Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere (OACC) October 2023

vice to the Older Adult community in Chestermere. Many thanks to the funding provided by the City of Chestermere 2022 Community Fund to allow this to move forward.

Synergy celebrated their 10-year anniversary in September. It was an amazing event and very well attended. Many thanks to the volunteers, staff, leadership team and board of Synergy for their commitment to serving our community. Know that you have touched many lives and truly make a difference.

Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere (OACC)

As the Summer heat and long days fade away and Fall is upon us, it always amazes me how quickly the leave change colours. It seems like it happens overnight. The morning coffee on the deck now requires a jacket but continues to be a great way to start the day.

The kids are getting into their daily school routines and life seems back to be back on “schedule” for many families in Chestermere. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I wonder how many Red Ribbon prize worthy preserves will be served up with the turkey and trimmings.

OACC News & Community Events

The Older Adult Information Line went live on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Looking for information on resources, news, or events? Not comfortable using email or filling out forms online? Now you can call 587-349-7444 for help. On behalf of OACC, Lakeshore Manor will be providing the information for the Older Adult Information Line from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday (excluding Statutory Holidays) for Older Adults in our community. Whether it’s helping to do an online registration or finding information about homecare - call the Older Adult Information Line. As with any new program, there will be some growing pains, so please be patient as the kinks are worked out. OACC and Lakeshore Manor are excited to provide this valuable ser-

Don’t forget about the Chestermere RCMP Regimental Ball on October 21, 2023. It is shaping up to be an event to remember. It is a formal gala, so break out those floor length evening gowns and tuxedos and enjoy a glorious evening celebrating the RCMP. Tickets are available at https://cityofchestermere.ticketspice.com/regimental-ball and are selling fast so if you are thinking about going, don’t delay or you may be disappointed.

There will be a Mobile Blood Donor Event at the Chestermere Rec Centre on Monday, October 30th from 2:30pm to 7:30pm. This is always a great opportunity to give back to your community.

The City of Chestermere has embarked on updating the City’s Social Needs Assessment of our community. A third party was hired to review the social support and services within our city. It’s an opportunity to review what’s available and identify any gaps in the community offerings. Both the City and the local not-for-profit organizations provide various supports and services to the residents of Chestermere. Residents had an opportunity to participate in the social needs assessment survey. The third party are to present their findings to Council in October. After this, it is expected that the awards for the 2023 Community Grant and 2024 Human Services Advisory Grants will be announced, and funding released. This funding is imperative for the not-for-profit organizations to continue their important work providing programming and services for residents.

Interested in the History of Chestermere? Check out the Chestermere Historical Foundation. They meet the

3rd Tuesday of the month at the Whitecappers premises. Everyone is welcome and there is lots to learn about our community. CHF also have display cases at the Library that feature various events and points of interest about Chestermere. Take a few minutes to stop by and see them. Their September event “Ditchrider Diaries” is being rescheduled so watch for updates on their website at www. chestermerehistoricalfoundation.org.

Chestermere Whitecappers Association have sent out their monthly calendar of events as well. They post it at the club, or you can check online at www.whitecappers.ca for all of the activities they have planned. There is something for everyone so take a moment to check out their events. Don’t forget to get a membership – if you are 50+ you are eligible to join. Lots of fun and a lot of opportunities to get out and mix and mingle with your fellow Chestermerians!

With the changing seasons, comes the time to get some stuff done around the house. Whether it is getting the air conditioner or furnace serviced (or both), it is also time to start winterizing the yard. Have your gutters cleaned, tidy up the gardens and rake up those leaves. Don’t forget to disconnect outdoor hoses and turn off the water to outdoor taps. It is also important to check the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide alarms. The fall maintenance list is long but important to complete.

News & Views on Health

Well, it is that time of year again to start considering the flu shots offered through Alberta Influenza Immunization Program. For the general public, the program is set to begin on October 16, 2023. If it is your thing, the new CovidModerna XBB.1.5 targeted vaccine will likely be accessible around the same time.

We are also in the onset of cold and flu season. I, myself, had a cold a few weeks back. It was somewhat weird, because, for over 3 years, I have not had a sniffle. It is rather interesting now, though, that a cough due to cold (yes that is a Forrest Gump reference) earns you a lot of side glances and people distancing themselves. I did take a covid test, and it was negative (several in fact), but there was a certain feeling that I should be doing more. Certainly, staying home and avoiding crowds makes a lot of sense, but if you have to go out, make sure you wash your hands often and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. I have seen some people masking again, but again, that is a personal choice. All this is advice that my mother gave me many, many years ago and I would say is basic common courtesy when feeling under the weather.

Join the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere

Are you an older adult? Do you live or work in Chestermere or the immediate surrounding area? Do you want to engage and/or volunteer in the community with similar residents? Do you have family that fits this demographic that you care for or have living in Chestermere? Did you know that as a business or organization that has an interest in providing services or programs for our older adults you are more than welcome to be a member of OACC? We welcome adult children of older adults, caregivers, educators, agencies, service organizations, funders, community partners and the community at large. The common goal is to work for the betterment of older adults in our community.

OACC

– Upcoming Meeting Date –

Wednesday, October 18th at 1:30PM – 3:30PM Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). While walk-ins are welcome to our meetings, RSVPs are appreciated. Please email Joanne jumpmaster2@shaw.ca or Betty illingw8@telus.net or Shannon shannon.fetterly@lakeshoremanor.ca

The OACC also welcomes community businesses, organizations, and service providers to join our meetings as a guest speaker. If you are interested, please reach out to Joanne, Betty, or Shannon.