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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).
 
 
Today is National Seniors Day in Canada!  To celebrate, the Board of Directors and staff are excited to announce that we'll resume programs indoors beginning Monday, November 15 2021.  Since we've been closed for 81 weeks, are currently installing a brand new database and registration system that will allow for online registrations and payments, and that we'll have a whole new safety regiment to adhere to in accordance with the District Health Unit and the Town of Midland, we appreciate everyone's patience as we carefully figure out where and when programs will be offered.  There will be lots more information to follow. 
Here's a few things we do know.
* Anyone entering the NSSRC facility will need to do so through the main, front doors, where you'll have to show proof of 2nd vaccination for Covid at least two weeks prior to entry and provide photo ID every time you enter. 
* You will need to wear a mask at all times except when exempt (during exercise classes - more details to come).
* You will need to register at one of our check-in stations before going into any program and pass a screening questionnaire. 
* Wait until our online registrations or office opens to renew or purchase a new membership, please.  You will need to be a registered member of Askennonia to attend programs.  Membership will be $50 and covers the balance of 2021 and 2022. PLEASE DON'T MAIL-IN MEMBERSHIPS as there will be lots more information about this in the coming weeks.
We are all so happy to be returning to 'normal' but please stay vigilant and protect yourself. We aren't out of the woods yet. 
Also, take advantage of our free outdoor and online programs while they are open and free to all.  
 
  
Blair's Awesome Adventures!
Mon Oct 4 @ 1 pm sharp
We will meet in Wyevale. Don't forget money for Ice Cream!




Meeting locations will change every week.

Up to 100 people are permitted to meet outdoors, following all the safety protocols including social distancing, masking, signed waiver & contact tracing records. Once all waivers are collected, Blair will start the walk. We walk for about one hour in total.  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

VIRTUAL ART SHOW

ARTISTIC APRON DESIGNS - by Gerry McCracken
Over the next weeks, we'll be hosting a Virtual Art Show, spotlighting the creations of our acrylic and watercolour artists - some on canvas/paper and some on beautiful aprons.  Once we open, Erin Burton, along with Hazel Ferry will present their students' works in a Show where paintings and aprons will be available for sale.  Details of the Show & Sale will depend what's permitted at the time.  Proceeds from the sale are being donated to Askennonia!  How nice of all these artists and their teachers!

BYO Lunch in the Park! 
Wed Oct 6 Noon (weather permitting)

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

Woodcarving at the Picnic Pavilion! 
Wed Oct 6 @ 1 pm.



 
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 
 

Our current membership expires Sat Oct 9. 
We suggest that you visit the Marsh prior
to that date to guarantee entry. 

New Walk Thurs Oct 7 at 11 am at Wye Marsh
Meet Blair in the parking lot!



 
We are currently reviewing our options for continued membership at Wye Marsh for our members.  We want to thank Wye Marsh for their willingness to welcome us during the worst of Covid 19.  
 
Coffee Chat Zoom with Blair
Fridays @ 10 am   

 
 The next coffee chat will be on Oct 8th
 
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



 
 
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, free transit passes 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 is currently assisting many with diverse challenges that you too may face.   

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
 

 
🎸⭐️ Blair Randolph - Askennonia Senior Centre 🎸⭐️
"Blair Randolph's joyous exuberance for life can be felt by everyone at Askennonia Senior Centre, whether she’s monitoring outdoor programs, leading a hike, hosting a zoom party or introducing a guest speaker. Her cheerful demeanour and compassion help to engage everyone in the crowd, ensuring that her excitement is shared and enjoyed by all. She plans events outside of business hours and volunteers on holidays to ensure her friends aren’t lonely, especially now! She’s been a blessing since joining the team 4 years ago!"
Judy Contin, Executive Director

This is a contest, with a winner being selected by the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce Board and Staff. Although not required, it wouldn't hurt to comment on your support for Blair's nomination!  To leave a message for Blair, click HERE 

She could win great prizes! 
🌸A 2 night stay with breakfast at the Dragonfly Dreams Inn
🍕Dinner for 2 (a $100 gift card) at Dillon's Wood Fired Pizza
❤️A 30 minute Aromatherapy Massage at Vincent Salon & Spa
☕️A $25 Gift Card from Café Kittyhawk

 Come enjoy the programs at Little Lake Park Picnic Pavilion
while they are still free and open to all!




 
Looks like there's fair weather ahead!  As always, please use your best judgement about whether to attend outdoor 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, we won't start indoor programs until 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. 
 
  
Huronia Community Foundation   
Scott Warnock was onhand Monday to present a second cheque from their Smart & Caring Grant for 2021.  The additional $474 dollars can be used to fund anything Covid-related. Many thanks to Scotty and the Board at HCF!

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       
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.

 
 
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 is 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. 
1 Blair's Awesome Adventures at various predetermined locations - start July 12 

Tuesday – Zoom Meetings
10 Health Talk Tuesdays Resume in Oct  
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  
1:30-3 Watercolour & Acrylic Art Lessons Oct 7 back to zoom (new 2021) start July 15 in park
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

11 am Walking in the Wye Marsh (please meet in the parking lot)
Tai Chi practice & set videos are on our website



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.



TRY ANY OF THESE FREE OF CHARGE!
NEW FITNESS CLASS FRIDAY MORNINGS 
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!

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
 

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

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



COVID-19 vaccination receipts will be required to enter certain establishments starting Sept 22


Ontario's vaccine passport system starts Sept. 22 for many activities. People will have to show photo identification and either a paper or PDF version of their vaccine receipt until an app is ready, likely in late October. In the meantime, COVID-19 vaccines are becoming mandatory for many activities and services.
  • Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, delivery or takeout);
  • Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
  • Meeting & event spaces (banquet halls, conference/convention centres);
  • Facilities used for sports, fitness, personal fitness training (gyms, fitness, recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport);
  • Sporting events;
  • Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
  • Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
  • Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
  • Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).

To print or download a watermarked copy of your proof of immunization receipt visit https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/ . To log in and get your receipt, you will need:

  • a green photo health (OHIP) card (you will need numbers from both the front and back of the card, expired cards will be accepted)
  • your date of birth
  • your postal code (the one associated with your health card)
If you DO NOT have a health card or access to a computer to print or download your receipt please call the Provincial Vaccine Line at 1-833-943-3900.

 
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.

 

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.   


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! 🙏 🥰 💕 
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.)
 
 

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
.
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.

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.




 

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.

211 Ontario logo

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.

If you are in need of a ride to pick up groceries, TO YOUR VACCINE APPOINTMENT or require emergency food pickup, Community Reach is still operating, with drivers available starting as early as 7 a.m. To arrange a ride/pickup, please call 705-528-6999.
 
Copyright © 2020  Askennonia Senior Centre Inc. 
All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
527 Len Self Blvd, Midland, On  L4R 5N6 
705-526-7609

Registered Charity CRA 11879-1151 R0001

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Askennonia is a Ouendat word that means "Peace, Wholeness & Well-being".  It reflects our holistic approach to health!






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Askennonia Senior Centre · 527 Len Self Blvd · Midland, On L4R 5N6 · Canada

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