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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 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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Good news! We've been approved for a Senior Community Grant that contains more tablets!
Do you or someone you know need a tablet to connect with family, friends or Askennonia online programs. Do you know someone who could benefit from a tablet, but wouldn't be able to purchase one on their own? We will provide one free of charge!
To apply for yourself or a friend, reply to this email and fill out the short questionnaire below. Just make sure that all the information is complete. Due to lock-down, it may be a little while before we can get the tablets distributed. Please get your request in and then be patient. In the meantime, have a look at the videos we produced (below) to help people 'new to tablets'. :)
Name of applicant:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Are you an Askennonia member? (This is not a prerequisite.)
Do you currently have Wifi?
Our grant priority is to provide tablets to people who wouldn’t be able to purchase one. Do you currently receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement in addition to Old Age Security. (Proof may be required.)
Do you need assistance with setup? (Some may have family or
friends who can help.)
We are hoping to identify folks who otherwise wouldn't be able to stay visually connected. Perhaps they have an older computer without a camera and can't access Zoom or FaceTime. Maybe their desktop computer isn't handy for communicating. Maybe they wouldn't think of spending money on themselves. We hope to prioritize people who otherwise wouldn't be able to connect. Please share this information.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW "HOW-TO" VIDEOS
Eamonn O'Connell of O'Connell Creative has produced a series of "How to use my tablet" videos. Everyone is welcome to view these videos (over & over). The series includes excellent, user-friendly shorts, 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
We would love to hear your feedback! And remember, if you know someone who could benefit from a free tablet, please let them know about this program.
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NEW PARTY LINE PROGRAM!
Register all next week!
It's not to late!
WHY? Would you like to make someone’s day and maybe your own? Many of our volunteers have expressed that they miss the feel-good moments that serving others induces. Others have shared just how lonely and long the days can be. This can be especially true for people who aren’t computer savvy. If you know people who aren’t receiving our eblast or following us on Facebook, but would like to participate, please advise Blair, so that she can call them to register.
WHAT? We are introducing a new program, “PARTY LINE” that’s telephone based and will be managed by Blair. If you register for the program by emailing Blair at blair.askennonia@gmail.com with your name & phone number, Blair will match you up with another member who has registered. (You can also reply to this email and Judy will forward your registration to Blair,) Blair will provide you with the name and number of this week’s partner. You each call the other once during the week.
WHEN? Starting January 26, on Tuesdays, member ‘A’ will call member ‘B’, when you can introduce yourselves to each other and chat as little or as long as you are both comfortable with. Then on Friday, member B calls member A and you can either just chat or you can come up with a topic if you like. Perhaps a childhood story, places you have travelled or a favorite recipe. The next week (or twice per month depending on numbers) you will get a new name and number from Blair and we do it all again. If you would like to stay connected with your previous phone buddy, that’s fine so long as you fulfill your commitment to call a new buddy. The commitment you make is to call your Party Line partner on the agreed upon day!
WHO? All Askennonia members who enjoy meeting new people, like talking on the phone, have a desire to brighten the lives of others while enhancing their own well-being are invited to register with Blair and give this program a try. Initially, we are restricting registration to our members.
This pandemic has underscored just how important social connections and engagement are to all of us. We know that having something to look forward to, helping others feel better and sharing stories and experiences enhances all our lives.
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10 AM TUESDAYS ON ZOOM
This Zoom meeting link will get you into all the Tuesday Health Talk meetings. The presentation will be simulcast on our Facebook page. Click HERE a few minutes before 10 am on the day of the talk or copy and paste the following link into your address bar.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88454766346?pwd=YTlHTjFNU3RYSWxCOWlpNFN0WWRJUT09
Meeting ID: 884 5476 6346
Passcode: 694658
Tuesday, Jan 26th Winter Soups & Saving Leftover Herbs
Andre Sanche from Jarlette Health Services is back with a healthy cooking lesson. Andre shares tips and tricks from his many years as a restaurateur. Lot's of taste and no waste!!
Tuesday, Feb 2nd Hands- Practical Solutions and Tools to keep your Grip.
Review of adaptive tools and some hand flossing exercises too with Ingrid Beam from the Arthritis Society.
Tuesday, Feb 9th Masks and Hearing Aids.
Tips, tricks, and best practices with Nancy at Hear Well Be Well.
Tuesday, Feb 16th Frauds and Scams with OPP Serious Fraud Office.
Knowledge is power. All consumers - regardless of age - can take basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Discussion will include how COVID has given criminals a new way to exploit victims, how to recognize fraud, how to protect yourself and loved ones from becoming victims and about current frauds and scams. All welcome.
Tuesday, Feb 23th What Red Cross Offers.
Tara Bone from Red Cross will give an update regarding hot and frozen Meals on Wheels, transportation and Telephone Assurance. Tara will address the volunteer and client-focused aspects of their programs.
Tuesday, March 2nd How Does My Posture Relate to My SPINE Pain?
Discussion of sleeping, sitting, and standing postures and role of furniture with Ingrid Beam from the Arthritis Society.
Tuesday, March 9th Navigating Home Health Care.
Lauren Moses from Bayshore Health Care will share the available supports in the home and what is accessible from your home.
Tuesday, March 23th Safety at Home.
Lauren Moses from Bayshore Health Care will address safety and risks in your home.
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GOOD OLD FASHIONED TRAVELOGUE
with a thoroughly modern twist!
#1 WE VISIT ICELAND with ERIC BARKER
Thurs Jan 28 @ 10 am.
Let's take a trip to Iceland! The landscape is - well - it's different. Eric's video is set to music and has pictures and videos from the places he visited. He's produced a documentary with lots of content. See extinct volcanoes, geysers, glacial lagoons and more. Eric has visited many different countries and will share more in upcoming weeks.
Do you have places you have visited that you'd like to share? Reply to this email and Blair will connect with you.
Topic: Thursday Travelogues
Time: Jan 28, 2021 10:00 AM
This Zoom meeting link will get you into all the Travelogue meetings. The show will be simulcast on our Facebook page. Click HERE a few minutes before 10 am on the day of the talk or copy and paste the following link into your address bar.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84526799864?pwd=SUlNZ1ZvZTNUd1dEQ2F4b2VRVmNBdz09
Meeting ID: 845 2679 9864
Passcode: 124008
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TRY ANY OF THESE FREE OF CHARGE!
Have you resolved to find something to fill your days with something new? Why not give a few of these free virtual programs a try?
These programs are designed for older adults and hope to add a little music, art, exercise, laughter, and learning into your day. If you or someone you know would like to try out Art Your Service, you simply email the owner, Jen Tindall at jen@artyourservice.org .(Click on the email or, you can reply to this email and I'll forward your info to Jen.) You will receive an email every morning reminding you of the day's programs with the link to the zoom classes. You can choose whether to attend or not. You can also cancel your 'subscription' at any time. Have a look and see if anything tickles your fancy. Give it a try! It's not going to cost you anything!
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We have contracted the services of Art Your Service since August of last year. Jen has put together a
Click HERE to find see Jen on The Marilyn Denis Show.
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UKE LESSONS WITH STEVE PASKIN!
CLASSES ARE FREE OF CHARGE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
FRIDAY BRAND NEW PLAYERS @ 1 ON ZOOM! New students should register with your name, phone number, email address and the programs you would like to register for by replying to this email. It’s great fun and easy to learn.
To Join Zoom Meeting Click Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83443417841?pwd=dTYzOUg0cDFJY2MxK01YMTMybUY3UT09
Meeting ID: 834 4341 7841
Passcode: 464375
TUESDAY BEGINNER CLASS AT 1 PM. These folks have been playing together for a while, but if you already play a little, come join the fun.
To Join Zoom Meeting Click Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89981641659?pwd=OTZ2TFQ1YmhUa2lnMmhxbWxocU5Idz09
Meeting ID: 899 8164 1659
Passcode: 779405
THURSDAY MORE EXPERIENCED CLASS AT 1 PM. For a little more challenging lesson, drop by!
To Join Zoom Meeting Click Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87606384471?pwd=eWQ2OUliSjlpRkZTOVFKTGlOdzcrUT09
Meeting ID: 876 0638 4471
Passcode: 368835
FRIDAY PRACTICE SESSION with Blair AT 1 PM. Come play along, lead, or just listen to the music of our ukulele players! All welcome to attend. If you have a favorite 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/82439908250?pwd=RW9Qc0wyUHQvbGRaUEZZcTAreDRQUT09
Meeting ID: 824 3990 8250
Passcode: 559811
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Meet with friends and peers Fri mornings at 10 am
in January to support each other during this pandemic.
It's really a chit chat, get to know each other and share!
Suzanne Carlaw from Chantel Coward's office, brings information to help us build resilience. Drop-in - all welcome. Suzanne helps people live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.
Fridays at 10 am in January.
Join Zoom Meeting - click HERE or copy and paste the link below into your address bar a few minutes before start-time.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86754906547?pwd=UWdjOFhJWit3Q0pkd1dtcUFPVVF2dz09
Meeting ID: 867 5490 6547
Passcode: 513895
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BE PREPARED, NOT SCARED OF EMERGENCIES
with ROB HEFFERNAN, COUNTY OF SIMCOE
Fri Feb 12 at 10 am
What do we need to prepare for, living in Simcoe County? What should you include in a 72 hour emergency kit? Join in to welcome Rob Heffernan, Emergency Services Program Supervisor from the County of Simcoe, as he shares what we really need to know.
Zoom link to follow.
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See our growing program list below. The Picnic Pavilion in Little Lake Park is now closed for the season. Our online classes are doing great. Thanks to our volunteers and paid program delivery folks for your dedication and commitment.
Here's an update of our growing FREE Zoom & Outdoor Programming:
Monday – Picnic Pavilion is now closed for the season
Monday – Zoom Meetings
930-1030 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy Barker
10 Adele’s French Class
10 Material Girls Quilting
1 Let’s Write
Tuesday – Zoom Meetings
10 Health Talk Tuesdays
1 Ukulele Beginner Zoom
Tuesday - Outdoor
1:00 Wye Marsh with Blair (Closed during lock-down)
Wednesday - Picnic Pavilion is now closed for the season
Wednesday - Zoom or Facebook Meeting
930 am Facebook Live Chair Yoga (on our Facebook or All Things Danna Facebook)
930-1030 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy Barker
10:00 - 11 am Material Girls over Zoom
1 pm Woodcarving Ron will be standing by at 1:00 PM to answer any woodcarving questions that you may have.
1:45-3 Art Therapy with Luci & Rhonda
7 Bring Your Own Book Club with Midland Public Library (see ad below)
Thursday - Picnic Pavilion is closed for the season
Tai Chi practice & set videos are on our website where you can enjoy them at your leisure. Click HERE .
Thursday – Zoom Meetings
10 Beginner Acrylic Class
10 Beginner Watercolour
1 Ukulele Lessons for more experienced – link below
1 Watercolour for more experienced
2:30 Acrylics for more experienced
2:30 Creative Writing with Bev Hanna
Friday Outdoor
10 am Walking Group at Wye Marsh with Blair. Wye Marsh is closed down until we are out of lock down.
10 am Suzanne Carlaw group session to help us cope!
Friday – Zoom Meetings
1 Ukulele Jammers with Blair
1 Beginner Ukulele Course - 4 wks during Jan 2021
Do you have an idea for a program while the Centre is closed? Let us know and we will work on it with you. .All programs are being offered free thanks to a grant we received from the New Horizons for Seniors federal program. It allows us to pay instructors, cover the cost of zoom for volunteers and pay any other incidental fees.
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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Get going with Danna!!
Wed 930 am Facebook Live Chair Yoga (on our Facebook or All Things Danna Facebook)
It’s Danna Montgomery, our fantastic fitness instructor! Danna offers Zumba, Chair Yoga, gentle floor Yoga, Hustle Muscle and Vinyasa Flow. Search All Things Danna on Facebook and join her page. That's where you will see the recorded and live videos and where Danna will post other information.
Have a lovely weekend...enjoy the sun! 🙏 🥰 💕
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Learn to Needle Felt in 2021!
Hey, we've found someone able to teach Needle Felting over zoom. We will have an introductory session in January to demonstrate this very cool art form. Classes would start early in the new year. Watch this eblast for more details.
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LINEDANCING ON ZOOM!
Line dancing with Cathy Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am!!
Zoom will open at 9:15 for for social time.
Topic: Line Dancing with Cathy
Time: Mondays and Wednesdays starting Nov 16, 9:30 AM
Click on the link below to join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89371332026?pwd=VHJCWFZDMXNncTUvUUxPT1pKbTFkZz09
Meeting ID: 893 7133 2026
Passcode: 151616
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B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Book) Club with Midland Public Library
Read a book that fits our theme and join friendly readers to discuss. This program will replace our 'in-person' club until we are able to return to classes safely. Thank you Midland Public Library's Jen!!
Email jpaquette@midlandlibrary.com to register and receive the Zoom meeting link.
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FOOT CLINIC NEWS
Are your toes needing a little TLC? Although Julie can't meet you at the Centre, 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 appointment. (Leave a message if necessary and Julie will get back to you.)
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Our friends at CSOLVE (local computer experts) will provide support to our members for the purpose of assisting with the creation and setup of computer tools and applications that will enable you to attend our programs electronically or connect with others. (Primarily with Zoom program.) CSOLVE is offering this service to our members at no charge from now until May 31 (or beyond at CSOLVE's discretion). THANKS CSOLVE!
If you are a member who needs help getting connected, on Facebook - hit the blue Send Message button at the top of our page or reply to our Eblast or message us through our website and Blair or Judy will forward your information to CSOLVE with your information. This applies to people who are delivering programs and want to understand the program better.
In your message to us, be sure to include the following:
Name, Phone Number, Email Address, Description of what you need help with, Best time contact you (between 8 am to 5 pm, Tues to Fri). They will then contact you.
Please note that this free service will be performed on a ‘best effort’ basis with the understanding that CSOLVE’s contracted clients will take priority.
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Canadian Blood Services is immensely grateful to blood donors for their cooperation, understanding and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year brought forth changes none of us could have predicted or imagined, and your support means patients needing lifesaving care in the form of blood and blood products were able to receive what they needed, when they needed it. While they hope that existing donors will continue to give as much as they can, they know that new donors are critical to meeting Canada’s future blood needs. Across Canada, Canadian Blood Services must collect 17,000 units of blood every week.
They're OPEN and NEED DONORS:
Giving blood is permitted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, even during lockdowns. They encourage donors to book, and honour their appointments, to ensure an ongoing supply of blood and blood products for patients in need. They have implemented various measures in response to COVID-19 to ensure donors’ wellbeing is safeguarded at all times.
It's worth noting that blood donation is an activity that can help address feelings of helplessness you may have in the face of COVID-19. Find out if you’re eligible today and book an appointment at an upcoming clinic at blood.ca or on the GiveBlood app!
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NEW MEMBER REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED VIA MAIL AND CHEQUE.
2021 Renewals will only be accepted after we open in the Rec Centre. Please wait. Your current membership is valid until that time. Please don't send renewals for 2021 at this time.
The Board of Directors has decided to extend the membership of all existing 2020 paid up members until the Centre is able to safely open. This will be sometime after the new year. At that time the Board will determine the renewal price.
We have had many enquiries from people wanting to join as new members. New memberships paid now will cover 2020 and all of 2021. People are interested in the virtual, outdoor and Wye Marsh programs. The cost will be $50.
At this point, the only way we can safely accept payment is by cheque via mail. If you print off the registration form above or access it on our website and mail it to us, we will register you, make your membership card and mail it back to you. You need the card to show at Wye Marsh and any other opportunities we are able to line up for you.
We would appreciate if existing 2020 members wait until we reopen or have an online solution to renew. We'll provide updates as soon as they become available.
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WYE MARSH (BAD) NEWS!
Unfortunately, the Marsh's trails are closed during this grey zone lock down. Watch for more information later in January. It's sad for us and for the Marsh.
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Above is our screening and waiver and below is our routine for outdoor programs.
Our Protocols for Outdoor Program Delivery (as directed by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit & Town of Midland)
1. We ask that the earlier classes leave the pavilion are upon completion of their class to avoid unmanageable contact during the turn over.
2. You will check-in at a welcome station with your mask on prior to entering the pavilion where staff will be screening volunteers, staff and participants upon arrival everyday they are present for activities. This will involve a verbal question regarding health.
3. Collecting a name and number for potential contact tracing - pls know your phone # – list can be destroyed after 30 days
4. Posting signage for hand hygiene, physical distancing,
5. Having enough staff or volunteers to control crowd and carry out duties/reminders of physical distancing.
6. Ensure people are keeping at least 2m distance from each other at all times even if they are wearing a mask.
7. All participants will be required to sign a waiver (above), to release, indemnify and hold harmless Askennonia Senior Centre including its directors, administrators, employees.
NOTE: If more people arrive than can be socially distanced, last to arrive will not be permitted to attend.
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COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE IN MIDLAND
Effective Friday, August 28 the Midland COVID-19 Assessment Centre will be moving from its current location at 845 King Street, Midland, to its new location at 1156 St. Andrews Drive, Midland. The new Assessment Centre 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. The call center scheduling appointments are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 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.
HOW WILL I FIND OUT THE RESULTS?
Public Health will contact you to inform you of the result and provide any other necessary information if you test positive.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET THE RESULTS?
This will vary depending on the number of tests being performed. You will be advised to remain at home in self-isolation pending the results of your test. Regardless of the results, you must self-isolate at home.
For general questions, do not call or go to the COVID-19 assessment centre. Instead, call the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-888-225-7851.
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Erika Rice from the Alzheimer Society is happy to do virtual information sessions for our membership. If this is something you are interested in, please contact Erika at erice@alzheimersociety.ca ,
Here are some popular topics for a 1-hour information session:
- Normal aging vs. not normal aging
- Maximizing you brain health
- What is dementia?
- Dementia Friendly Communities – How can you support friends and neighbours with dementia?
- Living safely with dementia
- Enhancing communication with people living with dementia
Click HERE for information on all the programs that Alzheimer Society has to offer. If you have a topic in mind that is not listed above, Erica would be happy to tailor a session to your needs.
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REMINDER FROM VALUMART, DOWNTOWN MIDLAND
It's safest to stay at home! Let us bring your groceries to you!
100% free service!
Deliveries Monday to Saturday, everywhere from Cedar Point to Wyevale to Port Severn!
Email us your list at valumartdelivery@yahoo.ca
or call us at 705-526-5140. Credit card payment only.
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Our friends from the Canadian Red Cross wanted you to know that even though the Red Cross Transportation service is currently on hold, they are still able to provide Hot and Frozen Meals on Wheels to seniors or persons with disabilities. They are also doing Telephone Assurance calls to anyone who is feeling isolated or alone. If you would like more information, please contact them at 705-721-3313 ext 5266.
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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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