Westmeath & District Recreation Association

Just a reminder if you would like to receive our newsletter electronically you can send a message to [email protected].

The WDRA would also like to thank Delta Bingo who assisted with the funds to help cover costs.

An Overview of the Hall Entranceway Project The new entranceway/ramp to the second floor Hall was triggered by an Ontario Trillium Grant of $150,000 in February 2019. The project was determined to begin September 1st, so not to interfere with scheduled events at the Hall. The project grew more complex with the addition of an extended roof (money provided by Whitewater Region for it). The design was engineered by Jp2g. Afterwards they sent out the design for bids. Wade Const...ruction was selected as the contractor. It was taking time for engineering drawings to be converted to shop drawings. The anticipated completion date of Nov 30th was looking doubtful. Knowing that a Christmas Dinner & Dance was important to be held, a compromise was made with the contractor to at least have entry into the Hall for that occasion which was acceptable to the organizers. That date too became elusive, despite every attempt to make it happen. Finally, the Christmas event was cancelled. Shortly after, the overflow of an unexpected artisan well put a hold on progress for more than a few weeks. Winter set in now too cold for welding. A decision by the WDRA to halt production until warmer weather was based on saving costs. Covid-19 arrived in March and everything was shut down for a few months. Up until then, 90% of activities were being held with the help of the back-emergency stairs. They unfortunately, were not compatible for everyone. The shutdown was lifted. Construction began at what seemed a slower pace but no matter: no one used the Hall until Yoga did beginning in October. All the questions of ‘when and why’’ had ceased and so did the interest of our community in returning to the Hall. On behalf of myself, Bob Grylls and our WDRA committee, we apologize for this 4-month project extending into one taking well over a year. We understand community frustrations, we had them too. Soon, the consequences will be long forgotten. Then we can appreciate and make use of this attractive barrier-free entrance into the community Hall for many years to come. Note: This project in part helped by Delta Bingo See more

Tree Lighting at Westmeath At 6:30 pm December 12th, outside the Westmeath community Hall, there was a steady drizzle of rain. In virtual darkness Mayor Mike Moore strode onto the soggy ball field and began a countdown. As if by magic, a Christmas tree lit up with its many strings of lights, multi-coloured balls and a prominent blinking star on the top. Horns honked and people cheered the 3rd annual WDRA Christmas tree lighting event was underway. Opening remarks were given... by organizer Lorrain Lynch. She thanked everyone for coming, acknowledged her assistants, the WDRA and Ernie with his music machine. 20 cars were parked facing the fences and others standing nearby, made around 70 adults and children out to celebrate. After Lorraine, Mayor Moore gave a welcoming speech that included a stern warning to stay safe during the pandemic. Neil Nicholson welcomed everyone on behalf of the WDRA, followed by Paster Anita Walling with readings and prayers. Ernie Thomas (Abby Lane), our popular DJ from Lapasse, brought his music system in his van and belted out Christmas Carols. Many of the children brought balls to hang on the tree. There was hot chocolate and delicious homemade cookies for everyone, prepared by Brenda and Marie-Paul, as well as candy canes for the kids, handed out by Santa’s helper. Thank you also to Anne Bromley and her 4-H group who helped out also with the food bank donations. Despite the rain and an uncertainty of what the weather might be (and the missing microphone), the evening was more than successful. See more

Just a reminder that the 3rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place in Westmeath at the ball diamond on the 12th of December at 6:30 pm. Parking along the fence is recommended and everyone must wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available, and prepared by the WDRA. You are encouraged to bring a Christmas ball to decorate the tree. Items for the food bank will be collected and distributed by 4H members.

The Westmeath Recreation Association has been fortunate to be able to partner with Delta Bingo, and as a result have been able to help out the yoga program at the Westmeath Hall for September, October and November. This partnership the WDRA has with Delta Bingo has also assisted us in being able to purchase the needed supplies that we will need to allow us to open up the hall to small functions. If anyone would like to receive the monthly newsletter electronically please for...ward your email address to [email protected]. Just a reminder that the 3rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place in Westmeath at the ball diamond on the 12th of December at 6:30 pm. Parking along the fence is recommended and everyone must wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served at the vehicles prepared by the WDRA. You are encouraged to bring a Christmas ball to decorate the tree. Items for the food bank will be collected and distributed by 4H members.

The Westmeath District Recreation Association is thinking about starting a dart league, and we are looking to gauge the interest of the community to see if there is enough interest. The league would not start till the new year, Covid rules permitting. We are also canvasing to see if anyone would have a dart board they would be willing to donate and or building supplies to build a few dart board stands with. If you are able to assist please send a message to [email protected] or call Beth at 613 587-4294.

What do you think of an option like this for westmeaththis year? Reach out and let us know your thoughts.

Just finished our first ever WDRA FB live event! It only took two takes, thanks everyone for your patience. Check out the short video, included is the announcement of our three community Volunteers recognized for 2019. More detailed write ups will follow in our Newsletter and the Whitewater News.

Our WDRA Hall Entrance official opening video with words from Brenda Grady (President of the WDRA), Mayor Mike Moore, and a presentation from MPP Yakabuski’s office. Big thanks to everyone who has contributed to make this a reality for our community - Bob Grylls, Township of Whitewater Region, MPP Yakabuski, Ian of JP2G, Sharon of Wade Construction, David Lessard, and Terry Kenny of Rondeau Electric plus many others who have contributed in so many ways. We now looking forward to using the hall in COVID safe ways.

Just finished our first ever WDRA FB live event! It only took two takes, thanks everyone for your patience. Check out the short video, included is the announcement of our three community Volunteers recognized for 2019. More detailed write ups will follow in our Newsletter and the Whitewater News.

We will be going live at approx 2 pm today for our official opening ceremony of our new ramp and stairs.

The WDRA President, Brenda Grady, will be hosting a FB live event tonight, Oct 19th at 730 pm. The executive has opted for this event in lieu of our 2020 AGM which has been postponed, rescheduled, and now cancelled due to COVID restrictions. So please join us tonight 730 pm for the address. We will also be recognizing our vounteers of the year for 2019 plus lots of other great bits of info. ... Questions are welcome. We will try to address as many questions as possible at the end of the address.

GOTTA GET STRETCHING!!!! GENTLE YOGA RETURNS to WESTMEATH HALL Thanks to the support of the WDRA and thanks to Maegan Adams from White Pine Yoga, we are able to return to gentle stretching and camaraderie a... little return to some normalcy in these crazy times. There will be some restrictions however and protocols must be followed. START: WED. OCT. 7, 2020 END: WED. DEC. 9 - a total of 10 weeks. TIME: *** Note change 9:30 - 10:45 COST: $80 (includes tax) or two $40 instalments (Drop-ins will continue at $12, space provided.) ALL AGES WELCOME Maximum participants 25 first come/ first served COVID PROTOCOLS: Each participant will be required to sign in with contact information at each session (for contact tracing). Each participant will wear a mask entering and leaving the session. Each participant will be responsible for own water bottle, mat and blanket. Spaces will be blocked off to ensure 2m between participants. Hand sanitizers will be provided. Only Handicapped washroom (beside cloak room) will be used. Aisles will be indicated to allow travel to washroom and exits. A window will be open at all times to ensure airflow. Sanitizing of hall prior to and following each session will be the responsibility of the WDRA. COME OUT and GET HEALTHIER through YOGA and RENEWED FRIENDSHIPS. For further info contact: Danielle 613-587-4615 or Cathy 613-587-4715 Call Danielle to preregister See more

Had a great WDRA Executive meeting tonight, lots of discussion as we prepare for our AGM on Oct 19 here in the hall. Even through these covid times, we are get...ing the ramp done, the septic is being replaced, the furnace will be replaced. Hoping to have the hall open for covid safe rentals as of Oct 1st - watch for more info. If you have ideas about covid safe community activities please contact us, we are always interested in any ideas! See more

Just finished our Sep WDRA Executive meeting tonight. Lots of great discussions and planning. The septic replacement, new ramp and a new furnace are all in process. We are hoping to have the hall available for covid safe rentals as of Oct 1st. Plus, we are also planning our AGM for Oct 19th and are looking for those in the community interested is shaping the next two years of community activities. If you have an idea please don’t hesitate to reach out and share or volunteer!

The WDRA is hosting an inline/roller skating session. Due to our ongoing septic repairs/replacement we were unable to host this event in Westmeath but were able to secure some time in Beachburg. Depending on interest we will look to hold future events. Come out and enjoy!

The WDRA is seeking nominations for deserving volunteers in our community. The following are the three categories: - the WDRA Volunteer of the Year Award - The... volunteer of the year should be someone you feel has made a significant contribution to the community over the past year. - the WDRA Youth Volunteer of the Year Award - This should be someone under 21 years of age who you feel has made a significant contribution to the community over the past year. - the WDRA Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award - This should be someone you feel has made significant contributions to the community over many years and across a broad range of activities. Please submit your suggestions to Bob at 613 587-4560 or send to [email protected]. The awards will be handed out at our AGM which has been moved to the 19th of October 2020 at 7:30 pm, due to covid 19 restrictions. The deadline for submissions is the 3rd of July 2020. See more

Due to the recent events with covid 19, our annual general meeting on April 20th has been cancelled. Please follow health warnings and stay home. Stay safe!Due to the recent events with covid 19, our annual general meeting on April 20th has been cancelled. Please follow health warnings and stay home. Stay safe!