjoy the company of each other while they create wonderful items using their crocheting talents. Several of the original group have continued over the years.

 They are a very friendly, happy, chatty group that would welcome any new members into their fold on Friday afternoons. The group founder’s husband named them the “happy hookers” much to the delight of 94 year old Chris Cook, and others whose lives benefited from being with their friends and participating in a craft they loved until illness kept them away. This ‘pet’ name no longer is used but the happy group continues to crochet beautiful baby sets, mittens, socks, slippers and many other lovely pieces, enjoying others with similar interests. Newcomers are welcomed and some have even been taught to crochet by many of the crochet group.

 

 
Whenever there is a birthday during the month, Anita’s granddaughter bakes a special cake for all to celebrate. They have a windup party each Christmas as well as a party to mark the end of their season each May. It seems though that there are goodies every week along with coffee and tea. Games Room #1 Fridays at Bowen Park is a great room to peek in on and you will leave with a smile on your face and a piece of cake in your hand.

Each year there is a craft bazaar held in November and as the date approaches, all are busy making sale items from Afghans to doilies, Christmas decorations and a variety of other items. Proceeds from the sale are donated each year to two charities that have included Loaves & Fishes, the 7 to 10 Club, the Hospital Foundation, Hospice and Haven House and others. Unsold items from the Bazaar have been donated to the thrift stores.

 Anita Jones is the current Crochet group coordinator and would love to have you join them every Friday afternoon at Bowen Park in Games Room #1. For further information call (250)755-7501.

The Friday night Bridge group is an enthusiastic and extremely sociable group who welcome all NHCS members, no matter what their particular “playing level’ may be.  The program has a long history of play, beginning at the Bowen Complex, and the success of the program is the direct result of the dedication and organizational ability of many volunteers, such as Oscar Gittins and John Elver who looked after the program for many years. 

The program is presently held at Oliver Woods Community Centre, beginning at 6.30 p.m. each Friday evening.  The cost for the evening is just $2.00, and is, of course, limited to members of NHCS.   Monetary prizes are awarded each evening at the end of play and include prizes for the top scores, middle and bottom scores.

Since moving from the Bowen Complex to OW, the group has grown considerably.  Please come and join us any Friday evening.... you’ll be glad you did!

We, at the Mid Island Carving Club, are a group of seniors who enjoy and appreciate the fine art of carving as much as we enjoy each other's company. 

We all realize that as we age, we must pass this talent along to those younger than us. 

If you have a desire to learn the art of woodcarving then call 250-758-6898. 

New Members Welcome.