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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. This weekly email is also available on our website and our Facebook page. 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 web site's Contact Us, reply to this email or call 705-526-7609 and leave a message if it's outside our regular hours.
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60+ BOOSTER - ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVE!
 Here's Veronica from Jory's at Askennonia helping to protect us all against Covid! We host Walk-in Clinics OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY every Thursday and Friday from 1-4 pm until at least the end of May. Currently, ages 60+ and indigenous people and their non-indigenous household members who are 18+ and anyone else qualifying for vaccination are welcome. You will usually have a choice of Pfizer or Moderna. Click HERE for a table that determines whether you are eligible (140 days) since your last vaccination date. If you have had Covid, you may want to check with your doctor or a pharmacist about when to boost. You will need a consent form, that's available HERE or fill one out upon arrival. Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers who make these clinics possible. (Pictured above are Diane McConkey, Anne Dean, Bryde Desroches and Mary Mackie).
You can also book a LOCAL appointment on a local pharmacy's website. If you need help registering online, call us and we will either help you right away or call you back when we have a minute.
Masks are again mandatory at Askennonia unless you are exercising or eating. We are getting a few people reporting that they tested positive after attending our programs. Covid is here, as it is everywhere. We appreciate your cooperation with our efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy.
COME JOIN NOW!
Thanks to everyone for making Askennonia such a great place to just be!
You will need a current 2022 membership ($50) and be vaccinated before attending any program. Click HERE to open our 2022 membership form, which you can fill out, print and bring in with your payment ($50 debit, cheque or cash) to register for 2022. Paper copies will be on hand at the reception desk. (Subsidized memberships are available - please see Judy for more information.)
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PROGRAMS SCHEDULE
Here's a list of current and some upcoming programs. New CLASSES & ROOM LOCATIONS are bolded.
PLEASE CHECK FITNESS CLASSES, THEIR TIMES & LOCATIONS
Cardmaking cancelled June 17 2022
Pay by cheque, debit or cash for:
2022 membership - $50
Fitness Card - $35 for 10 visits - for fitness & exercise classes.
Gym Card - $30 for 10 visits - for Pickleball, Table Tennis, and Badminton.
Arts Card - $40 for 5 visits - for Acrylic, Watercolour, Card Making.
Ukulele Card - $60 for 10 group lessons - Steve Paskin instructor.
Wye Marsh Card - $10 admin fee to join our Wye Marsh membership 2022
Dollar Drop Programs * - Cost $1 cash at the programs marked above with an asterisk.* Please bring a loonie.
Here are a few things we know.
* You will need to be vaccinated to purchase a 2022 membership.
* You must wear a mask unless in a physical exercise class or eating.
* You will need to register at one of our check-in stations before going into any program and pass a screening questionnaire.
* You will need to be a registered member of Askennonia to attend programs. Initially, there will be no Tea/Coffee/Cookie service. If you would like to bring in your own, that would be acceptable.
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TAKE IT OUTSIDE!!
Starting the week of May 30 some of our classes will be moving to the Picnic Pavilion. It worked out so well during the Covid Summers that we will take the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Currently, STARTING MAY 30 WEEK (not before) our Linedance, Zumba Toning, Zumba, Painting and Tai Chi have confirmed that they'd enjoy programs in the Picnic Pavilion. Our Circuit will stay in the Gym Wednesdays and our Yoga, Chair Yoga and Mat Pilates will be held in our Vi Kennedy Room.
People will need to be members to attend the outdoor programs and we will hold punch and collect loonies upon arrival. We have a remote checking station.
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Bus Trip to Awenda Provincial Park
Wed June 15 2022 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Cost $10
Bus leaves Askennonia parking lot at 9:30 am and will return at 2:30 pm. Please bring a picnic lunch & water for yourself.
Tickets are $10 and are on sale now at the front desk.
We are taking a bus to Awenda to join Awenda’s Chief Park Naturalist, Tim Tully for a leisurely guided exploration of one of the most spectacular provincial parks in the province. It’s in our own backyard! We'll see everything from warblers to wildflowers! Don’t miss this late spring exploration of the Beach Trail and Beaver Pond Trail.
You do need to be able to board the bus and manoeuvre the trails without assistance. Walking poles or canes are welcome.
Rain Date is Friday, June 17 2022
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'CIRCLE OF FRIENDS'
Tuesday May 17 @ 1:30 pm
Come play Rumoli! It's gonna be fun!
All members are welcome to drop in and meet new people, try new things, have a place to socialize and enjoy light refreshments. There will be an activity of some kind or a speaker each week.
Would you like to come but can't get here? We have transportation built into the grant! If you need transportation or a membership subsidy, please don't hesitate to call Mary Moreau. She will gladly look after you! Call 705-241-8766 to speak with Mary!
This program is funded by New Horizons for Seniors.
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MOVIE NIGHT IN MIDLAND!
DOWNTON ABBEY TUES MAY 24
Register at Centre to join our group.
We plan movie nights so that folks can go as a group. We think this one will be popular, so please register at the Centre so that we can make arrangements to sit together.
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INFORMATION SESSION THUR JUNE 9 @ 9 AM
COME FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN LEARN TO CHORD YOUR FAVOURITE TUNES ON THE PIANO
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6 FITNESS CLASSES PER WEEK
NEW CLASS TIMES AND INSTRUCTORS
Bring your fitness cards = $3.50/class!
Come meet HOLLY, SEFI, CHRIS & LAURA! They are our fitness instructors!
Yoga 9 am Monday in Vi Kennedy Room with Chris
Gentle stretching & controlled breathing makes this exercise class relaxing yet stimulating. Bring your mat & water. It's a great way to start your week!
Zumba Toning 10 am Tuesday in Community Hall with Holly
It's Zumba, but with a little more emphasis on toning and strengthening your arms, core and glute muscles by incorporating shaker weights that add a bit of resistance and help you to find your rhythm! We have toning sticks, but do bring your own if you have them!
Fun & Fit Circuit Class 9 am Wednesday in Gym with Holly
Holly will warm you up with a little Zumba dance, take you through a mixture of fun exercises and cool you off with feel-good stretches and relaxing tunes.
Chair Yoga 9:30 am Wednesday in Vi Kennedy Room with Laura
Enjoy all the benefits of yoga, but without getting onto the floor. No mat is required for chair yoga.
Zumba 9 am Thursday in Community Hall with Holly
Our certified Zumba instructor leads this Latin-inspired exercise class. Get in shape, have a blast, and dance your cares away.
Mat Pilates 9 am Friday in Community Hall with Sefi
Joseph Pilates defined his exercises as complete coordination of mind, body and spirit by teaching students to improve the quality of movement, focusing on core postural muscles and learning to place the breath correctly. A class for all levels. Welcome back Sefi!!
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NEW PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB with John Steel
Register at Askennonia reception for planning purposes. Volunteer John Steel will deliver monthly workshops and lead the field trips. This will be a dollar drop program. Many thanks to John for these contributions! All members are welcome.
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TECH SUPPORT MONDAYS 9:30-10:30 AM
We have a new volunteer, Dawn, to help one-on-one with Phones & Tablets and our Tech Support founder, Eric on laptops. Dawn can't come on Monday, May 9. If you'd like to attend a learning session, please sign up at reception. Cost $1.
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SUMMER PICKLEBALL PROGRAM
EFFECTIVE MAY 2 UNTIL DEMAND CHANGES
Many players like to play outdoors, but some like to continue indoors in our climate-controlled gym. We will offer a full gym on Tues & Thurs 9 am-11:30 am throughout May and see how many want to play indoors going forward. If you want to play either of these days indoors all summer long and would be willing to help to convene over the summer, please let John or Blair know. If there's a decrease in demand, we will make adjustments accordingly.
Wed afternoon & Fri morning classes are on hiatus starting May 2 until at least Sept 5.
Many thanks to John Blake and Lety Dugeon for convening this program!
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Have you met Mary Moreau?
If you would like someone to help with small projects around your home or increase safety by checking those out-of-reach smoke alarm batteries, Mary has helpers willing to get the job done. She also has access to programs that ensure basic needs, such as food and transportation and accessing services that you may not even be aware of. Never hesitate to call Mary if you have questions or think she might be able to help.
Transportation: Community Reach has been providing transportation to the community for many years. If you are in need of a lift to our programs, the grocery store, the doctor or to attend social activities they can help. Mary's referral makes registering easy!
Dental: The Ontario Seniors Dental Program provides free dental to qualifying seniors. You only apply once and the dental card is renewed each year when you file your personal income tax.
Renovations: See the County's Age-Friendly Grant in this eblast. Mary can help with the application. It's an amazing program to help us live in our homes longer!
If you are interested in applying to any of these programs, please give Mary a call at 705-241-8766
Are you experiencing unexpected health, wellness or daily living expense that are impacting your quality of life or ability to manage financially? The Amazing Mary Moreau may be able to help! Discretionary benefits may be available through Askennonia if you do not meet the eligibility criteria for existing programs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty please reach out to Mary at 705-241-8766.
The service is free and you don't have to be a member. You can call Mary for yourself or a friend and her services aren't restricted to the areas mentioned above. Mary's here to help!
Mary Moreau, 705-241-8766 communityresourcenavigators@gmail.com
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Travelogue Online Thurs May 19 @ 10 am
Please join Eric & Cathy, by ship, on a trip up the coast from Vancouver to Alaska, visiting many of the US towns along the
coast. In Seward, Alaska, we leave the ship and tour Alaska by train and bus for a week. Get a tour of the beautiful landscape and some of the cities and towns along the way. The hope is to also fill you in on the history and interesting points along the way.
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PAWS IN THE PARK was dog-gone fun!
Jane Barnett helped members to establish a more enjoyable relationship with their fur-babies! What a beautiful day!
Link HERE to see MOREthe rest of the pics!
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FREE COVID-19 RAPID TEST KITS AVAILABLE AT ASKENNONIA RECEPTION WITH UPDATED INSTRUCTIONS.
Test kits are supplied through a Chigamik Community Health Centre program. Please only take 1 test kit per family. Each kit has 5 tests inside. We have lots of tests! Here's some current information to consider when testing for Omicron according to Ontario gov't.
“It might take up to four days (after symptoms begin) for your rapid test to be positive. Probably the most important message is if you start to get symptoms, don’t go anywhere. Self-isolate immediately. Don’t believe a negative rapid test right away. Test-takers should avoid eating, drinking, smoking, vaping and chewing gum for at least 30 minutes before collecting samples. As well, people should blow their noses before swabbing their nostrils."
The guide goes on to recommend testers swab both inner cheeks and their lower gums — or, alternatively, the back of their throats and tonsils — before using the same swab to collect a sample from their nose as usual.
It's a good idea to have a test kit handy, especially if you find out that you may have been exposed to the virus. Stay safe and take precautions - enough to make you comfortable. Don't attend if you are feeling sick.
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Watch Clinic returns Tues May 24 9 am -11 am
Dietmar fixes Watches & Clocks.
Dietmar holds a clinic on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 9-11 am. Dietmar charges $5 for a new battery, installed and can fix just about any old (or new) clock or watch. Please check-in at reception on the morning of the clinic.
Dietmar donates proceeds to Askennonia!
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New Wye Marsh Membership Card
Current Askennonia members will require our new WYE MARSH CARD in order to attend the Marsh under our membership for 2022. Current card-holders will be able to exchange their 2021 card for a 2022 card. New Wye Marsh 2022 card purchasers will pay an admin fee of $10. These cards are available for purchase at reception.
Although our membership entitles us to all the benefits of a regular membership, the Wye Marsh would appreciate it if we visit on weekdays, rather than during busier weekends. This is not mandatory, though.
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Any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Faith Shergold, Community Engagement Coordinator Ph: 705-526-4216 ext. 3305. fshergold@midlandlibrary.com New members are always welcome!
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Outdoor Hikes & Walks with Jack
Walks with Jack on Mon 11 am and Wed 11 am
Meet in the Askennonia parking lot.
Depending on the weather, people walk inside at the Rec Centre or venture out into the community. Some locations may include uneven nature trails or slippery sidewalks, so participants should be steady and able to manage a one-hour walk independently. Please feel free to use a walking stick, poles or cane, bring water and dress for the weather. Good traction is important. If there's inclement weather, watch Facebook to determine whether it's a go! If there's any lightning, high winds, or icy conditions, it will be called off for sure. All welcome.
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The Town of Midland is looking for volunteers!
For more information or to register, click HERE.
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Next Advanced Lessons Tues May 24 @ 2:15 pm
Advanced Jam runs Tues @ 2:15 pm on alternative weeks to lessons.
Steve Paskin teaches advanced Uke every other Tuesday. They will concentrate on one or two songs per week to learn technique and build a repertoire of well-played songs. You will require a 2022 Ukulele Card (10 lessons for $60) to attend classes.
On the off week from lessons, any members who like are welcome to come out and jam with the group. Music will be projected, so you won't need to worry about copies initially. Beginners are welcome to stay after their lesson to jam! Come learn, laugh and sing (masked)!
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The Age-Friendly Seniors Housing Grant is now open for applications. The program will fund projects that include accessible, adaptable and inclusive design modifications to your home that allow seniors to continue to live independently in their communities for as long as possible. Mary Moreau, our navigator, can assist you with the application. Call Mary at 705-241-8766 to find out more.
Are you eligible to apply?
If you are interested in applying for an Age-Friendly Seniors Housing Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
- Housing projects must be located within the 16 municipalities of the County of Simcoe
- excludes cities of Barrie and Orillia
- Applicants can be homeowners of principal residences or developers
- Housing must be dedicated to occupants 60 years and older
- Individual homes or multi-residential development projects
- Applicant has not already received an Age-Friendly Seniors Housing grant in the past three years; or capital funding from the County of Simcoe for the same project
If you have questions for the County, call Tracy Hill, Age-Friendly Program Lead (705) 726-9300 ext. 3127
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DO YOU NEED A TABLET?
Do you or someone you know need a tablet to communicate
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have provided 75 tablets to local seniors who otherwise wouldn't have one, thanks to several different granters. We are so happy that we will be able to deliver another 5 tablets thanks to Barb Jones' endowment fund "A Mother's Love", managed by Huronia Community Foundation, along with a very kind personal donation to the Foundation by David Don. We know from the feedback we receive, that these tablets are making a difference in the lives of the recipients by reducing isolation and combatting loneliness. So, thank you Huronia Community Foundation!
These tablets are intended for individuals who live on a limited fixed income. If you or someone you know would like to apply for a tablet, please reply to this email, put TABLET in the subject line and be sure to answer all 8 questions below.
1. Name of applicant:
2. Address:
3. Phone:
4. Email:
5. Are you an Askennonia member? (This is not a prerequisite.)
6. Do you currently have Wifi?
7. In order to serve those with the greatest need, we ask, "Do you currently receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement in addition to Old Age Security".
8. Do you need assistance with setup? (Some may have family or friends who can help.)
CHECK OUT OUR NEW "HOW-TO" VIDEOS
 This series includes excellent, user-friendly short educational videos, covering topics, such as, basic functions of a tablet, email, Facebook & messenger and zoom. You can watch all videos in about 15 minutes or select the one you want to view. To view the videos on our YouTube channel, CLICK HERE
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Huronia Hospice Huronia holds an
8-week Bereavement Support Group Program.
If you would like to participate in one here or at other locations in North Simcoe, please call Hospice Huronia 705-549-1034.
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