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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 while the Centre is closed due to Covid 19, you may do so on our web site'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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North Simcoe bookings for Covid-19 Vaccines
Second Dose Appointments Schedule
Are you having difficulties with 2nd dose appointments being cancelled, even though you are eligible? Health Unit staff are recommending that you use their Vaccine Standby List. (Hopefully it will work for 2nd dose.) Any doses left at the end of the day become available to those on the list. The Health Unit staff will contact you to get in asap to get your shot. The catch is that you have to put yourself on the list every day at 8 am. Click HERE to get on the standby list.
Click HERE to book on the Provincial System when it's your turn.
As of 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021, individuals turning ages 70 and over in 2021, as well as individuals who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine on or before April 18, 2021, will be eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a mass immunization clinic through the provincial booking system and call centre.
- Week of May 31: individuals aged 80+ during 2021
- Week of June 7: individuals who received Astra Zeneca will be able to book 2nd dose Pfizer or Moderna on the Provincial System or through the pharmacy where they received the first dose.
- Week of June 7: individuals aged 70+
- Week of June 28: individuals who received their first dose between the week of March 8 to April 18, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals with the highest-risk health conditions and special education workers.
- Week of July 19: individuals who received their first dose between the week of April 19 to May 9, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals aged 50 and over, as well as individuals with high-risk health conditions.
- Week of August 2: individuals who received their first dose between the week of May 10 to May 30, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. For example, this included individuals who cannot work from home and individuals who have at-risk health conditions.
- Week of August 9 to 16: individuals aged 12 to 25
- Week of August 9: individuals who received their first dose from the week of May 31 onwards on a “first-in, first out” basis, respecting the recommended intervals.
Age 12+ in 2021 can book an appointment online on the provincial booking system by clicking HERE or call the provincial call centre at 1-833-943-3900 to book by phone (if you don't have an email address).
12+ year-olds can find out more about the latest information on local pharmacies offering vaccinations by clicking HERE and selecting the proper category. They are now offering Pfizer and Moderna.
If you need assistance booking and (i.e. - you don't have a health card) the SMDHU can help by calling 705-721-7520 ext. 5997 Vaccine Booking Support Line.
If you already have an appointment but need transportation to the clinic in Midland or Penetang, call Community Reach/Accessible Transit at 705-528-6999. Office is open Mon-Fri 8-4:30 or Sat 8:30-2. They will arrange for safe transport for a nominal fee. You do not have to be an existing client. These are special vaccination rides. There's also an option during registration to request transportation.
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DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT NEED HELP REGISTERING FOR THEIR VACCINE? PLEASE BE PROACTIVE AND CALL TO CHECK ON THEM AND OFFER TO HELP THEM ONCE YOU HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION.
Please continue to be vigilant in your efforts to stay virus-free. If you follow the links to the provincial booking system, you should find the latest information. It's changing all the time.
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June is Senior's Month and we have an exciting project,
but we need your help!
Guess Who Party Wed June 29 3 pm
We've been looking for something that's fun, where everyone can be showcased! We are going to play a zoom game with prizes and surprises.
We need a photo of a picture of you when you were younger - maybe 50 or so years younger (young adult). We need a recent picture of you (selfie or otherwise) that we'll use to reveal your identity once zoomers have a chance to guess who's who! It's all for fun and fun for all!
Hmmm, people change, even without a lot of plastic surgery!! Please be sure to name both pictures with your name and email them to Blair by June 23rd so that we can be ready for the game on June 29 at 3 pm. All entries will go into a draw for a great prize! Blair's email is blair.askennonia@gmail.com .
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Hear Well Be Well with Nancy Robinson
Tues. June 15 @ 10 am
Nancy Robinson from Hear Well Be Well.
Nanay will be back to talk about hearing aids and today's technology – specifically remote care, accessories and Bluetooth capabilities.
Click HERE a few minutes before the talk or copy and paste the following link into your address bar. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88454766346?pwd=YTlHTjFNU3RYSWxCOWlpNFN0WWRJUT09
Meeting ID: 884 5476 6346
Passcode: 694658
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Coffee Chat Zoom
Thurs June 17 @ 10 am
It's a Social with Blair!
Come have a coffee or tea with other members and Blair. Join the fun to see how everyone is doing and what projects we are all working on at home or just pop on to chat! All welcome.
Click HERE a few minutes before the meeting or copy and paste the following link into your address bar.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83876980950?pwd=WVNDbC94blYxUHp5S3pPZE8yQlBpdz09
Meeting ID: 838 7698 0950
Passcode: 824942
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Author Reading!
Askennonia member Denis Lahaie will read from
his amazing book, The Stone Cottage.
Friday, June 18 @ 10 am
Click HERE a few minutes before the meeting or copy and paste the following link into your address bar.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81503636640?pwd=VjlyV1B0eWplV01wbUhsTTZ2cm5VUT09
Meeting ID: 815 0363 6640
Passcode: 276019
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THIS COUNTY GRANT OR ANY OTHER GRANTS OR SERVICES?
WOULD YOU LIKE HELP WITH THE APPLICATION FROM AN EXPERIENCED RETIRED SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST?
MARY HAMELIN-MOREAU (yes, Paul Hamelin's sister!) CAN HELP!
The County of Simcoe is providing a boost to property owners planning to build or retrofit their spaces with age-friendly features. Visit http://ow.ly/NjWz50EkSdC for more details.
Askennonia's new Reach Out and Touch Someone Program will assist in navigating all kinds of seniors services. Call Mary Hamelin-Moreau for more information.
Reach Out and Touch Someone is a project we are offering thanks to a grant from New Horizons for Seniors. We know that many of us are missing out on services that enhance independence and life in general.
Mary Hamelin-Moreau is ready to speak with and eventually visit people who need a little support to access some of these services that can really help, especially during this pandemic. If you or someone you know would like to find out more, give Mary a call at 705-241-8766. She's just as nice as Paul!!
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Come join the conversation Wed. @ 2 pm
with Chantel Coward!
It's nice to hear how others are coping and to have the guidance and expertise of a professional who shares tips on how to sort out our feelings and deal with the changes the last year has dealt us. Chantel volunteers her time with us and that helps us live happier, healthier and more productive lives.
Accept this as a personal invitation to you. During our Wednesday sessions, you are welcome to talk or just watch and listen. That's totally your call. It's a good way to connect with peers and we've always got lots to learn! Chantel is so generous of her time!
Click HERE a few minutes before the talk or copy and paste the following link into your address bar.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82494190722?pwd=VzN2c1M4U25ZUFA5aWJNenlwd3JQdz09
Meeting ID: 824 9419 0722
Passcode: 561267
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Dylan's Concert
Sat June 12 @ 6 pm
To watch Dylan's concert, visit his Dylan Alexander Lock Facebook or Askennonia Facebook page at or after the prescribed time.
Thanks, Dylan! You brighten our weekends!
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Like and follow us on Facebook!!!
It's the easiest way to keep up to date with what's going on over zoom.
It's also where we post our exercise links for Danna's classes.
Share our page with your friends and family.
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WHETHER YOU ARE A NOVICE OR EXPERIENCED BIRDER, YOU'LL ENJOY THIS PRESENTATION!
Midland Public Library hosted author Julia Zarankin and you can watch the video HERE . It's a birdiful story!
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Hop on the PARTY LINE PROGRAM!
Register anytime! It's not too late!
WHY? Would you like to make someone’s day and maybe your own? Many of our volunteers have expressed that they miss the feel-good moments that serving others induces. Others have shared just how lonely and long the days can be. This can be especially true for people who aren’t computer savvy. If you know people who aren’t receiving our eblast or following us on Facebook, but would like to participate, please advise Blair, so that she can call them to register.
WHAT? We are introducing a new program, “PARTY LINE” that’s telephone based and will be managed by Blair. If you register for the program by emailing Blair at blair.askennonia@gmail.com with your name & phone number, Blair will match you up with another member who has registered. (You can also reply to this email and Judy will forward your registration to Blair,) Blair will provide you with the name and number of this week’s partner. You each call the other once during the week.
WHEN? Starting January 26, on Tuesdays, member ‘A’ will call member ‘B’, when you can introduce yourselves to each other and chat as little or as long as you are both comfortable with. Then on Friday, member B calls member A and you can either just chat or you can come up with a topic if you like. Perhaps a childhood story, places you have travelled or a favorite recipe. The next week (or twice per month depending on numbers) you will get a new name and number from Blair and we do it all again. If you would like to stay connected with your previous phone buddy, that’s fine so long as you fulfill your commitment to call a new buddy. The commitment you make is to call your Party Line partner on the agreed upon day!
WHO? All Askennonia members who enjoy meeting new people, like talking on the phone, have a desire to brighten the lives of others while enhancing their own well-being are invited to register with Blair and give this program a try. Initially, we are restricting registration to our members.
This pandemic has underscored just how important social connections and engagement are to all of us. We know that having something to look forward to, helping others feel better and sharing stories and experiences enhances all our lives.
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TRY ANY OF THESE FREE OF CHARGE! Have you resolved to find something to fill your days with something new? Why not give a few of these free virtual programs a try?
These programs are designed for older adults and hope to add a little music, art, exercise, laughter, and learning into your day. If you or someone you know would like to try out Art Your Service, you simply email the owner, Jen Tindall at jen@artyourservice.org.(Click on the email or, you can reply to this email and I'll forward your info to Jen.) You will receive an email every morning reminding you of the day's programs with the link to the zoom classes. You can choose whether to attend or not. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. Have a look and see if anything tickles your fancy. Give it a try! It's not going to cost you anything!
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10 AM TUESDAYS ON ZOOM
This Zoom meeting link will get you into all the Tuesday Health Talk meetings. The presentation will be simulcast on our Facebook page. Click HERE a few minutes before 10 am on the day of the talk or copy and paste the following link into your address bar.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88454766346?pwd=YTlHTjFNU3RYSWxCOWlpNFN0WWRJUT09
Meeting ID: 884 5476 6346
Passcode: 694658
Tuesday, June 15th Nancy Robinson from Hear Well Be Well.
Nancy will be back to talk about hearing aids and technology today – specifically remote care, accessories and Bluetooth capability.
Tuesday, June 22 Boost your Brain Fitness with Chartwell and Fit Minds. ( We did this in May and it was so much fun)
Keeping your brain active by giving it a new experience and workout every day can help reduce your risk of dementia. Join Elisa from Chartwell.
Tuesday, June 29 DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION FOR A SPEAKER??
Tuesday, July 6 The Health Depot with Andy Donald
Tuesday, July 13
Tuesday, July 20 The Health Depot with Andy Donald
Tuesday, July 27
Tuesday, Aug 6
Tuesday, Aug 10
Tuesday, Aug 17 Christy Skelly the Community Engagement & Innovation Coordinator “
Independent Living Services Simcoe County will present Make Your House a Home for a Lifetime! Learn what modifications can be made to your home so you can live in it comfortably & safely for as long as you choose. The new & improved free classified website Quipit (www.goquipit.com) will also be introduced”
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See our growing program list below. Once it's safe to do so, we will resume outdoor programs at the Picnic Pavilion in Little Lake Park.
Our online classes are doing great. Thanks to our volunteers and paid program delivery folks for your dedication and commitment. All programs are currently free and open to all. No membership required.
Monday – Zoom Meetings
930 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy Barker Click HERE to zoom.
10 Adele’s French Class (reply to this eblast for more information)
1 Let’s Write Click HERE to zoom.
Tuesday – Zoom Meetings
10 Health Talk Tuesdays Click HERE to zoom
1 Ukulele Beginner Click HERE to zoom
Wednesday - Zoom or Facebook
930 Chair Yoga (on our Facebook or All Things Danna Facebook)
930 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy Barker Click HERE to zoom
10 Material Girls (quilters) Click HERE to zoom
1 Woodcarving with Ron Hunt Click HERE to zoom
7 Bring Your Own Book Club with Midland Public Library (see ad below)
Thursday - Zoom Meetings
Tai Chi practice & set videos are on our website. Click HERE .
10 Beginner Acrylic Class with Erin (reply to this eblast for more info)
10 Beginner Watercolour with Hazel (reply to this eblast for more info)
10 Blair's Coffee Chat twice per month Click HERE to zoom
1 Ukulele Lessons for more experienced Click HERE to zoom
1 Watercolour for more experienced (reply to this eblast for more info)
2:30 Acrylics for more experienced (reply to this eblast for more info)
Friday – Zoom Meetings
1 Ukulele Jammers with Blair Click HERE to zoom
Do you have an idea for a program while the Centre is closed? Let us know and we will work on it with you. .All programs are being offered free thanks to a grant we received from the New Horizons for Seniors federal program. It allows us to pay instructors, cover the cost of zoom for volunteers and pay any other incidental fees.
Remember that if you need community 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!
Judy & Blair
Still miss you.
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CHIGAMIK SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE
Chigamik has a variety of programs offered online for the whole family, but many are designed for older adults. Have a look and register if you find some you'd like to try. They look really interesting!
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Although we don't have tablets right now, we hope to get approval to offer them soon. Submit our request today.
If you or someone you know would benefit from a tablet to connect with family, friends or Askennonia online programs, but wouldn't really be able to purchase one, get your application in soon! Thanks to two grants, we are able to provide Samsung Tab A free of charge to people who wouldn't otherwise purchase one!
TO APPLY FOR A TABLET, REPLY TO THIS EMAIL AND FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW COMPLETELY. YOU CAN ALSO SEND COMPLETE INFORMATION TO jcontin@rogers.com WITH TABLET IN THE SUBJECT LINE.
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 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.)
We are hoping to identify folks who otherwise wouldn't be able to stay visually connected. Perhaps they have an older computer without a working camera and can't access Zoom or FaceTime. Maybe their desktop computer isn't handy for communicating. Maybe they wouldn't think of spending money on themselves because they are on a very limited income.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW "HOW-TO" VIDEOS
Eamonn O'Connell of O'Connell Creative has produced a series of "How to use my tablet" videos. Everyone is welcome to view these videos (over & over). The series includes excellent, user-friendly shorts, 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
We would love to hear your feedback! And remember, if you know someone who could benefit from a free tablet, please let them know about this program.
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Tai Chi with Hans on the beach in the Baja!
Hans Held is an Askennonia Tai Chi member who has wintered in the Baja. He teaches the 24 movement set of Tai Chi on the beach! Hans has supplied us with a copy of the set, that may be a little easier for folks not familiar with Tai Chi. It's a gentle exercise that apparently engages every muscle group without impact. If you are physically able to try it, it's relaxing, grounding will make you feel good!
To view the video, click HERE
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UKE LESSONS WITH STEVE PASKIN!
CLASSES ARE FREE OF CHARGE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
New students should register with their name, phone number, email address and the programs they would like to register for by replying to this email. It’s great fun and easy to learn.
TUESDAY BEGINNER CLASS AT 1 PM. These folks have been playing together for a while, but if you already play a little, come join the fun.
To Join Zoom Meeting Click Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89981641659?pwd=OTZ2TFQ1YmhUa2lnMmhxbWxocU5Idz09
Meeting ID: 899 8164 1659
Passcode: 779405
THURSDAY MORE EXPERIENCED CLASS AT 1 PM. For a little more challenging lesson, drop by!
To Join Zoom Meeting Click Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81248269369?pwd=QkJ1TDVSMUlJbTcxVXdmbXljVjFGQT09
Meeting ID: 812 4826 9369
Passcode: 466110
FRIDAY PRACTICE SESSION with Blair AT 1 PM. Come play along, lead, or just listen to the music of our ukulele players! All welcome to attend. If you have a favorite song you would like to lead, send a pdf of the music with the song title in the subject line to Blair by end of Thursday each week. Each person will have 5 minutes or one song per round. A setlist of 10 will be compiled by Blair based on requests. Blair will share the song during the zoom call so that all can play and sing along. If you don't play yet, feel free to join the session and listen/sing along! It's such a fun-loving group. You will enjoy it!
Blair's email is blair.askennonia@gmail.com
To Join Zoom Meeting Click Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86407963115?pwd=dVpUR1FwaG1yUXVCSDhVTXlqODhBdz09
Meeting ID: 864 0796 3115
Passcode: 014917
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Get going with Danna!!
Danna hosts Chair Yoga Live Wed at 930 am on our Facebook. She posts the links to all her 930 am daily zoom fitness classes there, as well.
It’s Danna Montgomery, our fantastic fitness instructor! Danna offers Zumba, Chair Yoga, Gentle Floor Yoga, Hustle Muscle, Dance & Tone and Vinyasa Flow daily. You can find the links on our facebook page and attend the classes at 930 am. Every Wed at 930 am Danna delivers Chair Yoga on our Facebook page and you can review these videos anytime.
Danna also hosts recorded and live videos on her facebook page, ALL THINGS DANNA. You can join this private group to find out more about accessing all kinds of videos and information.
Have a lovely weekend...enjoy the sun! 🙏 🥰 💕
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FOOT CLINIC NEWS
Are your toes needing a little TLC? Although Julie can't meet you at the Centre, and depending on the current provincial rules, she's making HOUSE CALLS! She knows exactly how to do it safely and is certified to care for people with diabetes or other health concerns.
If you would like to connect with Julie Loughran RN, call 705-528-0972 for an appointment. (Leave a message if necessary and Julie will get back to you.)
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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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All trails, the Visitor Centre, and the
Birds of Prey Field are temporarily closed.
The Wye Marsh has closed its facility during the Stay-Home order.
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COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE IN MIDLAND
Effective Friday, August 28 the Midland COVID-19 Assessment Centre will be moving from its current location at 845 King Street, Midland, to its new location at 1156 St. Andrews Drive, Midland. The new Assessment Centre is located in the clinic building in the Georgian Bay General Hospital’s (GBGH) Midland site parking lot.
Appointments for swabbing can be booked via phone by calling 705-529-1025. The call center scheduling appointments are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. More info in Link HERE
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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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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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REMINDER THAT VALUMART, DOWNTOWN MIDLAND HAS A NEW NAME AND NEW LOOK! SAME GREAT SERVICE WITH MORE SELECTION! CONGRATULATIONS STEVE AND KARYN!
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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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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