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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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Times, they are a-changin' this Monday!
On Monday, March 21 the Government of Ontario is lifting the mask mandate. Askennonia will follow their lead, and masks will no longer be mandatory at Askennonia. People may, of course, choose to wear a mask at any time. It would be appreciated if people would wear a mask until they get to their program area. No one with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should enter Askennonia. We appreciate your cooperation with our efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy.
According to some health officials, vulnerable people would be very wise to keep wearing their masks when in public spaces. Monitoring of cases and wastewater analysis indicate that there is community spread and that we aren't out of the pandemic quite yet. Please be vigilant in your efforts to protect yourself and others.
Everyone, including for gym programs, please use our North Askennonia entrance, check-in at our members' kiosk before going to your program, answer the COVID screening, have your participation card punched (or if your program is dollar-drop, pay at your program location) and ENJOY!
We are adding new (and old) programs every week. This coming week, Blair's Movie Night, a new family-tree program called Ancestral Roots with Cathy Smith, Contract Bridge and a drop-in "Circle of Friends" social begins. See details below for more information.
If you attend our fitness classes, you've probably heard that we have the grant to deliver hybrid classes (both online and in-person at the same time). To introduce our new hybrid instructors, we've paid the instructors but offered you free classes (just like we did during the whole of the pandemic thanks to various grants). We will continue to offer you free classes as we introduce Chris Diduch, our new Yoga instructor on Monday morning, Jill Sargent our huge Tuesday Fitness Extravaganza leader, Laura Ellis, our new Wednesday Chair Yoga instructor and Holly Pilon, who for now will deliver a Thursday and Friday Zumba class. Soon we hope to offer Zumba Toning and perhaps a more therapeutic type of Yoga.
Be sure to check our schedule weekly, as we are still making changes to times and locations in an effort to make the best use of space and introduce hybrid classes.
You will need a current 2022 membership ($50) before attending any program. Consider coming in prior to your class to settle up, as reception gets busy just before classes begin. If reception is busy, your patience is appreciated.
Click HERE to open our 2022 membership form, which you can fill out, print and bring in with your payment ($50 debit, cheque or cash) to register for 2022. Paper copies will be on hand at the reception desk. (Subsidized memberships are available - please see Judy for more information.)
In the interest of our members, volunteers and staff, Askennonia will retain the requirement that people show proof of vaccination to purchase a 2022 membership or to volunteer/deliver programs at the Centre until further notice. Have your QR code as proof of vaccination to join. 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!
Thanks to everyone (and that's you!) for making Askennonia such a great place to just be!
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PROGRAMS SCHEDULE
Here's a list of current and some upcoming programs.
Pay by cheque, debit or cash for:
2022 membership - $50
Fitness Card - $35 for 10 visits - for fitness & exercise classes. Fitness classes are currently at no charge till April 14.
Gym Card - $30 for 10 visits - for Pickleball, Table Tennis, and Badminton.
Arts Card - $40 for 5 visits - for Acrylic, Watercolour, Card Making.
Ukulele Card - $60 for 10 group lessons - Steve Paskin instructor
Dollar Drop Programs * - Cost $1 cash at the programs marked above with an asterisk.* Please bring a loonie.
Here are a few things we know.
* You will need to be vaccinated to purchase a 2022 membership.
* Masks are now optional but don't be afraid of protecting yourself & others.
* 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. 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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FREE COVID-19 RAPID TEST KITS AVAILABLE AT ASKENNONIA RECEPTION
Test kits are supplied through a Chigamik Community Health Centre program. They are first-come-first-served. Please only take 1 test kit per family. Each kit has 5 tests inside.
Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors in Balm Beach has closed down Wed Mar 23 until further notice, due to a number of people testing positive after their Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, March 19. So anyone who attended programs at Georgian Shores up until today may want to test. Lots of our members belong to Balm Beach and attend programs at both Centres. For example, we know of many line dancers who like to dance every day!! If you think you may have been exposed but have no symptoms, wear a mask and come in to get a test kit.
Members are invited to come to our reception to pick up a free Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit starting Thursday, March 23. It's a good idea to have one handy, especially if you find out that you may have been exposed to the virus.
Stay safe and take precautions - enough to make you comfortable. Don't attend if you are feeling sick.
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Pickleball Tournament this Tues Mar 29 9 am
Proceeds to help the people of Ukraine
Regular Pickleball is cancelled.
Thanks to everyone who registered, the tournament is now full! Many thanks to Lety and John for organizing this fundraiser for Ukraine.
If you would like to contribute, see Blair!
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'CIRCLE OF FRIENDS' DROP-IN PROGRAM
12:45 PM START TIME TUES MAR 29
We have a brand new program for folks who'd like to meet new people, try new things, have a place to socialize and enjoy light refreshments. We've recently had several requests for a social program and by coincidence, we were just approved for a 2022 New Horizons for Seniors grant that is designed to do just that! After a couple of weeks to let the program build, we'll have a focus group to flesh out what people want (ie cooking classes, interesting guests, crafts or just a time to visit).
This program is funded by a New Horizons for Seniors grant. We've tried to encourage everyone's participation by including transportation in the grant. If you need transportation or a membership subsidy, please don't hesitate to call Mary Moreau. She will gladly look after you! Call 705-241-8766 to speak with Mary!
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7 FREE FITNESS CLASSES PER WEEK
UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL 15 2022
Come meet Chris, Jill, Laura and Holly! They are our new fitness instructors!
We will be delivering new hybrid classes soon. They will be available on zoom at the same time they are offered in person. Our fitness classes will be free of charge* until further notice. Eventually, fitness cards will be required.
Yoga 9:20 am Monday
Gentle stretching & controlled breathing makes this exercise class relaxing yet stimulating.
Dancefit 9:15 am Tuesday
Add your flair, get your groove on. This is a fun fitness-based dance class that you just can't get wrong! Lots of music and dance styles to get your feet moving and heart pumping!
Stretch and Strength 10:15 am Tuesday
Improve strength, flexibility, mobility, and feel fantastic through this class. Class starts with a bodyweight strength component, ends with mobility, stretch, and breathing exercises. All levels of fitness are accommodated. Bring a mat pls.
Fitness Mix 11:15 am Tuesday
In this class, anything goes! If you like variety this one is for you! Cardio, strength, mobility, and flexibility components will be delivered in a variety of ways. Anything from aerobics, dance, martial arts, circuit training, HIIT, yoga. Be ready to shake things up in this fun fitness fusion. All levels are welcome. Bring your mat and stretch bands.
Chair Yoga 9:30 am Wednesday
Enjoy all the benefits of yoga, but without getting onto the floor. No mat is required for chair yoga.
Zumba 9:00 am Thursday and Fridays
Our certified Zumba instructor leads this Latin-inspired exercise class. Get in shape, have a blast, and dance your cares away.
* Thanks to a grant from Ontario's Seniors Community Grant, we are able to offer these classes free of charge for now. Members are welcome to come to try them out, as we implement our hybrid opportunities.
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Bridge returns March 21 @ 1 pm
Our Bridge is back, with new convener Judith Horvath. Judith will help with the set-up and running of the afternoon, but we'd also appreciate any additional assistance. If you'd like to volunteer please email Blair at blair.askennonia@gmail.com .
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Blair's Movie Night was a Hit!!!
Members met at the Midland Cineplex and saw The Lion and the Wolf. Stay tuned for next month's movie.
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Ancestral Roots with Cathy Smith
starts Wed at 1:30 this week.
Here are a few words from Cathy:
"I have been playing with my genealogy since the mid-1970s. It is a hobby I love to pursue and to share. Being able to discover my roots has exposed family secrets, has helped me make discoveries of priceless family artifacts, has furthered some of my writing goals, has sent me on some interesting travels, and has connected me with my grandchildren in profound ways. Though I am certainly not an expert, I do know how to have fun and help people just starting their journey into their roots. I am most familiar with English, Scottish, Irish, US and Canadian records, but would certainly try to help discover records for other geographic areas. My hope is that our time together will be fun and will help you discover and record your family in a way that is meaningful to you."
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WATCH CLINIC RETURNS TUES April 12 & 26
Dietmar is back this Tuesday, March 22nd!!! Dietmar fixes Watches & Clocks. Things will be a little different.
We ask that when you come into the reception area, you leave your items for repair or battery replacement in a Ziploc baggie or grocery bag with your name and number inside. Please describe in writing what you'd like Dietmar to do. Dietmar will then work on our item. This is to reduce contact. Someone will call you once it's ready for pick up.
Dietmar charges $5 for a new battery, installed and can fix just about any old (or new) clock or watch.
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Can You Help?
Askennonia is looking for more Volunteers!
Contact Blair - blair.askennonia@gmail.com or 705-526-7609 to volunteer!
Tech Support: On Monday mornings (9:30-10:30 am) we'd like up to 4 people who have a good grasp of various technologies (phone or laptop or tablet) to help members one-on-one with getting to know their devices. You don't have to be a pro. You just can't be afraid to play!
Tuesday afternoon 12:30 pm until 2:15 pm Welcoming Ambassador to work at our Kiosk. Welcome and direct visitors and members.
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A Reminder About Perfume
Perfume can be so lovely, it's true, but some of our members are very sensitive to fragrance and it actually makes them sick. Even small amounts of perfume can trigger migraines and breathing troubles in others.
PLEASE DON'T WEAR PERFUME TO ANY ACTIVITY OR EVENT AT ASKENNONIA.
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NEW CHAIR REIKI PROGRAM
with Susan MacIntosh, Crystal Reiki Practitioner
Reiki is a hands-on (or light touch or touchless) energy-based healing modality. It promotes relaxation, & stress reduction. It is gentle & non-invasive & helps release blockages preventing free-flowing energy. It addresses the mental/emotional/physical/spiritual causes of our physical pain to help the body heal itself. Susan often incorporates healing crystals and stones for the additional energies they offer. You will feel very relaxed at the least and you may also feel the energy flowing. Either way, the Reiki energy is promoting release and self-healing.
If you would like to try a Chair Reiki session with Susan, you need to book an appointment at reception. Susan will offer 3 sessions per week on Thursdays at 11 am, 11:40 am and 12:20 pm. Initially, you can book one per month until we determine the demand. Payment will be $1 drop at the appointment.
If you have questions you may contact Susan at slgm1234@gmail.com or 905-510-5170
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Beginner Ukulele Classes started Tues Mar 1 @ 1 pm
but it's not too late to join & catch up.
Come out to learn to play one of the cutest instruments ever made! Steve Paskin from Johnstone's Music Land will teach a one hour lesson every Tuesday afternoon. Need a Uke? Steve has a great selection of ukuleles at the store. Once you learn a few chords, you can stay after the lesson for the Jam!
You will need an Askennonia membership and a $60 Uke Card that will entitle you to 10 lessons.
See below for advanced uke!
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Advanced Lessons (bi-weekly) started Tues Mar 15 @ 2:15 pm
Advanced Jam runs Tues @ 2:15 pm alternative to lessons.
Jams & classes will run on alternate weeks.
A group of advanced Uke players met with Steve Paskin on Tuesday and decided to try a formal lesson every other week, where they will concentrate on one song per week to learn technique and build a repertoire of well-played songs. You will require a 2022 Ukulele Card to attend classes.
On the off week from lessons, any members who like are welcome to come out and jam with the group. Music will be projected, so you won't need to worry about copies initially. Beginners are welcome to stay after their lesson to jam!
Lessons will require a 2022 Uke Card (10 lessons for $60) Dates for lessons are March 15, March 29, April 12, April 26 and continue until July.
Dates for jams ($1 per visit) are March 8, March 22, April 5, April 19 and will continue at classes requests.
Come learn, laugh and sing (masked)!
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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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New Support Group.
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PAWS IN THE PARK!
Register for May 6 - May 26 10-11 am
Join Jane Barnett for a one-hour session that includes basic obedience followed by an on-leash walk through Little Lake Park to practice. Above is a picture of our 2011 graduation ceremony!! Jane is a patient, experienced instructor who makes the class fun for both person & pet!.
Your dog must be up to date with vaccinations and be neutered or spayed. There is a 15 dog maximum for this program.
Dates: May 5 - May 26 10-11 am The price is $20 for the 4 week session.
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Do you have good, clean wool you'd like to go to a good home?
Askennonia's Knit and Chat group is accepting donated wool. Some projects go to community groups as donations. If you are looking to donate clean, odour-free wool, please drop it off on Monday afternoons or Fridays mornings when convener Ruth Ann is at the Centre to ensure it's the kind of wool the group can use.
Thanks so much!
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FREE INCOME TAX CLINICS FOR SENIORS
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Next Book Club
in our Margaret Scott Room
Tues Apr 12 @ 2:30 pm
Faith Shergold from Midland Public Library leads our book club and if you would like to join or have questions, feel free to contact Faith at 705-526-4216 ext. 3305.
Once you’re registered for the book club, you’ll be included every month unless/until you tell Faith you don’t want to be. MPL will be bringing in titles on interlibrary loan and Faith will 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 finished book back to the Library.
Books will have at least one accessible format (e-book, large print, audiobook on CD) available, so please let Faith know if you’d prefer an accessible format.
The library is open from 9:30 am-6 pm on Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 am-8 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 9:30 am-4 pm Saturdays. Adults and children 2 years or older are required to wear a face mask if they’d like to browse or use computers in person. They’re also ready and waiting to provide curbside service, and happy to select books for you based on your reading preferences – there’s a form on our website or you can call 705-526-4216.
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.
In May and June, the group will determine if they want to meet in July and August, and choose a few more titles going forward. Here are the titles for the next few months. The links after each title give a little more info about each book.
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. fshergold@midlandlibrary.com New members are always welcome!
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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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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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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 Jack
Walks with Jack on Mon 11 am and 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 Moreau 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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New Wye Marsh Membership Card
Current Askennonia members will require our new WYE MARSH CARD in order to attend the Marsh under our membership for 2022. Current card-holders will be able to exchange their 2021 card for a 2022 card. New Wye Marsh 2022 card purchasers will pay an admin fee of $10. These cards are available for purchase at reception.
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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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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Please RSVP to
Debbie.k@hospicehuronia.ca or
call 705-549-1034
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Three panellists interact with children and youth in three settings: recreation, health and school. They are all passionate about the well-being of our kids. Join us on 7 April 2022. 7:30-9:00 as they discuss how kids have coped during the pandemic and then project as to what re-engagement might look like as Covid restrictions relax. Take a look at our speakers' bios and links to resources Brochure, Kids OK?
This program will be aired LIVE on all Simcoe County Rogers TV stations and available online for streaming. In-person attendance is free with, Advance Registration. For this event, masks are required and capacity is reduced by 50%.
If you wish to view the videos and program brochures from any of our previous programs, including the most recent one, “Our Hospitals, Our Health”, please click here for access to the MCC Our Health website www.midlandculturalcentre.com/ourhealth
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MIDLAND COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE
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.
Call 705-526-7804 x253 for information
The centre, which is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., now operates as a drive-thru.
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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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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