Hello Everyone,
Hope you are all enjoying your summer so far. It’s nice that Ontario is in Phase II of the Ontario Governments Road Map and that hopefully we will enter Phase III around July 21. Our Covid numbers are down dramatically and the vaccine rollout is ahead of expectations. All citizens over the age of 12 have access to vaccines. Thankfully all my kids and our four eligible grandkids are fully vaccinated. It’s quite a relief.
Karie sent out a second survey at the end of May regarding vaccines and reopening and got a 30% response which is pretty good. The Board and Reopening Committee sent out a summary of the survey in an eflash on June 23. You can also see the results in the July newsletter. I encourage you to take a look. One of the most interesting findings is that 97% of the respondents expect to be fully vaccinated by the end of August. The majority of them are anxious to return to the Centre this Autumn. They feel very confident and comfortable with that decision knowing that all safety protocols as set out by both the Provincial and Municipal Governments will be followed.
The three most popular activities were Movies, Cards and Fitness. Similarly to our partial reopening in November 2020 when we do reopen we will again be introducing activities in stages. However this time we hope to be able to fully reopen as soon as possible. Our reopening committee is working hard toward this goal. We are hopeful that the doors will open again in October. We’ll keep you updated.
When we do reopen we will be looking for volunteers to fill some empty spaces on several of our committees. Please consider ways you might like to help. There will be more information on this matter closer to the reopening. I think you’ll find that the personal rewards are well worth your time and effort and you’ll meet some great people.
For information on future events planned by both the Town and the ASA please check the July newsletter and the Board Page. Hopefully you will find some events that will interest you. Unfortunately this years Holiday Bazaar will have to be cancelled but it WILL BE BACK in 2022!
Recently I attended a Seniors Month Virtual Town Hall and was introduced to some interesting Virtual Town Hall Resources. You may be interested in some of these programs for yourself or to pass on.
- Ontario Community Support Program. – Information referral service for Social Services, Community Resources and Government Services. Call “211’ or visit www.211.org for expert caring help. All calls are confidential.
- A Friendly Voice. Call this confidential “warm line” for seniors 55+ to chat with a friendly person who cares. If you’re lonely our just want to stay socially healthy call toll free 1-855-892-9992 or visit www.afriendlyvoice.ca
- Seniors Safety Line. This is a 24 hr. Crisis or support line for Seniors with live councillors to help navigate difficult times. The toll free # is 1-866-299-1011 or visit www.eapon.ca/what-is-elder-abuse/help-for-seniors.
- Low Income Seniors Dental Care Program. The toll free # is 1-833-207-4435
- Seniors Active Living Centres. They offer a range of social, cultural, learning and recreational programs for seniors. For information and a location near you call the toll free # 1-888-910-1999.
Well that’s about this for this month. Make sure you get your vaccines and follow the protocols and hopefully we will be back together soon.
Take care…. Dave LeGallais
