The Friendly Centre” 1904—13Th Ave

NORD - BRIDGE SENIORS Newsletter March 2014

“The Friendly Centre” 1904—13th Ave. North Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 4W9 Open Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone 403-329-3222 Fax 403-329-8824 E-mail: [email protected]

2013-2014 Computer Training Lethbridge Community Network NORD-BRIDGE SENIORS Library Marie Areshenko, Janet Bobinec EXECUTIVE Mind Joggers Judy Knox, Jack Simmons President Jim Hahn Ted Sillito, Melvin Horn Vice-President Pat Santa FUNDRAISING Pat Santa *, Board Rep Treasurer Roberta Svennes Secretary Marilynn Heaton GAMING Harry Fischer *, Board Rep Past-President Harry Fischer Casino Coordinator Mike Bennett In-House Bingo Coordinators Shirley Cavanaugh & Frances BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wallace FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR THIRD YEAR Monday Jam Draws Helen Gepneris, Blaine Hyggen Delores Bourk Kaz Tomomitsu Eva Deringer Winners Bingo Rep/Co-ord Bonnie Hammond Clay Olsen Rodney Foster Walter “Red” Nowell Winners Bingo Alternate Leonard Hutchinson Donna Takeda Elaine Molyneux Paul White HEALTH & FITNESS Paul White *, Board Rep ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Keep Fit Classes Erin Ko & Melanie Hillaby Executive Director Randy Smith Tai Chi Lynn Hunter-Johnston Sr. Administrative Ass’t Kathleen Filkowski (Wed, Thur, Fri) Yoga/Pilates Melanie Hillaby Administrative Assistant Shirley Trefan (Mon, Tues, Wed) Fitball/Exercise With Arthritis T. J. Dunn Financial Officer Roberta Svennes Zumba Jeannie Williamson Bookkeeper Tracy Beauchemin Fitness 55 Club Jim Scott (Volunteer Trainer) Director of Programming David Ng

Reception Supervisor Valerie Arkinstall Reception Assistant Heather Belle OUTREACH Donna Takeda*, Board Rep Rentals Kathleen Filkowski / Shirley Trefan Bereavement Cards Valerie Arkinstall Chef Manager Kayla Little Get Well Cards & Visits Lydia Prokop/Chris Figenshau Cook II Sally Reyna Keep-in-Touch Program Valerie Arkinstall DR/Kitchen Assistant Gail Krysak Outreach Program Mary Potvin Janitorial Marco & Carla Escobar SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Eva Deringer*, Board Rep ON-SITE PARTNER PROGRAMS & SERVICES Decorations Eva Deringer Alberta Health Call Centre 1-877-644-9992 Monday Music Jams Roy Swidinsky FSNA Allyn Mills 403-328-0801 Senior Music Makers Barbara Stewart Chinook Lifecare Assoc.Jane-Anne 403-330-1170 Socials Committee & Specials Eva Deringer Leth. Community Network Alan Schneider 403-317-7799 Social Dance Karen Hooper Clogging Sandy Nowell Line Dancing A.M./P.M. Della Howg Handbells Lucy Graham PROGRAMS, COMMITTEES, CONVENERS, & BOARD REPRESENTATIVES* SPORTS & RECREATION Walter Nowell *, Board Rep (* indicates individual on Board responsible for Program Area) Bocce Clay Olsen (** indicates “Emeritus”) Carpet Bowling Norene Irwin, Woody Neely Darts Ken Bobinec Dragon Boat Team Eileen Sawatsky, Dawn Vickers ADMIN. PROGRAMS Floor Curling Audrey Nishikawa, Audrey Gillies, Harold Moore By-Laws & Policies Comm. Marilynn Heaton * (Chair), Harry Fis- Golf Harry Fischer cher, Gordon Kometz, Judy Cartwright Pool Vacant Crafts Boutique Heather Newsham Shuffleboard Clay Olsen Finance Committee Roberta Svennes * (Chair), Jim Hahn, Table Tennis Jerry Mikusek, Dave Bergen Clay Olsen, Frank Deane, Harry Fischer, Mike Bennett TRAVEL Vacant, Board Rep Memberships Shirley Trefan Travel Trip Bookings Valerie Arkinstall Newsletter Kathy Filkowski (Production & Billing) Bus Bookings Kathy Filkowski, Shirley Trefan Newsletter Advertising Sales Jim Hahn Driver Co-ordination —Travel Trips Valerie Arkinstall Nominations Committee Harry Fischer * (Chair), Mary Potvin, Driver Co-ordination — Card Trips Mike Bennett Clay Olsen, Dan Deringer Vehicle (Bus 2) Maintenance Clay Olsen Seniors Helping Seniors Harry Fischer, Norene Easthope VOLUNTEERISM Delores Bourk *, Board Rep CARDS & BOARD GAMES Rodney Foster*, Board Rep Building Set-up Volunteers Clay Olsen, Harry Fischer Contract Bridge Kathy Ludwig Volunteer Committee Delores Bourk, Eva D., Elaine M. Crib Mike Bennett Euchre Rodney Foster AFFILIATIONS Clay Olsen *, Board Rep Military Whist Ruth Balogh ACA Representative Harry Fischer Trump Whist Pat Veres Alberta 55 Plus—Zone 1 Mike Bennett, Clay Olsen Norwegian Whist Pat Veres 2015 AB 55 Plus Winter Games Liais. David Ng Scrabble Sheila Brust, Jenny Oleksy** Economic Development Leth. Mike Bennett (through Feb. 2015) Texas Hold’em Butch Olsen Health Education Presentations David Ng (and Alberta Health) Duplicate Bridge Pat Kincade Lethbridge Seniors Forum David Ng N-B Income Tax Program Harry Fischer, David Ng, Sheila Brust EDUCATION Elaine Molyneux *, Board Rep SASCC (So AB Srs Centre Coalition) Jim Hahn, Roberta Svennes, Oil Painting Yosh Hattori Harry Fischer, Randy Smith Paper Tole Hazel Harvie Alberta Assoc. of Senior Centres Randy Smith Wood Carving Don Johnson Go Seniors Society Clay Olsen, Delores Bourk Watercolor Glenice Caffyn New Horizons for Seniors Program Harry Fischer Drawing Glenice Caffyn Watercolor Club Sandy Baceda, Bea Crawford** Krafters Koffee Klub Jo-Ann Adams View our Website Quilters Group Marilyn Martens Nord-Bridge Card Crafters Pat Kincade www.nordbridgeseniors.com for information, photos, video, Newsletters and more.

MEMBERSHIP: OPEN TO ALL SENIORS AGE 55 PLUS. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: TO YOUNGER INDIVIDUALS WHOSE SPOUSE IS 55 AND A MEMBER. 3

PRESIDENT’S REPORT by Jim Hahn WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Tickets sales for our annual Miner’s Raffle are selling well. The comment is mostly that we have some very nice prizes for the raffle this year from some very supportive donors! Our target is to have record raffle Mary Zimmer Betty Sackman ticket sales. I still have no response to a letter sent to Minis- Don Morling Arthur Atkinson ter Horne on December 18, 2013. Our members and Board have ex- pressed concerns about proposed changes to ambulance dispatch. Harriette Ruggles Blaine Anderson We were encouraged to read a January 31 announcement by MLA Greg Weadick about ambulance dispatch, only later to be disappoint- Lena Schalk Robert Richardson ed to hear the Minister on February 11 suggest that Lethbridge’s ambulance system should anticipate changes, the details of which we Debra Turnbull Stan Forczek have yet to learn. The Minister’s statement that we should not expect the status quo is worrisome. Murray Skelding Robert Hirano Bob Tarleck, recently appointed to the Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta, is already hard at work. Bob attended our Feb- Ken Oler Sheila Oler ruary Board Meeting to get a feel for issues facing Nord-Bridge Cen- tre and its members. Luanne Witmarsh from the Kirby Centre in Ronald Huisman Joan Szilagyi Calgary will accompany Bob as they intend to visit our Board meeting on March 12. Luanne is specifically appointed to speak on be- Raymond van Schouwen half of Senior Centre issues for southern Alberta. We are now facing yet another challenge in the reorganization of the delivery model for Alberta Seniors Benefit Programs. We hope you enjoy your Harry Fischer has worked long and hard with his volunteers to develop and deliver an important program “Seniors Helping Seniors” association with at our Centre. The Province’s change to a “one stop delivery model” “The Friendly Centre” is not really how it is working. You will hear more about this in the near future as we attempt to manage this issue. Time flies when you are having fun! It’s hard to believe that my second year of a possible 3 year term as President is coming to a close. The AGM is coming next week and I have been nominated for Nord-Bridge Meetings Reminder Each Month election for one more year! We have a lot of interesting projects on Outreach Committee First Monday 9:30 a.m. the go, and so I look forward to serving in some capacity! Executive Meeting First Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Before I go, I want to wish a belated Happy Birthday to Winners Bingo Committee Second Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Clint Dunford. Clint is a great supporter of our centre and as MLA, Board of Directors Meeting Second Wednesday 9:00 a.m. he provided much appreciated assistance in receipt of grants for the Finance Committee Last Thursday 9:00 a.m. Annually redevelopment of a strip mall which has been recycled into one of Annual General Meeting First Wed of March 9:30 a.m. the best senior centres in our province. Stop by our Friendly Centre General Member Meeting First Wed of November 9:30 a.m. and see for yourself. Have a visit and lunch in our Dunford Diner! Go Seniors Society Remember – Keep Active and Stay Connected! Regular Board Meetings Feb, April, June, October Second Tuesday 9:00 a.m. , President Annually Annual General Meeting First Tuesday of April 9:00 a.m.

www.medichair.com PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS

#16, 495 W.T. Hill Blvd. S., Lethbridge T1J 1Y6 (403) 320-1488 or 1-800-561-7749

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Greg Weadick, MLA reetings Members; L E T H B R I D G E W E S T G Associate Minister of Regional Recovery And Reconstruction - Southeast In January and February Newsletters, along within our building over the same period, you have seen information on the Ambulance Dispatch Con- solidation issue. We also posted within the building a copy of the letter Nord-Bridge sent to Hon. Fred Horne, Minister of Health, advising that our Board was strongly opposed to the centralization of ambulance dispatch to Calgary and Edmonton. This is a position we have maintained since Contact Greg at (403)329-4644 December, and have communicated to both Lethbridge MLA’s. On or via e-mail at: January 31, we happily read in a article in the Lethbridge Herald by MLA Greg Weadick the “City will continue to have a regional ambu- [email protected] lance dispatch service that will support our integrated fire and EMS or drop by 402 - 8 Street South service”. We also read on February 1 comments from His Worship Lethbridge, AB T1J 2J7 Mayor Chris Spearman on the City’s pleasure with the indication that regional ambulance dispatch would remain in Lethbridge. During the course of this entire discussion, we made available to members a petition that encourages Government to maintain Ambulance Dispatch in SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE BUFFET Lethbridge. Four hundred sixty eight (468) individuals signed that peti- AT NORD-BRIDGE ON TUESDAY, MARCH 4 tion. This is a significant number, added to the fact that Nord-Bridge Shrove Tuesday, Apocreas, Fashnacht, Mardi Gras - generally does not take-up petitions. Rather, we usually communicate what do these words mean? In plain English they mean directly by letter to appropriate Ministries, should we have a specific concern. This is the first petition we have accepted in our building for “Pancake Day”. Shrove Tuesday is a day of over 16 years. That Nord-Bridge placed the petition in our Centre is an celebration as well as penitence, because it’s indication of how strongly we feel about the Ambulance issue. the last day before lent. On this day, in As a result of our communications with MLA Weadick about the many countries people indulge themselves ambulance issue, we also suggested Greg re-institute the practice of on foods that traditionally weren’t allowed regular meetings with Nord-Bridge. The intent would be to keep our during Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day MLA’s briefed on current senior issues. Greg kindly complied with this because they contain fat, butter and eggs request, and met here with a group from our Executive and Board on Friday, February 7. Issues discussed with Greg, in rank order were: which were forbidden during Lent. In March 1. Ambulance Dispatch Consolidation our regular “First Wednesday Breakfast Buffet” will 2. Reorganization of the Delivery Model for the Alberta Seniors be changed to Tuesday, March 4 in recognition Benefit Programs — Here we were referring to the discontinuation of SHROVE TUESDAY. Available from of the practice of local “one-on-one counselling for seniors” versus 8:30 to 10:00 in the Dunford Diner. the institution of an Edmonton based 1-800 number and Edmonton only store front counselling. 3. The need for improved communications. 4. West Lethbridge Drilling / Fracking. 5. Extra ordinary costs for service charges (like administration fees, delivery charges, transmission charges, and local access and fran- chise fees) on utility bills. Specific to your Centre, we also discussed the need for improved operational funding for centres like Nord-Bridge; and a few other centre Give us a call regarding … specific issues that I will report on at our March 5 AGM. We will re-  Affordable Pre-arrangement Options quest the opportunity to review these same issues with MLA Bridget  Evergreen’s Budget ~ Conscious Pricing Pastoor over the next month (or shorter period if possible). In the meantime, we will follow with keen interest the outcome of a planned Because Cost We lessen the expense ~ Feb. 28 meeting on ambulance dispatch between Minister Horne and Lethbridge officials. Members can anticipate continued vigilance from Is An Option Not the care Nord-Bridge on this issue, and a strong response should it be required. Ph. 403-329-4934 Respectfully yours, Randy Smith ROOST 2 ROOST Ltd. We are pleased to announce that our building is When it’s time to move on, we’ll help you clear out equipped with Shaw) Go WiFi. your old nest, and feather your new one!” To connect at Nord-Bridge: 1. Access the network / WiFi settings on Call us for your complimen- your device. tary, in-home consultation. 2. Select ShawOpen from the list of net- Don’t stay stuck because you works.

don’t know where to start. 3. Open your browser. 4. Sign in using your @shaw.ca email ad- We can help! dress and password.

Any questions? Please call 1 888 472 2222 Janice Ross 403.330.4482 or visit http://www.shaw.ca/internet/wifi/.

Wendy Gillett 403.388.4122 This is a free service to Nord-Bridge provided by Shaw. 5 Duplicate Bridge

Duplicate bridge is now running every Tuesday afternoon in the Dunford Diner Annex. Even if you don't have a partner, please join us and we will find you a partner. Come and have fun with our new program. If you prefer Contract Bridge, we offer that program on Monday and Friday afternoons. Pat Kincade http://www.ladybugarborists.blogspot.ca/

MUSIC MAKERS

Do you love to sing? Come join our fun- loving group on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Dunford Diner Annex. We occasionally visit some of the Lethbridge senior lodges. It would be great to have some more male voices in the group. Singers, musicians and

visitors are always welcome. Barbara Stewart, Convener

www.mbfunerals.com Www.shuttlemax.ca

#8, 1904 - 13 Ave. North Lethbridge, Alberta 403-320-1170

Affordable lifeline within the Community

Chinook LifeCare has been LUNCH WITH CITY COUNCILORS providing emergency re- Councilor Councilor sponse service for over 27 Ryan Blaine years to clients in Leth- Parker, Hyggen bridge, Taber and sur- Tuesday, Friday, Mar. 4 Mar. 28 rounding communities.

Visit our office at Nord- Councilor Jeff Coffman, Bridge Seniors Centre to Friday, Mar. 21 view all the options for ex- Learn more about our City’s governance and our representatives tending independent living. HELP IS AT HAND in our comfortable and convenient Dunford Diner. All City Councilors are encouraged to join us frequently. Confirm your visits by e-mail to [email protected].

Programmer’s Report by David Ng From the Desk of Val Will March come in like a lamb? Irish eyes March will be a busy month with programs, presentations are smiling at you; have a HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S and free services to members, starting with the Lethbridge Col- lege Massage Therapy Students on Monday, March 10th from DAY! Life continues to be busy around the Centre 10 am - noon in the Craft Room. They will offer FREE neck with members coming for programs, recreational ac- and back massages. tivities, and the Fitness 55 Club gym. Here is a good On Wednesday, March 12th at 10 am in the Dunford place to be when the weather is lousy. Our weekly Diner Annex, RBC Financial will present on the topic of how Roll & Strollers continue to get out and enjoy walking seniors can identify and protect themselves from fraud. On Park Place Mall. If you need to get out, why not join our friendly walkers Wednesday, March 19th at 10:30 am in the Dunford Diner each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Annex, Alberta Health Services - Advance Care Planning & When you read the Travel Page in this Newsletter, please take Goals of Care will present how to prepare an Advance Care note of a new travel group, “A-Star Tours Ltd.” out of Edmonton. They Plan for yourself. The following Wednesday, March 26th at are eager to work with us. For a group trip of 12 or more people, they 10:30 am in the Dunford Diner Annex, join members from the will pick up here at the Centre. I have travelled with them, and they are Alberta Health Services South Zone Medication Reconcilia- tion team as they present on the importance of a current medica- good! For instance, they offer 6 and 7-day trips to Deadwood. Check tion list. out the travel board to plan your trip; we all need to see something dif- Wrapping up the month; on Friday, March 28th from 10 ferent occasionally. Remember, if you book through Nagel, Triple D am - noon in the South View Meeting Room students from the Tours, Vacationland Tours or A-Star, please tell them that Nord-Bridge Southern Alberta Institute of Massage will be here to give sent ya’ (so that we receive our commission). Also, if you travel with FREE neck and back massages. The massages are on a first any of these tour companies, please come back and report to us on come first served basis. your experience with them. Many trips fill up quickly, so if you want to go on a trip – ACT NOW, AND SIGN UP so you won’t be left out . PROGRAM CANCELLATIONS IN MARCH: Speaking about getting out ...have you thought about VOLUN- March 5th - Carpet Bowling and Line Dancing will be cancelled TEERING? Volunteering helps you to get involved, and keeps your due to our Annual General Meeting). March 13th - Floor Curl- brain active. Just speak to Delores Bourk, our friendly Volunteer Co- ing will be cancelled due to our In-House Tournament Luncheon. ordinator and she will find the right place for YOU! March 20th - Floor Curling, Keep Fit & Floor Shuffleboard will all be cancelled due to our Whist Tournament. Valerie Arkinstall David

Let’s Talk

My name is Doug McArthur, and I am running for the nomination for the Federal Conservative Party in the Lethbridge Riding.

We need an MP who pays attention to the people in the riding, and makes an effort to get out and listen to what people are saying.

Please let me meet with you on Tuesday, March 18th at 10:30 a.m. in the Nord-Bridge Dunford Diner Annex.

I’ll buy the coffee and Timbits!

Doug McArthur (This announcement is paid for by the committee to elect Doug McArthur) 7

WIN CAZH AT NORD-BRIDGE!

DAILY 50/50 DRAW NORD-BRIDGE BUILDING FUND Nord-Bridge hosts a Daily 50/50 Draw to help raise RECENT INDIVIDUAL, GROUP & CORPORATE DONORS much needed funds. Half of the proceeds go to the

Centre. None IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE YOU MUST:

1. Hold a current REGULAR, ASSOCIATE NORD-BRIDGE IN-HOUSE BINGO or LIFE Membership. Cumulative proceeds from Jan 1, 2014 2. Cost to play is 25¢ Through Feb 21, 2014: $ 3,277.00 3. Draws will be made at 12:15 p.m. 4. After the draw, members may BUILDING FUND UPDATE: Goal Achieved sign-in for the next day’s draw. Total Fund-Raising Goal $6,250,000 RECENT WINNERS From City of Lethbridge 750,000 82% From Various Provincial Grants 2,500,000 66% Feb. 14 Ken Bobinec $150 From Various Federal Grants 500,000 7% From Nord-Bridge - by Fundraising 2,500,000 80%

MONTHLY 50/50 Toonie Draw Total Contributions to our Nord-Bridge holds a “Monthly 50/50 Toonie Draw” Building Fund 1998 through January 2014 $ 2,000,733 on the third or fourth Friday of each month. Still needed by N-B Fundraising $ 499,267 Members do not have to be present to win. The Nord-Bridge share of proceeds is dedicated to Pro- gramming. TO PLAY: We Thank Bonnie Hammond and 1. Fill out an envelope for the draw her team of over 20 volunteers who work up at the draw desk in the Dunford to nine Winner’s Bingo events every month. Diner. Their dedication has translated to Big Money for our Centre. Winner’s 2. Drop a Toonie into the envelope Bingo revenue and deposit it into the Draw Box. through Jan 31 was 11,906.00 3. Come out to lunch on “draw day” to see if you are the winner. The more times you enter, the more chances you have of winning!

FEBRUARY WINNER… WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN APRIL NEWSLETTER Next Draw March 28, 2014 Friday Specials . . . . .

SOUND SYSTEM DRAW March 7 Spaghetti w/cheese filled meatballs/garlic toast Proceeds of Monday Jam draws are March 14 Breaded Chicken Breast/roast potatoes/veggies earmarked to assist with sound system March 21 Cabbage Rolls/mashed potatoes/veggies March 28 Ham/scalloped potatoes/veggies and AV costs in the building. Next Breakfast Buffet - Tuesday, March 4, 2014 *April Breakfast Buffet - Tuesday, April 1, 2014* MONDAY JAM 50/50 ** April 2, 2014 - Limited Menu - Soup, sandwiches WINNERS and 2 Daily Specials ONLY** February 3 Back Table Bandits $42; Vi Behrns $42 All You Can Eat February 10 Stan Peters $45; Jack James $45 $6.50 February 24 Isabel Duell $35; Andrew Kovacs $35 Breakfast Buffet First Tuesday* in March Thanks Jammers, Volunteers and Patrons. Thanks also and April to Helen Gepneris & Blaine Hyggen for selling tickets at Monday Jams. *Returns to First Wednesday in May

A Whole New Experience! Come in every third Wednesday of the month for CUSTOMER APPRECIATION Free food for all players starting at 11:30 or 5:15 (while supplies Thursday is last) And... ask about the SENIORS monthly BIRTHDAY DAY! BASH On the last Monday Free Initial Legal Consultation Half-price of each month. It’s Wills...Estate Planning... fun and it’s free! and other matters as you may require. Regular & Nord-Bridge offers this service through Gold Cards NOLAN JOHNSON OF HUCKVALE for all players WILDE HARVIE MACLENNAN 60+ For more information Upcoming FREE consultation dates: Fridays, Mar. 14 & April 11 Call 403-327-7454 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Two blocks west of the Casino on Contact the Front Desk to schedule Crowsnest Trail an appointment. Phone: (403)329-3222

St Francis Jr. High School proudly presents Nord-Bridge Community Volunteer Disney’s Aladdin on March 12-15 with shows Income Tax Program daily at 7:00 PM; and Matinees on Saturday at Our free Tax Program will begin on 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM. March 3, 2014 (for income received in 2013). PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers will not be Tickets are $10 each and available at the school able to prepare returns for incomes office (333—18 Street S., Lethbridge) over $35,000 for a single person; over $45,000 for a couple; returns for deceased or bankrupt persons; individuals with investment income over $1,000; or any complex tax situation. To make an appointment, please For more information, visit the Nord-Bridge Reception Desk or call 403-329- please call 3222. This is a FREE service; HOWEVER, donations to 403-327-3402. Nord-Bridge would be greatly appreciated.

Are you buried under a pile of paperwork? Confused about Government forms? If so, contact “Seniors Helping Seniors” here at Nord-Bridge, Monday through

On March 9 set your clocks Thursday, 9:00 AM to Noon. We have friendly trained volunteers ahead one hour; and change to help you. Call 403-329-3222 to batteries in smoke detectors. make an appointment. 11

Our office is more than happy to assist you in navigating your way through Federal Government services.

We regularly help constituents:  Contact Federal departments and agencies;  Obtain Canadian pins and flags;  Request a meeting;  Make claim inquires about Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, or Citizenship and Immigration;  Order congratulatory certificates for birthdays or anni- versaries;  Access information on Government legislation, and  Submit a petition to the House of Commons.

These are just a few ways we can be of service to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesi- tate to contact my office.

Jim Hillyer, MP Lethbridge 255 8th St. S Lethbridge, AB T1J 4Y1 403-320-0070 e-mail: [email protected]

COFFEE WITH A CONSTABLE

Lethbridge Police Services Constable Les Vonkeman will sit down and chat with you about any concerns you have regarding law enforcement or elder abuse. Constable Vonkeman will be here the second Wednesday of each month 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Chat with him on March 12th, in the Dunford Diner.

Outreach Report by Mary Potvin L.A. SHUTTLE Our February Outreach social was one of our Express Passenger Service best with the fantastic “Tom & Curt” entertaining Between Lethbridge and Calgary our 103 guests with their singing and music. They played throughout the afternoon. The gui- Bookings Call: 380-2015 tars, drums and beautiful voices warmed us all In Calgary Call: 681-4038

up. We worked with 18 faithful volunteers, and Airport Service, dined on Jello and brownies. The door prize was won by Bev Schrader who is with Quest. We Medical Appointments welcomed back guests from Coaldale Sunny Residential Drop off and Pick up South who haven’t visited for a while. Thanks to everyone who braved the bitterly cold tempera- EUCHRE REPORT ture to share a wonderful afternoon with us. In March we’ll celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Our next social “Irish March 20thth isis thethe firstfirst dayday ofof spring!spring! InIn MayMay wewe Fling” is set for March will hold our Annual Euchre Tournament. So 17th. Please plan on don’t waste any time; get in here by 12:30 each wearing something green, Wednesday and in two months we’ll teach you the game of and register early. Seat- Euchre. Regular play begins at 1 p.m. After that we have cof- ing as always is limited. fee, tea and good conversation in the Dunford Diner. Join us! Rodney Foster, Convener CONDOLENCES were sent out to...... Stan Smetany, loss of wife; Ruth Orchard, loss of son-in-law; the family of Bernie Moore, who was a pool player; the family of Edna Brown, loss of Edna, a devoted card player; and Kayla Little, our Chef, loss of grandfather.

GET WELL CARDS were sent out to . . . . . Marilynn Heaton, Board Secretary, who is re- covering from a heart attack. Also to Kathy Filkowski, Administrative Assistant, who broke her leg during a nasty fall. We wish them all a speedy recovery. Kathy publishes our monthly Newsletter as well as many other responsibilities. Still recuperating in hos- pital are Victor Boychuk and Andy Alm.

Nord-Bridge Seniors Fitness 55 Club LETHBRIDGE’S NEWEST FITNESS FACILITY

Nord-Bridge membership, plus a special user fee is applicable. Fees approved Bridget A. Pastoor, MLA by the Board as follows: Lethbridge East

Annual Pass - $180 Monthly Pass - $18 20 Visit Pass - $25 There is also a $10 refundable deposit on the electronic access key fob. Contact Bridget at: 2816 - 5th Avenue North Lethbridge, AB T1H 0P1 Meet with Jim Scott, Certified Personal Trainer Wednesday mornings, for safe training tips and Phone: 403-320-1011 motivational goal setting advice. [email protected]

13 Alberta Government – Seniors Information Seniors Information—Anyone seeking information on Alberta’s programs and services for seniors may contact the Alberta Sup- ports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992, or help themselves to printed materials on display at Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre. Information is also available online at www.health.ab.ca.

Sheila Brust, Convener

Place a single letter in front of each word below Jo Ann & Allan Kelly (a different letter for each) to form three new words. sutton group - lethbridge 1010 3rd Ave. South 403.320.6411 Selling or buying your home? Call today!

A “New Game” for Seniors to play is “Spin the Bottle of Mylanta” Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre

Top of the Hat to you on St. Patrick’s Day IN-HOUSE BINGO Join us for Scrabble in the

Dunford Diner on Tuesdays at ANSWERS Friday Afternoon

1:30 p.m. Come on out and play. Postmark  Bonanza Pre-call 1:00 pm Emigrant

EVERYONE WELCOME! Blockage  Games Start 1:30 pm  Regular Book - $5.00  3 Extra Games - $1.00 each

Pay Outs & the number of regular players continue to grow! Transportation is available for members; $3.00 each way. Phone Front Desk at least one day ahead at 329-3222 to confirm.

DART REPORT by Ken Bobinec

With the cold weather and the snow, darts still has a very good turnout. We welcomed four to five new people that have come out to play and have some fun with us.

We still have room for more people to join us on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM in the Multi-Purpose Hall.

Come and have some fun.

NORD-BRIDGE HOSTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BY APPOINTMENT AS FOLLOWS: Free Hearing Consultations March 5. Free Legal Consultations March 14. Call 403-329-3222 to schedule an appointment.

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 Quality Custom Precision Dentures

Professional &  Partial & Implant Dentures Courteous

 Relines & Repairs

Spring Improving southern Albertans’ smiles for 2 Generations Window Cleaning Service 403-327-7244 Put the sparkle back into your view! 1-877-467-2251 TOLL FREE Marco Escobar 403.393.6764 604—6th Street South, Lethbridge, AB [email protected]

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES by Eva Deringer Lonely People Carry Higher Risk of Premature Death

By Nanci Hellmich, USA Today (reprinted in part from article found in Great Falls Tribune We had another sold-out dining room for our Valentine’s February 18, 2014)

Day Luncheon. The “Sweetheart” theme and the color People who feel consistently lonely have a 14 percent higher red were very dominant for this event. Yvonne enter- risk of premature death than those who don’t, a new study shows . . . “Loneliness is a risk factor for early death beyond what can tained us on piano, V.P. Pat Santa was eloquent as Mas- be explained by poor health behaviors,” says psychologist John T. ter of Ceremonies. A surprise visit by Mayor Chris Spear- Capioppo, director of the Center for Cognitive and Social Neurosci- man was appreciated by all. ence at the University of Chicago. He discussed his research at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting The delicious roast beef dinner was February 13 – 17 in Chicago. “Feeling lonely isn’t only unhappy; it is served lovingly by our volunteers. The Val- unsafe.” entine Love Basket raffle was organized by To come to these conclusions, Cacioppo and colleagues re- viewed survey responses from more than 2,100 adults 55 years and Val and the winners were Pat Lawson, Faye older in a health and retirement Study. The researchers controlled for Ward and Lorna Thompson. Congrats! age, gender, socio-economic status, objective social isolation and poor health behaviors. The study was designed to identify reasons for the The door prize draw winners were Jane Etherington association between loneliness and early death. Cacippo and col- (plant); Dora Raasch (chocolates); Dorothy Gallant leagues found that feeling lonely and isolation can lead to less rest-full (flowers); Justine Sera (chocolates). SWEET!! restorative sleep, raise blood pressure, cause morning increases in the stress hormone cortisol, increase depression and lower the overall Thanks to Diane for keeping tabs for me and doing feeling of living a meaningful life. “Poor quality of sleep hastens aging.” a good job at our ticket table. Great job Kayla, Sally, staff Some people are happy to be alone, but most thrive in social situations where they enjoy support and rapport with others, says Cacippo . . . and volunteers. Retiring to Arizona to live in a warmer climate “isn’t necessarily a road “LoveYa” map to happiness if it means you lose the relationships you developed over a lifetime.” You’ll benefit if you develop new friendships in the Eva new location, he says. To learn more on the values of developing friendships and reduced social isolation, read more in Cacioppo’s study “Rewarding Next Event: Social Connections Promote Successful Aging” at: https:// Spring Luncheon—April 11, 2014 aaas.confex.com/aaas/2014/webprogram/Paper10841.html 15

Go Friendly Shuttle. Winter is here but there’s no need to stay at home. Call the Centre at 403-329-3222, the day before to get your name on the bus schedule. PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST. The cost is $3.00 each way. Pay cash or use your L.A. Transit BREEZE CARD.

TRAVEL NEWS 

PLEASE NOTE: ALL NON-MEMBERS must pay an additional $10 for all Nord-Bridge trips.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Calgary’s GLENBOW MUSEUM for their exhibit of LOCAL CASINO Cost: $8.00 “WORN TO BE WILD” – leather jackets including the Bus departs Centre at 9:30 a.m. and jacket that Elvis Presley wore and his motorcy- arrives at the Casino by 11:15 a.m. cle. You get a FREE lunch while you Date: Thursday, March 27/14 GAMBLE. COST: $65 (bus, tour, admission) Buy your own lunch. Bus departs Casino for home at 3:00 p.m.

A-Star Tours is hosting 2 trips to Deadwood, S. Dakota Friday, March 21/14 Raymond Dinner Theatre presents the Departure Dates are: live musical; Shrek. Supper will be at the May 3—Cost: $434.00/double (5 nights) Senior Centre in Raymond. September 3—Cost: $509/double (6 nights) COST: $55 (bus, supper & show)

Accommodation included. Payment deadline – March 13/14. Call 1-888-883-9114 and tell them Nord-Bridge sent ya!! Bus will depart N.B.S.C. at 4:45 p.m.

Wednesday, March 12/14 – Get looped & get hooked on this NEXT STAGE WEST SHOW: Wed. June 18th – The Musical exciting outing to the Chinook Honey Farm and “Fiddler on the Roof.” learn how to make honey wine. $85/members $95/non-members COST: $42 (bus & tour). We will have lunch somewhere in Okotoks at your own cost.

BUS WILL DEPART CENTRE – 8:45 A.M. and will TRAVEL NEWS return at about 4:30 P.M. We are taking bookings now. February was a cold month. The MYSTERY TRIP passengers that went out came back all smiles. Reports were positive and Coming IN APRIL 2014 . . . . everyone had a good time at the Claresholm Senior Centre, enjoying a delicious buffet pot luck and superb entertainers – Thursday, April 24, 2014 ROSEBUD DINNER the Black Jacks from Lethbridge. One of the musicians plays in THEATRE “The Diary of Ann Frank” our jam sessions. Also a group of 41 went to Calgary’s Stage A story told by a young girl in hiding with her fam- West and enjoyed a comedy show.

ily during World War II.

COST: $100 (bus, show and supper) Triple D Tours Still a few seats remaining. BOOK NOW! REGISTER NOW FOR THESE 2014 TRIPS!

Coming SOON . . . . 1. Spokane Shopping Getaway - Apr 25-28, 2014

2. Yellowstone National Park - Jun 21-26, 2014

Historic Virginia City Ghost Town; Butte; Helena; Tuesday, June 3/14 “Canmore Chocolate Factory” Old Faithful, etc. SOMETHING NEW & DIFFERENT 3. Deadwood, South Dakota - Aug 31-Sept 6, 2014 We are taking names now. 4 Spokane Shopping Getaway - Oct. 24-27, 2014 Cost: $50 (Luxury Bus & Tour) 5. Cross Iron Mills Mall - Dec 9th & 10th, 2014 BUY OWN LUNCH. Shopping and Light Tour Departure time from Lethbridge will And in 2016: be 7 A.M. and returning approx. 7 P.M. 6. Treasures of China - April 2016

If you are interested in any of these trips, registration flyers are Stettler Train Fall Colours Excursion now available. Complete the forms and return them to the September 26-27, 2014 Front Desk. COST: $285 (INC. Bus, train trip with meal Contact Donna at Triple D Tours 403-394-0349 on board, and your overnight accommodation in the Super 8 motel) or [email protected] for additional information We are taking names NOW so leave your name at the front PLEASE REMEMBER THAT NORD-BRIDGE GETS A COMMISSION ON desk . A deposit of $50 will be required upon sign up. EACH TRIP BOOKED HERE AT NORD-BRIDGE SENIORS CENTRE

HIGH lethbridge Thank you! IMPACT media

FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATION OF TWO SEASONS TICKETS FOR THE LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES HOCKEY CLUB. OUR MEMBERS HAVE REALLY ENJOYED ATTENDING THE GAMES DURING THE 2013-2014 SEASON.

Tickets for our April 11, 2014 Spring Luncheon will go on sale March 5th.

Watch for our posters throughout Nord-Bridge Centre.

Notice to Members

Annual General Meeting Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Multi-Purpose Hall Only certain programs and areas of Nord-Bridge will be open during the AGM. These include:

 The Dunford Dining Room  Nord Bridge Fitness 55 Plus Club/Room  And naturally, our commercial tenants’ stores

All other programs will be cancelled, and rooms locked by Board Policy, to encourage members to attend the AGM.

The Mind Joggers Edward (Ted) Sillito, Jack Simmons, Judy Knox and Melvin Horn are conveners for “The Mind Joggers Writing Group”. The Mind Joggers recognize that each of us has memories that are important to record for future generations. They are here to offer encouragement and support as you get started writing. Drop-in to our Dunford Diner Annex any Thursday morning at 9:30 to see if this program is for you. You are most welcome to share stories and discussions with them.