Volunteer Connector: Community Links

The Saskatoon Council on Aging held the third annual Volunteer Connector event on Friday, February 1st, 2019 at the Saskatoon Field House.  The cold stormy weather was no barrier for the older adults and communities agencies who participated at the event.

The Volunteer Connector links older adults and community agencies in mutually beneficial partnerships. Older adults find volunteer opportunities to stay active and contribute to worthwhile community causes. Community agencies benefit from the knowledge and experience of older adult volunteers. Older adults are dedicated and skilled volunteers that contribute hours of valuable work to charities and non-profits each year.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners; Community Initiatives Fund, Saskatoon Public Library and Revera. 

The Volunteer Connector was followed by a professional development session that focused on a presentation on ageism by Mercedes Montgomery and Elliot Paus Jenssen.

Key messages from the presentation:

• Become aware of ageism as a socially constructed, learned prejudice – that can be changed!
• Understand the harm ageism causes.
• Recognize ageist attitudes, language (in self and others, in the media and in institutions).
• Dare to challenge ageism, change the culture.

 

 

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Winter Fitness Opportunities

SCOA Globe Walk 2019: STAY FIT THIS WINTER

If you are 50+ years – challenge yourself and motivate others to take part in a fun winter fitness program – with a bonus of great social activities. You’ll stay active and work with your team to achieve an awesome  new Globe Walk goal.   Read more 

Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Association Activities

Discover the many activities SSFA  provides for members in order to assist them in achieving active lifestyles as well as making new friends through socializing with fellow members. It is our goal to improve the well-being of seniors by planning and organizing physical, cultural, social and intellectual activities. Read more ….

Bridge City Senioraction

A 55 plus co-ed seniors exercise club,  whose members are interested in improving their quality of life through a program of physical fitness.
Annual membership $20 per year, drop in fee $2.00 per session.
Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, Saskatoon Field House 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
All new members welcome. Phone Sheila 306-931-8053 or Kathy 306-244-0587 for more information.

Forever … in motion

Forever … in motion is a physical activity program for Older Adults 50+ in the community. Peer leaders teach safe exercises that include a warm-up, cardio, strength, balance and flexibility exercises.  Most classes are free or very low cost.  Participating in physical activity can reduce your risk of having a fall by 40 percent!  For more information or to find out about a Forever…in motion group near you contact us at 306-844-4080.

Fit Over 50 Program, City of Saskatoon : A Guide To Physical Activity For People 50+

• Drop-in Fitness Programs
• Registered Programs
• Smart Start Beginner Fitness
• Spotlight on Fitness: The First Step ProgramTM

Get Connected with Volunteering!

If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity in the New Year,  our volunteer fair is the place to be! Come to our Volunteer Connector and “get connected” with agencies and organizations that are seeking older adult volunteers.

When: February 1, 2019  8 am to 11 am
Where: Saskatoon Field House [court area]
Parking: Free, use main lot, enter your license places in machine in the Field House lobby
Cost: FREE
Refreshments will be available

Phone 306-652-2255 for more information

Refreshments courtesy of: 

Caregiver Week 2019

Caregiver Week March 17-23, 2019

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Care for the Caregiver Forum – Friday, March 22, 2019

• Caregiver App Launch: Lorraine Holtslander and Shelley Peacock (University of Saskatchewan)
• Caregiver Self-Care presentation : Jeanne Beaudoin (Saskatchewan Health Authority)
• “The Vulnerability of Caregiving”: Facilitated group discussions

Circle Drive Alliance Church – 3035 Preston Ave. S.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Registration 9:30 am)
Music by: Harpist Heidi Derksen, Cellist Jillian Gushulak
Cost: $20 (Lunch included – must pay in advance)
To register call SCOA at 306-652-2255

Our thanks to Saskatoon Community Foundation

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Caregiver Workshop – Monday, March 18, 2019

Cliff Wright Library presentation “Services for Caregivers”
Parkinson Canada presentation “Information for Caregivers”
Cliff Wright Library – 1635 McKercher Dr.
1pm-3pm
Cost: FREE
To register call 306-652-2255

 

 

 

Winter 2019 Classes & Programs

Note: All class/program fees must be paid in advance.
1. Phone 306-652-2255 to pay with credit card, OR
2. mail a cheque to our office:
SCOA, Saskatoon Field House, 2020 College Drive, Saskatoon, S7N 2W4 OR
3. Visit our office at the Field House to register in person.

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Introduction to Genealogy

This is a basic genealogy class and will not be able to concentrate on anyone’s personal genealogy.  This class will cover: where to start, where to find information, what to do and what not to do, different organizational methods, and

how to record information.

Wednesdays (9hrs): Feb 13, 20, 27 – 1pm – 4pm $90

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Wool Fibre Paint Art Class

Dianne Murphy is a well know local wool fibre artist. You will use natural fibres and the wet felting techniques to create your own “masterpiece”. Participants can bring a picture to work from or just have fun with colouring felts. All materials included.

Monday, February 4, 2019 1pm- 4pm  $50

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Needle Wool Fibre Art Class

Dianne Murphy is a well know local wool fibre artist. Using a needle and wool fibres, you will create an owl (or create your own sculpted  masterpiece).  No experience necessary, just come and have fun. All materials included.

Monday, March 4, 2019 1pm-4pm  $50

 

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Introduction to Spring Birding

Birding can be an enjoyable and stimulating lifelong activity. How can you get started? How can you develop more advanced skills?  You may just want to identify birds in your backyard and at the local park or perhaps you want to challenge yourself and venture further afield.  This class will show you how. Whether you are just starting out or seeking to become more adept at bird identification, please join us.

No experience or equipment is required, but if you have a bird field guide please bring it with you.

Tuesdays (8hrs): April 23, 30, May 7 (outdoors), 14 (indoor) 2pm – 4pm  $40

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Technology

Apple Technology Classes

Beginner one-on-one Apple classes on Friday afternoons.  Become more confident using your Apple iPad or iPhone. Register now for 2 classes of 1.5 hrs (3 hrs) which includes a take home manual.

Date: Friday afternoons  Cost:    $40

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IOS 12 Apple operating system and iPhone/iPad photography Class

Mystified with the Apple system update (IOS 12)? Having troubles with photos stored on the “Cloud”? Small group class sessions with 5 people per class – register early.

Date:    January 22nd    New IOS 12 Apple update (1.5 hrs) 1:30 – 3:00

February 12th  Photography/cloud storage (1.5 hrs) 1:30 – 3:00

Cost: $15 per class

Tech Buddy

One-on-one beginner technology classes with students from local high schools.
Program to run in February 2019; a waiting list will be kept.
Cost: $10 (Fee to cover administration costs)
Phone 306-652-2255 to register

A Full House for Warm Up to Winter

With 120 participants, SCOA’s first ever “Warm Up to Winter” event was a huge success!
We hope everyone enjoyed this  great kick-off to our winter season in Saskatoon.

Participants learned about the benefits of exercise, then walked the track at the Saskatoon Field House . After exercise, they headed upstairs to enjoy refreshments, hot drinks and listen to the mellow sounds of Salt Water Joy.

The afternoon was capped with a draw for three great prizes.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters: City of Saskatoon and Preston Park 1 Retirement Residence. 

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who helped make this event a success!

 

Gala Night Celebrates Older Adults

Message from June Gawdun, Executive Director, Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA]

On October 25th many older adults enjoyed a lovely evening at the Best of Zoomer Idol event at the Western Development Museum.  This event showcased the talents of older adults in our community.  The funds generated from ticket sales and voting for your favourite idol go to support SCOA’s programs and services.  The room was packed with 323 guests attending.  A huge thanks to the Idols and to the organizing committee.

The people’s choice winner was Lila Henderson. In the spirit of having a fundraising event the Idols had the option to collect votes prior to the event.   Lila managed to collect just over $6000.00 in votes!
There was a tie for the judge’s choice.  The winners were Mary Ellen Buckwold and Roy Hargreaves. 

 

Thank you to everyone who attended.  Tax receipts will be issued during for a portion of the fee for your ticket and for votes that were $25.00 and up.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Thanks to Prairie Meats

Thanks to Saskatoon Media Group

Thanks to Star Sponsors Edwards Family Centre; Barry Woytowich, RBC Dominion Securities; Affinity Credit Union
Dessert Sponsor:  Hillcrest Memorial