The scents of Sentsy
Sentsy consultant Tracey Timmons (right) shows Garden Villa resident Joy Fellows (left) the different candles and infused products on display at the Health and Wellness day on Fri., May 26.     Sawyer Helmer photo

Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Record Staff
CHESTERVILLE – On Fri., May 26, the Garden Villa Retirement Residence hosted a health and wellness day with 12 vendors and two guest speakers for residents and the community to enjoy.

Recreation Coordinator Karen Parks organized the event with the help of Marketing Specialist Lynne Smith. Some of the vendors offer regular services at the residence while others were contacted by Parks through the Dundas Women’s Business Network or personal contacts. This was the first of what Parks said she hopes can become an annual health vendors’ day at the residence.

While guests and residents could purchase the many items on display, the information available was a highlight of the day. A nutritionist, physiotherapists, essential oil vendors, and many more were on hand to offer information about natural products and locally sourced items. The day also included homemade and natural jams, jellies and baked goods. “It’s all about health and education,” said Parks.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind gave a presentation, followed by Tammy Hedge, Director of Wellness at the Villa, with her talk, Let’s Talk Diabetes, both offering insights into healthy lifestyles and options. Later in the afternoon a mini-manicure station was available to guests and residents.

Also in attendance was Tea Sommelier and educator Susan Peters from Morrisburg. Peters offered information about tea preparation, health, benefits and tea research along with a diverse display of tea varieties to taste or purchase. Peters is scheduled to speak to the residents about the benefits of different teas in the coming weeks.

Parks expressed her wish for the residence to become more active in the community and for the community to feel involved in the many activities happening at the Garden Villa. The Health and Wellness day was just one of the events geared towards bringing the community and the residents together.