Experience Saskatoon Transit

Experience Saskatoon Transit 

Saskatoon Transit is exploring new ways in which to promote sustainable alternatives to car use and to support friendly forms of transportation such as walking, ride sharing, and public transit. There is huge potential in this area for older adults to become more active in multi-modal transportation and Saskatoon Transit desires to be a catalyst for this kind of change. This summer there will be several opportunities for you to test drive transit and Experience Saskatoon Transit as a 1^st or 2^nd time transit rider.

Older adults have numerous challenges as they consider a change in their mode of transportation. These include: having a support system to find a new way of being independent and mobile, coping with higher volumes of traffic, and adapting to a new way of life without  driving. Experience Saskatoon Transit is a first step – positive experience that will help you overcome these initial challenges of travelling on transit.

Who can benefit from this travel training experience 

1. • Older adults and their families
   • Those already using transit but lacking confidence or having some anxiety about transit
   • Those with a physical and/or cognitive disability
   • Those with a mobility aide (ie: walker, wheelchair)
   • Those who would like to learn about public transit but who are still capable of driving
   • Those who are new to Saskatoon and/or have never tried transit before

Details about Experience Saskatoon Transit

• In partnership with SCOA and the Bus Buddy program, Saskatoon Transit will be offering 2 hour Experience Saskatoon Transit sessions this summer

• In this 2 hour travel training session you will be introduced to Saskatoon Transit staff, learn about bus fares, how to board and disembark a bus, travel on a transit route, and participate in a lively “Transit 101” discussion. Each session is limited to 6 per group and availability is on a first-come basis. The times and duration of each session may vary.

• Available Dates & Times are: Wednesday, August 16 (10:00 am – 12:00)

Thursday, August 24 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm)

Wednesday, September 13 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm)

Thursday, September 21 (10:00 am – 12:00)

To register a spot for yourself or a group (4-6) for one of these dates, or for more information about Experience Saskatoon Transit, please contact one of the following:

Cory Shrigley
Customer Support & Engagement Manager
Saskatoon Transit
Tel. 306.975.2990  cell 306.380.7100
Email: cory.shrigley@saskatoon.ca

Bonnie Grove
Age-Friendly Community Development Coordinator
Saskatoon Council on Aging
Tel. 306-652-2522
Email: bonnie@scoa.ca

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Bus Buddy Program

About the Program 
The Saskatoon Council on Aging’s Bus Buddy Program is a safe and personal introduction to the Saskatoon transit system through the assistance of trained and qualified Bus Buddy volunteers.

How it Works

Senior volunteers are screened and matched with seniors who want to learn how to ride city buses.  The Bus Buddy Volunteers accompany the participant on several bus trips until she/he is comfortable taking the bus alone. Orientation and training will be provided at the Saskatoon Council on Aging.

How to Get Involved

If you would like to volunteer or learn how to use the bus call the Council on Aging at 306-652-2255 for more information

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Fall Programs 2017

Registration for all programs must be paid in advance.
Space is limited. Call SCOA at 306-652-2255 to register. 

Fall Programs Handout

NEW: Introduction to Birding with John Patterson

We will consider the appeal and beneficial aspects of birding, what you need to get started and how to tailor the activity to fit your own interests and skills.  Using winter birds and waterfowl as examples, we will develop identification skills – observe field marks and bird behavior, recognize bird song and understand the role of habitat in finding and identifying birds.  We will also review binoculars, field guides and smartphone apps that can enhance your birding experience. Includes outdoor session.
Tuesdays—September 5, 12, 19 (2 pm—4 pm) 6 hours Cost: $30

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Canada Safety Council 55 Alive Mature Driving: Renew Your Driving Skills for Today’s Traffic

The 55 Alive Driver Refresher Course is designed to help Canadians 55 years and over to maintain their independence and their driving privileges.
September 13th or September 27th 9 am -5 pm (7 hours)
$10 fee for SCOA Administration costs
Call the Saskatoon Council on Aging 306-652-2255 to register

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Digital Photography Class with award winning photographer Roberta Wells
Create beautiful images using photographic composition guidelines. Advice on downloading images, photo manipulation, printing and how to resize, save and send in email. Class emphasis will be on having fun, taking beautiful pictures and sharing them with family and friends. Includes outdoor shooting.
 Mondays – 2pm – 4pm: Oct 2, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13 (12 hours) Cost: $110

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TECHNOLOGY

Apple Technology Classes
BEGINNER one on one APPLE classes on Fridays
Become more confident using your Apple iPad or iPhone.
2 classes of 1.5 hrs (3 hours) includes a take home manual
Cost: $40

INTERMEDIATE classes for Apple iPad or iPhone
Topic : Photography and Cloud Storage
October 24 & 31 (11 am— noon)
Cost:$20

Topic: Security/Texting/Email
November 14 & 21 (11 am – noon)
Cost: $20

Facebook and WhatsApp classes
Stay in touch with family and friends.
Learn how to share photos and videos, send messages and get updates on Facebook. WhatsApp used by over 1 billion people in 180 countries.
2 classes of 1.5 hrs (3 hours)  includes take home manuals.
Classes start Thursdays, October 26th
Cost:$20

ART CLASSES

Celebrating Creativity with Acrylic
This new class is for beginners and beyond. The Acrylic workshop will inspire you to “loosen-up,” have fun and paint more! You will learn new techniques and approaches to painting with acrylic, awakening your passion for painting. There will be demonstrations, practicum and group sharing.
Contact SCOA for your art supplies list. Enrollment limited.
Dates: Tuesdays, October 17, 24, 31, Nov 7                                                                                  Time: 1:00 – 4:00    (12 hours)
Cost: $95

 Mandala Art Class
Gisele Bauche will be leading a Mandala Art class this fall. Creating mandalas is an ancient art form and a personal symbol that expresses who we are in the moment.  Mandalas are about our journey connecting our inner life to our outer life.  This class will offer relaxing meditations, time to create Mandalas, reflection and sharing.  You will have the opportunity to relax, let go, be inspired and to allow your creative spirit to run free. Contact SCOA for your art supplies list; Mandala patterns provided.
Dates: Tuesdays,  Nov 14, 21, 28, Dec 5,  2017                                                                               Time: 1:00 – 4:00  ( 12 hours)                                                                                                               Cost: $95.00

 

Saskatoon part of WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities

Message from the Executive Director

Saskatoon has been accepted as part of the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities!  The application, which included the great work from the Age Friendly Saskatoon Initiative was submitted by the City of Saskatoon with the full support of Mayor and City Council.

Age-friendly communities feature accessible transportation, affordable appropriate housing options, inviting outdoor spaces, quality community and health services, employment and volunteer opportunities, and access to social activities and public events.

SCOA has recently formed an Age Friendly Community Development Committee  with several key stake holders who have an interest is building a positive future for older adults that will continue to ensure that Saskatoon is Age-Friendly.

Our summer student, Thomas, will be contacting members over the summer months to update your information.  Please consider supporting our organization and becoming a full member.  Your support goes directly towards SCOA’s programs and services.

Watch for more exciting updates on our brand new fall programs in the next eNews!

SCOA is very thankful to have many different types of supporters through volunteering, grants, sponsorships and donations  Through providing support it allows SCOA to build a better future for older adults.

Sincerely,

June Gawdun

Parking at Saskatoon Field House

Effective July 12, 2017

Parking when using the Field House:

Patrons using the Field House can park in the north lot or Lot #15.  There is no fee for Saskatoon Field House patrons, however the following must be adhered to:

North Lot:

• 3-Hour Parking Limit at all times 

• Plate Registration (or Permit) Required:
  • Mondays – Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lot #15 (U. of S Lot: along Preston Avenue):

• 3-Hour Parking Limit at all times 

• Plate Registration or Permit Required At All Times

License plates must be registered in the parking terminal located in the Field House.

The City of Saskatoon is committed to providing access to the Leisure Centres and appreciates everyone’s patience during the construction of the Merlis Belsher Place.

Seniors Neighborhood Hub Clubs

Seniors Neighborhood Hub Club (SNHC), Mayfair Branch Wind-up  party

 Thursday, June 15, 2017 1:30 to 4 p.m. – Mayfair United Church, Saskatoon

Thanks to Primrose Chateau for providing such a wonderful lunch!

Carmen Formanek-Loncar – Music Therapy

Guests enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of music, socializing and celebration cake.

Joan Cochrane, Medicine Shoppe demonstrates gentle exercise routines for older adults.

The Seniors Neighborhood Hub Clubs emerged from Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative Phase 2 recommendations: including:
• Increase opportunities and accessibility for older adults to a wider variety of activities and events.
• Explore affordability options for low income older adults.
• Create and support programs that reduce isolation.
• Increase civic programs and services that focus on integration of older adults in to the
community.
• Support the recognition of older adults’ contributions to the community.

SCOA worked with partner organizations to develop and deliver new programs and services that meet the needs of older adults. Examples include:
Pilot projects with two community associations to develop Seniors’ Neighbourhood Clubs to provide access to local community based programs for older adults. Eastview Community Association has now taken over running the SNHC at the eastside location.

Impact
• Older adults have more options for activities and other ways of being included in the Saskatoon
community thereby improving health and well-being and reducing isolation
• Development of neighbourhood programs and programs targeted to specific populations
provides greater accessibility and reduces barriers to social participation for older adults
throughout Saskatoon
• Increased social participation of older adults is leading to growing appreciation and
understanding of the range and value of their contributions in the community

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters:

Conexus, Primrose Chateau, Saskatchewan Lotteries and the Medicine Shoppe

Start the Conversation to Stop the Abuse of Older Adults

World Elder Abuse Awareness day (WEAAD)

June 15^th, 2017

Saskatoon Council on Aging  marks WEAAD 2017 by raising awareness. This year’s theme is ‘Starting the Conversation to Stop the Abuse of Older Adults’. Join us in building the movement for social change across the province, to raise awareness of this issue and mobilize communities in Saskatchewan to take action.

Did you know the percentage of seniors in the population (16.9 per cent) now exceeds the share of children (16.6 per cent) in Canada? Our demographics are shifting, and we now have more seniors in Canada than ever before, a trend that is going to continue well into the future. At the same time as that the population is growing, we know that a startling number of seniors are experiencing abusive situations. And that’s only part of the picture: experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect that is reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported.

WEAAD serves as a Call-to-Action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2006 in a global effort to unite communities in raising awareness about elder abuse and the impact this has on the quality of life of our most vulnerable citizens.

“We all have a vital role to play in creating a peaceful, supportive and just society” stated June Gawdun, Executive Director of SCOA. We invite and encourage you to join us on June 15  in our efforts to Start the Conversation to Stop the Abuse of Older Adults.

How you can help Start the conversation to Stop the Abuse of Older Adults: Join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

Membership News

A motion regarding membership and fees was approved by members at the Annual General Meeting. on May 25th. Changes to our membership system are effective from that date. The fee structure for membership emerged from recommendations to assist SCOA  resolve its financial concerns, particularly to help the organization overcome the Saskatoon Health Region’s withdrawal of $75,000 of grants to support core operations.

SCOA Membership Fee System effective May 25, 2017

• Individual Full Member: $25
• Individual Associate Member: No fee
• Non-profit Organization Member: $25
• Corporate Member: $250
  Individual Full Members and Individual Associate Members receive discounts:
  
• With the exception of the Individual Associate Members, all other members shall have the right to vote at any general meetings and the Annual General Meeting of SCOA and are eligible to be a member of the Board of Directors.
• An exemption from paying an Individual Full Member fee is granted to anyone 90 years of age or older.
• The membership period runs from April 1 to March 31.
• Renewals are to be effective April 1 of each year.
• No membership cards are to be issued but membership is recorded by SCOA.
• No charitable donation receipts are to be given for a membership fee.
• Volunteer time will not be counted as a way to obtain Individual Full Membership without paying the required fee.

Payment Methods: Full Member, Corporate Member or Organization Member only

1.Mail the form and fee (if applicable) to:
Saskatoon Council on Aging (Saskatoon Field House)
2020 College Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2W4

2. Pay with credit card– visit the SCOA office or phone (306) 652-2255.

10 Reasons to audition for Zoomer Idol

Why you should audition….

1. The unique chance to perform for a live audience

2. Have fun

3. Meet new people
 and more …

4. Do something special to celebrate Canada 150
5. The joy of sharing music with an audience
6.  You’re tired of singing in the shower.
7. You promised yourself you’d step out of your comfort zone and pursue your artistic passions.
8. The chance to work with others
9. Grow as an artist and performer
10. Sense of accomplishment and achievement

Auditions to be held June 26, 27 and 30th, Knox United Church, Saskatoon. Eight talented acts will be selected to perform at Zoomer Idol on October 19, 2017.
Phone 306-652-2255 for auditions! 

About Zoomer Idol 

 

New Partnership: Bourassa & Associates

The Saskatoon Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Bourassa & Associates as our organizational sponsor and partner.

Locally owned and operated since 1986, Bourassa & Associates Rehabilitation Centre is a provider of premium rehabilitation services.  University-trained physical therapists, occupational therapists and exercise therapists are ready to assist with your muscle, joint or nervous system disorders. Whether your goal is to reduce pain, improve function, retain independence, heal an injury, or improve your mobility, head to toe, they have you covered.

Most commonly, Bourassa & Associates sees people for spinal and peripheral joint conditions and injuries.  This could include rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder, foot pain, a spinal condition causing back and leg pain, to osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. A typical course of care includes manual therapy treatment, tailored exercise prescription, and education.

Areas of specialized focus include: (but are not limited to)

• Credentialed manual and manipulative therapists;
• Credentialed acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (dry needling) practitioners;
• Treatment of work and motor vehicle accident injuries;
• Treatment of TMJ (jaw) dysfunction;
• Balance/dizziness/vestibular dysfunction;
• Pelvic health (male and female);
• Sports injuries;
• Neurological conditions (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, brain injury);
• Bridging to appropriate medical specialists when required.

Please visit their website bourassarehab.com for detailed descriptions of services.

Bourassa & Associates has developed a special program for those individuals requiring a total knee or hip replacement. We also have a Senior’s Exercise Program that runs twice per week and includes a group led warm up and a supervised exercise program. For those pet lovers, we also offer physical therapy for dogs, with a practitioner who is credentialed in Canine Rehabilitation.

To book an assessment, call the clinic at (306) 665-1962 or follow the link on the website at bourassarehab.com.  Although a medical referral is not required for assessment and treatment, you may wish to check with your insurance provider to determine if they require a referral for coverage.

Bourassa & Associates offers the following discounts on services for 

Saskatoon Council on Aging members.

• $70.00 IA (regular $80.00)
• $50.00 ongoing treatment (regular $55.00)
• $55.00 acupuncture (regular $63.00)
• $70.00 TA 2 (regular $74.00)
• $ 55.00 classes for 2 sessions ($60.00)

All older adults requesting the discount will need to complete a SCOA membership form

SASKATOON DOWNTOWN	306/665-1962	414-750 Spadina Crescent E (Medical Arts Bldg)
SASKATOON EASTSIDE	306/665-1962	#2-117 Slimmon Road (Orthopaedic Associates)
SASKATOON MARKET MALL	306/665-1962	68-2325 Preston Ave
SASKATOON WESTSIDE	306/665-1962	#2 3315 Fairlight Drive

The Saskatoon Council on Aging extends our appreciation to Bourassa & Associates for their support and look forward to a rewarding and exciting partnership.

Could YOU Be Saskatoon’s next Zoomer Idol?

Saskatoon Council on Aging presents Saskatoon’s next Zoomer Idol competition on 

Thursday, October 19th, 2017 at TCU Place.

About Zoomer Idol:
Saskatoon Zoomer Idol is a fundraising event for the Saskatoon Council on Aging. Zoomer Idol features a showcase of 8 very talented seasoned acts and celebrates the diverse talents of older adults.

Proceeds go towards the Saskatoon Council on Aging’s programs to promote the health, dignity and independence of older adults.

Who can take part:  Older Adults 55 years and older (individuals or groups of up to 8). If selected as finalists, all participants must be available to compete at Zoomer Idol on October 19th, 2017.

Why:  You have talent in voice, dance, comedy, magic, storytelling, poetry reading, etc… suitable for a  large venue

How:  Auditions will be held in June 2017; 8 acts will be selected to compete at Zoomer Idol on October 19th, 2017.

For inquiries, phone Saskatoon Council on Aging at 306-652-2255

When:  Auditions will take place (6:00 pm to 9:00 pm)

Monday, June 26th, 2017
Tuesday, June 27th, 2017
Friday, June 30th, 2017

Where:  Knox United Church,   838 Spadina Crescent E (use side door)

The winner of Zoomer Idol will receive a trophy, press coverage and fan adoration. This is your opportunity to be part of an entertaining night of fun where Saskatoon’s seasoned talent is showcased.