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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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North Simcoe bookings for Covid-19 Vaccines
Age 50+ in 2021 can book an appointment online on the provincial booking system BY CLICKING HERE or call the provincial call centre at 1-833-943-3900 to book by phone (if you don't have an email address).
If you need assistance booking and (i.e. - you don't have a health card) the SMDHU can help by calling 705-721-7520 ext. 5997 Vaccine Booking Support Line.
There's a new Vaccine Standby List that people who need their FIRST DOSE and qualify under provincial registration can sign up for every morning at 7 am. It's to use up any doses left at end of the day. Click HERE to find out more.
40+ year-olds can find out more about the latest information on local pharmacies offering vaccinations by clicking HERE and selecting the proper category.
If you already have an appointment but need transportation to the clinic in Midland or Penetang, call Community Reach/Accessible Transit at 705-528-6999. Office is open Mon-Fri 8-4:30 or Sat 8:30-2. They will arrange for safe transport for a nominal fee. You do not have to be an existing client. These are special vaccination rides. There's also an option during registration to request transportation.
Note: For those still waiting to have your second dose scheduled - please be patient. Health Unit is currently contacting people who had their first shot prior to Feb 8. Soon, the provincial booking system will allow us to book 2nd dose online. If you received your first dose from a pharmacy or physician, they will connect with you regarding the second dose. You have not been forgotten and you will receive your second dose on time!
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DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT NEED HELP REGISTERING FOR THEIR VACCINE? PLEASE BE PROACTIVE AND CALL TO CHECK ON THEM AND OFFER TO HELP THEM ONCE YOU HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION.
Please continue to be vigilant in your efforts to stay virus-free. If you follow the links to the provincial booking system, you should find the latest information. It's changing all the time.
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BLAIR CAN HELP!
Are you thinking it might be time to give our online classes and programs a try? Do you need help with Zoom and some guidance on how to get involved? Blair can help!
Reply to this email or send Blair a message requesting help at blair.askennonia@gmail.com with your phone number. Blair will get you connected! (Blair is not a computer tech, but she knows Zoom!) It may help make this lockdown more tolerable!
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The winner of the Scavenger Hunt was Christine Guy!
Blair hosted a fun, online scavenger hunt on Wed evening. Would you have been the first to find an ashtray, $2 bill or VHS tape? Well, Christine was the fastest, Ruth Deaves was second and Gerry Peters came in third. Blair dropped of a Dino's Fresh Deli gift card to Christine and will put together a little prize pack for Ruth and Gerry. Everyone won, by sharing lots of laughs and having a fun evening.
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Tues May 11 @ 10 am with Vlad Bajic!
Vlad will discuss common mistakes that patients make when taking care of dentures. He will also discuss different types of dentures and options for clients who are missing 1 or just a few teeth.
Click HERE a few minutes before 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
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Come join the conversation and this week, the meditation!
Wed at 2 pm with Chantel Coward.
It's nice to hear how others are coping and to have the guidance and expertise of a professional who shares tips on how to sort out our feelings and deal with the changes the last year has dealt us. Chantel volunteers her time with us and that helps us live happier, healthier and more productive lives.
Accept this as a personal invitation to you. During our Wednesday sessions, you are welcome to talk or just watch and listen. That's totally your call. It's a good way to connect with peers and we've always got lots to learn! Chantel is so generous of her time!
Click HERE a few minutes before the talk or copy and paste the following link into your address bar.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82494190722?pwd=VzN2c1M4U25ZUFA5aWJNenlwd3JQdz09
Meeting ID: 824 9419 0722
Passcode: 561267
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Coffee Chat Zoom
Thurs May 13 @ 10 am
It's a Social with Blair!
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/83876980950?pwd=WVNDbC94blYxUHp5S3pPZE8yQlBpdz09
Meeting ID: 838 7698 0950
Passcode: 824942
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Come cruise with Mike Brooke
The Norway West Coast
Thurs May 20 @ 10 am.
Cruise up Norway's west coast from Bergen, across the Arctic Circle to the northernmost part of Europe and back to Bergen. The villages, fiords and offshore islands make this a fantastic cruise. Hop aboard onshore excursions to learn more about the country. 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/84526799864?pwd=SUlNZ1ZvZTNUd1dEQ2F4b2VRVmNBdz09
Meeting ID: 845 2679 9864
Passcode: 124008
Do you have a travelogue you would like to share? Please reply to email and Blair will connect with you.
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Midland Public Library
Friday May 28 @ 10 am
Come on a Zoom to see what Midland Public Library has to offer. From cool things to borrow, to take & make kits and a whole host of live and recorded virtual events, MPL is a busy place! Adult & Teen Services Coordinator, Jennifer Paquette, highlights some of the fun and exciting programs & services available through MPL.
Zoom Link will be added the week before!
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Like and follow us on Facebook!!!
It's the easiest way to keep up to date with what's going on over zoom.
It's also where we post our exercise links for Danna's classes.
Share our page with your friends and family.
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Dylan's Mother's Day Concert Saturday @ 6 pm.
To watch Dylan's concert for frontline workers, visit his Dylan Alexander Lock or our Facebook page at or after the prescribed time. Thanks, Dylan! You brighten our weekends!
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The Seniors CARE Exercise Program is for people who want to improve mobility, strength, coordination, and balance in order to reduce the risk of falls and for good health. Each 1.5-hour class includes physical exercise, brain games, and an education component covering a variety of topics and is delivered by Registered Kinesiologists.
How to join the program: 2 ways:
1st way:-Fastest
- Make an appointment with the health care provider and tell them you want to join the Seniors CARE Exercise Program
- The doctor will fill out the form and send it off
2nd way:-A bit slower
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Hop on the PARTY LINE PROGRAM!
Register anytime! It's not too late!
WHY? Would you like to make someone’s day and maybe your own? Many of our volunteers have expressed that they miss the feel-good moments that serving others induces. Others have shared just how lonely and long the days can be. This can be especially true for people who aren’t computer savvy. If you know people who aren’t receiving our eblast or following us on Facebook, but would like to participate, please advise Blair, so that she can call them to register.
WHAT? We are introducing a new program, “PARTY LINE” that’s telephone based and will be managed by Blair. If you register for the program by emailing Blair at blair.askennonia@gmail.com with your name & phone number, Blair will match you up with another member who has registered. (You can also reply to this email and Judy will forward your registration to Blair,) Blair will provide you with the name and number of this week’s partner. You each call the other once during the week.
WHEN? Starting January 26, on Tuesdays, member ‘A’ will call member ‘B’, when you can introduce yourselves to each other and chat as little or as long as you are both comfortable with. Then on Friday, member B calls member A and you can either just chat or you can come up with a topic if you like. Perhaps a childhood story, places you have travelled or a favorite recipe. The next week (or twice per month depending on numbers) you will get a new name and number from Blair and we do it all again. If you would like to stay connected with your previous phone buddy, that’s fine so long as you fulfill your commitment to call a new buddy. The commitment you make is to call your Party Line partner on the agreed upon day!
WHO? All Askennonia members who enjoy meeting new people, like talking on the phone, have a desire to brighten the lives of others while enhancing their own well-being are invited to register with Blair and give this program a try. Initially, we are restricting registration to our members.
This pandemic has underscored just how important social connections and engagement are to all of us. We know that having something to look forward to, helping others feel better and sharing stories and experiences enhances all our lives.
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CHIGAMIK SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE
Chigamik has a variety of programs offered online for the whole family, but many are designed for older adults. Have a look and register if you find some you'd like to try. They look really interesting!
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Hike for Hospice Huronia!
To support Team "Blair & Askennonia" or join our team, click HERE
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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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88454766346?pwd=YTlHTjFNU3RYSWxCOWlpNFN0WWRJUT09
Meeting ID: 884 5476 6346
Passcode: 694658
Tuesday, May 11th Vlad Bajic from Bajic Dentures.
Vlad will discuss common mistakes that patients make when taking care of dentures, he will also discuss different types of dentures that are out there and what happens if patients are only missing few teeth.
Tuesday, May 18th Boost your Brain Fitness with Chartwell and Fit Minds.
Keeping your brain active by giving it a new experience and workout every day can help reduce your risk of dementia. Join Diane Enns with Chartwell.
Tuesday, May 25 th Value of Ceremony in Funerals and The Benefits of Pre-Planning.
Please join Katie Gadd, Licensed Funeral Director with the Nicholls and Penetanguishene Funeral Homes, for a talk about The Value of Ceremony in Death and the Benefits of Pre-Planning for your final wishes. Katie will provide you with information, so you will be able to make the right decisions - for you and your family, ahead of time. Following the presentation, there will be a time for an open discussion.
Tuesday, June 1st * Q & A with Ingrid Beam from the Arthritis Society.
What is keeping you from moving well and living your best life every day? Question and answer discussion to review pain management, mobility challenges and resources available, including those within the community. An interactive hour where participants can also share what works for them!
Tuesday, June 8th Cooking Class with Andre
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. Lots of taste and no waste!!
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See our growing program list below. Once it's safe to do so, we will resume outdoor programs at the Picnic Pavilion in Little Lake Park.
Our online classes are doing great. Thanks to our volunteers and paid program delivery folks for your dedication and commitment. All programs are currently free and open to all. No membership required.
Monday – Zoom Meetings
930 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy Barker Click HERE to zoom.
10 Adele’s French Class (reply to this eblast for more information)
1 Let’s Write Click HERE to zoom.
Tuesday – Zoom Meetings
10 Health Talk Tuesdays Click HERE to zoom
1 Ukulele Beginner Click HERE to zoom
Wednesday - Zoom or Facebook
930 Chair Yoga (on our Facebook or All Things Danna Facebook)
930 Advanced Line Dance with Cathy Barker Click HERE to zoom
10 Material Girls (quilters) Click HERE to zoom
1 Woodcarving with Ron Hunt Click HERE to zoom
7 Bring Your Own Book Club with Midland Public Library (see ad below)
Thursday - Zoom Meetings
Tai Chi practice & set videos are on our website. Click HERE .
10 Beginner Acrylic Class with Erin (reply to this eblast for more info)
10 Beginner Watercolour with Hazel (reply to this eblast for more info)
10 Travelogue twice per month Click HERE to zoom
10 Blair's Coffee Chat twice per month Click HERE to zoom
1 Ukulele Lessons for more experienced Click HERE to zoom
1 Watercolour for more experienced (reply to this eblast for more info)
2:30 Acrylics for more experienced (reply to this eblast for more info)
2:30 Creative Writing with Bev Hanna Click HERE to zoom
Friday – Zoom Meetings
1 Ukulele Jammers with Blair Click HERE to zoom
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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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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County of Simcoe
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Through the 2021 Age-Friendly Seniors Housing Grant Program, the County's providing a boost to property owners planning to build or retrofit their spaces with age-friendly features. Visit http://ow.ly/NjWz50EkSdC for more details.
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Great news! We've been approved for a Retired Teacher of Ontario and Senior Community Grant that contains tablets!
If you or someone you know would benefit from a tablet to connect with family, friends or Askennonia online programs, but wouldn't really be able to purchase one, get your application in soon! Thanks to two grants, we are able to provide Samsung Tab A free of charge to people who wouldn't otherwise purchase one!
TO APPLY FOR A TABLET, REPLY TO THIS EMAIL AND FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW COMPLETELY. YOU CAN ALSO SEND COMPLETE INFORMATION TO jcontin@rogers.com WITH TABLET IN THE SUBJECT LINE.
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 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.)
We are hoping to identify folks who otherwise wouldn't be able to stay visually connected. Perhaps they have an older computer without a working 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 because they are on a very limited income.
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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Tai Chi with Hans on the beach in the Baja!
Hans Held is an Askennonia Tai Chi member who has wintered in the Baja. He teaches the 24 movement set of Tai Chi on the beach! Hans has supplied us with a copy of the set, that may be a little easier for folks not familiar with Tai Chi. It's a gentle exercise that apparently engages every muscle group without impact. If you are physically able to try it, it's relaxing, grounding will make you feel good!
To view the video, click HERE
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UKE LESSONS WITH STEVE PASKIN!
CLASSES ARE FREE OF CHARGE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
New students should register with their name, phone number, email address and the programs they would like to register for by replying to this email. It’s great fun and easy to learn.
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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Get going with Danna!!
Danna hosts Chair Yoga Live Wed 930 am on our Facebook and posts the links to all her fitness classes there, as well.
(You can also join All Things Danna Facebook page.)
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. Danna also provides zoom links on our page.
Every Wednesday at 9:30 am Danna hosts a Chair Yoga class LIVE on our Facebook page. You can review these videos at any time.
Have a lovely weekend...enjoy the sun! 🙏 🥰 💕
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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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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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All trails, the Visitor Centre, and the Birds of Prey Field are temporarily closed.
The Wye Marsh has opened its trails to walkers, skiers, and snow-shoers (no rentals) provided visitors follow their Covid-19 policies (available on our Facebook) and Askennonia members are welcome to use our amazing memberships on WEEKDAYS. Due to increased congestion on the trails and in the parking lot on weekends, Wye Marsh has asked that we utilize our memberships outside of those times. They are experiencing a high volume of visitors and to improve your experience and safety, have requested that for the time being, we avoid the busiest times. Thanks for your cooperation. Be sure to show your Askennonia card at reception and obey all Covid protocols.
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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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