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This Newsletter is going to all VRMNC Paid-Up Members.
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April 2026 GENERAL NEWSLETTER
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"All the VRMNC News that's fit to print"
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Message from the President
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A warm welcome to all of our new Members who have recently joined the Club, we’ve met many of you while participating in many of our activities be it hiking, appy nights or the recent speakers luncheon.
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A personal thank you to all of the volunteer Coordinators and their helpers, without whom there would be no activities for any of us to enjoy.
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On a final note, the club is run by volunteers and some executive positions are approaching the end of their three year term. Consider volunteering and giving some time back to the club. The positions don’t require a big time commitment but are essential for the successful operation of the club. So please consider volunteering, it ensures the ongoing viability of the club.
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Logistics support - Speakers Series
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Hugh Stephens does great job in securing top notch speakers for the monthly speakers series. His assistant for Logistical Support is moving on and we need to replace that position. The position is not time consuming involves help setting up the room. Banner, PC Projector & door entry check volunteers. A great benefit is you get to sit at the head table with the speaker so you really get a lot more out of the presentation !!!
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Fellowship Events: Committee Members based on the Membership Survey there is interest in reinstituting larger Family/ Spousal events that appeal to a broad range of members. The concept would be to create 3 or 4 events a year open to all members to promote our core value and purpose of Fellowship. Ideally having 50 plus attendees.
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For longer term members it might sound like the former "Special Events" but this has a slightly different flavour. It may be a luncheon / reception to honour the season. It might be a summer BBQ event to open to members extended families. The Executive have some ideas for possible events and are open to fresh concepts.
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Basically the volunteer committee would decide on a Fellowship event and organize the logistics. If you like to organize events or have experience in event organization this is a great position for you to help make a difference in the club. You'll not be alone as this will be organized by a small committee of 3 or 4 members
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Membership Report
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For the new members please feel free to ask any questions you may have about our club by contacting myself at the email address noted below.
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It is also important to take this opportunity to remind our members that for the Club to continue to operate in a manner acceptable to all members, we must be aware and understand our Bylaws. Here is a quick link to the VRMNC Bylaws so you can remain up to date. https://www.vrmnc,ca/bylaws
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Members are also asked to notify the Membership Director (membership@vrmnc.ca) if they are no longer interested in participating in the VRMNC which will allow us to maintain an accurate membership list. If you know of Members that have left the area, please notify the Membership Director.
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In the unfortunate situation where a Member has passed away, please let us know so we may take appropriate actions.
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Activities Updates
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Is there an activity your passionate about that is not part of the current VRMNC activities?
You might consider starting a new group. We're here to help and coach you on how to set up for a new activity.
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Friday Coffee Chat Group
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Want to solve the worlds problems and strategize how to get the lowly Canucks and Leafs out from the basements?? A great opportunity to meet some fellow members and enjoy some stimulating conversations over coffee. The Coffee Chat Group meets every Friday at 10:00am on the second floor at Quality Foods in View Royal. (just next to the Victoria General Hospital). There's ample free parking and a separate quiet space where we meet on the 2nd floor above the deli. Come out and enjoy the comradery and conversation.
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We talk about a lot of topics and solve all the world's problems. Given the different backgrounds of everyone the discussions can be very informative. There are also a lot of laughs.
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Real Money Investment Group
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The “ Real Money Group “; meets on the third Thursday at 1:30 at Goward House.
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The members annually buy units in our portfolio, which are used to actively trade stocks. The benefit that we all enjoy is the regular exchange of market information and comradery of fellow “active” Investors – the Bonus is that the value of the units that we own continue to significantly surpass the gains of
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If you would like more detailed information on our club, please don’t hesitate to reach out to:
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Coordinator: Frank Gibson 780-498-2492
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AD-HOC PICKLEBALL
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NEW ACTIVITY SIGN-UP
We are a large club scattered across wide Victoria Region, several already playing Pickleball and their partners or want to try/learn, why not have a VRMNC Pickleball Activity?
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1) Members and their partners who also want to learn or play sign up for the Activity Email.
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2) Anyone on email list can book an Ad-Hoc court ie Henderson, or Pearkes or outdoors etc, on any day / time and is that Game's Host.
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3) That Game's Host emails time / location / cost ie $5 pp to ahpickleball@vrmnc.ca which auto-forwards to the group.
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4) Players who want to play reply Just To The Host Yes.
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4) When full, that Game's Host re-emails ahpickleball@vrmnc.ca that full / closed, and lists the players.
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Tennis
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VMNC Tennis has become slowly accustomed to playing Fridays rather than Thursdays as required in our booking contract with Oak Bay. Cost us two of our valued members who were not available Fridays but will soon welcome them back when we are able to move outside. Daylight saving time welcome with earlier start times in better light and warming temperatures.
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Still welcoming new players to join us in great exercise and interesting coffee breaks following the bi weekly games so call Des at 250-721-1496 if you would like to join in
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PUB LUNCH
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Pub Lunches are first and third Thursday of month, mark your calendars!
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Pub Lunches usually draw 15 + participants. This is a great way to meet fellow members.
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Next Pub Lunch
THURSDAY April 7th PUB LUNCH:
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April 16th Pub Lunch
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NEW JOINERS: Welcome, please make yourself known at event!
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WHEN: 11:30am on Thursday April 16 (Note: Opens 11:30am).
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WHERE: Indoors at new (opened Feb 27) Brass Monkey Taproom (Old Moon Under Water Brewery & Pub), 350 Bay St, Victoria, BC V8T 1P7.
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Speakers Luncheons
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In March, 60 Club members attended the talk by VRMNC member, Dr. Eric Gorham, former Dean of Social Sciences at Quest University in Squamish. Eric's topic was Bias in the Media. He discussed why people follow the news and differentiated between the way traditional media and new media reach consumers. He examined various theories explaining how people interact with the media and provided hints as to how to critically examine news stories from both mainstream and non-traditional sources.
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April 23rd Speaker Phil Clark
Saanich Historical Artifacts Society
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Our April speaker, on Thursday, April 23 at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, will be Phil Clark, President of the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society, that operates Heritage Acres in Central Saanich. Phil will summarize the history of Heritage Acres from its inception in the 1960's to the present day. He will take you on a virtual train ride and a virtual tour of the 30 acre facility and will describe the significance of some of the buildings. He will then talk about some of the more interesting of 30,000 or so artifacts in Saanich Historical Artifacts Society collections.
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Phil will discuss the many different ways you can get involved with the activities of this 100% volunteer run organization. He will also cover the planned development and revitalization efforts to ensure the popular community facility is preserved and improved for the benefit of future generations.
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Watch for the announcement of this event, and sign up early. Space is limited.
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The lunch will be on Thursday, April 23rd at noon at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, Sportsview Lounge. Doors open at 1130. Watch for the announcement. Registration via the online announcement is required with a cutoff of the previous Sunday evening.
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Related to the lunches, we require someone willing to help with Luncheon logistics. This primarily involves staffing the registration desk on the day of the event, and perhaps recruiting a helper. The volunteer would also provide back up to our coordinator Hugh Stephens, who arranges the speakers and lunches, on those rare occasions when Hugh is not available. Anyone interested can send Hugh an email at principal@tpconnections.com to learn more about what it entails. If we could get more than one member interested, this would help spread the logistical load. Thanks.
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The e-Bike Brigade
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It’s time to tune up your e-bike for the season.
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If you enjoy riding and the company of others come join us.
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We always stop mid-rides for a pub lunch and a chance for lots of visiting.
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To join our mailing list contact Orlie
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THREE SOCIAL BRIDGE GROUPS
New Members Welcome
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Bridge Group: The Unconventionals.
Our bridge group, The Unconventionals, Continue to get together at a member's home on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
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Sometimes we do not have enough for 2 tables but always at least one and the host provides some kind of snack or refreshment.
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We have a number of regular players each of whom would host on a semiannual basis. We also have a number of spares to fill in. We play a very basic bridge but have knowledge of basic conventions.
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We welcome new players either as regulars or as spares
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VRMNC has three social Bridge Clubs: The focus of all three is on the social side of bridge, not the competitive side. New members are welcome in all the groups. Some playing experience is preferred.
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The first group plays on the every Monday afternoon, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm .... Coordinator Fred Stepchuk <stepchuk.fred@shaw.ca>
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The second group plays on the every Tuesday evening, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm .... Coordinator Bruce Thomson <bthomson99@gmail.com>
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The third group plays on the every "other" Thursday afternoon, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm .... Coordinator Dave Nicholds <jdnicholds@gmail.com>
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Keith Beange, Overall VRMNC Bridge Coordinator
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Appy Gang
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The Appy event at the end of March was hosted by Greg & Helen Bosecker and had 29 people attending. We also were joined by some new members, Dan & Sally O’Rourke.
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The appies were varied and absolutely delicious. Everyone is upping their game and getting more creative all the time.
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Next month we are being hosted by Dennis Aitken and Laura Hardman.
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Details will be available in early April.
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Tim Allen
Appy Gang & Golf Tournament
Email: aggt@vrmnc.ca
Phone: +1 (416) 540-8782
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Field Trips
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This eclectic museum is home to the personal collection of Canadian outdoor writer Jim Shockey, a professional big game outfitter, television producer and host of numerous hunting shows. You will never have seen anything quite like this most interesting and unique exhibit! (www.handofmanmuseum.com) Lunch will follow at the nearby Lion Rampant Scottish Pub, located on the water in Maple Bay.
We are planning to hire a small bus to transport us from Victoria to Maple Bay and back.
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Sunday Hike and Pub for Members / Couples
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March 8th hike to Seymour Hill
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March 8th saw 23 of us, led by Rolf Holzhuter and Emilia Torabi out at Thetis lake, then proceeding along other trails, and upwards ... to the top of Seymour Hill!
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The "apres hike" pub for April 12th
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On April 12, our leaders will be Eric Jackson and Gretchen Tobin. This one will be a reprise of a stellar event some 2 1/2 years ago. It's going to be fun! I for one am looking forward to it. We meet up at Matheson Lake Regional Park parking lot. When ready we commence along the Galloping Goose trail before ascending ...
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Afterwards we head back into town, but with a stop off at 6-Mile Pub!
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This Activity is not just for couples; individual VRMNC members are absolutely welcome. If you would like to be on the mailing list, contact
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VRMNC History Book Club.
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The History Book Club met on Wednesday, March 11 to discuss Against the Grain: Defiant Giants That Changed the World by Terry O’Rielly. Introducing this 2025 book Frank Gibson noted the wide variety of individuals that the author selected as giants in their respective fields. For the purposes of his book, O’Rielly identified 19 individuals in five areas of endeavour: entertainment, business and industry, politics, and science and industry, and sports. The subjects included Taylor Swift (entertainment), Gustav Eiffel (business and industry), Justin Trudeau (politics), Ignaz Semmelweiss (science and medicine), and Richard Williams (sports).
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Frank posed some questions provoking a lively discussion. He asked what these diverse individuals have in common. We agreed that each of them exhibited remarkable courage and persistence to upend conventional practices. For example, in 19th Century Vienna Ignaz Semmelweiss insisted on hand washing to combat high rates of mortality in childbirth despite ridicule from his medical colleagues. Gustav Eiffel revolutionized the use of steel in architectural design. Richard Williams, who hailed from the poor black community of Compton California, coached his daughters Serena and Vanessa to succeed in a sport dominated by well to do white athletes.
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Later, our discussion turned to other examples of defiant giants not included in the book. We noted that no one living before the mid 19th century was included. Many historical figures were mentioned in our discussion. The ten members of our book club come from a variety of professional backgrounds. We were able to name disruptors from our own fields. This provoked some interesting observations what constitutes “good” defiance.
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We agreed that Against the Grain was a worthwhile book and thanked Frank for bringing it to our attention and for hosting a productive discussion.
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Frank Gibson will lead the discussion on Terry O'Reilly's "Against the Grain"
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At our next meeting on April 8 we will venture into the history of science. Ted Mathie will present Destroyer of Worlds: The Deep History Of The Nuclear Age by Frank Close.
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History & Historical Fiction Book Club
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The History: Fact or Fiction Book Club meets 10 times per year with a hiatus in July and August when many of the members are vacationing. The membership is limited to 10 members at any one time. Those interested in joining are welcome to add their name to the waiting list.
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In March Orlie Resse hosted & David Riley will led the discussion on "Say Nothing"
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A fascinating discussion and historical overview of "The Troubles" with a personal perspective from David Riley based on his frequent visits to his native land and his family perspectives who still live in Ireland. We even had a poetry reading from one of Ireland's most famous poets, Seamus Heaney's reading of "Digging" which certainly struck a chord. Yes, we did discuss the book and Patrick Radden Keefe's revealing true story reporting on one killing among many that took place. The author takes you inside the working of the IRA as well as the Police Force. A compelling read. We all left a little more wiser about the troubles whose effects are still lingering to this day.
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Tuesday Hikers
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Tuesday hikes begin at 9:00 a.m. and are approximately three hours in duration. The number of participants for our March hikes ranged from 10 to 16.
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We had variable weather for our Tuesday hikes throughout March. Our planned hike to Squally Reach viewpoint was cancelled due to rain and poor trail conditions. Our hikes included a wide variety of settings at the following locations:
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Sugarloaf Mountain, starting from Sooke Hills Wilderness Park main parking lot - led by Frank Gibson
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Sooke Hills Wilderness, Goldstream River. and Arbutus Loop trails, starting from Humpback Reservoir - led by Keith Knowles
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Cole Hill, starting from Durance Lake parking lot - led by Lou Sanche
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Three peaks: Alan’s Alps, Tony’s Triumph and David’s Delight starting from Sooke Hills Wilderness Park main parking lot - led by Gord Begg
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If you are interested in joining the Tuesday hiking group, contact coordinator Keith Knowles at keithknowles057gmail.co
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Monday Ramblers
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The Monday ramblers group continue to enjoy weekly hikes around greater Victoria. Over the past month our hikes have included Mystic Vale to Mount Tolmie led by Marcel Mercier; Harland to Killarney Lake led by our former coordinator, Michael Randerson; Swan Lake to Christmas Hill led by Terry Carson; Elk Lake led by Rick Mitchel; and most recently, West Royal Roads and Charlie’s trail (see picture above) led by Bruce Thomson.
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Wednesday Nine Hole Golf
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Open for additional players !
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You can also contact Garry Shaw by phone at 778-584-4171.
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Wine Making Group
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Hello to all wine lovers.
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Cheers from your wine maker,
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Billiards Group
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Enjoy the fun and camaraderie of shooting pool with fellow Members! Ability ranges from beginner to experienced. After the games we socialize over an optional light lunch in the Legion lounge.
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We play billiards at the Pro Patrica Legion at the corner of Gorge and Jutland. A legion membership will be required if you join the Billiards club.
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Tuesday Billiards are full. We have 3 full size tables reserved for use. (12 players when all are in attendance). There are 3 smaller 8 ball tables for overflow which have not been used to date.
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On Friday we play Ukrainian Billiard (learn the rules as you play). Currently we have several openings available. We have no reserved tables, first come gets a table. We usually have 2 full size tables in use (8 players, sometimes less than 8)
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For both days, play starts at 11:00 am to ensure we get the necessary tables (for Friday’s only). We play until 1:00 pm and then have a lunch and refreshments (optional) in the main lounge.
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We play billiards on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 am sharp. We can accommodate a total of 16 players.
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We play at the Trafalgar Pro Patria Legion on Gorge Road at Jutland. New members are welcome. (New members may require to be signed in at the Legion).
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WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion, 411 Gorge Road E. (corner of Gorge and Jutland). PARKING: At Legion, free. WHEN: Weekly every Friday at 11:00am – 2:30pm. WHO: Open to all.
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Doing our Best as We Age
Article Submitted by Wally Lazaruk
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Doing our Best as We Age– Definitions, Mindsets and Practices
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We do our best as we age by understanding how aging can be defined and by adopting mindsets and practices that promote a healthy and fulfilling life.
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Aging is often defined in three ways:
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· Successful aging involves maintaining good health and mental function, active social engagement and freedom from severe illnesses in later years. The key metrics in successful aging are high function and absence of disease.
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· Healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining our functional ability. The key metrics are adaptability and well-being, even with chronic conditions. Healthy aging is more inclusive than successful aging by emphasizing adaptation rather than the absence of disease.
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· Aging well focuses on a broader lifestyle approach which includes physical activity, social connection, nutrition and mental health. It often highlights personal happiness, resilience, adaptation, subjective satisfaction and quality of life.
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Overall, the three definitions are complementary and support similar mindsets and healthy lifestyle practices.
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Aging Mindsets and Practices
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Let’s briefly examine some of the recommended mindsets and practices:
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Neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin in his book Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives created the COACH principle, a five-part framework designed to promote healthy, fulfilling, and cognitively vibrant aging.
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The acronym is explained below:
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1. C is for Curiosity: We engage in novel activities and learn new things to keep the mind young. A “growth mindset” can make life more enjoyable and lower the risk of cognitive decline.
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2. O is for Openness: We are open to new experiences and new ways of thinking to keep the brain flexible and engaged.
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3. A is for Associations (Social connections): We maintain strong, active social connections with family, community groups and people of all ages to prevent isolation and to support mental health.
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4. C is for Conscientiousness: We are reliable, trustworthy, proactive, organized and disciplined about healthy practices and lifestyle choices.
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5. H is for Healthy practices: We prioritize healthy habits, including a balanced diet, proper sleep hygiene, and regular physical movement. Practicing evidence-based nutrition is key to healthy living. This includes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, such as the Mediterranean diet. Quality sleep of 7 to 9 hours is vital for managing cognitive function and physical activity is important for both bodily and mental health. Regular exercise should include at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity and strength training a few times a week.
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According to Levitin, strategies based on neuroscience can help us to maintain a vibrant, quality life. Our brain can change, adapt, and form new neural connections even in later years. Although some cognitive aspects change, we can gain in emotional balance, practical intelligence, and pattern recognition.
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Other recommended mindsets and aging practices are summarized below:
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1. Cognitive stimulation: We pursue intellectual challenges to protect cognitive capacity. Brain training programs, puzzles, reading and learning new skills can protect brain health.
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2. Planning for future needs: We consider our needs in later years and identify people who can help us when we have physical limitations. We also select opportunities for daily, spontaneous social interaction.
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3. Positivity: We practice gratitude and cultivate a positive, forward-looking attitude to navigate the later years.
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4. Reframing Pain: We shift our perspective from seeing pain as a sign of danger to seeing it as a safe, although uncomfortable, signal from our nervous system. We practice mindfulness, cognitive behavioral strategies (CBT), positive self-talk, and gentle movement to reduce pain perception. This process "rewires" the brain's response to pain, often reducing the intensity of the sensation.
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5. Societal changes: We create more "elder-friendly" communities to support aging individuals. As well, we strive to end ageism and utilize older people’s wisdom, experience, and unique cognitive strengths.
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6. Staying active: We engage in meaningful and productive activities, including volunteering or work, to maintain a sense of purpose and cognitive function.
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7. Preventative healthcare: We participate in regular medical check-ups, screening and vaccinations for early detection and management of conditions.
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For more healthy aging practices, see the article entitled Healthy Lifestyle in the December 2025 newsletter and the article entitled Cognitive fitness in the March 2026 newsletter. Remember that:
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“Growing older is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength”.
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Prepared by Wally Lazaruk, March 2026
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Levitin, Daniel J. Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives. New York: Dutton, 2020.
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Webmaster’s Corner! Did-You-Know:
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Re-Newed Website Feature: CLUB CHAT
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VRMNC has reinstalled our Chat feature on our website but on a dedicated webpage. To access it just click on Club Chat in Menu Bar and type away!!
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We encourage all members to sign into our website and check out this newest feature. Note that you need to sign in to post a chat.
If you stay signed in you will not need to repeat this step in the future. If you make a post and a fellow member replies it will be forwarded to your email.
Please give it a try and let your Coordinators and club Executive know your thoughts.
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1) car pool to a Field Trip
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2) discuss an existing Activity
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3) brain-storm / start a new regular or one off activity (ie Happy Hour Group, Cooking Class, Volunteer with Our Place, travel ideas to Portugal, Nova Scotia . . . ).
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4) New Joiner just posted asking for interest in Trip to Phoenix for Baseball Spring Training.
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NOTE: If you are logged-in when post, you can tick the small Bell button beside "Post Comment" button to be notified of responses.
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PRO-TRICK: When logging-in to our website, tick the "Remember Me" tick box so you stay logged in and don't have to next time visit. You can tell if you are logged in as top right beside Menu will say "Welcome Back Orlie".
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QUESTIONS: Please contact:
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OTHER WEBSITE INFO:
- New arrival to Victoria? Check out our Members Area > Useful Web Links webpage.
- VRMNC Branding - Need our Logo? Several formats available at Members Area > Branding.
- VRMNC Assets / Signage - Need a screen projector or pull-up banners or other signage, see all our assets and their custodian in Members Area > Assets.
- CONTACT DETAILS CHANGE: Please contact Membership@VRMNC.ca with any email, phone number or address change (no need to make these changes yourself).
- MISSED / LOST A NEWSLETTER: Go to website > News > Newsletters to see all of them.
- EXEC MEETING MINUTES: are published on Website > Members Area > Meeting Minutes.
- CONTACT LIST: This is maintained and updated on website by Membership Director Dennis Aitken just Log-In to website and go to Members Area > Contact Book. Please do not share this outside the club!
- FAQS: These have been updated on our website under Members Area, have a look, and please suggest any additions / changes!
- VRMNC GROUPS: Anyone can start a new VRMNC Group, just email email Activity Coordinator Bruce Shore at bruceshore@gmail.com with your ideas!
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