Ron Hanniman felt like a kid waiting to go to the candy shop leading up to the Men’s Shed official reopening after its COVID-19 closure.

“I was counting down the hours to get back,” said Ron, who has been a Men’s Shed member since February 2020. “I started at the Men’s Shed three weeks before it closed, and I’ve been waiting and waiting to get back ever since.”

Ron was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and was treated successfully. Then, he had a few fainting spells and was advised not to drive for a period of time.

Ron Hanniman works on an animal carving at home.

“I was cooped up in my house,” explained Ron, who enjoys making animal wood carvings. “The Men’s Shed provided me with relief. It’s a real blessing to have this in the community.”

The Men’s Shed welcomes back members

As part of the Seniors Active Living Centre’s reopening plan, its Men’s Shed reopened their doors on August 18 and will run every Tuesday and Thursday. The Shed’s 3,000 square feet of space safely accommodates 15 members at a time to ensure physical distancing.

“The guys are excited to officially reopen our doors with the necessary safety measures in place and although we’re at a distance, it is wonderful to be together again,” said Darrel O’Shaughnessy, founding member of the Arnprior-McNab/Braeside Men’s Shed. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we stayed committed to helping the community by building protective shields and other equipment for the Hospital, Grove and many other organizations – this important work will continue.”

The Men’s Shed pandemic-related community projects have included building protective structures for the COVID-19 screening stations at Arnprior Regional Health and more recently an installation of protective furniture for the reception team at John Yakabuski, MPP – Renfrew-Nipissing- Pembroke.

Ron was at the Men’s Shed for reopening day, and he plans to introduce two of his friends to the group in hopes that they will become members.

“It so good to just be around the guys again,” said Ron.

The Seniors Active Living Centre restarts in-person programming

Georgina Wherry was thrilled to return to the Seniors Active Living Centre after it reopened its doors to members on August 17.

“I really missed the socialization that I enjoy at the SALC,” said Georgina, who lives in McNab/Braeside Township. “Since returning, the company of others has helped decrease my stress and I’m more content. It felt like coming home after being away.”

Because of the SALC’s thorough safety precautions, Georgina did not hesitate to return and feels safe participating in her favourite activities, which includes carpet bowling and deal ‘em up.

“It has been wonderful to welcome our members back to the Centre,” said Glenn Arthur, SALC Coordinator. “The SALC is a lifeline for many local seniors and we are so pleased that members have reconnected with friends and re-engaged in programming.”

For members who may not be ready to return to in-person programming, the SALC continues to offer a virtual option.

Learn more about the SALC and its Men’s Shed here.