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Welcome to Askennonia's weekly eblast. It's a good way to keep current on both Askennonia and general community news. You can also visit our website at www.askennonia.com where you can view our monthly newsletter or click on the link below. Feel free to forward this email to friends who might benefit from this information.
If you have questions or need to contact us you may do so on our website's Contact Us, reply to this email or call 705-526-7609 (once we are back in the office after the Covid-19 pandemic is over).
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Today, we heard that we will be able to rent the picnic pavilion in Little Lake Park for activities that the Health Unit has pre-approved. We still do not have access to any parts of the Rec Centre building. This week coming we will be contacting our volunteer conveners and paid teachers to see how they feel about getting back together outdoors or whether any of you would like to try delivering a zoom program in the fall. It's working really well for many programs. We are trying to put a newsletter together for September & October. It's just a bunch of scribbles at this point!
We have applied for three grants for which we are awaiting reply. The Enabling Accessibility Grant for a social barrier, microphone and clear masks for our reception desk (when it opens), a New Horizons Grant for more tablets to connect people remotely and to cover cost of programming for new and more online programming and a Seniors Community Grant (just submitted this morning) to develop an on-line & in-house workshop series with Jane Barnett around empowerment & resilience. So, keep reading your eblasts and follow us on Facebook. We really are working to adapt to a changing environment.
Hey, if you have a few minutes, the Midland Senior Council would really appreciate you completing their survey about "Senior Friendly" - link is below.
Old news: We are working to gather information and look at protocols that we'd need to put in place to ensure the safety of our members, guests, volunteers and staff, should we decide it's time to resume programs. We've been advised that when we do introduce inside or outside programs, we need to have screening of volunteers, staff and attendees, gather names and contacts for all in attendance (for contact tracing), post signage for hand hygiene and physical distancing and have enough staff or volunteers to control crowds and carry out duties/reminders of physical distancing. We'd need to ensure people are keeping at least 2m distance from each other at all times, even if they are wearing a mask. Click HERE for regulations.
We would like to thank all of our volunteers and paid teachers who have worked hard to keep people engaged. We know that it's made a difference to the lives of many! Country Jammers are sharing their talents on a new Facebbook page called "Country Jammers at Askennonia". See the article below for more information. Please let us know if you or your friends want to get involved in performing.
Some of our programs have decided to take a break during July and August, but Blair will keep the rest them running if there is an interest. Many thanks to volunteer Adele Heins - Beg and Intermediate French, Jen Paquette of Midland Public Library - our Book Club and Steve Paskin for teaching our Ukulele lessons. All will go on hiatus and start-up in some form in Sept or beyond, depending on the pandemic. Your contributions are appreciated!!
So to date we have:
Adele Heins - Beginner & Intermediate French Lessons
Steve Paskin - Uke Lesson on Tues
Mary Besley - Ukulele jams on Thurs (during the summer, Blair is hosting this session.)
Barbara Marshall & Cathy Barker - a Line Dancer discussion group
Danna Mountgomery - 10 exercise videos on All Things Danna on Facebook, as well as, Zoom exercise videos
Elizabeth Hough - Card Making Kits prepared & delivered to her students' doorknobs!
Erin Burton - Acrylic Painting
Hazel Ferry - Watercolour Painting
Blair's Zoom Coffee Party - Tues mornings at 10 am
Jen Paquette - Midland Public Library hosts our Book Club on Zoom
Ron hunt - Woodcarvers "Ask Ron Anything" and social
Bob Main - Bob's Online Coffee Break - internet games, puzzles and brain-busters on Facebook & eblast.
Uma Smith - Let's Write Zoom meeting Monday afternoons
Victoria Thompson - Choir Zoom Wed afternoon at 2:30 pm once per month
Tai Chi Practice video on Facebook
Tai Chi Set Video on Facebook
Knit & Chat on Zoom
Material Girls Quilters on Zoom
Walking Group on Zoom
Erin Burton - Beginner Acrylic Painting (see article below)
Hazel Ferry - Beginner Watercolour Lesson (see article below)
 You can see from the table above that you also have access to Tai Chi, online games recommendations, many exercise classes and musical entertainment on our Facebook page. Please note that all of these programs are being delivered free of charge to the participants. Some are open to all and some have a slightly restricted enrollment for a variety of reasons. Do you have an idea for a program while the Centre is closed? Let us know and we will work on it with you.
Remember that if you need assistance, the latest and most complete information is available at 211 (24 hours per day and 7 days per week). The news coverage of the world is upsetting and fluid. If you need to speak with someone, call 211 and let them know you need to speak with a professional. They are there to help. See below for what else they do!
Still miss you.
Judy & Blair
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The Town of Midland has launched their Age-Friendly Community Plan Survey! This is your opportunity to help make Midland a more age-friendly community. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. Your input is the key to making this plan successful! Click below to take the survey on Engaging Midland today! Click HERE to take the survey.
*Please note, you do not need to be registered to participate in the survey.*
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Watch this great video produced by the Niagara on the Lake Zukesta Choir. See if you can pick out the Askennonia members! It looks like so much fun and that's what it's all about these days!! Click HERE
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Blair's Zoom Coffee Chat is Tuesday morning at 10 am! Join the fun to see how everyone is doing and what projects we are all working on at home!! Are you missing your buddies? Join us for a chat and social over zoom! Remember if you aren't comfortable with Zoom, Compusolve has volunteer to help with that. (see below)
Blair Archibald is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Coffee with Blair
Time: Aug 11, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83359818718?pwd=TW80K1V3cUtQSDNFU0I5K3c4NWVxUT09
Meeting ID: 833 5981 8718
Passcode: 177197
One tap mobile
+15873281099,,83359818718#,,,,,,0#,,177197# Canada
+16473744685,,83359818718#,,,,,,0#,,177197# Canada
You will need to download the Zoom app and if you need help with that, CSOLVE will help (see below). If you have the app on your phone, tablet, or computer, click on the invitation above. It should take you to the waiting room for the meeting.
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Ron Hunt is our woodcarvers instructor and that group have been zooming all summer. They share their work, socialize and get tips on next steps from Ron.
Ron's been busy himself. He was commissioned by a friend to do this piece and it turned our beautifully. It's being sent all the way to England!
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Ruth Jeannotte, Knit & Chat Convener, board member and front desk volunteer has already made her squares for the Memory Blanket. Thank you, Ruth!! If you would like to contribute, see message below.
A HUGE PROJECT TO HONOUR THOSE LOST TO COVID-19
There's a group of knitters in Lindsay who have a huge project and they are asking all knitters across Canada to help. They are knitting a blanket with some 9000 squares, each one in memory of a life lost to Covid 19.
Our knitting group discussed the project last week and decided those who wish will participate! If you'd like to sign up to be a knitter, for the Memorial Blanket, all information can be found on their website - HERE or their FAQ page HERE.
The link to the pattern is available HERE: You will need to use a specific yarn, that can be purchased locally at Twist Yarn in Midland.
Please feel free to contact the organizers, Heather, Ally & Amanda, anytime at info@covid19memorialblanket.ca
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Two superheros!! Our acrylic instructor, Erin Burton (left) and watercolour teacher, Hazel Ferry have worked hard to keep everyone's paintbrushes and imaginations active since the pandemic closed our Centre on March 13. By mid-April, the pair downloaded and taught themselves Zoom, figured how they would adapt their very 'hands-on' classes to virtual and supported all their existing students in getting to know about Zoom. They've even recently opened new sessions for beginners, so watch for a beginner 'show' here soon.
Thanks so much for your dedication! Here are a couple more samples from the more experienced class!
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Beginner Watercolour lessons cats we did Thursday moring in Hazels class!!! I think we did pretty well!
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This stormy collage was created by Carol Merino of Erin's acrylic class. They don't just paint! They learn about all kinds of ways to express themselves.
I wonder if Marsha Rosenburg painted these beautiful spring tulips right after we closed in March. What flower is Marsha painting now? Maybe hydrangeas or Rose(enburg)s! Whatever they are, they will be lovely!
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We Are Getting Members Connected!!
Thanks to Huronia Community Foundation!
Huronia Community Foundation approved our grant request to help our people get connected via tablets two weeks ago and we have distributed 6 Samsung to members who would otherwise not be able to participate in our online classes or connect visually with family or friends.
Happy recipients are Lydia Ehmcke, Donna Marchand, Claire McCausland, Gabriele Telfer, Pat Taylor and Gloria Cameron.
If you or someone you know would be better engaged with family and Askennonia programs by having a tablet, please keep an eye on the eblasts this summer. We have a new application into another funder who may be able to assist.
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It’s Danna Montgomery, our fantastic fitness instructor! Danna offers Zumba, Chair Yoga, gentle floor Yoga, Hustle Muscle and Vinyasa Flow. Search All Things Danna on Facebook and join her page. That's where you will see the recorded and live videos and where Danna will post other information.
Have a lovely weekend...enjoy the sun! 🙏 🥰 💕
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This is Marie, one of our Tai Chi conveners. This week we added a video of the Tai Chi set that Marie leads on Thursday mornings, pre-covid 19 to our Facebook page. When will be able to meet again? Only time will tell. We aren't there yet!
Here's a link to the set. Click HERE.
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Movement can provide important physical and emotional benefits for seniors, especially during times of increased social isolation. Baycrest and Canada's National Ballet School are using the power of technology to help bring the joy of dance to more seniors and people who work with seniors. If you are a senior, are caring for an older family member, or work within an environment that needs additional resources to engage residents during this period of social distancing, we have curated some helpful dance resources below.
Here is a link to videos that will help you move it! Click HERE
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Our friends at CSOLVE (local computer experts) will provide support to our members for the purpose of assisting with the creation and setup of computer tools and applications that will enable you to attend our programs electronically or connect with others. (Primarily with Zoom program.) CSOLVE is offering this service to our members at no charge from now until May 31 (or beyond at CSOLVE's discretion). THANKS CSOLVE!
If you are a member who needs help getting connected, on Facebook - hit the blue Send Message button at the top of our page or reply to our Eblast or message us through our website and Blair or Judy will forward your information to CSOLVE with your information. This applies to people who are delivering programs and want to understand the program better.
In your message to us, be sure to include the following:
Name, Phone Number, Email Address, Description of what you need help with, Best time contact you (between 8 am to 5 pm, Tues to Fri). They will then contact you.
Please note that this free service will be performed on a ‘best effort’ basis with the understanding that CSOLVE’s contracted clients will take priority.
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Erika Rice from the Alzheimer Society is happy to do virtual information sessions for our membership. If this is something you are interested in, please contact Erika at erice@alzheimersociety.ca ,
Here are some popular topics for a 1-hour information session:
- Normal aging vs. not normal aging
- Maximizing you brain health
- What is dementia?
- Dementia Friendly Communities – How can you support friends and neighbours with dementia?
- Living safely with dementia
- Enhancing communication with people living with dementia
Click HERE for information on all the programs that Alzheimer Society has to offer. If you have a topic in mind that is not listed above, Erica would be happy to tailor a session to your needs.
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NEW COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE IN MIDLAND
A COVID-19 assessment centre opened on March 25 in Midland.
The assessment centre is at 845 King St., Unit 3.
The objective of the Georgian Bay General Hospital clinic is to assess and, where appropriate, swab people for COVID-19. For safety reasons, walk-in appointments are prohibited. Not all individuals who attend the clinic will be swabbed.
HOW CAN I BE SEEN AT THE ASSESSMENT CENTRE?
There are three ways to get an appointment at the assessment centre. Please note a screening tool will be used to determine if you should be seen at the centre.
1. Go to the Georgian Bay General Hospital website at gbgh.on.ca/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-updates.
2. Call the assessment centre booking desk at 705-529-1025, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
3. Call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE ASSESSMENT CENTRE?
You will be assessed by a nurse who will make a clinical determination if a test is required. If a test is required, you will be swabbed and the sample sent for processing. You will then be given instructions on how to self-isolate at home.
HOW WILL I FIND OUT THE RESULTS?
Public Health will contact you to inform you of the result and provide any other necessary information if you test positive.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET THE RESULTS?
This will vary depending on the number of tests being performed. You will be advised to remain at home in self-isolation pending the results of your test. Regardless of the results, you must self-isolate at home.
For general questions, do not call or go to the COVID-19 assessment centre. Instead, call the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-888-225-7851.
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VON Exercise High-Class Link Here
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REMINDER FROM VALUMART, DOWNTOWN MIDLAND
It's safest to stay at home! Let us bring your groceries to you!
100% free service!
Deliveries Monday to Saturday, everywhere from Cedar Point to Wyevale to Port Severn!
Email us your list at valumartdelivery@yahoo.ca
or call us at 705-526-5140. Credit card payment only.
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Our friends from the Canadian Red Cross wanted you to know that even though the Red Cross Transportation service is currently on hold, they are still able to provide Hot and Frozen Meals on Wheels to seniors or persons with disabilities. They are also doing Telephone Assurance calls to anyone who is feeling isolated or alone. If you would like more information, please contact them at 705-721-3313 ext 5266.
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SUPPORT FOR YOU
We understand that this is a difficult time for many as the world around us is changing due to COVID-19. Whether you are looking for support or know someone who is, below is a list of services available.
Offering support by telephone (2-1-1), email or live chat from their website. Please call or email if you are unable to access needed supplies or services.
- 211 Ontario can help you find grocery stores and pharmacies that are open and offering delivery service, as well as programs and services in your community that may be helpful to you during these trying times.
- 211 exists to connect people to urgent needs and essential services.
- 211 is multilingual and operates 24/7.
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