May 27, 2026
On The Upside with Marley
The quiet rewards of giving your time
Volunteering is often seen as something we do for others. It’s framed as giving—giving time, effort, or energy to support a cause or help someone in need. And while that’s true, it only tells part of the story. What’s often overlooked is how much volunteering gives back to the person doing it.
Helping others has a way of strengthening something within you.
When you volunteer, you step outside your usual routine. You engage with people, situations, and perspectives that you might not otherwise encounter. That shift alone can be powerful. It reminds you that your time has value beyond your personal schedule and that your presence can make a difference in ways that are not always measurable.
There is also a deeper sense of connection that comes from contributing. Whether it’s helping at a local event, supporting a community organization, or simply offering your time where it’s needed, volunteering builds a sense of belonging. You are no longer just observing your community—you are participating in it.
It also changes how you see your own challenges. When you contribute to something larger than yourself, many of the things that once felt overwhelming begin to shift in perspective. Gratitude grows naturally, not because your problems disappear, but because your awareness expands.
Volunteering is not about being needed. It’s about choosing to show up.
Sometimes the greatest personal growth doesn’t come from what you achieve for yourself, but from what you give to others without expecting anything in return.
A Century of Service:
The Royal Canadian Legion & Ladies’ Auxiliary
In 2026, The Royal Canadian Legion marks 100 years of supporting Canada’s Veterans, strengthening communities, and honouring those who served. Officially incorporated in 1926, the Legion has remained rooted in service, advocacy, and keeping Remembrance alive for future generations. Across Canada, local branches have become gathering places, service hubs, and community pillars.
The Ladies’ Auxiliary has long been an essential part of that mission. Through fundraising, volunteer work, branch support, and community involvement, Auxiliary members have helped strengthen Legion efforts and support important programs at the local level. Whether large or small, Auxiliaries across the country continue to work tirelessly for their branches and communities.
A hundred years is more than a milestone. It is a reminder that remembrance is not only something we feel…
It’s something we practice, protect, and pass forward.
The Instructions
A man opened a box that said “Easy Assembly – Instructions Included.” He unfolded the manual and found twelve steps, three diagrams, and a warning that said, “Do not tighten fully until complete.” Two hours later, he was staring at something that looked almost right but had one extra screw. His wife asked how it was going. He said, “I’m at the stage where I’m confident this is either finished… or I’ve invented something new.”
The Devine Parking Spot
An Atheist is driving downtown looking for a parking spot and there’s nothing to be had, so he says “God, if you give me parking spot, I will convert myself and become Christian”.
Two minutes later he says “Never mind I found one”
The Answer Is In The Answer
Patient: “Doctor I think I’m going deaf.”
Doctor: “Well, can you describe the symptoms?”
Patient: “Yeah, Homer is a fat yellow man and Marge has blue hair.”
Good News — Bad News
Wife: “I’ve got good news and bad news… Which do you want to hear first?”
Husband: “The good news!”
Wife: “The good news is your car’s airbag works perfectly.”
* * * * *
Doctor: “I’ve got good news and bad news.”
Patient: “What’s the good news?”
Doctor: “They’re going to name a disease after you.”
* * * * *
Attorney: “I have good news and bad news,” First the bad news:
Attorney: The blood test came back, and your DNA is an exact match with that found at the crime scene.”
Client: Oh, no!… What’s the good news?”
Attorney: “Your cholesterol is down to 140.”
* * * * *
Doctor: “I’ve got good news and bad news,”
Patient: “What’s the bad news?”
Doctor: “We have to amputate your legs.”
Patient: “Oh God, no!!! Well what’s the good news?”
Doctor: “The man in the next bed wants to buy your slippers”
[Insert Meme Image Here]
Editors Quote Book
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
Trivia Quiz
(Click Question For Answer)
Your Horoscope
For Amusement Only
Aries Mar. 21 – Apr. 19: A decision gains clarity through action. Trust your instincts and allow progress to guide your next move.
Taurus Apr. 20 – May 20: Steady effort brings results. Focus on consistency and allow time to strengthen your direction.
Gemini May 21 – Jun. 20: Clear thinking improves outcomes. Keep communication simple and avoid unnecessary complications this week.
Cancer Jun. 21 – Jul. 22: Emotional clarity returns soon. Give yourself space to reflect before making important decisions.
Leo Jul. 23 – Aug. 22: Confidence grows through action. Trust your ability and take steps toward what feels right.
Virgo Aug. 23 – Sep. 22: Organization improves progress. A clear plan helps reduce stress and keeps your focus steady.
Libra Sep. 23 – Oct. 22: Balance comes from perspective. Step back briefly and allow clarity to develop naturally.
Scorpio Oct. 23 – Nov. 21: Focus strengthens results. Direct your energy carefully and avoid distractions that slow progress.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 – Dec. 21: A new idea gains momentum. Explore possibilities and allow curiosity to lead forward.
Capricorn Dec. 22 – Jan. 19: Discipline supports growth. Consistent effort helps you build something meaningful over time.
Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18: Creative thinking helps now. A different approach reveals solutions you had not considered.
Pisces Feb. 19 – Mar. 20: Reflection brings clarity. Take time to think before acting and your direction becomes clearer.
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Respectful Golfer
Two friends are out golfing at their local course when one of them is about to chip onto the green. Just then, a long funeral procession passes by on the road beside the course.
The golfer suddenly stops mid-swing, removes his cap, closes his eyes, and bows his head in prayer.
His friend watches in amazement and says, “Wow… that’s the most thoughtful and touching thing I’ve ever seen. You truly are a kind and respectful man.”
The golfer nods and says, “Well, it’s the least I could do… after all, we were married for 35 years.”
The Peanuts Are Complimentary
A man walked into a bar, sat down, and ordered a beer. As he sipped the beer, he heard a soothing voice say, ‘Nice tie!’ Looking around, he noticed that the bar was empty except for himself and the bartender at the end of the bar. A few sips later, the voice said, ‘Beautiful shirt.’ At this, the man called the bartender over. ‘Hey, I must be losing my mind,’ he told the bartender. ‘I keep hearing these voices saying nice things, and there’s not a soul in here but us.’ ‘It’s the peanuts,’ answered the bartender. ‘Say what?’ ‘You heard me,’ said the barkeep. ‘It’s the peanuts … They’re complimentary.
The Duck Is A Little Short
A duck walks into a pharmacy and walks up to the counter. ‘I’d like some Chapstick,’ he tells the pharmacist. ‘How are you going to pay for that?’ the pharmacist asks. The duck replies ‘I’m a little short, Just put it on my bill.’
The Most Epic Flash Mob
I’ve never experienced a live flash mob, but if I did, I’d want it to be this one. Here is one epic flash mob performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”!
The Last Word
“What you give to others has a way of returning to you in ways you never expected.”
And our heartfelt thanx to you, Brian Garvey for coming up with the PERK idea 30 years ago. I and many others have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy the publication for hopefully years to come.
I commend you!
WELL DONE !
The May 1st edition was the best I’ve read since becoming a follower. Positively Speaking……logical and smack on, the quiz, difficult but for the first time ever I’m 8 for 8! The bog island vid…who’d a thunk?
I can’t be all positive though.
The sand which board with I b4 e was a tough one for my aging eyes.
Lastly, could your font be slightly larger with the adds just a wee bit smaller.
So many magazines, internet articles, etc have yet to learn that their main audience is aging and eyes are not what they were of days past.
Keep up the good work.
PS: Adds work. I’ve used more than one company you’ve listed with total satisfaction (politicians excepted)
Hi Dave. Firstly thanks so much for the comments. I’m not the writer of this stuff just the web guy. While reading anything that you find is too small on the internet generally all you need to do is hit your Control and the plus key or minus key together to increase or decrease the size of things. I’m afraid if we reduce the ads any smaller they won’t be readable and of course it’s due to their investment in the Perkolator that the publication can actually exist 🙂 Happy Spring.
why do l keep getting the same perkolator every month for the S Muskoka edition. this is the same issue running from Jan.2026.
Hi Nina
The Perkolator doesn’t actually publish monthly, it publishes weekly. I cannot see what you’re seeing of course. However I have reviewed the website thoroughly and including the last 5 weeks Perkolator’s and there’s no duplication. The only thing I can determine is if you’re clicking on an old email from last month and expecting last months perkolator. Clicking on the link in your subscription email will always take you to the latest edition regardless of how old the email is. Perhaps that’s where the issue lies.
Thanks for reading!
Today’s edition is the same as last weeks.
Apologies Howard. It’s now fixed. The automation wasn’t automatic!!!
Please don’t change anything, I look forward to my weekly paper
We’re glad to hear that you’re enjoying The Perkolator.. You keep reading it and we will keep it coming.
Why, when I’m already a subscriber must the pop up SUBSCRIBE for double your pleasure pop up in the first place? Oh, I just realized, you can’t have pop ups in your printed newsletter.
Silly me.
As well. Without being “logged into” a website, there’s no way for it to determine who you are. SO it displays for everyone 🙂
Lately your articles seem to be very anti-woman. I’m most certainly going to stop reading!
Good day Jessica. I do hope that you are still reading The Perkolator. Although you don’t say which articles you found objectionable, I can assure you that we, at The Perkolator, are not anti-women. In fact, if we look back to past issues men are the Butt of more jokes and stories than are women. In our world we need to find the humour in our words, habits, situations, and actions more often, whether we are male of female. The ability to laugh at ourselves and our humanness allows us to cope better with the stresses in life. I hope that you will consider continuing to read The Perkolator, understanding that we are only joking and mean no offense.
Best Regards.
Brian G