Contact Janice at the OSA virtual office: Phone: 403-801-7254 or Email: info@oakridgeseniors.ca
We follow COVID-19 safe meeting protocols. Please note that all OSA Events and Programs must be registered for in advance via our website. Thank you.
Special Events November 18, 12:30 p.m. OSA Annual General Meeting Don’t forget to register to attend the OSA AGM. Please consider getting involved with our very active board to plan events and programs for the coming year. There’s a list on the invite of positions you could consider filling. So join us to have your say about the future of our growing 'village'. Click here to register for the Zoom option, click here for the in person option. December 10, 6:45 p.m: Chat with MLA Whitney Issik An open discussion via Zoom on how to better serve Oakridge community, not just seniors. How the two associations (Oakridge Seniors and Oakridge Community) can form enhanced relationships to deliver programs to a wider audience. Click here to register.
Programs and Services Member Friendly Check-in Phone Calls and Survey Several members have again volunteered to call every OSA member for a friendly check-in telephone visit. Look for a call this week. Later we will send a confidential survey to all members seeking your input on planning for future programs and events. Care Post Program - Sure to Put a Smile on Your Face Want to receive kind cheerful messages in the mail? We’ve advertised for inter-generational volunteers to send seniors care mail (e.g. colored pictures letters, stickers, etc.) This is open to all OSA members. We know contacts like this help overcome a sense of loneliness and anxiety. Small gestures of kindness can make a senior’s day and show them local children care about them. Program supported by Calgary Seniors Resource Society. Contact Janice at OSA to enrol. YOU could be on the receiving end of this beautiful message and make some little child's day too:
UofC Study: Digital Support for Active Healthy Aging UofC is developing new software to support physical competence, confidence and mobility amongst older adults. They need pairs of volunteers 65 or older (partners/significant others/friends) to learn about what support you need to improve/maintain everyday balance and mobility. In virtual workshops, pairs will report, answer questionnaires and use tools to analyze and improve daily movement. Time required: Max four 3-4 hour workshops. For more information please contact: Dr. Sofia Backaberg Tel:587-973-5689 sofia.backaberg@ucalgary.ca Laughter and Generosity October 30 Dianna Campbell-Smith and Cheryl Oberg lightened the mood for several members who attended their joint workshop. Although there was some serious thinking involved, we all came away with a spring in our step, and some new ideas for staying positive and looking at things differently. Who would have thought targeted generosity increased the reward response in our brains! Who doesn’t want these benefits: health, happiness, better relationships, longer life and less stress? Clown Cheryl once again drew us into the huge benefits of laughter every day, with her “never have another bad day” philosophy. A breath of fresh air, in fact our breathing coach for half an hour or so, Cheryl taught us to remember the daily mantras: share/receive compliments Monday; flexibility Tuesday; gratitude Wednesday, kindness Thursday, forgiveness Friday; sweet things Weekends. It takes only 30 days to learn a new habit, so make a plan to laugh uproariously every day. Missed the session? You can pick up their session notes by clicking here. And don’t worry if the neighbours knock on your door to ask what the big joke is next door!
Halloween in the Garden October 30 On a warm sunny afternoon, families gathered for the most unusual Halloween yet. Oakridge Garden volunteers set up a charming display throughout the garden of scary and fun scarecrows, pumpkins, skeletons and other Halloween surprises. The pumpkin carving contest brought out the creative side of both kids and adults, and prizes were awarded to best in class for both. A special mention of Bill’s big turnip carved into a skull! Of course, there was lots of chocolate and treats handed out with BBQ tongs! Great to see so many young families!
Winter Care - you told us - we listened Members told us that snow clearing and winter safety is of primary concern. OSA is creating a program of proposed winter care for Oakridge seniors. With roads and sidewalks getting icy and homes snowed in, everyone’s thoughts are on safety and staying upright while getting out in the fresh air too. OSA is investigating getting partners for snow-clearing, installing handrails on outside steps, and helping residents secure walking aids (trackers, poles, non-slip crampons) and other safety aids. Watch for news soon if funding is secured for this important program. Wednesday Walkers at 10:00 a.m. If Wednesday isn’t your day of choice and you’d like to walk, why not volunteer to host another day or time and we will put it on the schedule. Thursday/Thursday Trotters, Friday Fitties, Saturday Striders anyone? Oakridge Echo Check out the latest edition of the Official Oakridge Community Newsletter, the Echo by clicking here.
Be kind! Sheila Foster, OSA Marketing & Communications
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