Fa La La - Laughing All the Way!

Kelli McRobert | Dec 07, 2022

The Verona Free Methodist Church was turned into a magical Christmas wonderland in preparation of the arrival of 90 seniors for a full turkey lunch. The ceiling was draped with tiny lights that cast a soft glow onto the well-appointed tables. Placings were set by the eager volunteers and a well planned out coffee and juice bar sat ready for the groups arrival at noon. The Southern Frontenac Community Services hosts the events in Sydenham, Harrowsmith, Glenburnie, and Verona and offers local seniors a chance to enjoy a meal, light entertainment, and a social outlet.

This event was sold out as the attendees eagerly anticipated seeing the guest performer Amy Sloan, who is not only a Registered Nurse, but a stand-up comic. As the visitors filled the hall, volunteers escorted them to various tables and helped get them settled in for a fun afternoon of laughter and sustenance.

On the menu was a full Turkey dinner including carrots, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. The food was served piping hot by another group of friendly volunteers and Chef Josee oversaw the entire production with experienced precision. The food was hot, tasty, and absolutely heart warming as you saw people eagerly requesting a second scoop of the savoury brown gravy (some all over, and some very specific on where the sauce should go), and they even had a few requests of additional pickles and olives on the side. Water, cranberry juice, coffee, and tea kept everyone hydrated as they awaited the main event.

Festive music filled the air as the tables were cleared in preparation for the well adorned dessert of chocolate cupcakes and Tartufo ice cream, that is an Italian dessert of chocolate wrapped around a raspberry frozen middle. Did I say ‘yum’ yet? The Turkey’s were from Food Less Travelled and were sooo moist and lovely! Top it off with creamy mashed, carrots done -just right and a stuffing that you could eat all on it’s own, you had the makings of a meal ‘fit for royalty’. I digress…. let’s get back to the main event, as everyone was now completely amped up on oodles of chocolate.

Amy Sloan hails from Hamilton and works at the sister’s of Notre Dame convent. She is a nurse by day and comedian who has a wicked sense of humour and the ability to turn a situation into a story, a tale, a reason to reflect and laugh at oneself as we continue to age. Her performance had the audience laughing at some fun dad jokes as she explained the power of laughter and demonstrated to the group why and how it helps to reduce stress and enables us to remain resilient through tough times. Amy kept them animated with story-based jokes and interactive activities that left everyone feeling ‘happy’.

Studies have proven that laughter truly is good for your health. The Mayo Clinic has done research on this topic and has demonstrated both short-term and long-term benefits including:

• Stimulation of organs;
• Activate and relieve stress response;
• Soothe tension;
• Improve immune system;
• Relieve pain;
• Increase personal satisfaction; and
• Improve mood;

If you don’t think you have enough humour in your life you can seek it out and even learn it. Some suggestions are to attend a comic festival, watch YouTube clips, cut out cartoons you find funny, watch a funny movie, look for jokes online or spend more time with those that make you laugh. There is even Laugh Yoga that is starting to build momentum in over 110 countries. Laughteryoga.org

As the afternoon began to wind down, the volunteers quickly cleared tables and helped the guests to their vehicles. Prizes were drawn for 6 lovely glass displays and each guest was able to take away a small Christmas cookie to enjoy with their afternoon tea, and then a nap!

Thank you to Amy Sloan for a fun afternoon and if anyone is looking to hire her, you can find her on Facebook!

Bravo, yet again, to the SFCSC and Joanne Silver, for a perfect venue and meal!!

If you are interested in getting involved you can reach them at: 613-376-6477 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.