Moccasin Telegraph - Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre

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Moccasin Telegraph
Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre
July 2015
Opaskowipîsim
Moulting month
I N S I D E T H I S IS S U E :
Message from the
Board
2-3
Executive Director
4
Outreach
4
Resources
5
From the Cook
5
Housing
6-7
Ongoing programs
8
What's new
9
Special Events and
announcements
10-11
Health tips
12
July Calendar
13
EASC information
14
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From your Board…
We hope you’re enjoying your summer now that the
nice weather has arrived.
Our Board committees continue their work. Programs Committee, for instance, is working through a new system. It became obvious to the Board that we
needed more information in order to approve costs of programs and the staff has
provided what we asked for. The Programs Committee then prioritizes the suggestions and makes sure there are enough resources to do them. That could mean
money but it also could mean people – staff, volunteers and, most important, those
of you who will be taking part.
Then, the Programs Committee presents their recommendations to the
Board. We just make sure there’s enough money and that it fits with our overall plan
for the year. You may already be aware there will be no long trips this year, none out
of province, but short ones are being planned which should be spiritual or cultural in
nature.
On the subject of trips, we are always discussing ways to do more with
what we have. It’s been suggested that some of our trips could be partly supported
by the members participating. We try every way possible to do things that don’t cost
but we’ve heard from members they would be willing to share the cost of some trips,
for instance.
On the subject of trips, some of you may recall the Healing Our Spirits
Worldwide conference held in Hawaii in 2010 and the fundraising many of you
did for that purpose. The funds are still sitting in a GIC not making a lot of money,
and we want to know what you would like us to do with it.
Apparently, the previous Board agreed to put it into programs but no review of the minutes has been done to prove that. So, we thought we’d ask you what
you think we should do with the $9,827.05.
We’d prefer to have some record of what you suggest so we’d ask you
to put it in writing. Just a short note will do. But, if you would rather discuss it with
someone, make your suggestions to the staff or to individual Board members. We’ll
be happy to hear from you.
On another topic, some of you have been wondering about the Criminal
Records Check for Board members. The Board has approved a change to our
Volunteer policy and now Board members are included as volunteers. We must all
abide by the rule that all volunteers must have what’s called a “Crim. Check.” Most
of the Board has complied.
We have applied for a university student to come help the Board with its
administration. We have committees but don’t have terms of reference for them yet.
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M OC C AS IN T E LE GR AP H
We hope this person will be able to do that for us among other things.
Most of our Board members volunteered at the casino held June 18
th
and 19 . We were pleased to be able to support our Centre in this way and we
thank all the volunteers who helped out. We can expect our pooled allocation in a few months and then we budget that amount over two years. We are very
grateful the Province of Alberta supports non-profit organizations in this way.
We’re looking forward to our Round Dance in October. Our partner,
Enoch First Nation, is sharing their expertise to make it a very successful
event. Our staff and Board appreciate the teachings involved. We’ll be talking
more about it as time goes on but for now we are asking you to think of people
who have passed on that we should remember. We don’t want to miss anyone.
Now, on a serious note, because our Board is committed to being
open and transparent in all our dealings, we must let you know we are being sued
by a former staff member. We have hired a lawyer to handle it and we hope for the
best.
We’re still two members short so we’d welcome any volunteers for the
Board to serve until next March. In the fall we will ask each current Board member
to complete a skills assessments so we can see where our gaps are. Already we
know we need legal and business experience.
Keep safe and enjoy the good weather. Maybe think about taking part in one
of our programs and activities. If it gets approved, some of us want to sign up for
pottery classes! Until next time…
Board of Directors
Elder - Gilman Cardinal
Chairperson - Jane Woodward
Vice Chair - Ruth Cook
Secretary - Beatrice Pambrun
Treasurer - Doreen Wabasca
Director at large Lorraine Savard
Director at large Ed Lavallee
Director at large Joe Callihoo
Director at large vacant
Director at large vacant
Riddles: (answers on page 14)
1.
What building has the most stories?
2.
Railroad crossing without any cars. Can you spell that without any R's?
3.
What is thrown to both kings and beggars?
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Message from Executive Director Jori Hunter
Well hello all you beautiful members! Summer is here – finally.
With summer comes special attention that must be paid to our skin
and overall health. Make sure that you use sunscreen when going on
our field trips and day programs. Apply liberally and often. Drink lots
of water and carry a water bottle with you when travelling to curb dehydration. Wear a hat whenever you can, because not only will you
will look fabulous but you will receive a secondary benefit that keeps
the head cool. And no one likes a hot head if you know what I mean
lol. Spritz yourself with water whenever you can. I keep a small
sprayer of water in my purse but if you’re a man you will have to
keep it in your murse (man-purse) or fanny pack. You can even travel
with an umbrella to keep the heat off you. Many do that in other
countries and it is beginning to catch on here in Canada as well. And
for goodness sake people take your socks off, especially if you have
sandals on. Let those toes breathe even that ugly crooked one – cha just messing with ya. Stay tuned
as next month Aunty Jori will be back with another column chock a block full of wisdom and wit.
Please take note that I will be away from June 29 and back on July 13th. I look forward to seeing everyone when I get back. Take care of one another till then. Hiy Hiy - Jori
Outreach Coordinator
I want to start by thanking all of you for being so welcoming and
kind. I would like to introduce myself to all of you. My name is
Melissa, I am the new Seniors Outreach Coordinator. I am a single
mother to a beautiful five year old girl, named Riel. I am
Mi'kmaq/Cree, from my mother’s side and of European descent on
my father’s side of the family.
I have been working in the Human services field for nine years.
I’ve worked in areas such as addictions, homelessness, domestic
violence and human trafficking. My main focus is on our community; being a role model for our younger generation and learning
from our Elders. I love to paint, bead, write and read in my down
time. I am usually attending an event with my daughter or somewhere within our beautiful city, outdoors. I look forward to working with all the amazing members
of the Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre. Please stop in to say hello. If I can help you in any way
please do not be afraid to ask. No issue is too large, small nor insignificant. I look forward to getting
to know all of you and again I thank you for welcoming me to the Centre.
Hiy- Hiy Melissa
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Resources and Services Coordinator
Tansi! June’s gone and July is here! Where does the time go? I've
been a busy girl over the last few weeks, assisting you on our outings, recruiting volunteers, working with the board and staff. Helping create and plan for new programs and special events, making
lists for the van, programs and recording stats! At home my daughters are almost done soccer for the season (finally!!) and I just went
to my son’s grade 6 farewell grad…. My baby boy is off to Junior
High in September!!! Im still chipping away at the hours I need to
complete for the down payment on my home through Habitat for
Humanity... Time flies by so quickly—you know the saying
“cherish each moment before its gone.” Anyways I'm looking forward to another month here. We've been working hard on new ideas as well as fine tuning our regular programs. I am proud of the
staff here, and our volunteers I must say we are doing quite well.
Everyday I am meeting new people and learning everyone's names! So please keep in touch with us,
we need your input, participation and help to keep our Centre alive and well - we work for you, so I
hope to see you all more!! Hiy Hiy - Amanda
Congrats to Tracy
for passing her
Food Safety
Course!!!
Message from the cook
Tansi! I hope you are all enjoying the soup and bannock on
Wednesdays as I try hard to please you. I would like your
input into what we cook here each week, I've tried many different soups. I’d like to know what you want to see more and
less of. If you have any suggestions, please let us know and
we will do our best to cook it. Also, if you would like to help
me in the kitchen to prep the food, I would love your company. Just give us a shout and we can let you know what time to
stop by. Hiy Hiy! Tracy
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Housing Coordinator - Norma Collins
Hello Folks! What a wonderful summer it is! We have so many
blessings to be thankful for. I hope that everyone is enjoying
the summer festivities in the city or having a joyful time visiting with family and friends. What happened in June? (egg
hatching month) all the snow that melted and all the rain that
came down made little water lakes everywhere. We followed a
path to and from school, short cuts between the main roads.
There was a little lake on the path by the big spruce tree we
used to climb on the way home from school. We made another
path all around the water. Each week the path would get
straighter as the water receded. One day we saw the duck sitting on a nest full of eggs. A big brown mallard duck. Every
day we tried not to scare the duck. Quietly ever so quietly we
tried sneaking by. Some days the duck would fly away then we
could have a peek at her eggs. There were so many eggs. It was
such joy just to be able to look at them. One morning we saw a
slight crack in one egg. After school all the ducks were gone. By this time all the water had disappeared. Our little lake was gone and so were our little ducks. Every one of them had hatched and
the nest was abandoned. I had to see if they were alive. I snuck up to the nearby slough and waited.
Sure enough there was mother duck with her baby ducklings swimming across the water. All baby
ducks accounted for. Opaskawewowipisim—the time when the eggs hatch. Wowi means eggs, pisim means moon and I think opaska means to break open. This is what happens in June in Alberta.
Hiy Hiy—Norma
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HOUSING: A short review of Greater Edmonton Foundation (GEF)
You must be 65 to apply at GEF. For couples, one person must be 65 and the other person
needs to be at least 60 years of age. Applicants are prioritized according to needs. If you have high
housing and service need and you are not fussy about where you live then the wait could be short. If
you want to live in a certain location and your need is low then you could have a longer wait. Seniors
must be functionally independent to live in GEF housing. GEF does not have medical staff at any location. Many residents receive Home Care from Alberta Health Services. The maximum income criteria is 33,000 (bachelor suite), 38,000 (single), 48,000 (couple). Rental rates are reviewed yearly and
changes take effect on July 1.
4 types: Self-Contained Housing--This is an apartment with a kitchen. You will be able to cook your
own meals. The rent is 30% of your total monthly income; bachelor suite may be as high as $845 (or
lower depending on your income), $1,000 for a one bedroom suite, $1,225 for a two bedroom suite
(couple), again it depends on your income, it can be lower. Phone, cable, electricity and parking are
not included in the rent. There are inexpensive laundry facilities available in the buildings. The heat,
water and garbage removal are included in the rent. In all there are 27 self-contained apartment
blocks throughout Edmonton.
Lodge—this is a bed/sitting room-style accommodation; it has a single bed, night table and dresser.
In a lodge, meals and weekly housekeeping are provided and non-medical staff is available 24 hours a
day. You can bring your own furniture if you want. In the lodge you will pay the additional cost of
support services. The rates for a single or handicapped room is $725, couples or double occupancy
room is $1,230, (effective July 1, 2015). The support service cost will be in addition to the rent. Rent
is 30% your gross monthly income. Maximum rent is 1,885 for a single or handicapped room; again
this amount could be lower depending on what your total monthly income is. The maximum for a
couple is $2,300 a month; again it depends on your total monthly income. There is also an additional fee for parking, cable television and laundry. Greater Edmonton Foundation manages 9 lodges, altogether 883 beds. There are 5 other lodges which do not participate in the Alberta Municipal Affairs
Seniors Lodge program they are McCauley, Nihgi Metis Seniors Lodge, All Shepherds Care, Sparling
Lodge, St. Michael’s Grove Manor. Some of the 5 are subsidized, some are a flat rate. See Sage directory for listing.
Duplex Homes- Two locations that offer one-bedroom accommodation in a duplex. Rent is a flat rate,
$575 for single or $650 for double occupancy (effective July 1, 2015). Lauderdale Homes has 12
beds while Golden Homes has 25 beds.
Affordable Apartments- Seniors affordable apartments are linked to two lodges Rosslyn Terrace has
50 spaces and Ottewell Terrace has 54 spaces. One bedroom suite starts at $825, two bedroom starts
at $1,040 (effective July 1, 2015). Each suite has a fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher and balcony
with laundry facilities in the building and underground parking. (review taken from “Housing Information”, www.gef.org)
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Ongoing programs
Victorian Order of Nurses
(VON) Foot care
July 7, 2015 from 12-3pm
July 21, 2015 from 12-3pm
Contact Melissa - Outreach - to book
your appointment.
MASS There will be no mass held until
September 2015
We are grateful Father Jim for leading
Mass here at the Centre. We would also
like to thank Helen for the delicious meals
she makes each month for the Potluck. See
you in September!
VAN pick up drop off
Please contact us for a ride a to the
Centre for programming. Call at least
one day in advance
Nutritional program
Join us at the EASC for soup and bannock! We make a new dishes each
week! As always this is hosted every
Wednesday from 12-1pm. Hope to
see you there!!!
Sewing/Quilting
Craft Corner
We will be continuing our sewing group
each Thursday between 10-2pm. We
have lots of material and the ladies have
been doing an awesome job!
Join us Mondays from 10-2pm for var ious
crafts - call us for each week’s project.
Crib There will be no crib this
month—due to Summer Dance.
Afternoon Bingo
Join us after Soup and Bannock every second Wednesday from 1:15-3pm. Although
we do not play for money, our prizes are
amazing! We are very thankful for the donations we receive from our members!
Drop in
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30
Come on in anytime to check out
whats going on, or just for a coffee.
We have cable, phone, internet access,
as well as many things you could help
us out with!!!
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What's new at the Centre
Drop in Lunch
Computer Tech
Each day between 12-1pm we are ser ving lunch for seniors. We would like to
thank the Edmonton Food Bank for their
contribution towards this important service to our Seniors.
Starting July 15, Mikale from the Calder
Library will be here every second Wednesday from 1-3pm to assist senior s with
computers, cell phones ipads ect.
Walking club
We have started a walking club. This will
be from 9:30-10am Monday, Wednesday
and Friday. Please join us for some
fresh air. Also as this club grows we will
start tracking time and km’s for prizes!
Garden Club
Canadian Tire money
Do you have Canadian Tire money that
your not using? Please donate it to the
Centre, we will be tracking donors and
purchasing something fun for the Centre.
WECAN Food Baskets
Join us Tuesdays from 2-4pm for our gar den club, we will be sharing tips, techniques as well as tending to our garden
here at the centre.
The EASC will be helping its members
get groceries through the WECAN Food
Basket program. First, participants buy a
$5 annual membership to join WECAN.
You must then put your order into
Mosom and Me
WECAN and the EASC will pick it up
and deliver it to you! Baskets range from
Woodworking
$10.00 -$25.00. For information on how
We are working with Habitat for Humanity to get started please contact us ! This is
to construct our flower boxes, please stay open to EASC members who do not have
tuned for dates on construction!
their own transportation.
Phone system
We have re-directed our phone lines so you will not go straight to voice mail when you
call us. Either a volunteer or one of us will be able to answer calls as they come in and
take a message or transfer to the appropriate person.
Don’t forget that you can get each weeks events when you call in by pressing “0”
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Special Events and announcements
Seniors Summer Dance July 10, 2014
In partnership with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
Dance will be held at Parkdale School - 11648-85st from 6:00-11:00pm
$10.00/ticket includes Live band, Concession, 50/50, raffle items
All proceeds go towards programming for Seniors
Enoch Pow Wow Saturday July 11, 2015
We will be going to the Pow wow in Enoch, van leaves centre at 10:30am and returns
by 6:00pm please sign up with Amanda by July 8, 2015
Casino Volunteer Appreciation BBQ July 17, 2015 from 12:00-3:00pm
at the Centre - Cost: donation.
Metis Crossing - Old time Jamboree Saturday July 18, 2015
We will be going to the Old time Jam at Metis Crossing near Smoky Lake. Van leaves
at 10:30am and returns by 6:00pm. please sign up with Amanda by July 10, 2015
Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage July 21, 2015
We will be going to Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage, van leaves at 9:00am and returns by
3:00pm Please sign up with Amanda by July 17, 2015
Men's fishing day July 24, 2015
We will be taking our Men out of town to go fishing, this trip will cost $20.00 or can
be worked off in volunteer hours. Van will be leaving by 8:30am and return by
4:30pm. Please sign up and pay Amanda by July 17, 2015
Volunteers! We are looking for you! We are continually looking for volunteers to
help out the Centre and its seniors. We can guarantee you’ll have a good time, meet
new people and maybe acquire a new skill! Fine Options is another way we recruit for
volunteers. If you or anyone you know has a fine to pay through community service,
we can set you up with a project. For Seniors we offer field trips and other programs in
exchange for volunteer hours, please contact Amanda for more information on
how you can volunteer towards a trip.
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Special Events and announcements
Memories of a grandparent - On July 31, 2015 from 1-3pm we will be assisting you
to capture the memories and stories you have to pass on to your family. We will be
helping you to write down what you remember about you and your family including
things like marriages, births and special events of your life then creating a book you can
give to your family. For more information please contact us!
August 1, 2015 - Poundmaker s Powwow sign up with Amanda by J uly 24, 2015
August 14, 2015 Tr ip to Kikino rodeo - We will be going to the Kikino rodeo - members pay $5.00 towards trip or complete 5 hours of volunteer services. Sign up and pay
Amanda by August 7, 2015
August 15, 2015 - Dress up with us Kentucky Derby Style as we are going to the Canadian derby at Northlands - stay tuned for details
August 19, 2015 we will be playing CREE Bingo after Soup and bannock from
1:15-3pm
August 21-22, 2015 - Yard sale 10-4pm - br ing your unwanted items to the Centre
to sell at our yard sale. Table rental - $10.00. sign up and pay Amanda by August 17,
30 Year Anniversary Project As the only Abor iginal Senior s Centre in Canada, we
have a long and very colourful history – 30 years of it, in fact. Information will be gathered from members, previous and current Board and staff, volunteers, and stakeholders
to be put into a booklet which will be launched on our
30th anniversary in October 2016. If you have photos
or other records we can use in this project, please let
us know!
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 24, 2015
The EASC is pleased to announce that we will be
co-hosting a Traditional Round Dance in partnership
with Enoch Elders Centre. We will need help cooking and serving. We will be hosting a number of
fundraising activities leading up to the event, so if
you are interested please contact us for more information!
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Health Tips for the summer
Sip Smart
Feeling tired? Have a headache? Dry, sticky mouth? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions,
you might be dehydrated.
Water is essential to human life; it makes up about 60% of your body. You need water to keep your
body working properly and to control your body temperature. It flushes out wastes and toxins, helps
digestion, lubricates the joints and eyes, and keeps skin healthy. You can't live without it.
Signs of dehydration

Dizziness or light-headedness

Dry mouth, lips and eyes

Decreased urine output

Rapid pulse

Weakness
Most adults should drink at least 1500 ml (6 cups) of fluid
daily. While drinking water is generally the best choice for
hydration, you also get fluid from juice, milk, soup, fruits,
vegetables, as well as other foods and beverages. If having
fruit juice, choose 100% juice (limit to ½ cup or 125ml per
day) instead of blends, cocktails, and punches, which can
have added sugars. Caffeinated beverages — such as coffee,
tea or soda contribute to overall fluid intake, but these should
not be a major part of your fluid for the day.
For more information about choosing healthy drinks go to the Healthy Eating Starts Here web site:
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/5624.asp\
Tips to increase fluid intake:
 Bring a water bottle with you when
you leave the house
 Add vegetables or fruit (cucumber,
raspberries, oranges) or herbs (mint) to
flavor water
 Choose lower fat milk or plain fortified soy-beverage at meals
Check for more nutrition information online at Healthy Eating Starts Here: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/5602.asp
Health Link Alberta answers nutrition questions. Phone 811
Written by Registered Dietitians, Edmonton Zone
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M OC C ASIN T E L E GR APH
Edmonton
Aboriginal
Seniors Centre
Cottage E,
10107-134ave
Edmonton, Alberta
T5E-1J2
Phone 780-475-6595
Fax 780-475-7957
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The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre is a registered, charitable organization. We are unique in that we
are the only Aboriginal Seniors Centre in Canada that is
self-governed by a board of directors elected annually.
It is also the City of Edmonton's major resource for Aboriginal Seniors. This profile is maintained through continued effort as a seniors advocate, through participation
in projects, events and services offered in the greater
City of Edmonton/ community.
manager@easc.ca
housing@easc.ca
outreach@easc.ca
finance@easc.ca
resources@easc.ca
Staff list
Jori Hunter - Executive Director
Amanda L’Hirondelle - Resources
Norma Collins - Housing
Melissa Peters- Outreach
Jennifer Allan - Book Keeper
Tracy Minoose - Cook
Vic Auger - Janitor
Answers to riddles on page 3
1.
A library
2.
T-H-A-T.
3.
A toilet (porcelain throne).
Membership
Available to anyone:
Aged 50+
$5.00/year
Age 49/under $10.00/year
Includes monthly newsletter
And access to programs
Hours of Operation
8:30-4:30pm
Monday to Friday
(excluding statutory holidays)