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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 website's Contact Us, reply to this email or call 705-526-7609 and leave a message.
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The board decided, at its Jan 26 meeting, to open our reception desk on Mon Feb 14, so that people can purchase or renew memberships ($50) prior to attending programs. You will need the enhanced proof of vaccination with QR code to enter the Rec Centre. You can get it yourself HERE. If you need help downloading or printing your document, call us at 705-526-7609 and we can help!
The plan is to resume indoor programs starting Tues Feb 22 (Mon is Family Day). We will be in touch with our volunteers and instructors to confirm their willingness to return and will provide updates in the following weeks here.
We appreciate your understanding and patience regarding our Road to Recovery. We offer diverse programs with different masking & distancing capabilities and requirements. The decision to stagger opening wasn't easy for the board. It was based on health, safety, liability and erring on the side of caution. We all hope that this is our last lockdown.
Thank goodness all of our programs (other than gym programs) are available online and we have outdoor programs. Volunteers and paid instructors are working hard to keep you engaged! Thanks again for your patience!
Our current online schedule includes:
Advanced Line Dancing Mon at 9:15 on Zoom
Basic & Babysteps Line Dance - New videos on our website HERE
Let's Write Mon at 1 on Zoom starting Jan 10
Quilting on Tues at 10 on Zoom started Jan 4
Chair Yoga - recordings on our Facebook - enjoy anytime
Advanced Line Dancing Wed at 9:15 on Zoom
Woodcarving on Wed at 1 on Zoom Jan 12 & 26
Travelogues with Eric & friends Thurs at 10 Jan 13 & 27
Watercolour Thurs at 1:30 on Zoom started Jan 6
Acrylics Thurs at 1:30 on Zoom started Jan 13
Ukulele Practice Thurs at 1 pm started Jan 13
Tai Chi videos - on our website - enjoy anytime
Knit & Char Fri @ 10 starting Jan 21
Coffee Chat with Blair on Fri @ 1 pm
Chair Yoga on our Facebook. See details below for Danna's other classes.
Outdoor Classes (depending on weather)
Walks with Jack on Mon - 11 am - meet Askennonia parking lot
Walks with Blair on Wed - 11 am - meet Askennonia parking lot
Although we aren't open at the Rec Centre, we will continue to check phone messages and monitor emails. Consider our Party Line Phone Program if you would like to chat or join in one of our zooms. Call Mary Moreau, our resource navigator, if you need her help.
Thanks so much to all our volunteers and paid teachers who are working so hard to engage and entertain our members during this difficult lockdown designed to protect our medical system. Your determination, resilience and compassion for your followers are amazing! Whether you are teaching a class, leading a walk, hosting a social, taping a video or airing a travelogue, I think you will never really know the positive impact you are having in someone's life. Thanks so much!
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Get your Booster by checking the Ontario registration portal for North Simcoe. CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT.
Click HERE for the latest information. Protect yourself and others by being fully vaccinated!
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WHEN WE OPEN!
Here's a list of programs we are planning to offer when we open for 2022. This list is growing and changing as we adjust to meet the needs of our members. New programs for 2022 will include Reiki Energy Healing, Travelogues, Beginner Ukulele, Computers and a Cooking Class.
Note: Zumba is one hour earlier on Friday to accommodate Vaccine Clinic start time.
Note: Zumba on Fridays is an hour earlier to accommodate the vaccine clinic (unless their plans change). People will need to be active members in order to attend programs.
Pay individually by cheque, debit, or cash for:
2022 membership is $50
Fitness Card - $35 for 10 visits - Danna's exercise classes.
Gym Card - $30 for 10 visits - for Pickleball, Table Tennis, and Badminton.
Arts Card - $40 for 5 visits - for Acrylic, Watercolour, Card Making classes.
Ukulele Card - $60 for 10 visits. (Once we reopen, we'll look at what kind of program the experienced Ukulele group are looking for.)
Dollar Drop Programs - Cost $1 cash at the program - Line Dancing, Let's Write, Quilting, Cribbage, Bid Euchre, Woodcarving, Tai Chi, Knit & Chat, Walking group currently.
Here are a few things we know.
* You will need to wear a mask at all times except when exempt (during exercise/fitness/active classes or while eating/drinking).
* You will need to register at one of our check-in stations before going into any program and pass a screening questionnaire.
* You will need to be a registered member of Askennonia to attend programs. Membership will be $50 for 2022. Initially, there will be no Tea/Coffee/Cookie service. If you would like to bring in your own, that would be acceptable.
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INFORMATION SESSION ON ZOOM THURS FEB 17 @ 10 AM
LUNCH & LEARNS WILL FOLLOW ONCE WE OPENTen people have already volunteered to learn more and then volunteer to record appropriate programs to increase accessibility for those who can't attend in person. But, there's still room!
During this information session for would-be videographers, Eamonn O'Connell will explain the plan for the team and find out what the team is hoping to learn.
We have a Seniors Community Grant titled "Positively Inclusive Hybrid Programming". Once it's safe, we will have monthly lunch meetings with Eamonn to make sure everyone is getting the most possible!
If this seems interesting to you and you'd like to help reduce loneliness for folks, reply to this email with your name, email and phone number or just attend this info session without obligation!
We will post the zoom link here closer to the event.
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Line Dancing with Cathy Online Mon & Wed 9:15 am
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Line Dancing videos on our website!
Enjoy anytime!
Patti has recorded our first Baby Steps Introduction to Line Dance and Basic Line Dance classes and they are available for you to dance along with on our website at www.askennonia.com or click HERE. Practice, practice, practice! Thanks Patti!
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Let's Write Online Mon at 1 pm
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Quilting Online Tues at 10 am
Members share ideas and have social time on zoom. All welcome.
Click HERE or on the link below to join Zoom Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75722014084?pwd=c0lBWGRLSjZtQ0ZhQll3dmwzNEx1Zz09
Meeting ID: 757 2201 4084
Passcode: b0LRRF
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Woodcarving Online Wed Feb 9 @ 1 pm
Come meet up with some of the carvers on a friendly Zoom. If you're new, it'll be a chance to ask questions. If you've been carving for a bit, you might like to show off what you've done. Blair will host, along with whoever shows up!
Once the Centre opens, new folks are welcome to come out and use our loaner equipment to get started.
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking HERE or copy and paste this link into your browser.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84990272280?pwd=UGR4TnBiZ1NmQ0pYU0lFOXNxa25Tdz09
Meeting ID: 849 9027 2280
Passcode: 894075
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Travelogue Online Thurs Feb 10 @ 10 am
Take a trip through Vancouver Island with Bruce and Marianne Clayton and witness the beauty of its ancient rainforests, wildlife, and fabulous mountains. This forty-minute video will take you through the Comox Valley trails, Tofino, Long Beach, and Ucluelet and is set to relaxing music that will enhance your appreciation of the beauty of the Island.
Click HERE a few minutes before the meeting or copy and paste the following link into your address bar.
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Acrylic and Watercolour Painting Online Thurs at 1:30 pm
All existing students are invited to Zoom with Erin Burton (acrylic starting Jan 13) and Hazel Ferry (watercolour started Jan 6). Our dedicated and fabulous Instructors will record attendance and we'll punch your cards when we reopen. People who have already been joining the class on zoom will continue to pay as usual.
Hazel and Erin will send out links to past and current participants.
 Hot Peppers & Hot Mama on Apron by Linda Blow
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Knit and Chat online Fridays @ 10 am
Come meet up with some of the Knit and Chat on a friendly Zoom. Come show off what you've been working on over this lockdown or just pop on to say hello to some friends you have not seen while. Judy or Blair will host, along with whoever shows up!
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/84326614058?pwd=b2FXZ2FOeXBtMmEveHk2TUJrb1J5dz09
Meeting ID: 843 2661 4058
Passcode: 253057
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Coffee Chat with Blair Online Fri @ 1 pm
Blair welcomes members and guests to join her online to share or listen. Topics will be led by those attending, but it's a good way to keep up on what happening locally and beyond. Find out how everyone is doing or what projects we are all working on at home. 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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Are you sometimes stuck for a ride?
Check out this County of Simcoe program!
Click HERE for the link to the community transportation Portal called CT link.
Seniors who are needing affordable transportation options to attend medical appointments would be eligible for these services. Mary Moreau, our Community Navigator, can also assist you to access this service. Call Mary at 705-241-8766.
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Join Our Rejuvinated Party Line
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 re-introducing a 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 or calling 705-526-7609 and leaving a message 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 11 2022, 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 favourite 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 fulfil 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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UKE JAM Online Thursdays at 1 pm
Come play along, lead or just listen to the music of our ukulele players! All are welcome to attend.
Send a pdf with the song title in the subject line to Blair by end of Wednesday if you'd like to lead. Blair will send out a setlist of 10 songs and share those on Zoom so that you can play 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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Whatcha gonna read?
The Library is currently open for curbside service; depending on provincial guidelines and the local situation, we may be back to in-house services after January 29. You can call or place your holds online to pick materials up curbside; you don’t have to make an appointment and can find our curbside guidelines and hours at www.midlandlibrary.com.
If you need to renew or apply for library membership, you can email a note with a photo/scan of your photo ID, proof of address, and phone number to info@midlandlibrary.com.
We’ll meet online while we have to, and then meet in person at Askennonia when we can. Meetings are Tuesdays at 2:30 pm. The zoom link for Feb 8 meeting will be published here next week.
We’re selecting titles with at least one accessible format (e-book, large print, audiobook on CD) available, so please let me know if you’d prefer a different format.
Once you’re registered for the book club, you’ll be included every month unless/until you tell me you don’t want to be. MPL will be bringing in titles on interlibrary loan, so once we’re in person, I’ll bring each month’s read to the previous month’s meeting (ie, bring April’s book to the March meeting) and take all of your copies of the previous book back to the Library.
If we’re not in person in February – February 8 – we’ll ask you to pick up your March books at MPL.
Please let me know if you’d like to join us, and if you require a copy of our February title.
In May and June, we’ll determine if we want to meet in July and August, and choose a few more titles going forward. Here are the titles we've confirmed are available for the next few months. The links after each title give a little more info about each book.
February 8 – Thomas King, Indians on Vacation.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48947326-indians-on-vacation
March 8 – Kaitlyn Greenidge, Libertie
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/54110460-libertie
April 12 – Arundhati Roy, God of Small Things
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9777.The_God_of_Small_Things
May 10 – Kim Thúy, Ru
https://www.goodreads.com/da/book/show/7574245-ru (open the full description for English)
June 14 - Gabriel García Márquez, Of Love and Other Demons
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23876.Of_Love_and_Other_Demons
Any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Faith Shergold, Community Engagement Coordinator Ph: 705-526-4216 ext. 3305
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 Residents can now submit online requests to exchange their existing garbage and recycling carts for a smaller size. Requests for smaller 120L Garbage Carts and 120L and 240L Recycling Carts can now be submitted.
Go online to submit your one-time free exchange request before July 30, 2022. Cart exchanges will continue to be free for new property owners. Note: only Requests property owners can submit a request. Click video link to learn more about how to swap carts. https://youtu.be/Ru6AJRuFuyQ
Need an additional organics or recycling cart? Visit https://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/swm/cart-collection/ for details.
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Tai Chi videos can be found on our website.
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CHIGAMIK PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO ALL
Here are a few of the programs Chigamik offers.
You may like to register for these, as everyone is welcome and they are no charge.
* Parkinson’s Dance Group and several Exercise Classes - many therapeutic
* Mindfulness Classes
* Osteoporosis and Arthritis Workshops
* Heart-Healthy Eating Workshops
* Indigenous Healing and Cultural Workshops
All workshops are free and open to all. Registration is easy.
For more information or to register click HERE
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Outdoor Hikes & Walks with Blair or Jack
Walks with Jack on Mon 11 am and Blair Wed 11 am
Meet in Askennonia parking lot
Because our walks are guided and outdoors, provided we have social distance and wear a mask when necessary (ie signing waivers) there's no restriction on numbers, so we don't have to preregister. For now, we'll walk in town.
Some locations may include uneven nature trails or slippery sidewalks, so participants should be steady and able to manage a one-hour walk independently. Please feel free to use a walking stick. poles or cane, bring water and dress for the weather. Good traction is important. If there's inclement weather, watch Facebook to determine whether it's a go! If there's any lightning, high winds, or icy conditions, it will be called off for sure. All welcome.
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Mary Morea can help with many basic needs, such as, food and transportation and accessing services that you may not even be aware of. Never hesitate to call Mary if you have questions or think she might be able to help.
Are you experiencing unexpected health, wellness or daily living expense that are impacting your quality of life or ability to manage financially? Our Community Resource Navigator can help you explore available government and community funding and apply to programs that may be able to assist you. Discretionary benefits may be available through Askennonia if you do not meet the eligibility criteria for these existing programs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty please reach out to Mary at 705-241-8766.
With winter upon us, there are lots of options for those who do not have access to transportation or have limited income. There are free bus passes through the Town of Midland's "Seniors on the Move Project". Mary would be happy to deliver the bus passes right to your door. There are many other affordable options for trips to medical appointments (both locally and out of town) as well as shopping and social events through Community Reach. Please feel free to contact Mary and she can help you through the application process.
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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Beginner French with Denise Schreck will begin on Mondays from 11-Noon in Feb!!
Reply to this email if you'd like to register. Classes $1 per visit.
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Danna's Fitness Classes
Danna will be offering classes independently through All Things Danna. You will pay Danna directly by etransfer to allthingsdanna@rogers.com and receive links to zooms. If you have questions, pls email Danna.
Hang onto your Fitness Cards as they are prepaid and only used for our indoor programs once we reopen. They don't apply to Danna's online classes. Thank you Danna, for making classes available.
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FEBRUARY COMPUTER WORKSHOPS
A gentle introduction to IT, outlining the different types of technology available, their benefits and limitations and how technology can be best used within OUR community. Over a series of short lessons, the participants will be led through matching up the right technologies to suit their needs and walked through how to use these solutions to their best advantage.
Register or show interest by replying to this email. Will start asap. Classes will cost $1 ea.
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Beginner's Ukulele starts when we can open.
Ukulele Card - 10 visits for $60
Come out to learn to play one of the cutest instruments ever made!
If you need a Uke, visit Steve at Johnstone's Music Land, downtown Midland.
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New Wye Marsh Membership Card
For now, members who picked up a 2021 Wye Marsh card are able to use those to access the Marsh. (They will be exchanged for a 2022 card once we resume indoor programs.) We encourage you to visit the Marsh on your own or with friends.
Once we reopen, current Askennonia members will require our new 2022 WYE MARSH CARD in order to attend the Marsh under our program for 2022. Current card-holders will be able to exchange their 2021 card for a 2022 card. New 2022 card purchasers will pay an admin fee of $10. These cards will be available for purchase at reception upon reopening.
Although our membership entitles us to all the benefits of a regular membership, the Wye Marsh would appreciate it if we visit on weekdays, rather than during busier weekends. This is not mandatory, though.
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Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program & the Seniors Co-payment Program.
Age 65 or older
Single Net Income 22,200 Couple Net Income 37,100
Have filed your personal Tax Return. Spouse must file a separate application to enrol.
Coverage Includes: Check-ups, Repairing Teeth, XRays, Removing Teeth, Anesthesia, Treating Infection and Pain, Treating gum condition and disease, Partial Denture Coverage.
Coverage ends July 31st every year no matter when you enrol. Your coverage will be approved automatically as long as you file your personal tax return and meet the income threshold.
If you need assistance enrolling please call our Navigator, Mary Moreau at 705-241-8766.
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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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Save the date, Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 7:30 PM when Our Health's moderator, Keith Rose, meets with four local Hospital CEOs. The panelists will unpack challenges related to COVID-19, explore steps towards recovery, and discuss the possibilities for post-pandemic healthcare.
This program will be aired LIVE on all Simcoe County Rogers TV stations and available online for streaming. Additional information for registration will follow in January.
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MIDLAND COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE
Effective Wednesday, November 17:
The Midland COVID-19 Assessment Centre is relocating from the Georgian Bay General Hospital site to the North Simcoe Family Health Team at: 619 Prospect Boulevard, Unit 3 in Midland.
Any testing appointments booked for November 17 and onward will occur at the new location.
The centre, which is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., now operates as a drive-thru.
Those in need of a COVID test will still be able to book via the GBGH website: https://gbgh.on.ca/covid-19-booking/ OR CALL 705-529-1025 Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday – 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.
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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