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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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Programs will start on Mon Nov 15, but our reception will be open Mon-Fri starting Mon Nov 1 from 9:30-11:30 am and 1:30-3:30 pm to allow everyone to renew or purchase new memberships and register for programs. People will need to be active members in order to attend programs.
Anyone coming into the Centre will need to enter through the main Rec Centre doors at the front of the building and show proof of double vaccination with a piece of identification and vaccination documentation or the new QR Code.
We have a new registration system that our front desk volunteers will introduce to you. We have a new tap interac and would appreciate it if people could use either a debit card or cheque for payment. Membership will be $10 for 2021. Once we update memberships, everyone will be able to register for programs online if they wish. People will need to be current members and registered for programs before attending any class. We will help you to get registered. Here's a list of programs we are planning to offer. If I've missed anyone, please let me know by replying to this email.
We are still waiting to hear from the Health Unit regarding Bid Euchre play. Here's our tentative schedule.
Here are 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 vaccination for Covid (paper or QR Code) and ID every time you enter. Please don't use Askennonia doors.
* 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 $10 for 2021. PLEASE DON'T MAIL-IN MEMBERSHIPS at this point. There will be 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.
FIND YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD!
You will need your card to purchase your membership and register for programs. Replacements will be available for a fee.
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Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code
available for Download
You can now download your enhanced vaccine certificate (Click HERE and follow the instructions to get your QR Code) or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to them.
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Blair's Awesome Adventures
Meet in the parking lot of Sainte Marie
Mon Oct 25 at 1 pm
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 ago. 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 Oct 27 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
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Woodcarving at the Picnic Pavilion!
Wed Oct 27 @ 1 pm, weather permitting
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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Our Wye Marsh membership has been extended!!
Thurs 11 am walks with Blair will continue, weather permitting.
Meet in the Wye Marsh parking lot Thurs Oct 28 at 11 am.
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 of the Wye Marsh trails are rather uneven, 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.
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Coffee Chat Zoom with Blair
Fridays @ 10 am
The next coffee chat will be on Oct 29
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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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
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VIRTUAL ART SHOW
Dorothy Claire McCausland Summer 2021.
"One day I was taking a walk in Lafontaine Park, and I noticed a large drake standing on one foot. I watched him for 45 minutes and noticed that he was absolutely still... not even moving a feather. How was he able to do this, and keep his balance without any apparent effort? I had to leave the park before he moved.
This started a search on my computer, where I found out the secret: 1. lean toward one leg, 2. transfer your weight to that leg, 3. bend the other knee, 4. lower the wing and scoop up the leg with it, 5. straighten the foot in line with the leg.
This causes the wing to appear shorter and rounder than the other wing. Then I selected this regal looking drake for the painting."
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 on what's permitted at the time. A portion of the proceeds from the sale is being donated to Askennonia! How nice of all these artists and their teachers!
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Dylan Lock's Falloween Concert
Fri Oct 21 at 6:30 pm.
Click the link HERE or visit Dylan Lock Facebook page.
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Come enjoy the programs at Little Lake Park Picnic Pavilion
while they are still free and open to all!
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.
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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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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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.
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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!
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Blair's Uke Jam continues on Thur @ 1 pm!
Beginner Lessons with Steve start in Jan 2022.
PRACTICE/JAM SESSION Thursday at 1 pm starting July 8
Come play along, lead, or just listen to the music of our ukulele players! All are 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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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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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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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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