April 21, 2020 Welcome to the new look E-Blast, soon to be followed by our NEW Website. Here’s what’s been going on this month.
**CELEBRATE WITH ME ON APRIL 24!**
Let’s find things worth celebrating right now. It’s my birthday Apr24. I qualify for a visit from Calgary Fire Department (lights & Sirens), our local zone Calgary Policeman Trent Taylor & our local postman Dave.
Join me at 2pm Friday Apr24 @ 9203-29th street SW
Come and cheer on our essential workers!
Meet up with seniors & young families out walking (please keep at a safe distance)
Bill Partridge will be there with his bagpipes too!
NEW LINKS
Our FACEBOOK page (Oakridge Seniors) now links to the Oakridge Parents (OP) page to start building a truly multi-generational community. Note our Facebook page is a CLOSED community, not open to the public.
Help get the word out. When out walking (at a physical distance) talk to people you meet and let them know what we are doing. On my walks, I’ve met many who don’t know about OSA or OP. Be our ambassador and tell them where to find us online.
We now have 170+ users on our OSA Facebook page. It’s great to stay in touch, interact with one another, and make important announcements.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Coming up soon! Watch for contact from Gord our Membership chair.
Ideas for expanding our membership? Contact Barry*
ZOOM
Recent improvements to Zoom have made it safer and more user friendly.
Zoom is a perfect and safe place for us to meet on line for meetings (men’s coffee, ladies chat/ movie club) classes (Taichi), French refresher, Bridge and presentations.
Only the meeting host can let people enter the group on line.
We will help members become comfortable using Zoom, with links to one-on-one training or coaching. Just ask!
COMPUTER/ IT ACCESS
Having trouble accessing us online? We have funds and will soon have wifi ready equipment for member use. Let us know if you need help with this. Not just to participate with us but to access online shopping, banking, keeping up personal contacts etc. through an internet connection.
One on one help is also available to seniors through CyberSeniors.org. Many members report excellent experiences with this group.
CONNECTIONS MANAGER
We are currently hiring a part-time manager to work with our growing group of volunteers and programs. Watch for an appointment very soon.
HOUSEHOLD HELP
Del Kobleski and Steve MacInnis are compiling a list of vetted contractors to help you with household chores.
Contact Del to let him know of your personal helping angels and ask about recommendations. Building a thorough list of skilled, qualified and member endorsed contractors to come to your home and help you. dpkobe@shaw.ca
BUDDY SYSTEM - NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Long term plan calls for setting up buddies to help one another with regular call ins, transportation, small repairs, moving garbage containers, groceries, yard work, etc.
Right now social isolation is even more of a problem for many.
Our funding partner Calgary Seniors can assist here.
Could you step forward to set up a program and recruit others or volunteer yourself?
Can you help with phoning, driving, small jobs?
Contact Barry* to step up to the plate to help your neighbours.
OTHER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS
Interested to hear what they are doing? Can we share some of their great ideas?
President Barry is in close contact with all major senior centres in Calgary to find out about best practises.
OSA POSTCARD
Design completed and a postcard will be delivered to all 2500 homes in Oakridge in the next few weeks.
Publicizes our programs, invites interest in our activities, and contact with our group.
WEBPAGE
Designed a vibrant webpage to be online in the next 10 days.
Will reach wider audience, members, other community groups, other senior groups
Makes signing up and paying for membership, events and programs a breeze.
Lets people get information as and when it’s right for them.
OUR FUTURE SECURED
UofC Haskayne School has provided 2 MBA students to develop a long-term strategy plan. The purpose: to make OSA a self-sustained group within 3 years. This will guide our board’s planning.
FUN AND INTERESTING ACTIVITIES
Don’t wait to start something new. Here are some of the programs and activities we offer through Zoom NOW.
* Tell Jane if you are interested in starting a new beginners class
COMING SOON
SPANISH: Please register your interest with Barry*
BOOK CLUB: Volunteer leader needed
WEASELHEAD: Gary Haerle
OTHER IDEAS?
Want to connect with others on your passion or interest? Send your suggestions to Barry*
OAKRIDGE COMMUNITY GARDEN (CG)
What: Multi-year plan to build in ground and raised beds for edible vegetables, perennials and shrubs.
Why: Build community through active participation in gardening
Who: Oakridge Community Association CG Committee supported by members, volunteers and others
Where: East /NE of Oakridge Community Association outdoor ice rink
When: Building starting 1 May using organized teams with physical distancing.
How: Registration now via OCA website https://oakridge.getcommunal.com/programs – incremental $10/individual or family.
Extra info email: oakridgegarden@outlook.com
How: Phase 1: Volunteers will lay foundation building raised beds as funds become available
Who to contact: Hugh at hughrstewart@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Have experience recruiting and organizing volunteers? We can use your help. Contact Barry* to let us know if you can do this.
SHOUT OUTS
Ashrafur Rahman with GOLDENLIFE.CA kindly donated 150 masks and vinyl gloves to OSA.
OSA Board
Thank you to all our board members, working hard to bring us all together. Barry, Julie, Peggy, Yvette, Ken and Jennifer
Your president, Barry Pendergast Stay safe, Stay home barrypendergast@telus.net
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