2018 FALL NEWSLETTER

Message from the OACAO President Nancy Beddoe

Fall is one of the busiest times at our centres with open houses; welcome back BBQ’s and a full complement of programs. This also OUR VISION true with the OACAO - read on in the newsletter to find out about what A world in which adults are aging successfully, the OACAO staff and your fellow members have been up to. continuing to contribute, remaining engaged, and where their contribution to society is The Executive recently met with the new Minister for Seniors and recognized and valued. Accessibility, Raymond Cho at Queen’s Park. Minister Cho has been a OUR MISSION municipal politician since 1991 and prior to that he was a social To be a recognized leader worker. We took the opportunity to provide Minister Cho and his staff in the development of quality services, resources and with an overview of the OACAO and the importance of seniors centres supports for our network to ’s seniors. We noted how excited we were for the recent of community based funding of the 40 new SALCs and that we look forward to supporting older adult centres. the new Minister as he engages with seniors in Ontario. We look forward to having Minister Cho speak at our conference along with Ministry staff officials who will lead a Questions and Answer session after Minister Cho speaks.

Aging Well – Turning Vision into Action Conference 2018 brochure is now available and the committee have planned a great 2 days!! From the informative workshops, to the motivational speakers, amazing entertainment and the return of Totally Epic Tuesday – this is one Conference you will not want to miss.

Thanks to the OACAO staff team - Sue, Lina, Shelley and Marilyn, the OACAO Board members and OACAO volunteers for all of your hard work on behalf of the association.

I look forward to seeing everyone in October,

Nancy Beddoe President

Retiree Health & Dental Insurance

OASSIS has partnered with Prosum Health Benefits Inc.

OASSIS Benefit Plans for Not-For-Profits recognizes the importance of this key retiree financial decision and has contracted the expertise of an industry specialist to help retirees navigate this critical process.

Prosum Health Benefits Inc. is a national insurance agency focused on individual Health & Dental Insurance for retirees. They provide meaningful insights and solutions to retirees encountering the void in health insurance coverage as they head into retirement. Their primary goal is to educate the consumers so they can make informed health care decisions.

There are two plans: Link & Zone  The Link plan are conversion plans for anyone who is leaving a group insurance plan.  The Zone plan are available to anyone at anytime.

www.oassisplan.com www.prosumhealthbenefitsinc.ca

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Message from the OACAO Executive Director Sue Hesjedahl

Hello OACAO members, partners and friends. We are pleased to share our Fall Newsletter with you. You will find it filled with contributions from our Members and Business Partners as well as timely updates on the OACAO 2018 Aging Well conference, our upcoming Regional Workshops/Webinar series and other important OACAO initiatives and government relations work.

OACAO Executive met with Hon. Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility on August 10th, members of the OACAO Executive and I met with Minister Cho to inform the Minister about the important work that the OACAO does to support older adult centres and seniors’ organizations across Ontario. We highlighted the value of Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) and noted that the modest investment made by the Government of Ontario has a maximum impact on thousands of seniors in Ontario. We shared important OACAO research reports. Minister Cho and Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility officials will join us on Tuesday, Oct. 30th at our Aging Well Conference in . We look forward to this important opportunity for our members to interact with Minister Cho and staff.

The OACAO will soon launch our 2018 – 2019 New Horizons for Seniors Program project – Engaging Men in Older Adult Centres Across Ontario. The project includes 6 Regional Workshops and a Webinar with the purpose of educating OACAO members about the Men’s Sheds movement and other successful Men’s Health and Wellness programs. We welcome Maria Lindgren as our project consultant. We will be reaching out to our members this Fall to conduct a survey to gather information about successful male focused programs that are inclusive, reduce social isolation and improve health and wellbeing. Regional workshops will take place in early 2019, so please watch for more details. Watch the OACAO List Serve for more project details.

We are pleased to welcome new Platinum Partner: Ezotec Inc. and two new Gold Business Partners: Royal Botanical Gardens and Parkland on the Glen. (see page 5). I would like to thank Bolton Mills Retirement Communities (https://www.espritlifestyle.com/locations/bolton-mills/) for sponsoring our 3rd Annual Euchre Charity Event held in late July. The event was fantastic and raised just under $1,000 for the OACAO. Heartfelt thanks go out to all our event sponsors, donors and participants!

The OACAO staff team has been conducting a new member outreach campaign and as a result, we welcome nine new OACAO members since our last newsletter. (see page 4)

The OACAO welcomes new Board member, Martha Mackintosh, as our South West Region Senior Rep.

OACAO Awards: please consider nominating a colleague, volunteer, media or community partner for an OACAO Award. Nomination deadline is October 15. (see page 7)

The OACAO Premier event of the year is almost hear! Register now for the OACAO 2018 Conference: AGING WELL: Turning Vision Into Action taking place Oct. 29 & 30. Refer to the OACAO 2018 Conference Information on page 8. The full conference brochure and registration details are available on the OACAO website (www.oacao.org). The Early Bird Registration Deadline and the hotel guest room block release date is October 4th. We thank our long-time Diamond Conference Sponsor and partner Arbor Memorial Inc. for their continued support.

See you soon!

Sue Hesjedahl OACAO Executive Director

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OACAO Welcomes New Board Member

MARTHA MACKINTOSH – WINDSOR – SOUTH WEST REGION SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE We would like to take this opportunity to introduce our NEW South West Region Senior Representative, Martha Mackintosh. Martha spent a large part of her career in the administration of social benefits having worked as a Director for HRDC/Service Canada and was active in community volunteering. She is currently a volunteer at Life After Fifty in Windsor where she previously served as a staff member and board member. Martha is eager to continue helping seniors so that they can lead active and healthy lives. She enjoys promoting the benefits of Ontario seniors’ centres in supporting health and wellness for the individual and society.

Notice of Annual Meeting of Members 2018 TAKE NOTICE that the Annual Meeting of the Members of the OLDER ADULT CENTRES’ ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO, INC. will be held at: Hilton Mississauga/ Meadowvale, 6750 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario Monday, October 29th, 2018, at the hour of 8:00 am 1. To receive the Financial Statement of the Corporation for the year ending March 31, 2018; 2. To appoint the Auditors of the Corporation for 2018-2019; 3. To amend the by-laws; 4. To elect the Directors of the Corporation; 5. To approve and ratify the acts of the Directors and Officers of the Corporation of 2017-2018; 6. To transact such further or other business as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the above or otherwise. Dated the 18th of September, 2018. Sharon Oatway Sharon Oatway, Secretary If you have any questions regarding the OACAO Annual Meeting, please contact Sue Hesjedahl, Executive Director at [email protected] or 905-584-8125.

Welcome to our New Platinum Business Partner: Ezotec Inc. Welcome to our New Gold Business Partners: Royal Botanical Gardens Parkland on the Glen

Welcome to our New Members: Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation Community Centre 55 Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Killaloe Community Resource Centre Corporation of the Town of Arnprior Orangeville and District Senior Citizen’s Tim Anderson HOPE Resource Hub / Human Endeavour Inc. Sistering – A Women’s Place

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Welcome to Our New OACAO Platinum Business Partner

DID YOU KNOW - Every second of every day an adult aged 65 or older falls in the United States. Seniors should focus on training programs and exercises stimulating sensory reweighting as well as improving gaze stabilization by challenging vestibulo-ocular and vestibulocervical interactions. These functions are crucial for a well-functioning postural control system, especially considering that degeneration and disease often afflict these systems with aging. The EZOmat can help. HOW DOES IT WORK - EZOmats are designed and engineered based on the physics of action/reaction. The cones support your weight but will give slightly under the feet to create instability, absorb shock and rebound your body to make frequent adjustments. Even when you're not realizing it, EZOmats help enhance weight distribution. When standing or walking on our mat(s), you introduce subtle movement into your body and benefit from those simple contractions of the muscles. The muscles in your feet, calves, and legs are engaged because they have to adjust to the flexibility of the standing mat. These subtle movements shift weight throughout your lower extremities and balance out the amount of work each leg does. For more information or to purchase the EZOmat, please check us out at www.ezotec.com or contact us directly - Ross 226-927-3773 or Vijay 647-287-1847 and at our office 1-416-650-5144.

Welcome to Our New OACAO Gold Business Partners

Parkland Retirement Living is a division of Shannex Incorporated, a family-owned, Maritime-based company that has been in business since 1988. With locations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, you can experience an exceptional way to live at Parkland. Beautiful surroundings, fine dining, friendly neighbours and staff with none of the responsibilities of home ownership. With the happiness, health and wellness of clients as a top priority, Parkland offers a broad range of services and lifestyle choices to meet each individual’s unique needs. Enjoy the comfort of your own suite in a luxury setting, combined with an array of services and amenities designed for your enjoyment and convenience. At Parkland, you have the freedom to live the way you want. Parkland on the Glen is located at 1665 The Collegeway in Mississauga – 905-820-8210.

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada, a National Historic Site, and a registered charitable organization. We dedicate our expertise in horticulture, conservation, science and education to connect people, plants and place for the purpose of nurturing and preserving healthy growing life on our planet. Wrapped around the western tip of Lake Ontario, our 11 km2 (2,700 acre) property is Canada’s plant biodiversity hotspot, including significant wetlands, Carolinian forests, remnant prairies and five distinctly different garden areas featuring 50 different plant collections. We connect people of all ages with the world of plants and nature through outreach programs and distance learning, lifelong learning opportunities and events. Royal Botanical Gardes is located at 680 Plains Road West in Burlington - 905- 527-1158; 1-800-694-4769.

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Report from the Grand River Region

Submitted by Sue Morgan, Senior Representative, Grand River Region

A LOT has happened in our area this Spring!

Not necessarily in this order…

Wing 404 on Dutton Drive will be closing in the future. They will be moving to new quarters joining with the Adult Recreation Centre in Waterloo at the recreation Centre on Father David-Bauer Drive… Wing 404 hosted the Mayor’s City Address this year

Evergreen Seniors Centre held a “wonderful” fair this Spring. Lots of new vendors too.

Fergus also held a “Great Fair” and it increased its numbers of attendants. They too had a lot of new vendors…

The DCC (Downtown Community Centre), their Advisory Council disbanded…. Rockway Community Centre is the only one left with an Advisory Council. The City of Kitchener has 14 Community Centres.

All are welcome at our conference in October. (It is fantastic" and everyone learns a lot!).

Opportunity to Join the OACAO Board of Directors

Would you like to find out more about the OACAO or know a senior in your Centre who would be a good fit? We have some Regional Representative openings and we would like to hear from you. See below for a listing of current Board vacancies:

*Central Region - Senior Board Rep. *Golden Horseshoe Region - Staff Board Rep. *Metro Region - Staff Board Rep. *North Central Region - Senior Board Rep.

In most cases there is an alternate Rep from the Region, to sit on the Board with, so that you are not on your own. We welcome new recruits from our member agencies and would be happy to answer any questions. The commitment is minimal, especially in addition to what you already do in your community. Feel free to contact Kim Bradley, OACAO Past President, at 1.866.683.2760, ext. 2078 or [email protected] for more details.

We look forward to seeing you at our Regional Meetings/Workshops! Haven’t heard about Regional Meetings? Check with your Regional Representative and find out where and when your next meeting is taking place. Don’t miss out, get involved today, the benefits are endless!

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OACAO Awards

It is time to celebrate and recognize the success and achievements of the many volunteers, staff and community partners that help make our organizations so special. Applications are now being accepted for OACAO Awards 2018 at: http://www.oacao.org/programs/awards-program/ . The successful nominees will be honoured at the OACAO 2018 conference in October, or another suitable event. Submission deadline is Monday, Oct. 15th to Kim Bradley - [email protected]. Please see the list of OACAO awards below:

1) Community Spirit Award: Recognizing an organization or business that has displayed exceptional effort and commitment on behalf of Older Adult Centres, through senior-friendly service, accessibility or advocacy.

2) Print Media Award of Merit: recognizing a Print Media writer for an article that best reflects the purpose and goals of Older Adult Centres in Ontario. i. The article appeared in a daily, weekly or monthly print media publication ii. The article positively reflected on Older Adult Centres iii. The article reflected positively on the Centre participants iv. The article presented a positive image of older adults in Ontario v. Positive outcomes were initiated as a result of the article

3) Electronic Media Aware of Merit: recognizing an Electronic Media Producer for a presentation that best reflects the purpose and goals of Older Adults in Ontario. i. The presentation was presented as part of a daily, weekly or special radio or television production. ii. The production positively reflected on Older Adult Centres. iii. The production reflected positively on the Centre participants. iv. The production presented a positive image of older adults in Ontario. v. Positive outcomes were initiated as a result of the production.

4) Award of Merit: The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional effort and commitment on behalf of the OACAO. Any person from a Member Centre may recommend a candidate to receive the Award of Merit. The Executive shall make the final decision on award recipients. i. Anyone is eligible to receive an Award of Merit ii. Award of Merit may be conferred for: 1. A contribution to the field of Older Adults 2. Leadership in OACAO (Provincial, Regional, Centre) 3. Long Term service in OACAO (Personal Commitment)

Tax Receipted Donations

The OACAO is a registered Charity and has the ability to issue tax receipts. Go to www.oacao.org and click on the Donate Now button. Charitable Registration No. 125123471 RR0001. Thank you for considering the OACAO for your charitable donation. A huge thank you goes out to Wendy Wiehe for her donation.

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW THE OACAO ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

@oacao @TheOACAO

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OACAO Annual Conference - Turning Vision Into Action

CONFERENCE DETAILS Early bird registration deadline and guest room block release date is OCTOBER 4TH.

Registration On-line using the link: https://oacao.wildapricot.org/OACAO-Conference OR, send registration form by email to [email protected] or fax to 905-584-8126

Hotel Reservation 1-855-757-4862, the Group code is OAC1 (please mention when booking) OR, online-regisration link is https://book.passkey.com/go/OACAO2018

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Keynote Speakers: Dr. Samir K. Sinha, Lianne Picot, BodyBreak’s Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod, Hon. Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Address and Q & A, and Tim Westhead.

New This Year 15 Interactive hand’s-on workshops, Six Strong Solutions networking opportunity, Photo Booth, Silent Auction, Costume Contest and Hocus Pocus Halloween Gala featuring California Sun Quartet.

Diamond Conference Sponsor:

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https://www1.webcastcanada.ca/cra-arc/registration/918eng.php

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OACAO Seniors Information Fairs 2018 - 2019

The OACAO has received funding approval from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to administer 70 Seniors Information and Active Living Fairs for 2018-2019. Congratulations to all of the successful applicants that received funding for the 2018-2019 OACAO Seniors Information Fair. We will be hosting 70 fairs this year. Many thanks to the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility for their continued support of the OACAO Seniors Information Fair. Please see below for the Fall and Winter Fairs:

1. The Good Companions – September 5, 2018 2. Bowmanville Older Adult Association – Bowmanville September 5, 2018 3. Mills Community Support – Almonte September 6, 2018 4. Better Living Community Centre – September 15, 2018 5. Town of Ajax – Ajax September 15, 2018 6. Ryde Community Co-operative Inc. – Gravenhurst September 18, 2018 7. ** – Age Friendly/Get Active September 19, 2018 8. North York Seniors Centre – Toronto September 20, 2018 9. Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre – Toronto September 21, 2018 10. Eglinton Hill Centre – Toronto September 21, 2018 11. Parkside (Older Adult) Centre – Sudbury September 21, 2018 12. Wallaceburg Seniors Club. Inc. – Wallaceburg September 21, 2018 13. Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place – Newmarket September 22, 2018 14. * Town of Pelham-Seniors Active Living Centre – Fonthill September 25, 2018 15. * South East Grey Community Health Centre – Markdale September 26, 2018 16. City of Cambridge 50+ Recreation Centre – Cambridge September 27, 2018 17. The George S. Syme Centre of York – Toronto September 28, 2018 18. Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities – Scarborough October 1, 2018 19. *** Malvern Family Resource Centre – Scarborough October 2, 2018 20. Life After Fifty – Windsor October 12, 2018 21. Cobourg Seniors Activity Centre – Cobourg October 12, 2018 22. 50 Plus Centre – Thunder Bay October 13, 2018 23. ***Askennonia Senior Centre – Midland October 18, 2018 24. * Saugeen First Nation – Southampton October 18, 2018 25. 5 Deauville Lane Senior Active Living Centre – Toronto October 19, 2018 26. Gloucester 50+ Centre – Ottawa October 23, 2018 27. City of Pickering – Pickering October 24, 2018 28. * Walker House – Prescott October 27, 2018 29. *The Prince Edward Count Community Care for Seniors Ass. – Picton November 1, 2018 30. Seniors Unlimited – Batawa November 2, 2018 31. Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orleans – Orleans November 5, 2018 32. Municipality of 55+ Active Adults – Courtice November 10, 2018 33. Centre Pauline Charron – Ottawa November 12, 2018 34. Hamilton Council on Aging – Hamilton November 16, 2018 35. Bernard Betel Centre – Toronto November 21, 2018 36. *** Carefirst Seniors and Community Services Ass. – Scarborough December 5, 2018 37. Fairview Seniors Community – Cambridge January 25, 2019 38. Seaway Senior Citizen’s Club – Cornwall January 26, 2019 39. Horton Street Seniors Centre – London February 1, 2019 40. Eganville & District Seniors – Eganville February 6, 2019 41. Activity Haven Senior Centre – Peterborough February 8, 2019 OACAO 2018 FALL NEWSLETTER 11 | P a g e

OACAO Seniors Information Fairs 2018 – 2019 con’t

42. York Fairbank Centre for Seniors – Toronto February 22, 2019 43. Elder Help Peel – February 22, 2019 44. South Gate Centre – Woodstock March 4, 2019 45. * Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation – Pikwakanagan March 7, 2019 46. Centre Charles Emile Claude, centre polyvalent des aines Inc. – Cornwall March 7, 2019 47. York West Active Living Centre – Toronto March 12, 2019 48. Applegrove Community Complex – Toronto March 13, 2019 49. * Community Centre 55 – Toronto March 13, 2019 50. Active Adult Centre of Mississauga – Mississauga March 19 & 21, 2019 51. Rexdale Community Health Centre – Toronto March 19, 2019 52. Renfew Golden Age Activity Centre – Renfrew March 21, 2019 53. Rendez-vous des aines francophones d’Ottawa – Ottawa March 22, 2019 54. Victoria Park Seniors Centre – Fergus March 22, 2019 55. Central Eglinton Community Centre – Toronto March 26, 2019 56. The MacKay Centre for Seniors – Goderich March 27, 2019 57. Seniors Person Living Connected – Scarborough March 30, 2019 58. * The Township of Arnprior – Arnprior March 30, 2019 59. *** The Township of Woolwich – Breslau March 2019 *First Year Fairs, ** Northern Tour Fairs, ***Senior Active Living Centre Fairs For further information on the fairs please contact Shelley Wesseling, OACAO Fairs Coordinator, at [email protected], or Sue Hesjedahl, OACAO Executive Director at [email protected].

OACAO Summer Euchre Tournament

The OACAO had an amazing and successful 2018 summer thanks to our community outreach and support. This July, we held our annual euchre tournament and silent auction which was a huge success and a fun night for all who attended. The event took place July 27th from 6:30-10:00pm at the Caledon East Community Complex Lions’ Den, which provided a great event space with enough room for our food table, auction prizes, and room to move around and mingle. People from inside and outside our community joined us with their family and friends to enjoy delicious food and beverages, bid on prizes such as gift cards and gift baskets in our silent auction, and most importantly, to enjoy a fun night of euchre and community engagement. By the end of the night, almost $1000 had been raised for the OACAO through selling over 40 tickets and the success of our silent auction, goodie bags, and raffle prizes.

An extended thanks goes out to all individuals and companies who donated items and food to this year’s tournament, and to this year’s tournament sponsor, Bolton Mills Retirement Community and their community relations coordinator, Carmelina Citcuto. These events are made possible thanks to the generosity and support of our many community partners. We hope to have an even bigger and better tournament next year; we hope to see you there!

Submitted by Emma Beaton, Membership Outreach and Program Assistant (Summer Student).

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Newsletter Contribution from Our Members Arnprior Regional Health

Submitted by: Nahanni McIntosh, Manager, Communications & Engagement

Many hands make a Seniors Active Living Centre in Arnprior McNab/Braeside

It might take a village to raise a child, but it was the collective efforts of a town, a township, a hospital and nursing home, a local seniors service agency, a local seniors advocacy group, a family health team and community members that “gave birth” to the Arnprior McNab/Braeside Seniors Active Living Centre.

The town of Arnprior’s 2016 Age Friendly Community Plan identified the lack of accessible, affordable options for seniors in the community to remain active and socially engaged. Meanwhile, Anrprior Regional Health was planning for a future in which the number of seniors living in its catchment area (which was currently 20% of the population) was expected to double over the next 25 years. Although ARH operates a hospital and a nursing home and provides a number of community services for seniors, it was looking to keep seniors healthy and avoid unnecessary use of limited healthcare resources.

A team, led by ARH and including representatives from the Town of Arnprior, the Township of McNab/Braeside, Arnprior-McNab/Braeside Seniors at Home, the Greater Arnprior Seniors Council and the Arnprior & District Family Health Team, applied to the Ontario government to fund a much-needed SALC. With the announcement the application’s approval, the real work began.

Members of the partner organizations and seniors from our community created a taskforce to take on everything from project management and programming to space rental and marketing, and to ensure all partners had direct input. The Arnprior location of the SALC is scheduled to open on October 1st, with a second location opening in McNab/Braeside in early 2019. The SALC will offer low/no-cost programming and subsidized personal transportation to and from programs (such as senior’s yoga, creative writing and a Men’s Shed) to ensure that as many local seniors as possible can remain active and socially engaged.

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City of Burlington

Submitted by: Maddy Berki, Recreation Coordinator

Borrow-A-Bike Program at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre is Ready to Roll!

The Borrow-A-Bike program was developed collaboratively by the City of Burlington Adult recreation services and the Burlington Cycling Committee with the goal of making the joy of cycling accessible to all. Bicycle styles available at the Burlington Seniors' Centre include sturdy two or three wheel bikes each with easy-to-shift gears and step-through access making these bikes a comfortable and safe way to feel the wind in your hair (or head) once again!

The Borrow-A-Bike program is up and Rolling and offers two great retro-looking coaster-like bikes and one stability-cycle all with multi-gears. Baskets, horns, locks, and helmets for the sensibly stylish are included in this No Cost lending program!

Slowly re-acclimatize to cycling, grab a friend and tour the area, or make a weekly fitness date to pick up groceries while exercising on the bike path - without any storage or bike maintenance worries.

Enjoy this age-friendly, eco-friendly, and FUN-friendly activity! Speak to any Customer Service representative about the Borrow-a-Bike lending program available

Spring, Summer and Fall at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre. Five minutes or five hours - reserve your time today!

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Centre Charles-Emile-Claude Centre Polyvalent des aine(e)s Submitted by: Linda Newman, directrice generale

Ton cerveau au boulot ! Après une année d’exploitation du programme, nous sommes fiers de vous informer que plus de 170 participants auront eu accès à ce nouveau programme. Plus de 17 ateliers de dix semaines ont été offerts dans la région de Stormont, Dundas et Glengarry ainsi que Prescott- Russel. Au cours de l’été, nous avons présenté 7 ateliers complémentaires d’une heure sur différents thèmes abordés dans le programme.

Les ateliers ont eu lieu dans les endroits suivants; Alexandria, Cornwall et Embrun. Au cours de l’automne 2018, nous ajouterons des ateliers à Limoges, Lefaivre et Saint-Isidore. Quatre bénévoles se sont joints au programme ce qui permet d’élargir l’accès au programme.

Nous espérons que la Fondation Trillium de l’Ontario pourra renouveler son financement pour les trois prochaines années. Une demande de subvention est en processus d’évaluation. Cette subvention permettra d’élargir le programme et de l’offrir à d’autres communautés. Nous aurons des nouvelles vers la fin du mois d’octobre 2018.

Si vous désirez de plus amples informations sur ce projet, communiquez avec Frédérique Théorêt, notre agente de liaison communautaire au 613-932-1035.

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County Seniors Centre

Submitted by: Debbie MacDonald Moynes, Executive Director, The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association

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Etobicoke Support Services

Submitted by: Natalia Dziubaniwsky, Marketing & Promotion Specialist

Love is in the Air - ESS 11th Annual Dine for Dignity Fundraising Gala

Join ESS Support Services for an elegant and joyous evening of dining, entertainment and fundraising all in support of the seniors and caregivers using our programs and services.

Featuring special guest Jerry Howarth, former Blue Jays Radio Broadcaster, as Master of Ceremonies and

Canadian Crooner Michael Vanhevel as musical entertainment.

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a delicious 4-course dinner with complimentary wine at the table, raffle prizes and a large selection of exclusive silent auction items including fine jewellery, original works of art, fashion accessories, sporting event tickets and more.

Our Gala brings together community members to raise funds in support of a common cause that is close to our hearts and minds: providing caring services and programs which help seniors remain in the comfort of their own homes and support for family members caring for a loved one.

Tickets are $85 per person with $30 eligible for a tax receipt. Now accepting silent auction item donations and event sponsorships.

For more tickets and event information visit bit.ly/D4Dtickets2018, contact 416-243-0127 or [email protected].

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Hillsview Active Living Centre

Submitted by: Wendy Cotton, President

At Hillsview Active Living Centre – Georgetown fundraising is always an interesting topic for discussion at our monthly board meetings. We try to come up with ideas that we can take out into the community so that our members are not always left to “foot the bill”. As President of the Board of Directors I asked the board members to bring new ideas to the table for our May meeting. The members came through with lots of interesting ideas. We decided to try our hand at a gift card tree. The idea was to go out to all businesses in our community and ask for a donation of a gift card in the amount of $25. Our hope was to get $1000. in gift cards. A very ambitious group of people went to work canvassing. We went everywhere, banks, restaurants, gas bars, clothing stores, wellness centres, nail salons, barbers, hairdressers....and the list goes on. The incentive for the businesses was to have their name in our bulletin, on sales display boards, and on the back of the ticket. What an amazing response we got. By our cut off date we had over $2700 in gift cards from more than 70 businesses. You can just image how big our tickets are. Once all the cards were collected we hung a facsimile on a tree for display purposes. By the way, a tree was given to us by one of our contributors who loved the idea and wanted to help even more. We printed 1000 tickets and are selling them for $10. each or 3 for $25. Tickets have been on sale for a week and are selling like hot cakes. This has been a great fundraiser and a chance to get our Centre’s name and mission out to the businesses in our community. Lottery License: M483418

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North York Seniors Centre

Submitted by: Arlene De Vera, Development Coordinator

North York Seniors Centre – making a difference in a way that truly matters

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be 55+ and retired? For many of us that future seems far away - but not to the people that North York Seniors Centre (NYSC) serves. For them, that future is now.

Over 3,000 seniors in the North York area access programs and services offered by NYSC, and for each of them, NYSC makes a difference in a way that matters to them.

For older adults who want to stay active and socially ALC members enjoying a luncheon event. connected, there’s the Active Living Centre. It’s a place for older adults to socialize, have a coffee, learn new ideas, stay fit and connected - the same core reasons that prompted a group of seniors to start NYSC back in 1974!

A Day Away Club is the place to be for seniors dealing with cognitive and physical challenges. It gives them an opportunity to get out of the house, socialize and have fun in a safe and friendly environment while their caregivers get a much-needed break for some ME-time.

For seniors who need help with daily living activities and choose to live at home, NYSC Personal Support Workers can help with bathing, toileting, meal preparation and house cleaning, so they can live safely and independently. Home support is available 24/7. NYSC’s courteous and experienced drivers take seniors to where they need to go: like medical appointments, errands, and programs.

Knowing that loneliness, especially among Art Corner at the A Day Away Club Active Living Centre's Fitness isolated seniors, can lead to serious health Centre consequences, NYSC’s staff and volunteers can reach out with a call or visit to check on their wellbeing and provide social interactions.

Are you a senior or a caregiver, or perhaps a family member with friend or neighbour who could use NYSC’s services? Whether you are looking for help or looking to help, contact 416 733.4111 or [email protected] and find out what NYSC could mean to you.

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Retraite active de Peel

Submitted by: Carmen Gauthier, Chair, Board of Directors

Du nouveau finalement pour les aînés de Peel ! Sous le thème Ensemble…vers l’avenir, Retraite active de Peel a tenu le 29 mai dernier son Assemblée de fondation en tant qu’organisme francophone incorporé. Bien qu’en action depuis 2004, Retraite active juge que l’incorporation comme organisme sans but lucratif saura appuyer les efforts déployés afin de desservir les aînés et les retraités francophones de Peel.

Le thème du dernier bulletin de l’OACAO, « Commencer quelque chose de nouveau maintenant » ne peut être plus juste pour décrire ce que Retraite active entend accomplir. La programmation jusqu’à maintenant s’offrait dans divers locaux dépendant de la disponibilité et des coûts. Or, grâce à une collaboration quasi historique avec la ville de Mississauga, Retraite active lancera officiellement sa programmation le 12 septembre, ce qui donnera accès à un très beau local à raison de deux jours semaine. En effet, c’est au centre communautaire Frank McKechnie situé au 310 chemin Bristol est à Mississauga que Retraite active offrira ses activités sur une base régulière dès cet automne. Au cours des dernières années, Retraite active a offert des ateliers de promotion de la santé, des activités en plein air, un cercle du livre et plusieurs autres activités rassembleuses pour les aînés francophones de Peel.

Tous ces renseignements sont maintenant disponibles sur le tout nouveau site de Retraite active au www.retraiteactivepeel.ca . Vous y trouverez la nouvelle programmation et beaucoup d’informations utiles sans oublier le nom des membres du conseil d’administration de Retraite active.

Tous les efforts déployés depuis si longtemps pour obtenir un local afin de se réunir et répondre aux besoins de nos membres ont finalement portés fruits.

Les membres du conseil d’administration sont enthousiastes de commencer la nouvelle saison qui comprendra aussi son projet « Branchons-nous ! », des ateliers sur l’utilisation de tablettes pour les aînés. Les dates et l’endroit seront affichés sur le site web.

Retraite active de Peel is a non-profit community group of Francophone seniors (55+) active in Peel Region since 2004. Our goal is to break seniors’ isolation and contribute to their physical and mental well-being. We offer cultural, physical, social and health educational activities that encourage seniors to keep active, to learn and to connect to the community and their peers. To learn more, visit our new Website at www.retraiteactivepeel.ca or contact us at [email protected].

Good news for the Francophone seniors in Peel! Retraite active de Peel officially launched its Seniors Active Living Centre Program at the Frank McKechnie Community Center, 310 Bristol Rd East in Mississauga on Wednesday September 12, 2018.

The new partnership with the City of Mississauga supports Retraite active de Peel's expansion of their programs and services for Francophone seniors and retirees of the Region of Peel to two days a week.

Mayor Bonnie Crombie's remarks reinforced the importance for seniors to sustain a healthy lifestyle and to access French-language programs. Ward 5 Councillor attended the event along with Marie-Lison Fougère, Deputy Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. Many community leaders attended the event. The keynote speaker, Dr. Guy Proulx, Director of Glendon Centre for Cognitive Health, shared his recent findings on aging well.

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The Good Companions Centre

Submitted by: Monique Doolittle-Romas, Executive Director

The Good Companions celebrates Pride in Ottawa The Good Companions (TGC) hosted its fifth annual Pride BBQ on Tuesday, August 21st, 2018. More than 80 guests attended the BBQ. In keeping with the theme, the meal was rainbow inspired and followed with a Rainbow cake prepared by the TGC Food services team. The lunch was followed by the Musical stylings of the Barbershop Therapy. The Good Companions was honored to be featured as a community event in support of Capital Pride 2018. TGC members and staff proudly joined the Ottawa Seniors Pride Network (OSPN) in the Pride Parade on Sunday, August 26th. It was an honor to celebrate Capital Pride as an ally with our friends at OSPN.

The Good Companions has worked closely with the Ottawa Senior Pride Network. Volunteers and staff participate in ongoing training opportunities. TGC also hosts a Rainbow Coffee Club for members of the LGBTQ community. The club is a networking and educational time offered off site but coordinated by team members of TGC.

Open House and Health Fair on Wednesday, September 5th. The Good Companions hosted an Open House and Health Fair on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018. The extreme heat did not deter seniors from enjoying the seminars, visiting the more than thirty exhibitors and partaking in dancing demonstrations. 500 guests were treated to a free chili lunch, a blood pressure clinic hosted by Chartwell Bridlewood retirement residence, and a hearing clinic provided by Connect Hearing. Mayor Jim Watson joined TGC for part of the day. The zumba and line dancing demonstrations were very popular. Thanks to the Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario and the Ministry for Seniors and accessibility for their generous support.

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Town of Ajax

Submitted by: Robbie Prochilo, Community Recreation Supervisor

Since receiving the Active Living Seniors Centre Program Expansion Funding through the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility, the Pickering & Village Seniors Centre and Ajax Seniors Friendship Club have been able to offer more to their members. Weekly art classes have been added as part of their weekly activity list and the members are loving it.

The weekly art program allows for expression of creativity and allows members to reconnect with their inner art and for none artists an opportunity to try something new.

The program can get up to 20 members weekly and is run by a local professional artist.

Some of the types of art offered include water colour painting, clay, acrylic painting and Zentangle.

The funding has allowed for greater opportunity of member engagement between both clubs and has also interested new memberships.

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Newsletter Contribution from Our Business Partners

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How We Settled into Senior Living

Ella and Jack were struggling on their own before they moved to senior living at Amica. “We were feeling very low,” says Ella, 95. “We wanted to live closer to family and have help with care.” When she visited Amica at Newmarket, which she found to be bright, clean and filled with friendly faces, Ella said to her daughter, “I am home.” However, feeling at home took a little time, which is very common for many seniors.

At first, they felt apprehensive about fitting in and being understood (they both have Scottish accents). Ella took it upon herself to learn two new names every day. She found it challenging to take a step back from caring for Jack, who is 93. “I’m still learning to let the staff take care of little things, though I’m happy I don’t have to worry as much anymore,” she says.

Their neighbours and staff helped them settle in simply by being friendly and helpful. And the staff were excellent. “They always go out of their way to accommodate our needs,” says Ella. Within weeks of moving, both were eating and sleeping better, feeling relaxed and socializing more at activities. “I was fading away at home,” says Ella. “Moving to Amica has made me healthier physically and mentally—it has taken 95 years of weight off my shoulders. Our family can relax now as we’re in good hands and perfectly happy.”

Teresa experienced a similar turnaround when she moved to Amica at Windsor after her husband, Vince, passed. “Initially, I felt overwhelmed at leaving the home I’d shared with Vince,” Teresa says. “But when I got to Amica, I didn’t have time to feel homesick. Right away, a resident on my floor introduced herself and she has been keeping me busy ever since!”

Settling in was easier than Teresa thought thanks to the people. “The residents welcomed me and instantly made me feel a part of the family. Vince and I had talked about retirement living before he passed. He’d told me he wants me to enjoy life, so that’s what I am doing. Being at Amica has given me the chance to start a new life and I’m ready for it.”

Start a new life with premium service and the kindness of neighbours. Book a visit today at www.amica.ca.

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Parkland on the Glen Award Winning Retirement Living in Mississauga

Situated on the grounds of the historic Glenerin Inn, Parkland on the Glen is retirement living at its best. Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Sawmill Valley Conservation area, the Mississauga skyline, the Erindale community and Lake Ontario, Parkland on the Glen is all about “Living your Best Life”.

Whatever you want to experience during your retirement years, you are guaranteed to find it at Parkland on the Glen. The beautifully landscaped campus includes lush gardens, manicured lawns and lovely areas to walk and sit outdoors that you can enjoy during the warmer months of the year.

Inside, Parkland on the Glen residents enjoy the benefits of active retirement living with our regularly scheduled recreation activities such as the theatre group, book club, French club and exercise classes. There are resident challenges to a friendly game of pool, or residents get to know their neighbours over easy conversation by the fireplace in the lounge and bistro. Enjoy a movie at the theatre, spend some quiet time reading a book in our library or connect with family in our computer lounge.

If at first, you are a bit hesitant to try out new things, you will quickly feel at ease with the help of our Resident Welcome Committee, Activities Director and Health Care Team who work together to help you maximize your social and health potential. Social activities such as travel talks, history lectures or tea parties (to name a few) can be combined with physical activities such as yoga, Zumba and strength and balance classes.

Whatever your interests may be, Parkland on the Glen provides the social setting to allow you to enjoy a lifestyle suited to your way of life.

Parkland on the Glen partners with many of the area Older Adult Centres in Mississauga. Contact Grace Miksa at 905-820-8210 to book a personalized tour or to find out more about how Parkland can support your Centre’s initiatives. For more information, visit www.ParklandRetirementLiving.com

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Plants for all Seasons at your Doorstep Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada, a National Historic Site, and a registered charitable organization. We dedicate our expertise in horticulture, conservation, science and education to connect people, plants and place for the purpose of nurturing and preserving healthy growing life on our planet. Wrapped around the western tip of Lake Ontario, our 11 km2 (2,700 acre) property is Canada’s plant biodiversity hotspot, including significant wetlands, Carolinian forests, remnant prairies and five distinctly different garden areas featuring 50 different plant collections. We connect people of all ages with the world of plants and nature through outreach programs and distance learning, lifelong learning opportunities and events. Bringing the Gardens to you Virtually Would you love to learn more about the gardens and nature sanctuaries at Royal Botanical Gardens? Interested in the ways that plants are important to us and the environment? You can’t make it here? No problem! No need for bussing either! Just sit back and relax in familiar surroundings and enjoy engaging, interactive distance learning programs with an RBG educator. In English or French! Check out our webpage: www.rbg.ca/videoconferencing. Contact Karin DavidsonTaylor ([email protected]) or call 905-527-1158 ext 249 Incorporating Plants in your Recreation and Therapy programs Working with plants is good for your health, and also provides physiological, physical, social, cognitive, and financial benefits. RBG offers one-hour long general interest programs at your site geared to the interest of the audience. For pricing, please contact Nancy Lee-Colibaba ([email protected]) or call 905-527-1158 ext 510 Would you like to learn more about how to incorporate Horticultural Therapy into your programs or hone your skills but can’t make it to RBG for the professional workshops? These programs are now available through distance learning, and are suitable for Enrichment Activity Leaders, Recreational Therapists and other professionals looking to incorporate plants into their programming. Contact Karin ([email protected]) for more information about this option. Please visit www.rbg.ca/horticulturaltherapy for information about local or onsite programs, and www.rbg.ca/videoconferencing for distance options. Tour the Gardens! Visit RBG year-round, discovering the beauty and incredible biodiversity of 5 garden areas. Experience guided tours of the world's largest lilac collection, the newly renovated and designed Rose Garden, and a Mediterranean Garden under glass. Plus, enjoy hands-on workshops, the Gardens’ gift shop and three on-site restaurants. Our two-hour guided tours provide insight that opens up the world of Royal Botanical Gardens to even the most frequent visitor. Our knowledgeable volunteers take your group of 15 or more on a relaxed and pleasurable journey where you learn about the rich history, gardens and trails that make Royal Botanical Gardens so special. Visit Group Tours webpage at www.rbg.ca/grouptours Contact Melody Simpson ([email protected]) or call 905-527-1158 ext 230

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OACAO Business Partners 2018 - 2019

Access Abilities www.accessabilities.ca 1-800-580-9972 Arbor Memorial www.ArborAlliances.ca 416-763-3230 / 1-877-301-8066 Amica Mature Lifestyles www.amica.ca 416-487-2020 / 1-888-264-2299 Bayshore HealthCare www.bayshore.ca 1-877-289-3997 Chartwell Bankside Retirement Residence www.chartwell.com/continuum-of-care/chartwell-bankside-retirement-community 519-804-0554 Chartwell Waterford Retirement Residence http://chartwell.com/overview/chartwell-waterford-retirement-residence 289-644-2950 Collette Guided by Travel www.gocollette.com –1-866-413-3762 / code:R963-AX1-918 Connect Hearing www.connecthearing.ca 1-800-563-4327 Delmanor Inspired Retirement Living www.delmanor.com 416-708-5203 Ezotec Inc. www.ezotec.com 416-650-5144 Hearing Solutions www.hearingsolutions.ca 1-888-228-2731 Heart to Home Meals www.HeartToHomeMeals.ca 1-866-494-4333 Insuranceland www.insuranceland.ca/oacao 905-238-0668 ext 2337 or 1-800-243-9379 ext. 2337 Johnson Insurance www.johnson.ca/oacao 1-877-632-2965/group code: O4 LiveWell Pathway Homecare Services www.livewellpathway.ca 1-855-274-2228 Marc Jurman Homes [email protected] 905-460-7588 MySeniorCenter www.myseniorcentre.com 1- 866-739-9745 Nexus Holidays Toronto Inc. www.nexusholidays.ca 1-855-604-6488 OASSIS Benefit Plans for Not-For-Profits www.oassisplan.com 416-781-2258 / 1-888-233-5580 Royal Botanical Gardens www.rbg.ca 905-527-1158 Parkland on the Glen www.parklandretirementliving.com 905-820-8210 Senioropolis www.senioropolis.com 416-482-0124 Seniors for Seniors www.seniorsforseniors.ca 1-844-422-7399 SimplyConnect www.simplyconnect.ca/oacao 1-888-499-5459 The Village of Erin Meadows www.schlegevillages.com.com 905-569-7155

Please Enjoy the Following Inserts from our Business Partners CENTRES PLEASE POST THESE ON YOUR BULLETIN BOARDS (WHERE APPLICABLE). Avoid the Flu – especially if you are 65+ Bolton Mills Retirement Community: Creating Remarkable Moments Collette: Top Reasons to Travel with Collette Johnson Insurance: Car Insurance Savings Just for You

Please note the following deadline for submissions: 2018-2019 WINTER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 2019 SPRING NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Please send your submissions to [email protected]

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OACAO Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE President Nancy Beddoe [email protected] Past President Kim Bradley [email protected] President Elect Suzanne Teixeira [email protected] 1st Vice President Wendy Caceres-Speakman [email protected] Treasurer Bill Krever [email protected] Secretary Sharon Oatway [email protected] Executive Director Sue Hesjedahl [email protected]

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Central Staff Kim Evans [email protected] Senior Vacant Eastern Staff Monique Doolittle-Romas [email protected] Senior Nellie Kingsbury [email protected] Golden Staff Vacant Horseshoe Senior Ted Lambert [email protected] Grand River Staff Jaye Kuntz [email protected] Senior Sue Morgan [email protected] Metro Staff Vacant Senior Deborah Stewart Finestone [email protected] North West Senior Don Pawlett [email protected] Senior Elaine Mannisto [email protected] North Central Staff John Richer [email protected] Senior Vacant South West Staff Karen Pyatt-Westbrook [email protected] Senior Martha MacIntosh [email protected]

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Awards Kim Bradley [email protected] OASSIS Liaison Bill Krever [email protected] Membership Kim Evans [email protected] Conference Chair Kim Evans [email protected] Finance Bill Krever [email protected] Nominations Kim Bradley [email protected] Business Partners Shirley Glauser [email protected]

For more information about the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario, please contact Sue Hesjedahl, Executive Director at 905-584-8125 or 1-866-835-7693 [email protected] www.oacao.org P.O. Box 65, Caledon East, ON L7C 3L8

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OACAO BUSINESS PARTNERS

Platinum Business Partners

Gold Business Partners

OACAO BUSINESS PARTNERS

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