MEPEC's New Board of Directors

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020 THE MEPECER

MEPEC’s New Board of Directors COVID-19 By Tarek Dahab, President On October 1, 2020, at the Annual Ge- neral Meeting, we (the members ) ad- MEPEC’s Activities and ded to the Montérégie East Partnership for the English-speaking Community fa- services mily experience and knowledge that will help our organization develop to its full potential. MEPEC’s New Partners

On behalf of the MEPEC team, I would like to welcome our newest Board members: Mr. Norm Haslam, Mrs. Ardèle Partners’ Activities and Warr, Mr. Simeon Nachev and Ms. Melissa Hynes. Services

Current staff and board members look forward to working with each of our new members on our projects and activities to further MEPEC's mission of serving the interests of the English- MEPEC’s Community speaking community. Library Warmest Regards,

Tarek Dahab

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020

COVID-19

With COVID-19, you can feel perfectly fine, no symptoms at all, but actually, you may have the disease and spread it before Did you know the first cough, before you get a fever or any symptoms. It’s the that Santé same thing with the flu. That’s how new flu viruses can trigger Montérégie pandemics, too. Like the flu, you can potentially spread COVID- developed a 19 before you know you have it, even while you’re feeling per- COVID-19 fectly fine. That’s a disease that’s hard to stop. To slow the Screening spread of that kind, where you don’t know who’s infectious and Application Form who’s not, we try to self isolate. That’s where social distancing in English? Visit measures are required. santemonteregie The current health recommendations are to “as much as possi- .qc.ca for more ble, stay at least 2 metres (around 6 feet) away from people information. who do not live in your household. If this is not possible, wear a face covering.” Québec.ca/coronavirus has more information in English.

There is a campaign for flu vaccination. Visit the …………... santemonteregie. qc.ca for more information. To book your health appointment visit portal3.clicsante. ca.

If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms similar to COVID- 19, you are invited to complete a COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment to get a recom- mendation on the next steps to follow, according to your condition. This assessment can be completed for your child or for another member of your family.

During this time it is important to take care of our mental health. Get enough sleep, but also have regular waking times and routines. Add physical activity breaks into your day for stress relief.

If you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus, you can contact the toll-free line 1 (877) 644-4545.

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020 MEPEC’s Activities and Services

MASCOT CONTEST

Accepting entries! Find your creative side and send us your version of the MEPECER Mascot. Send the original design you drew or created, it’s up to your interpretation! Is the Mepecer Mascot a bird or other animal? What color would it be? Tell us why it represents the English- speaking Community in Montérégie East. You could win a box as a prize! You have until January 1, 2021 to participate.

FRAUD PREVENTION WORKSHOP

A Fraud Prevention Workshop will be held on Nov 25th at 1 p.m. and presented by MEPEC Board of Director’s President, Tarek Dahab, in partnership with Connexions Ressource Centre. All citizens are Invited to attend the “Just Say No to Scams” workshop that promotes security and awareness. This is an interactive workshop where you can ask questions and share experiences if you feel to do so. Many topics will be discussed; credit card fraud, internet and phone scams, identity theft and more. To register for this online event please contact Rebecca or keep an eye out for the Facebook event.

Don’t forget to follow us on our social media and visit our website! Click on the logos to learn more:

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020

MONTÉRÉGIE EAST ENGILSH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY READ WITH ME NEEDS-ASSESSMENT SURVEY

MEPEC wishes to assess the needs Read with Me Online of the English-speaking communi- started on October ty in Montérégie East to better un- 22nd! Every Thursday at derstand their priorities in the 10 a.m. a book from health and social services and the MEPEC’s communi- education sectors. ty Library is read on Fa- cebook, we will add With this knowledge, we will be an activity for your pre- able to paint a portrait of the En- school children as well! glish-speaking community, create Hopefully very soon, and offer the necessary services. we can start Come Our English -speaking community includes 20,000 citizens, Read with Me in the Li- be part of those who want to make a difference by filling out the brary. If you want to questionnaire. The survey should take about 10 minutes of your animate an activity time and please only take the survey if you live in the Montérégie online or in the library East. please contact Rebec- ca at projectco If you have any questions, contact us at 450-281-3732 or by email o r d @ m e p e c - at [email protected]. pemca.org. The link to access the survey is https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/ We need volunteer an- MEPECPEMCA. imators to make more activities possible!

It is important that you let us know how your needs can be met. If you require assistance in English that is not provided, let us know! Feedback from our members is important to the continual improvement of offerings and services we work to provide for the English- speaking community. We can also help you find additional services that serve the English- speaking population. 4

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020

COFFEE CHAT STAR PROGRAM

The monthly Coffee Chat is a social Do you know an em- meeting to discuss topics of inter- ployee, a volunteer or a est. All citizens of Montérégie East team at a community or are invited to participate in this public organization who new activity. stands out for having Subject of this month: the new Pro- made a special effort to ject Coordinator of MEPEC, Rebec- improve the health and ca. Who is she, what has she done well-being of Montérégie’s and what will she do? English-speaking community? This activity will be held online by Zoom. To participate, you are invit- You are invited to nominate them for the Special ed to contact Rebecca at pro- Thanks and Recognition Program (Star Program)! [email protected] or 450-281-3732. The information to The Star Program, an initiative of the Regional Health connect to Zoom will be given to and Social Services Partnership Table (RHSSPT), is a you 2 days prior the activity. program that highlights individuals or teams who de- monstrate support for the Montérégie English- We hope to see you in large num- speaking community. bers. Bring your coffee and enjoy a good chat. Selected candidates will receive a certificate of con- gratulations, a gift card as a token of appreciation, and they will be featured in the newsletter publica- tions and Facebook pages of diverse health organizations across the Montérégie. To nominate a candidate or a team, please complete the following form https://fr.surveymonkey.com/ r/TNYYYH5 or call us at 438-523-1665 before Novem- ber 15th. Your implication makes a difference!

MEPEC DIRECTORY

Join our Directory! Businesses or organizations that offer services to the English-speaking community are invited to become partners of MEPEC and have the option of joining the MEPEC Directory for the English-speaking Community which will be available and distributed in English throughout Montérégie East. For inquiries contact Deborah at outreach- [email protected].

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020

COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM (CHEP) WORKSHOP

CHEP Workshops are coming! Who should receive vaccines, which ones are covered and when should you get them? Learn about the flu, shingles, pneumonia, the types of vaccines available to protect you. By participating to the first MEPEC-CHEP workshop, “Flu and Other Vaccines”. It will be hosted online by Zoom with a registered nurse present to answer your questions.

EARLY CHILHOOD WEEK MEMBERSHIP

From November 15 to 21 is the Early Child- As a member of MEPEC, you hood Week. support our efforts to serve and promote the health, well-being Along with other organizations, who support the English-speaking communities through- and vitality of the English- out Québec, we will be creating awareness speaking population of the to prioritize early childhood development Montérégie East! and will post fun and engaging early years Your membership helps us to continue offer- activities on our Facebook page. ing our various services and activities, as well as to improve access to information and re- Come check it out! sources in English for children and their families, youth, adults, caregivers and seniors. To register visit mepec-pemca.org/become- a-member/

ENGLISH INTERPRETATION AND HEALTH ACCOMPANIMENT

Have you ever been in a situation where you could use some extra explanation in English? We can accompany members that need help filling in unilingual forms or a volunteer could also attend medical appointments. Please request accompaniment for medical appointments in advance, as soon as you make the appointment. Call us at (450) 281-3732 from 9 am-4:30 pm Monday to Friday to schedule English Interpretation or accompaniment. If you need help getting to your appointments, maybe we can help you find a way to get you there. Please inquire.

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020 MEPEC’s New Partners

WELCOME TO OUR NEW PARTNERS

As part of our mandate, MEPEC is working very hard on building partnerships to increase access to English language services in the Montérégie East region. Since the beginning of September, we have contacted several organizations and created nine (9) new partnerships. Therefore, we wanted to recognize our new collaboraters by presenting them to you!

SOUTH SHORE RETIRED EDU- ARTHRITIS SOUTH SHORE SENIORS ACTION QUÉBEC CATORS Arthritis South Shore (ASS) is a The South Shore Retired Edu- Seniors Action Quebec works non-profit organization run cators is an association for to maintain and enhance by volunteers who want to people who has worked in the vitality of English- make a difference in the elementary and high schools speaking Quebec seniors. All lives of people with arthri- as a teacher, support staff, efforts will identify and ad- tis. The ASS is a community administrator, school board dress challenges and issues organization with the mission personnel or to anyone who to promote a healthy and to inform, help and support have worked with students or active lifestyle for English- individuals to better manage staff. speaking seniors. their arthritis and to live bet- They meet 6 times a year, on Contact Information: ter with all forms of this di- the Thursday afternoons to 17, de la Baies de Valois sease (which includes attend interesting confe- osteoarthritis). Avenue, Office 202D, Pointe- rences and to sociolize. Claire, H9R 4B3 Contact Information: Contact Information: 438.386.1944 438.630.7215 25, Lakeview Avenue, Saint- seniorsactionquebec.ca [email protected] Bruno-de-Montarville,J3V 2L4 info@seniorsaction- @ARS.ASS.OSBL southshoreretirededuca- quebec.ca [email protected] @seniorsactionquebec

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION HOPE & COPE L’ANTRE-TEMPS AUCLAIR BRANCH 121 Hope & Cope helps people L’Antre-Temps accommo- The Legion’s work at the cope with cancer. Guided dates young people aged 16 community level. It includes by professional staff, cancer- to 21 who are homeless. outreach, assistance and experienced volunteers pro- They offer a living environ- support programs for Veter- vide psychosocial support ment 24 hours a day for ans and their families and and practical resources that young people wishing to seniors in need, fundraising help patients regain a sense take action to improve their to support essential commu- of control and well-being, living conditions according nity services and organizing reduce isolation and restore to their needs. commemorative and Re- hope. Easily accessible and Their services as well as their membrance ceremonies. open to all. way of intervening are It also provides a common Contact Information: adapted according to the location where citizens of Ot- terburn Park and surroun- 3755, Côte Ste. Catherine age of their clientele. They Road, Room E-730.1, Mon- pay particular attention to ding communities can meet tréal, H3T 1E2 minors and try, as much as to gather and feel con- possible, to promote their re- nected to their neighbours. 514.340.8255 turn to their families. Contact Information: [email protected] Contact Information: 318, Connaught Street, Ot- hopeandcope.ca 950, Roland-Therrien Blvd., terburn Park, J3H 1J1 @hopecopemontreal Longueuil, J4J 5H3 450.467.0881 Opening hours: 450.651.0125 [email protected] Monday to Friday [email protected] auclair121.com 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. antre-temps.org @auclair121 @lantretempslongueuil Opening hours:

Tuesday to Sunday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020

PARRAINAGE CIVIQUE DE CAB LES P’TITS BONHEURS SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DE LA SCLÉ- LA VALLÉE-DU-RICHELIEU ROSE EN PLAQUE — MONTÉRÉGIE The Centre d’Action Béné- For more than 35 years, the The Société offers a variety of vole Les p'tits bonheurs is an Parrainage civique de la programs, services and independent community ac- Vallée-du-Richelieu has events in communities across tion organization. Its mission is worked in the community by the country around the Mul- to promote volunteer and promoting the social integra- tiple Sclerosis disease. community action in the va- tion of people with an intel- To learn more about them rious sectors of activity, in or- lectual disability, a mental and their activities, visit their der to respond to needs of health disorder or an autism bilingual website. the community of Saint- spectrum disorder. The Bruno-de-Montarville. means favored by the or- Contact Information: Contact Information: ganization is the twinning 1705, Victoria Avenue, Office with a volunteer citizen. C-121, Saint-Lambert, J4R 2T7 1665, Montarville Street, S a i n t - B r u n o - de- Contact Information: 450.466.5209 #223 Montarville,J3V 3T8 308, Montsabré Street, Office marie-eve.provost@scle- 450.441.0807 D132, Beloeil, J3G 2H5 roseenplaques.ca infocab.petitsbonheurs 450.464.5325 mssociety.ca/chapter/ @cabstbruno.org [email protected] monteregie-chapter cabstbruno.org www.pcvr.ca @SCSPMONTEREGIE Opening Hours: @cabstbruno @parrainageciviquedu- Office Opening Hours: richelieu Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 13:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday to Friday 13:15 p.m. to 16:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 13:00 p.m. to 16:30 p.m. Thrift Store Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday 12:30 p.m. to 16 p.m.

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020 Partners’ Activities and Services

ARTHRITIS SOUTH SHORE — COFFEE SUPPORT GROUP

Do you feel like talking or listening or sharing your emo- tions, impressions and experiences, or taking stock? Arthritis South Shore offers bilingual Coffee Support Group to talk about arthritis and stress. These informal meetings are held to share tips and tools about this chro- nic disease, in a friendly supportive environment. As Jacques Michel said in his song "Amènes-toi chez nous" : if life is hard, alone we know little but maybe together we will find how to handle it. On November 13th, a session in French will be held by Microsoft Teams. Visit their Facebook page for the next English session at @ARS.ASS.OSBL Please register at [email protected] or at 438 630-7215 to have the directions to participate online. A technical support will be available on request.

SENIORS ACTION QUEBEC — SENIORS AND CANNABIS: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK! Senior Action Québec and Éducaloi co-present their new webinar, Sen- iors and Cannabis: Everything You Want- ed to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask. It will be held online on November 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Attend their two presentations about Your Legal Responsibilities and Rights and Learn About the Different Types of Cannabis and the Potential Medical Benefits of Cannabis for Seniors.

Register by November 16th, 12:00 p.m. at [email protected]. Infor- mation on the event can be found on their website at seniorsactionquebec.ca under events.

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020

LEGION AUCLAIR 121 — EARLY BIRD LEGION AUCLAIR 121 — POPPY CAM- SEPT. 1st TO NOV. 30th PAING UNTIL NOV. 11th

Sign up for the 2021 membership to see your “This year the poppy [...] reminds us of the name entered for a free membership ($55). special significance of 75th anniversary of You have until November 30th. To join the Le- the end of the Second World War,” said Vice gion, visit auclair121.com/membership. Admiral (Ret’d) Larry Murray, Legion Grand President. “In this year of the pandemic, Re- Members’ Benefits include: membrance also reminds us that our nation  Participate in branch activities and has been through even more challenging sports times than we’re experiencing now. Canadi-  Significant discounts on hall rental ans persevered then and we will now.”  Meet new people in the community As the national symbol of Remembrance, the  Opportunities to help veterans, the mili- red poppy represents the ongoing thankful- tary, and provide essential services in ness Canadians have for all fallen military the community and RCMP Veterans.  Paid subscription to the Legion Maga- zine Funds donated locally during the National  Access to the member-only store and Poppy Campaign are distributed locally to member benefits packages help support Veterans and their families, communities, and to promote Remem- For more information or questions, email to brance. To donate, visit auclair121.com/ [email protected]. accept-donations.

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

PARRAINAGE CIVIQUE DE LA VALLÉE- CAB LES P’TITS BONHEURS DU-RICHELIEU

Parrainage civique de la Vallée-du- Richelieu's mission is to match a volunteer with a person living with either an intellectual disability, autism, or trisomy 21. This in order to CAB Les p’tits bonheurs is currently looking break isolation and lead to social integration for volunteers to participate in the medical and participation. escort service. However, an individual can become a vol- This service consists of transporting and ac- unteer member of the organization without companying a person to a medical appoint- being a civic sponsor. Assistance is always ment living in the Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville welcome in the organization of their specific area . activities and their logistics. Also, there is the possibility of accompanying volunteers on The volunteer will have to accompany peo- their social integration or day trips. ple to their medical appointments and offer a reassuring presence to the user throughout You are invited, for people interested in the accompaniment. The volunteer needs to learning more about their mission or simply possess a car and a valid driver's license and about intellectual disability, to visit their web- will have to show courtesy and patience, be site at pcvr.ca. punctual and respect the confidentiality. You contact them at (450) 464-5325 — 1 Compensation is offered for mileage accord- (877) 464-7287 or [email protected]. ing to the Centre's current mileage schedule.

For more information and to apply as a volunteer visit cabstbruno.org/sinscrire. **

**If you need help to fill the form, call MEPEC at 450-281-3732.**

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020

CAB LES P’TITS BONHEURS SERVICES

FOOD COUNTER THRIFT STORE

Do you want a great opportunity to save money, to make an ecologi- cal gesture (by giv- ing new life to clothes and other items) and to find little treasures? La Friperie, housed You are experiencing financial difficulties in the CAB’s prem- since the beginning of the current crisis and ises, is a social need temporary food assistance? economy enterprise of second-hand clothes The food counter at the CAB Les p'tits bon- well rooted in the community. heurs is a service to help people living in There, you will find clothing and shoes for the Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville who are experi- whole family, books, toys, dishes, frames, encing difficult situations, temporary difficul- small accessories, and more. Everything is ties or financial difficulties and who need donated by the community. To find out all temporary food assistance. about the day's promotions, subscribe to the To inquire about the food service contact CAB's La Friperie Facebook page! the CAB Les p'tits bonheurs at 450-441-0807. For more information visit cabstbruno.org/la- To find out about the services offered at the friperie. Centre, visit their website at cabstbruno.org/ comptoir-alimentaire.

MEPEC’S Newsletter │ Issue 4 │ November 1, 2020 MEPEC’s Community Library

OUR PRECIOUS LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are the heart of any good organization and since MEPEC will be re-opening the Community Library shortly, we’d like to present you the wonderful ladies from the Otterburn Park Library Volunteers who have agreed to stay on with us and work very hard on the pro- ject.

Christine Deeks has been retired for many Paula Fortier is retired from CISSS de la Côte- years after working as a real estate agent. Nord (Sept-Îles) as a nurse and has been a vo- She started volunteering lunteer at the community at the Otterburn Park library since it’s beginnings at Mountainview School, in Library in 2000. Christine Otterburn Park. Her hob- enjoys volunteering at bies are reading, knitting the library and is happy and baking. that the library has found a new home.

Maria Lena Auclair is a Valerie Robillard has been retired teacher and she volunteering at the library has lived in Otterburn since it’s move to Moun- Park for the last 51 tainview School. Her inte- years. She has been a rests include reading, travel Library patron since the and cruises. She enjoys mid-nineties. She started spending time in Magog at volunteering on Wednesday nights 3 years her cottage, even tough she can only take ago and she really enjoys it. day trips now as she needs to make sure her diabetic cat receives appropriate care.

Margaret Cross STAFF’S ALL TIME FAVOURITES

 Ken Follet — The Century  L. M. Montgomery — Anne of Green Gables  C. A. Balawyder — Mourning has Broken

 L. M. Alcott — Little Women

 Iris Johannson — Ugly Duckling

www.mepec-pemca.org 551 Boul. Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier, #105-106 Beloeil, Qc J3G 0A4 @MepecMonteregieEast Telephone: 450-281-3732 @mepec_monteregie_east Fax: 450-281-3732

@Mepec-Pemca Email: [email protected]

This initiative is made possible with financial contribution from: