Submitted by Sharron Colter on behalf of the Bruce MENS SHED Leadership Team
Good news for the Northern Bruce Peninsula as a Breakfast is planned for the launch of the Bruce MENS SHED on Saturday April 29th at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Lion’s Head Legion Branch 202.
Recently, a group of retired men met at the Lion’s Head Legion on highway 6 north of Ferndale for four Saturday mornings to plan and implement a Bruce MENS SHED for men to stay active and connected with other men on the peninsula.
Under the umbrella of the Northern Bruce Peninsula Community Support Advisory Action Committee (NBP CSAAC) and the NBP Senior Centre Without Walls (NBP SCWW), the Bruce MENS SHED program received grants from HELP/AGE Canada and Trillium Mutual Insurance Company ROOTS Community Grant. The purpose of the grants are to invite retired men to get involved in programs and projects of interest to and planned by men.
There is a MENS SHED movement across Ontario that invites men to socialize, to plan and implement projects, to listen to speakers on various topics and to lead smaller interest groups with other men. The smaller group activities highlight the group co-ordinators’ interests and talents. Some of the topics for small group activities that have been identified by the men participating so far, are golfing, fishing, drawing/illustrating, technology, easy hiking on the Bruce Trail, cooking, hydroponic gardening, woodworking such as making bird houses, bat houses, accessible picnic tables, benches, and bowls. The sky is the limit as to the activities that can be planned.
Reciprocal partnerships with other groups are encouraged.
Other socializing activities include planning breakfasts, dinners and barbecues and inviting speakers on various topics. Men on the Bruce Peninsula are invited to join the Bruce MENS SHED. Early guidance in the implementation of the Bruce MENS SHED is provided by www.mensshedscanada.ca and www.mensshedsontario.ca
Recent research from McMaster University has established six areas of participation that are important to one’s health and wellbeing. The six areas are physical activity, musical events, artistic endeavours, social connections with others, learning technology and mindfulness/meditation. With the talents and skills apparent within the group so far, there will be many opportunities to not only lead individual groups but also an opportunity to have fun and socialize with others during “Coffee and Conversation” at the Lion’s Head Legion Branch 202.
Next meeting will be April 1, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Lion’s Head Legion Branch 202 on highway 6 north of Ferndale. Invite a friend to join you.
Leadership Team and Co-ordinators consist of Bill Rusk, Tim Wilson, Peter Roeser, Gerry Tilmans, and Chris Mawdsley.
The Lion’s Head Legion Branch 202 contact is Don Colter.
The NBP CSAAC and the NBP SCWWs’ Team are Marlene Davies, Pat Howes, Sharron Colter, Debbie Dover and Don Colter.
