KeeNotes Newsletter

MCKEE SENIORS RECREATION CENTRE Recreation for 50+

KEENOTES

This is Your Shot!! Fraser Health is now taking bookings for anyone who has not received their first vaccine. If you have not had your first shot yet, now is the time to get it!

The City of Delta is providing a free transportation service for Delta residents to the Fraser Health COVID-19 Immunization Clinics in Delta.

MCKEE SENIORS RECREATION CENTRE 5155 47 Avenue Delta, BC V4K 0A2 604-946-1411

Ensure you are registered with the provincial government and book your second vaccination when you are eligible.

The bus service is also available for those needing rides to these appointments.

For more information, please call 604-597-4876 Monday to Sunday, 9am to 3:30pm

Soft opening September 7 (see page 2 for more information)

Please note: McKee Seniors Recreation Centre is CLOSED for regular seniors programming until further notice.

Have a question, suggestion or comment for the monthly newsletter?

We’d like to hear from you—please contact us at mckee@delta.ca 1

From the Board Dear Members, On July 14, 2021, the Board of Directors held the first Zoom Annual General Meeting for both 2019 and 2020.

We would like to thank those members who attended virtually.

Both meetings were very successful. Thank you to Jack MacDonald for showing us how to vote on the Zoom site, and to Peggy Knight for being the Chairperson in Ben Branscombe’s absence, due to his medical recovery.

Both meetings were approved and all items passed.

Minutes from the 2019 and 2020 meetings are posted on the mckeesociety.com website.

Debbie Lindsey, Director

Reopening News!

Hi everyone, I am pleased to announce the City of Delta will do a SOFT OPENING of McKee Seniors Recreation Centre on September 7, 2021. The centre will be open Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm for socializing, cards, board games and other limited activities. The Café remains closed but you are encouraged to stop by for a complimentary cup of coffee.

Regular programming organized by the McKee Board will follow at a later date. More information to come in the September newsletter.

Suzanne Taylor, Seniors Community Services Supervisor

Support Your Community Are you someone who enjoys writing letters or making cards? We need your help!

The City of Delta is mailing cards and letters to seniors through the new program Encouragement in an Envelope, courtesy of a $25,000 federal grant from the New Horizons for seniors program. To register as a volunteer letter or card writer, visit LetsTalk.Delta.ca/Envelope or call Katie Green at 604-679-1426.

If you know a Delta senior who uses mail or telephone as their primary mode of communication, please let them know about this program. Should they wish to receive mail, they can register for the Encouragement in an Envelope program by calling Katie Green at 604-679-1426.

McKee’s Golden Gloves Gardeners Our gardeners are busy growing and harvesting fresh organic vegetables.

The garden consists of spinach, kale, parsley, Swiss chard, green beans, zucchini, turnips and peas. All produce is donated to the local food bank.

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Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture

Summer Fitness ~ August 1—September 5 Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Move to Improve

Muscle Max

McKee Seniors Recreation Centre ~ 5155 47 Ave, Ladner 9:15-10am

Muscle Max

Muscle Max Heartwise (Ladner Leisure Centre)

9:15-10:15am

Heartwise (Ladner Leisure Centre)

Step no Step 10:45-11:30am 10:45-11:45am

Step no Step Fit & Functional

Fun & Fitness

Chair Yoga

Yoga

Joint Moves Yoga

12:15-1:15pm

HIIT

Simply Stretch Fit & Functional

5:45-6:45pm

Boot Camp

6:30-7:15pm 6:30-7:30pm

Step no Step

Joint Moves

Fun & Fitness

12:15-1pm

HIIT

Muscle Max Yoga

Muscle Max Yoga

Schedule subject to change

Registered: Aug 3-31, 4 weeks Drop-in—Pre-registration Required Virtual All programs require pre-registration. For virtual programs you will be provided with a link to your Zoom program prior to its start. Register by phone by calling 604-952-3000 or register on line by visiting DeltaReg.ca.

Phone lines are open from 6am-10pm Mon-Fri and 8am-9pm Sat-Sun. Class descriptions and a list of all programs offered by Delta can be found at Delta.ca/Fitness Delta Residents: Program registration opens on Tuesdays at 9am, two weeks before the program starts.

Non-Delta Residents: Program registration opens on Tuesdays at 9am, one week before the program starts.

Aquatics Attention Swimmers: Delta aquatic centres are hosting a variety of registered swim lessons, private lessons and drop-in swim opportunities, including aquafit classes, length swimming, public swimming, water walking and running. Currently, all programs and drop-in activities must be pre-registered through DeltaReg.ca or by calling 604-952-3000. Learn more at Delta.ca/Aquatics. Saunas and steam rooms are closed; swirl pools are open.

Last night I dreamed that I was swimming in an ocean of orange soda.

Yesterday a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool.

But it was just a Fanta sea.

I gave him a glass of water.

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Wellness

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Wellness Start small. You probably already have things you want to get rid of in the kitchen or garage, but avoid diving into such a big room at the very beginning. You have years and years of things to sort through. Start in an area with little emotional attachment. The laundry room or linen closet are good options. Start with a drawer, then a closet, then a room, and so on until the job is complete.

Thinking about downsizing?

Here are a few tips to get you on your way: As we collectively emerge from restrictions due to COVID-19, I revisited the most consistent topics of enquiry I received from seniors during this last year.

One theme that was at the forefront was housing transitions, i.e. should I move, should I stay, how to manage clutter and the like. With time on our hands, we looked at our living space. It's a fact that people are staying in their homes longer than ever before. But, are they keeping their home clutterfree? Sixty-four percent of seniors say they plan to stay in their current homes. Whether you choose to stay in your home or move, housing is an important topic as we age.

Eliminate rooms you won't have in your new home.

If you’re moving to an apartment or townhome, you might not have a garage or office space. Nearly everything in those spaces will need to be sold, donated, tossed, or relocated to other rooms.

Get rid of duplicates. You’ll find this is especially true in your kitchen. You have two or three spatulas and ladles, a couple of oversized stock pots, and four different sized cookie sheets. Now’s the time to reduce the clutter.

While the home is often viewed as familiar and comforting, it can also be a source of anxiety when it becomes difficult to maintain or navigate in late life.

Most seniors know that there may come a day when they’ll have to downsize, either to simplify their lifestyle, to cut costs, to be closer to grandchildren, or to address medical needs. It is often a stressful and tolling process — both emotionally and physically. It’s a major transition, but it doesn’t have to get overwhelming.

Only make Yes or No piles — no Maybes. When you’re going through years of belongings, some things are going to tug at your heartstrings, and you’ll be tempted to make a third pile of things to keep if you have space. Don’t fall for it. You’ll end up with a Maybe pile that’s bigger than either of the other two.

When that happens, you haven’t really made any progress in sorting, just moved it across the room.

Declutter Your Existing Home The first step is getting rid of things you don't need before you actually downsize. In the grand scheme of things, it means thinking about which items you can donate, sell, or toss. You’ll probably find things you currently don’t use and items that can be replaced with smaller or multi-use versions.

Tips to make downsizing later in life easier:

Reduce collections creatively. It can be hard to let go of a lifetime collection of porcelain dolls or snow globes from all your vacations, but they will end up stored in a box where you’ll never see them. Instead, pick a couple to keep and take high-resolution photos of the rest, then have them made into a photo book that can sit on your coffee table or mantle.

Start early. Give yourself plenty of time for this process, because it will inevitably take longer than you expect. Don’t try to sort through your entire house in one day or weekend. A couple of weeks to a month is a more realistic timeline. Take it one room at a time, and take breaks throughout.

Don't be afraid to sell things yourself. With Craigslist, E-bay, numerous smartphone apps, yard sales, and an abundance of consignment shops, selling your belongings has never been easier. You probably won’t make a ton of money on most items, so consider how much time you want to invest.

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Wellness Consider legacy gifts early. Is there an antique clock in your foyer that you plan to leave to your son?

Maybe a china collection your granddaughter adores? If there are certain heirlooms or pieces you plan to leave to your family in your will, consider giving those gifts now.

Your downsize doesn’t have to be stressful, sad, or scary. Stay positive and get excited about a simpler life in a new place or the same place with less clutter.

Adapted from Seniors Living and MYMOVE.com.

If you require more information please contact Eva, Seniors Support Coordinator, City of Delta, at 604-787-1242

Allow some time to reminisce. While you’re cleaning and sorting, there will be some days when you want to stop emptying the kids’ bedrooms and just look through the kindergarten drawings, soccer trophies, and once-prized stuffed animals. It’s OK to pause and let the nostalgia take over for a bit. Cry if you need to, or move on to another room and come back. This is why you started early — just don’t let it prevent you from eventually getting the job done.

Eva Busich-Veloso, Delta’s Seniors Support Coordinator Eva helps connect people 50+ to services and resources in the larger community, including: wellness, healthcare, housing options, family and caregiver support, and government services and benefits.

Stay Positive. Downsizing is hard work. Keep smiling and thinking positively, and tell yourself that you can get through this! The joy and relief that you’ll feel will outshine the struggles. Once you've narrowed down your belongings to just the items that you truly cherish and use, you’ll feel liberated and be able to think and live with more clarity.

Office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30am-4pm. To book an appointment call 604-787-1242, or email at ebusich-veloso@delta.ca.

Throughout a heatwave, keep yourself cool and hydrated.       

Drink water regularly.

Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine and sugar.

Eat small meals and eat more often.

Wear light, loose-fitting clothes.

Wear a hat or cap and sunglasses.

Take cool showers or baths.

Reach out and check on your family and friends.

During heat events, the City of Delta will activate the following cooling centres, daily from 8am-8pm: Kinvillage Community Centre McKee Seniors Recreation Centre Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre North Delta Recreation Centre Ladner Leisure Centre Sungod Recreation Centre Winskill Aquatic & Fitness Centre South Delta Recreation Centre If you find yourself in need of water or some time in air-conditioning to cool down, please visit!

Delta public libraries will also be designated as cooling centres: Mon-Th 9am-6pm; Fri-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm.

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For updated information, visit: www.delta.ca

Armchair Tourist

Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and green urban areas. Venture out to a forest, enjoy a Nordic dinner, or try one of those saunas!

Finland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It covers 338,455 square kilometres with a population of 5.5 million.

The Finns regard Lapland, the largest and most northern region of the country, as the home of Santa Claus, with several theme parks like Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. However, a Google search clearly gives the Jolly Elf’s address as Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO Canada, so that’s debatable.

Old Porvoo is a fairy tale town with cobbled streets, old houses, a medieval cathedral and cute museums.

Finns love saunas!

Nearly all Finnish houses have their own saunas, and multi-resident buildings have timeshare saunas.

Finnish sauna culture has been designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Finnish Heritage Agency has committed to safeguard the vitality of the sauna tradition and to highlight its importance as part of customs and wellbeing.

Learn important elf secrets and skills and earn a diploma from Santapark’s Elf School.

How to say …

Good morning Good night Hello Goodbye How’s it going?

Finland has been rated one of the world’s most literate countries—perhaps as a result of a 19thcentury decree that a couple couldn’t marry in the Lutheran church unless they both passed a reading test. Powerful motivation to learn to read!

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Hyvää huomenta Hyvää yöta Hei! Hyvästi Miten menee?

Finns play great hockey! Remember these names: Jyrki Lumme, Petri Skriko, Jarkko Ruutu, Esa Tikkanen, Teemu Selänne and Jari Kurri? And who could forget Sami Salo, our favourite Finn of all!

Just for Fun DOWN

ACROSS 1 Angus 5 Compels to go 10 Time zone 13 Opposed 14 Ancient Greek marketplace 15 Passenger car 16 Hard of hearing 17 Threatens 18 Nova 19 Kimono Sash 21 Government travel document 23 Central daylight time 26 Shoshonean 28 River 29 Reflexive pronoun 32 Father’s sister 33 Compass Point 34 Suitable 36 Streetcar

37 38 42 43 44 46 49 51 52 53 57 59 60 62 66 67 68 69 70 71

Inn U.S. Department of Agriculture Let down Marine vessel Thick soup Bureaus Contempt Talk incessantly Dined San Francisco Bay prison Beheld Carved Polynesian pendant Out and ____ Imitated Prayer ending Edgy Go it alone Fisherman’s tool Maneuver Long country walk 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 20 22 23 24 25 27 30 31 32 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 47 48 49 50 54 55 56 58 61 63 64 65

Not good Vane direction Estimated time of arrival First in, first out Rock salt Gone by Lasso Writer Bombeck Back talk Eliminate (2 wds) Heavenly lights Light cake Quaking tree Transit vehicle Indecent language Blister One who gets things done Bass horn Jostle Rapid eye movement Gave a lavish party Cause of sickness Shuttle In what matter Ship initials Popular stadium Soil Niche Allowed to borrow Electric _____ Connected series of rail cars Spring holiday Resort hotel Devil Climate Rodents A wager (2 wds) Subdivide Remove dirt Manipulate Luau dish Antlered animal Female deer

Just for Fun BC Word Scramble 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

STEW TACOS ANMOUNTIS FICAPCI NECOA ANKGAONA CRVIENOP IVCIAOTR OLAMSN FROETSNRIA

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

PTIISR AEBRS HCPTEAIWS CAOSR ERASFR VLYLEA OCBIRAO ERIIESWN NUSCCKA ELHTRWIS

Reservations Border Passport Hotel Airplane Cruise Expedition Departure Destination Luggage Getaway Camera Binoculars Foreign Postcard Relaxation Scenery Tourist Souvenir Memories Travel Agent Translation Vacation 9

Word Search

We’re spreading some humour amongst our readership. The Joke Line 604-595-8409 will be updated each week for your amusement. We encourage you to submit jokes to us at mckee@delta.ca

Word of the Day Deipnosophist Noun [dahyp-nos-uh-fist A person who is an adept conversationalist at a meal.

Apparently it’s good to talk to your plants. I tried to teach my flowers mathematics, but they all ended up with square roots!

1. West Coast 2. Mountains 3. Pacific Ocean 4. Okanagan 5. Province 6. Victoria 7. Salmon 8. Rainforest 9. Spirit Bears 10. Whitecaps 11. Orcas 12. Fraser Valley 13. Cariboo 14. Wineries 16. Whistler 10