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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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After Aug 27 all but one of our mass immunization clinics will be closed.
#COVID19Vaccines will still be widely available by:
 walk-in or book ontario.ca/bookvaccine at 29 Sperling Dr.,
 pop-up clinics www.smdhu.org/popups
 some health care providers
 local pharmacies covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations
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Balm Beach Day
Tues Aug 31 11 am - 3 pm
All welcome.
Blair will be at Balm Beach on Tuesday from 11 to 3 and you are invited to come for the day or drop by to say hi. Although the restaurants are closed on Tuesdays, the convenience store (hot dogs, etc) and arcade are open. Bring your lunch if you like. Restrooms are available.
You can now pay to park in Tiny. Parking rates are $2.50 per hour, with a $5.00 minimum purchase and a $20.00 per day maximum. Parking machines have been installed at each location to accept payments by coins or credit card. Please make sure to bring water, a hat, a floatie if you like, a towel and a beach chair. Blair will be there from 11 am to 3 pm. We'll be at Balm Beach, in front of The Surf restaurant.
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NO YOGA IN THE PARK WITH DANNA ON THURS @ 10:45 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
NO WATERCOLOUR IN THE PARK ON THURS @ 1:30 BUT WILL BE HELD ON ZOOM FOR SEPT 2 AND 9 - TIME TBA BY ADELE VIA EMAIL
NO ACRYLIC PAINTING CLASSES UNTIL THURS SEPT 16
Some program changes are due to vacations and some are due to low attendance.
Come enjoy the programs at Little Lake Park Picnic Pavilion
while they are still free and open to all!
Next week is going to be cooler & dry!
This coming week is going to be beautiful! As always, please use your best judgement about whether to attend outdoor programs. Some instructors have indicated that if it's too hot, they will cancel programs. Watch our Facebook page for cancellations. To visit our Facebook, CLICK HERE .
If the weather is inclement, with high winds or lightning, outdoor programs will be cancelled. We will post the cancellation on Facebook and time permitting, send out a special eblast. If it's not on our Facebook, assume the class is on.
Although we've entered Stage 3 (which has been extended by the province), we won't start indoor programs until the vaccine clinic wraps up in the Rec Centre and we know that it's absolutely safe to do so. The Town has not yet given us or others permission to use the facilities. I know that it's frustrating for some, but until we know it's safe, especially with this 4th wave and the Delta variant, we need to continue with outdoor and virtual programs. We will keep you posted on this. Right now, we are happy to have access to space for outdoor programs. Please scroll down for our program protocols and waiver that you can bring signed or pick one up the first time you attend each outdoor program.
If you are the convener of a program and think your program might work well outdoors, please email jcontin@rogers.com or contact us through our website and we'll connect with you.
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Have you met Mary Moreau (Hamelin)? Mary is the most helpful, knowledgeable person we know when it comes to helping seniors navigate the sometimes rocky road to helpful services. She's a recently retired social services worker who prides herself in never giving up! Mary Moreau 705-241-8766.
Mary can help local seniors access important services that often go overlooked. Did you know that there are programs to assist with dental, dentures and eyeglasses, funeral and burial services, accessible transit and renovations? There are also programs to assist if you have fallen behind in your rent, utilities or heating costs or need help with medications, shopping or meal preparation, transportation, socialization or home management. Mary recently assisted many with Simcoe County's Age-Friendly grants. We currently have free tablets available and Mary can submit an application on your behalf. Our aim is to reduce isolation and increase connections to family and friends.
Mary has been contracted by Askennonia, thanks to a New Horizons for Seniors Grant, to help local seniors with paperwork & applications and researching what's currently available to help people stay in their homes longer and live independently in a safer environment, with dignity.
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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Blair's Awesome Adventures!
Mondays @ 1 pm sharp
This week, Mon Aug 30, we will meet
in the parking lot of the Wye Marsh
Meeting locations will change every week.
Up to 100 people are permitted to meet outdoors, following all the safety protocols mentioned below, including social distancing, masking, signed waiver and contact tracing records. Once all waivers are collected, Blair will start the walk. All are welcome!
Some locations may include uneven nature trails, so participants should be able to manage a one-hour walk independently. Please feel free to use a walking stick or cane, bring water, and dress for the weather. If there's inclement weather, watch Facebook to determine whether it's a go. If there's any lightning or high winds, it will be called off for sure. All welcome.
To see pictures from past adventures CLICK HERE
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BYO Lunch in the Park!
Wed Sept 1 Noon
Come have lunch in the park with Blair and friends! Please bring your own chair (or there are limited picnic table seats) and lunch to the Picnic Pavilion. We'll need to follow all Health Unit and Gov't regulations, such as 2-meter distancing, masking until settled, contact tracing, and waiver.
To see more pics from past lunches click HERE
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Town of Midland's Seniors Council introduces
Free Transit Passes & Free Transit Days!
Our Community Resource Navigator, Mary Moreau,
has passes if you would like a package.
Call Mary at 705-241-8766.
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Woodcarving at the Picnic Pavilion!
Some meet every week and Ron's back Sept 1 @ 1 pm.
It is great to see everyone! Some carvers come out every week and instructor Ron comes every other week. If you would like to drop by to see what they are up to or talk to them about joining, consider yourself invited. We have loaner equipment that's available to use to see if you enjoy the program.
To see more pics of Woodcarving CLICK HERE
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Come join the conversation with Chantel Coward
select Fridays @ 10 am
 Next session with Chantel Fri Sept 24
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 Friday 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!
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/81499534897?pwd=cWdPa2NVSm96QmFLaU52ODkxS1V4QT09
Meeting ID: 814 9953 4897
Passcode: 125576
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Coffee Chat Zoom with Blair
Fridays @ 10 am
Sept 3
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/81499534897?pwd=cWdPa2NVSm96QmFLaU52ODkxS1V4QT09
Meeting ID: 814 9953 4897
Passcode: 125576
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Watercolour and Acrylic Thursdays at 1:30 pm
Plein air watercolour and acrylic painting meet, weather permitting. Reply to this email if you would like to join in!
Watercolour will be offered on zoom only on Sept 2 and Sept 9 by Adele Partington. Adele will email participants the time and zoom link.
Please note, acrylic painting in the park will resume Thurs Sept 16.
To see more pics from Painting CLICK HERE
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Askennonia is one of the charities chosen to receive proceeds
from 2021 Tiny Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament.
If you would like to volunteer at the Tournament,
please register below and accept our thanks.
There are a number of positions and shift opportunities available for your volunteers including event set-up, greeter/parking attendant, check-in/registration, on-course games, lunch and more. Many of the positions have split shifts, meaning volunteers do not have to stay for the entirety of the event, however, the option does exist to choose multiple different shifts (example: event set-up then on-course games). Click here to view complete position descriptions, shift details and how many volunteers are needed. Meals and refreshments will be provided to all volunteers.
This year, volunteer sign-up is being done online using a website called Timecounts. Here, volunteers can view how many shifts are remaining, select their role(s) and shift(s), and complete the volunteer event waiver. Feel free to share the information with your volunteer membership as they will be able to note which organization they represent when registering.
We are so grateful! Askennonia has been selected to be supported by Township of Tiny Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament! Consider participating!!
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DO YOU NEED A TABLET?
Scott Warnock, Huronia Community Foundation,
presents cheque for Tablets
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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Thanks to our volunteers and paid program delivery folks for your dedication and commitment. (If we've made any mistakes or are missing anything kindly email jcontin@rogers.com with corrections!) All programs are currently free and open to all. No membership required. We will have a free-will jar at the pavilion if you'd like to contribute to help with expenses.
Monday – Zoom Meetings
10 Adele’s French Class Resumes around Sept 13 2021
1 Let’s Write Click HERE to zoom.
Monday – Picnic Pavilion
9:30-10:30 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy & Donna start July 12 2021
11-12 Monday Tai Chi Group – not an Askennonia program, but lots of familiar faces. All welcome.
2 Blair's Awesome Adventures at various predetermined locations - start July 12
Tuesday – Zoom Meetings
10 Health Talk Tuesdays Click HERE to zoom
1 Ukulele Beginner with Steve Resumes Sept 2021
Tuesday – Picnic Pavilion
9:30 Hustle Muscle & Stretch with Danna Bring your stretch bands & mat
Wednesday - Zoom or Facebook
930 Chair Yoga (on our Facebook or All Things Danna Facebook)
930 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy Click HERE to zoom moving to outdoors July 7
10 Material Girls (quilters) Click HERE to zoom
1 Woodcarving with Ron Click HERE to zoom - moving outdoor July 21
7 Bring Your Own Book Club with Midland Public Library last Wed of the month
Wednesday - Picnic Pavilion
9:30 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy & Donna start July 7
10:45 Basic Line Dance with Patti start July 7
Noon BYO Lunch at the Picnic Pavilion start Wed July 28 every week
1-3 Woodcarving with Ron start July 21 every other week
Thursday - Zoom Meetings
Tai Chi practice & set videos are on our website. Click HERE .
10 Beginner Acrylic with Erin (will resume once outdoor classes end)
10 Beginner Watercolour with Hazel (will resume once outdoor classes end)
1 Ukulele Jam with Blair - all welcome Click HERE to zoom
1 Watercolour for more experienced (will resume once outdoor classes end)
2:30 Acrylics for more experienced (will resume once outdoor classes end)
2:30 Creative Writing with Bev (will resume in the Fall)
Thursday - Picnic Pavilion
9:30 Tabata with Danna
Cancelled until further notice 10:45 Essentrics or Yoga with Danna Bring your own & water
1:30-3 Watercolour & Acrylic Art Lessons (new 2021) start July 15
Friday – Zoom Meetings
1 Ukulele Jammers with Blair will resume in Sept
10 Blair's Coffee Chat Click HERE to zoom
10 Blair's Conversation with Chantel Coward Click HERE to zoom
Friday - Picnic Pavilion
11 Zumba with Danna
Do you have an idea for a program? Let us know and we will work on it with you. All programs are currently at no charge.
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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All classes are still free of charge. We’ll have a jar for free-will offering if you would like to help contribute to costs.
Because of the uncertainty of variants, we have a requirement for mask-wearing until participants are safely lined up or seated, respecting social distancing requirements. After screening and signing a required waiver, everyone is welcome to participate. If more people turn up than what allows for safe physical distancing, participants will be turned away. You are welcome and encouraged to wear a mask during your sessions.
Above is our screening and waiver (print and bring with you for faster service) and below is our routine for outdoor programs.
Our Protocols for Outdoor Program Delivery (as directed by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit & Town of Midland)
1. We ask that the earlier classes leave the pavilion upon completion of their class to avoid unmanageable contact during the turnover.
2. You will check-in at a welcome station with your mask on prior to entering the pavilion where staff will be screening volunteers, staff and participants upon arrival every day they are present for activities. This will involve a verbal question regarding health.
3. Collecting a name and number for potential contact tracing - pls know your phone # – list can be destroyed after 30 days
4. Posting signage for hand hygiene & physical distancing.
5. Having enough staff or volunteers to control the crowd and carry out duties/reminders of physical distancing.
6. Ensure people are keeping at least 2m distance from each other at all times even if they are wearing a mask and 3m during exercise classes.
7. All participants will be required to sign a waiver (above), to release, indemnify and hold harmless Askennonia Senior Centre including its directors, administrators, volunteers and employees.
NOTE: If more people arrive than can be socially distanced, last to arrive will not be permitted to attend.
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North Simcoe bookings for Covid-19 Vaccines
STOP THE SPREAD
We are in Step 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen. Please continue to follow public health advice and measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19
- Get vaccinated. Learn more on how combining vaccines is a safe option for completing your two-dose series.
- Maintain 2 metres (6 feet) of physical distancing from everyone outside of your household.
- Wear a face-covering indoors and outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Face coverings should be tightly fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin.
- Stay home from work or play if you have symptoms, even if they are mild.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
- Cover your cough.
- Download the COVID Alert mobile app.
- Get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or if you’ve been advised of exposure by the health unit or through the COVID Alert mobile app.
- If you are required to wear personal protective equipment for prevention of COVID-19, please ensure at a minimum it includes a medical mask and eye protection.
Click HERE to book on the Provincial System.
Click HERE to get on the SMDHU standby list. Register every morning at 8 am and they will call you if they have a dose for you.
Click HERE for the latest information about Covid 19.
Call Health Unit at 705-721-7520 ext. 5997 if you need help booking.
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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Please continue to be vigilant in your efforts to stay virus-free. The dominant Delta variant is very contagious. Let's all do our part to stop the spread by following all recommendations from the pros.
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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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PLEASE NOTE THAT JEN IS ON VACATION NEXT WEEK AND LIVE PROGRAMS ARE CANCELLED. VISIT HER WEBSITE FOR RECORDINGS OF YOUR FAVORITE CLASSES.
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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Uke Lessons will start back in Sept (date TBD)!
Blair's Uke Jam will go throughout the summer
on Thur @ 1 pm!
PRACTICE/JAM SESSION is moving to Thursday at 1 pm starting July 8
Come play along, lead, or just listen to the music of our ukulele players! All welcome to attend. If you have a favourite 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 also leads great outdoor classes at the Picnic Pavilion.
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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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MIDLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY'S GREAT SUMMER PROGRAMS, CLICK HERE
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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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COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE IN MIDLAND
Midland COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 1156 St. Andrews Drive, Midland 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.
Hours:
- Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Same-day appointments are available. You do not need a referral to get a test and you do not need a health card, but if you have one please bring it with you.
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.
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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