Monterey Recreation Centre volunteer Linda Foubister interviews Gail Hughes, president of the Monterey Recreation Activity Association.
Who are you? What brought you to the centre and Victoria?
I was born in Montreal, and then travelled west via Toronto and Vancouver to Victoria. I hold a BA in English Literature from the University of Toronto. Vancouver Island is a lot like Montreal. I like the water and the walks in Victoria, especially in view of the fact that I don’t drive.
How long have you been a member?
I have been a member of Monterey Recreation Centre for seven years now. I started volunteering as a special events hostess and my involvement grew from there.
What do you do as a member and a volunteer at Monterey centre?
I volunteer on the board of the Monterey Recreation Activity Association. I served as treasurer for three years and became the president of the association in March, 2017.
As a member, I belong to one of the 30 clubs, the Craft Carnival. The club makes craft projects to sell at the annual bazaar and at the front window display, a major source of revenue to the association. I am the “Button Lady.” I sort through the buttons for the other crafters to use and to sell at the bazaar. We get a variety of buttons, such as heart-shaped ones and floral buttons. The fire truck and car buttons are great for the crafters to use for children’s clothing. The next bazaar, our 40th annual bazaar, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What is the difference between the Monterey Recreation Centre and the Monterey Recreation Activity Association?
The Monterey Recreation Centre is run by Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture and it offers classes at the centre to people 19 years and older. A Monterey centre membership includes membership in the association.
The Monterey Recreation Activity Association (MRAA) is a non-profit organization that operates out of the centre. Its purpose is to encourage people 50 years and older to continue learning, to be socially active and to pursue new interests. Life doesn’t stop when you get older.
The association supports 30 clubs and provides financial support as required. The association has a close relationship with the centre to create a safe, caring and nurturing environment. The board has 12 members including president, vice president, treasurer, recording-secretary, past president, five directors representing the 30 clubs, and two directors at large. The MRAA has more than 2,000 members.
Why do you volunteer, i.e. what’s your motivation/reward?
Volunteering at the centre gives me purpose. I get so much out of it – friendships, social engagement, and the opportunity to use my existing skills and to learn new skills. Overall, the benefits are intellectual, emotional and social. What I give to the Center, it gives back to me, and so much more.
Why do you like about the centre?
The centre offers so much in one place – artistic, fitness, and performance opportunities, continuing education, and the chance to meet new people. It’s a place to share a laugh with friends and family. It’s a friendly environment. You can sit in the beautiful Garden Court and have a cup of tea and socialize, or sit by yourself and read a book or do a puzzle. There is delicious food at the Fern Café, a complimentary blood pressure service, and complimentary income tax return service. There is a wide range of courses such as art, yoga and fitness classes, free talks and workshops with guest speakers and 30 clubs. If you have an idea, you can make it happen. For example, one member was interested in chess, so he posted a notice suggesting a chess club and the first meeting of the club is next week.
How would you describe the centre to a newcomer?
Monterey centre is a great place. Give it a chance. Pick up the newsletter, Oak Leaves to find out what’s currently going on. You can attend the Meet and Greets without being a member. The next one is Thursday, Oct. 12 at 1:30 pm.
What issues do you see with the centre?
With increasing popularity, the centre is experiencing space issues. We need room to grow. The aging building makes renovations more difficult. We want to accommodate demand while maintaining the coziness of the centre.
What ideas do you have to improve the centre?
The association is looking at ways to improve the lobby for our members. Utilization of the lobby could be improved with eliminating the cold blast from opening doors. Perhaps more conversational groupings and a games corner would increase its use. Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture is responsible for the structure itself, but the Association has input to the decisions. We want to meet the needs of the members and offer more with the cooperation of Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture.
What are you reading now?
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. It suggests that modern medicine, while extending one’s life, may not be meeting the needs of people for quality of life.
Tea or coffee?
I am a tea fanatic. When tea conventions were held in the Crystal Gardens, I would go for two days.
Introvert or Extrovert? I’m an introvert.
What are your hobbies? Reading, cooking, walking, travelling, and watching old movies.
What trips? The last big trip was to England. Locally, we travelled to Tofino and will be going there next month.
What are your favourite old movies? The movies of 1939 were the best, such as The Women, The Wizard of Oz, and Stage Coach with John Wayne. I also like the Thin Man Series with the sleuthing couple, Nick and Nora Charles.
How do you stay fit? Walking.
What inspires you?
My partner, Phil, of twenty years, and my heroes such as Nelson Mandela and Margaret Sanger. I am inspired by the people coming to the Centre who have a great capacity to enjoy life.
What would surprise people about you?
I lived in Israel for a year in a kibbutz. The kibbutz was a communal farm with cows, horses, a bakery and crops of grapefruit and oranges. Its goal was to be self-sustaining so there was a communal kitchen, dining room and school. It was a great spot for a young person and served as a base for trips. We spent one Christmas in Bethlehem and travelled around the country.
Linda Foubister is a volunteer writer and photographer at the Monterey Recreation Centre.