Words From The Men

From the moment I joined the Arnprior & McNab/Braeside (AMB) Men’s Shed I felt like a square peg in a square hole. I got to pursue a hobby that I love in an environment of like-minded, supportive and friendly people.

But it’s much more than that. Let me try to count the ways how this organization has helped and motivated me:

Firstly the commitment of our leaders to the senior men’s cause helps me understand what community involvement is all about.

The democratic and inclusive way the Shed is managed is inspiring, having cut my teeth in a very rigid top to bottom management structure.

I love the interaction we have with the local non profit community. It seems to me that we give and we take in equal measure. And what we give meets immediate community needs in a direct and practical manner.

At the Shed I feel entirely comfortable either gabbing with others or whittling away silently on my project while not being judged either way.

So there I was in the fall of 2022 telling all this to the Program Director of the Joslyn Senior Center in Palm Desert California. That’s where I go for my wood carving club when in Palm Desert every winter. I could see her interest building as I spoke.

“Let’s start one here” she said. Seems in her job she’s found most of the Center’s senior’s programs are subscribed to by women with not much interest from senior men. She knew what the International Men’s Shed knew - that loneliness and lack of socialization in senior men hurts their health.

“Can you start one here?” she said. And I was like “Wai…wai…wait! I was just hoping the Center could…I mean, I didn’t intend that I could…” Now I’m no Darrel O’Shaugnessy, the founder and a major driving force in our Shed. I’d never done anything remotely like this before. But it was put up or shut up time so I put up.

Fast forward to the fall of 2023. I had been into the extensive International, Canadian and US Men’s Shed literature on why this movement exists and how to start a new Shed and had prepared some promotional material for the Center to use. The date for the first Shed meeting was set, the center had promoted the start up and gave us a meeting room and AV equipment. I set up the Power Point presentation I had labored long and hard over and I was ready for a room full of old guys ready to roll!

Five guys showed up. And three of those were from my carving club. Bummer! But afterward Center managers told me five was actually a pretty good start.

The first few meetings were about what we could and should do and be. The few guys we had contributed greatly and became our core. Promotion by the Center did not attract any new members. All we could say to the odd enquiry was come join us and help us carve a path. A mistake. Guys are looking for a program. They want to hear “This week we’re doing this, next week we’re going there” not some blue skying about what we should and should not be. Once we realized that and started actually doing stuff and promoting it membership picked up.

As I write this some seven months after the first meeting our membership stands at seventeen. And better days are ahead if we can resolve some of the following outstanding issues.

We need:

1. An identity. A few are wood carvers but not the majority. We need a driver such as woodworking at the AMB Shed.

2. Some budgetary control. We charge no membership fee beyond the general center membership and must request purchases through the center’s budgets.

3. A mechanism for community outreach. We want a connection to the non-profit community.

4. Better ways to reach our target audience. The guys we have are interesting active people. But we want the ones home watching Rifleman reruns on tv. They don’t see the promos, they’re not reading the Center’s emails. The answer I think is focusing on reaching the people around them.

5. To become a chapter of the United States Men’s Shed Association. We were established using it’s principles and programs. I’ve had some difficulty in convincing members of the advantages to us of membership.

Bill Sterritt
Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Men’s Shed 

Let’s talk a bit about the heart and soul of our Communities - Men’s Shed’s. These havens aren’t just about woodworking; They’re about carving out connections, building camaraderie, and nailing mental well-being.

In a world buzzing with screens, Men’s Shed’s provide a space to get hands-on, swap stories, and share skills and experiences. Whether you’re a DIY guru or just keen to learn, there’s a place for you here. It’s not just about the projects; it’s about creating a space where Guys can craft friendships, swap tips, and find support.

And, let’s be real, the therapeutic benefits of a good chat over a cuppa while tinkering are unbeatable. Men’s Shed’s are a powerhouse of positive vibes, fostering a sense of purpose and banishing that sense of isolation.

So, here’s to the clinking of tools, the laughter echoing in the Shed, and the bonds that go beyond the woodwork. Men’s Shed’s, a place where skills are honed, friendships are built, and well-being takes centre stage.

Darrel O’Shaughnessy
Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Men’s Shed 

Hi there, my name is Doug Miess.

I am 93 year’s old.

I am on a personal journey, would you walk aways with me?

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings my alarm clock is set for 7.30 a.m., rather than say 9.30 a.m. other days.

A quick breakfast and then onto the highway from Ottawa to Arnprior at 9.00 a.m. arriving at the Men’s Shed at 9.45 a.m.

The Business and Social hour are pretty well over by then, but that’s OK as my poor hearing prevents full participation in group discussion. One on one interactions will fill the need during the day.

The Arnprior Men’s Shed has a unique group of members reflecting the rural nature of the Town, retired Teachers, Farmers, Truck Drivers, Aircraft Technicians, and Government employees. The diversity brings a wide variety of personalities and skills to the workshop. As a city boy, these qualities are both enjoyed and admired, just think 40 some friends, mates, mentors define who we really are.

So, what do I receive at the Men’s Shed? My personal background was as an Electronics Technician. The hands on satisfaction has been a personal need in my life. This need was in short supply upon retirement. So, the Men’s Shed environment filled that need for me. The “long day” is a challenge but rewarding, tomorrow I will rest mentally satisfied. This is my Mental Health Day.

What do I contribute? A chance to demonstrate my own skills and creativity.

In later years the usual physical problems surfaced which made regular attendance and function more challenging. However, these “aches” disappeared in the challenges of the shop work and the social interplay. As my skill levels diminish, there are many willing and skilled hands close by to support me.

To keep my project moving, the members, working at various machines and other projects, follow the overall “work flow” and contribute encouragement and comments on the way by anticipating my needs. Some amazing talents are evident with beautiful carvings and work being done.  Simply, loads of inspiration and direction as required.

A few mates have shared personal chapters and stories of their life along the way, experiences which have shaped us, the “Pastor” for example, offering his support and encouragement many times as we rub shoulders.

So, thank you for walking with me. Your friendship and guidance will help define the road ahead. In fact, I’m just now learning how to harness the power of the human mind and it’s power in our lives.

“What I can do today or tomorrow will define my story moving forward.”

Doug Miess