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December 2014 I The Monthly Magazine of Northwood Original painted by Donna MacDonald, Director, Northwood Out & About Home for the Holidays Home for the Holidays

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December 2014 I The Monthly Magazine of Northwood

Original painted by Donna MacDonald, Director,

Northwood Out & About

Home for theHolidays

Home for the Holidays

Northwood Life Northwood Life 1

www.nwood.ns.ca

[email protected]

Northwood is a not-for-profit, community based organization.

Northwoodcare Halifax2615 Northwood Terrace

Halifax, NS B3K 3S5

Tel: 902-454-8311Fax: 902-455-6408

Northwood HomecareSuite 1 South

130 Eileen Stubbs AvenueDartmouth, NS B3B 2C4

Tel: 902-425-2273Fax: 902-421-6313

Northwoodcare Bedford123 Gary Martin DriveBedford, NS B4B 0G7

Tel: 902-407-8500Fax: 902-407-8501

Tara DunnEditor

[email protected]

Tel: 902-454-3342

We’re Building Community.Northwood’s Life magazine is published 10 times per year by Northwood’s Communications Office. Life magazine is distributed to the staff, residents, families, clients, tenants, volunteers, and visitors of Northwood. If you have story ideas, photos or suggestions for the March issue, please call Tara at 902-454-3342 or send them to [email protected] by January 30.

Northwood - live more

For Advertising Opportunities call 902-454-3377

Sharing a Moment with Janet Simm, CEO

December 2014 December 2014

The holiday season is an excellent time to reflect and give thanks.

On behalf of the Corporate Leadership Team: Josie Ryan, Reinhard Jerabek, Michele Lowe and myself, I want to thank all staff for their continued commitment to our vision: People living life to the fullest, flourishing in a community of belonging, dignity and choice. While we have had some challenges over the past few months, I am so pleased to say that we are now stronger, both in our financial position as well as our in our resiliency and ability to come together as an organization to respond to challenges that we face. Thank you so much for your unwavering commitment to those we serve.

We would also like to extend our thanks to the many volunteers who add so much value every day to the lives of individuals who participate in the many programs that Northwood delivers. The many hours of service

that volunteers contribute in this organization is amazing. This contributes so much to the

wellbeing of individuals and creates vibrancy as we look at new ways to better serve our customers.

Finally, we want to thank our clients in all of the programs we offer

across the continuum. We aspire everyday to do better to respond

to your needs. We appreciate your engagement in

making Northwood a vibrant organization. Thank you so much for

choosing Northwood!

Happy Holidays!

December 2 Annual Bedford Baptist Church Carol Sing, 6:30 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December 3 Staff/Volunteer Holiday Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December 4 32nd Annual Care Resident and Family Christmas Dinner, 6:00 p.m., Northwood at the Harbour. Tickets can be purchased from Recreation Programmers on each floor. December 5Staff Holiday Dinner & Dance, 6:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Harbourview.

December 6 Resident Shopping & Craft Market The Great Room, Ivany Place, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Residents only. 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., Everyone Welcome. FREE admission.

December 6 Beautiful orchestra music, presented by The Maritime Conservatory of Music, 2:00 p.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour

December 7 – 18Individual Unit Christmas Parties, Northwood at the Harbour.

December 8 Bedford United Carol Sing, 2:00 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December 10Staff & Volunteer Holiday Luncheon, 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., S.B.Hall, Northwood at the Harbour.

December 11 The Coves Resident/Family Holiday Social, 6:30 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December 12 North Street Singers Carol Sing, 2:00 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December 13 Annual Resident Holiday Movie, 2:00 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place. December 13 Chebucto Christian Youth Choir, 10:30 a.m., Harbourview Lounge, Northwood at the Harbour

December 13Maritime Conservatory Members will be going to resident rooms to sing carols, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Northwood at the Harbour

December 14Staff & Family Holiday Movie – Penguins of Madagascar, 10:30 a.m., Cineplex Dartmouth Crossing. Purchase tickets from the Business Office (Halifax/Ivany) or from HR in Dartmouth.

December 15 The Landings & Points Resident/Family Holiday Social, 6:30 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December 1612th Annual Holiday Luncheon for residents living on our special care units and their families, 11:30 a.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour. Tickets are $5 per guest (max two guests per resident, no charge for Residents).

December 17Blue Christmas Service, Spiritual Care, 6:30 p.m., S.B Hall, Northwood at the Harbour

December 18 The Hills Resident/Family Holiday Social, 6:30 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December Holiday Events Schedule

Watch for posters with information on additional events

for the month of December.

December 19North St. Singers, 2:00 p.m., Hbrview Lounge, Northwood at the Harbour

December 21The Christmas Story presented by the Spiritual Care department, 2:00 p.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour

December 24 Roman Catholic Mass, 11:00 a.m. Protestant Service, 2:00 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December 24 Roman Catholic Mass, 6:00 p.m.Christmas Ecumenical Service, 10:15 a.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour.

December 25Eggnog by the Fire for residents and family members/friends, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour

December 29Christmas Tea, 2:00 p.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour

December 31 New Year’s Eve Party, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour.

December 31 Resident New Year’s Party, 2:00 p.m., The Great Room, Ivany Place.

December 31 Roman Catholic Mass, 6:00 p.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour.

January 1 New Year’s Day Concert, 2:00 p.m., S.B. Hall, Northwood at the Harbour.

Northwood Life Northwood Life 32December 2014 December 2014

Christmas MemoriesWritten by Patricia Bone, Tenant, Northwood at the Harbour

It was while putting together some table decorations for our Tenant Social Club Christmas Feast I got to thinking of some of my Christmas memories.

Christmas in England before World War II, when I was a tad, started in late November. I would arrive home from school to inviting aromas emanating from the kitchen. They meant my Mother was busy baking her delicious Christmas cake, puddings and mince pies. It seemed such a long time until the excitement of Christmas Eve and finally the day itself.

We unwrapped our presents after breakfast and then it was off to church. We were allowed one mince pie with hot cocoa before lunch. Then at one o’clock the lunch itself, yummy goose with all the trimmings followed by delicious plum pudding with the traditional silver sixpences hidden in it. We always listened to the King’s speech at 3:00 p.m., a tradition still carried on today by our dear Queen.

After a brisk walk in the Park, tea would be served with my mother’s Christmas cake finally unveiled. I especially remember one year when she decorated it with a miniature village. There were little robins in bushes, tiny houses and figures, it seemed such a shame to eat it, but we did!

The World War II years were a very different story - with family away, food rationing and austerity. My mother still managed to put her cakes together, not as rich as before, but still good. Of those years, I remember one year the Government decreeing all children were to be issued one banana. It was such a treat, we hadn’t seen bananas for a long time. I ate mine and unfortunately got a stomach ache, I’m still wary of bananas to this day!

In later years, now married, Peter and I immigrated to Canada. We missed our families so much at Christmas. However, that all changed when we had our own family

and we started our own traditions. One was to take our daughter Vanessa and her friends to see the

Nutcracker Ballet on Boxing Day. They loved it and the large black limousine we hired to take them to and from the theatre.

During our working years we often couldn’t make it home for the holidays and they were

all delightful in their own way. The Christmas we spent in South Africa stands out as it is their summer

then. We were staying with friends in Stellenbosch near Cape Town. On Christmas morning we lazed on the beach and after a light lunch, rested to get away from the intense heat of the day. Christmas dinner was held outside in the cool of the evening. A big barbecue was set up and soon we were eating wonderful fresh crawfish, steaks and salad under the starriest sky I had ever seen.

We also managed to get back to England some years and it was like our childhoods revisited. Now, retired in Halifax

for many years, times have changed again. This year I will be spending my Christmas at home

here in the Manor at Northwood at the Harbour. I am in

the Tenant Enriched Program so I look forward to dining with my friend Hazel and others. Perhaps we’ll start some new traditions!

Venues may change but the magic of Christmas endures. I wish

you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

A Message from Craig Harvey, Northwood’s former Bus Driver

Spending the past 15 years as Northwood’s Bus Driver has been one of the best experiences of my life! I’ve enjoyed working with all of you over the years – residents, tenants and staff – and will miss you all so much.

As many of you already know, I was recently diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and will unfortunately not be coming back to work. One of the hardest parts of receiving this news has been giving up my job. However, I’m staying positive and hope to come back to volunteer at Northwood in the future.

Thank you again for all your support and I look forward to seeing many of you soon!

~ Craig

Wuzzles Answers Here are the answers to last month’s Wuzzles puzzles:

1. Jack in the box2. Leftovers3. Down payment4. Tip toe through the tulips5. Rough around the edges6. Shot in the dark

To: Peter Brown (family members)From: The Staff of 8 CentreThe staff of 8 Pine Bay would like to recognize Mr. Peter Brown for everything he does for the residents. Mr. Brown goes above and beyond to make everyone feel special. His friendliness and laughter always fill the room and he always leaves smiles with each and every resident. A couple of weeks ago, Peter went out of his way to help out a resident in need—making the lady feel pretty special. When they thanked him for the kind gesture, he shrugged it off and said, “That’s how my mother raised me.”

To: Amy MacPhee & Northwood HomecareFrom: Krista DentonI would like to personally thank Northwood Homecare for helping care for my dad. If it wasn’t for your service, we would have had no choice but have Dad go into a care facility. And a special thanks to Amy as she pays extra attention to dad on her respite visits and has dad laughing out loud! So thankful for her!

To: Debbie CourtemancheFrom: Margaret ReddingDebbie is a person who does her work well. Always helping people with a smile on her face. I am always glad to see her each day she’s on duty. Never forgets an order from your doctor. She makes you feel alive. It is good to get up in the morning.

To: Maria BurgessFrom: Faye LeBlancBravo to Maria for giving her heartfelt support to a resident during the Remembrance Day Ceremony. It was easy to see how much mental anguish and heartache the resident was having due to her experience with war – her tears were real and Maria embraced her with kindness, dignity and respect. It is obvious that you genuinely care for the residents. Northwood is blessed to have you as an employee.

To: Natasha ClaytonFrom: Margaret ReddingWorks on the first floor Centre. Very cheerful to everyone. Knows her job well.

Northwood Life Northwood Life 54December 2014 December 2014

Introducing Larry WildmanResident, Beech River - Northwood at the Harbour

Knitting for a Cause“I love to knit and if it does anybody any good, that’s what I like to hear.”

Viola Lantz has been knitting since she was taught by her mom at just 10 years old. She’s now 96 and says she probably knits for four or five hours every day. “Knitting keeps me out of trouble,” she says with a laugh. “But I don’t knit on Sundays. It’s always been a day of rest for me.”

Last year, a friend started bringing yarn to Viola to knit mittens, which she distributed to people in need. When her friend stopped being able to do this earlier this year, a couple of the nursing staff on 3 Maple Haven asked if she would keep knitting if they brought her yarn.

“I started bringing in yarn for Viola, or as we call her around here, Knitting Nanny,” says Doreen Blackburn, Personal Care Worker. “Since the summer she’s made 111 pairs of mittens and 22 pairs of socks.” Doreen and a friend plan to do up 25 stockings for the homeless, which she’ll donate to local shelters to distribute. The remaining mittens will be given to needy people.

“I enjoy it, I really do,” says Viola. “And if they keep me doing it, they’ll never get rid of me!”

Question: With the many changes at Northwood, we are hearing rumors that Northwood may be taken over by another organization. Are these rumors true?

Answer:

You are correct that we have faced many challenges over the last couple of months. We know some of our programs look a little different than in the past, but rest assured that we are stronger today than we were several months ago.

Another important feature of our future success is strategic partnerships. We continue to pursue partnerships with several organizations to ensure our sustainability.

Last month we announced our new partnership with Shoreham Village in Chester. As noted, this partnership will allow Shoreham Village and Northwood to be leaders in evaluating a new model of running long term care facilities. It will also generate revenue for Northwood which will assist us in responding to cost pressures.

We are also entering into a research partnership with St. Elizabeth Homecare to evaluate an education model to support a Person Centred Care Philosophy. This model will support leadership development in continuing care organizations across Canada and beyond.

We are so proud of the work we have accomplished.

We will continue to face adversity, but we have proven we can respond quickly and continue to adjust our model to meet the needs of our clients and our funders. Northwood will continue to be a leader in the delivery of Continuing Care services. We thank you for your patience through this challenging time. Your ability to remain positive and continue to provide a high quality service is commendable. It is what makes Northwood unique.

Larry Wildman proudly holds two degrees and a Minion. An academic and nerd at heart, Larry is well versed in both worlds.

Larry has been to every Nova Scotia sci-fi, fantasy and gaming convention (Hal-Con) since its inception five years ago. Being a big Star Wars fan, Hal-Con is a great way to catch up with other people with similar interests. “I remember seeing the original Star Wars when it came out in theatres,” Larry says. “I was in high school back then and it’s so great to see something that’s been around for so long still giving a whole new generation the same entertainment.”

But don’t let his Yoda and R2 D2 figures fool you, Larry is no stranger

to the classroom and has the degrees to prove it. Larry graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Masters in Business Administration, and also did a Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University and then went on to do two years of medical school!

Larry’s unique knowledge of business and medicine led him to some interesting careers. One of his personal favourites was working at the Nova Scotia Hospital where he created a Psychiatric Patient Representative position, the first in Nova Scotia. The position acted as an ombudsman for patients and he developed a communication strategy that created a positive way for patients and doctors to voice their concerns.

Larry also worked for STARS Air Ambulance (now EHS LifeFlight), dispatching ambulances, taking emergency calls and routing helicopter flights. While this may have been a high-stress environment, Larry says the team worked hard to keep the workplace upbeat and focus on the role they played in protecting Nova Scotians.

Larry’s careers have been diverse but they all have something in common; a desire to help others. Larry attributes his altruistic nature to his grandfather who was Larry’s role model growing up. “My grandfather was the kindest man I’ve ever known,” Larry says. “He was so dedicated and kind.” William Lawrence Mahaney was a ship’s captain in World War II

for the Merchant Marine and always went the extra mile for his crew.

“On his ship, the Captain’s quarters were too far away from the bridge for his liking,” Larry says. “So during night crossings he would sit up on the bridge in a chair with an alarm clock between his feet so he could be available to his men at a moment’s notice.”

It’s that same sense of community and kindness that Larry feels here at Northwood. Although he was worried about the adjustment at first, Larry says he has really found his place at Northwood.

“It’s important to know your roots, and I sense a lot of maritime pride here, both at Northwood and in North End Halifax. I’m happy to call this place my home.”

~ Wriiten by Kylie Taves, PR Co-op Student

Northwood Life Northwood Life 76December 2014 December 2014

Bring our Kids to Work day was held at Northwood at the Harbour on November 5, 2014. It initially started as a way to shield my own daughter, Claire from having to spend a day reading safety policies and putting together self-learning packages. I extended an invitation to any other Halifax employees who might have Grade 9 students interested in spending the day at Northwood.

We had a core group of seven students with an additional three who participated in part of the program. The day started with an ice-breaker and then Barrie Harvey, Security, took student ID photos and reviewed our emergency response codes. Linda Verlinden, Client Relations Coordinator, provided an introduction to the life of a resident in long term care and shared some practical tips that would be applied successfully later in the day. Heather Smith, Nursing Manager, led an infection control awareness session and even checked hand washing with the ultraviolet light.

Before lunch, the students hit the care areas and the main lobby to provide an eyeglass cleaning service for Northwood staff, residents and community members. Who doesn’t like to have their glasses cleaned? Each and every student embraced what they had learned from Linda in the morning and knocked before entering resident rooms, introduced themselves and made eye contact as they conversed with their ‘customers’. Folks were so appreciative.

After lunch, students were led through the virtual dementia tour by Gail Craig, Education Liaison. The students really learned a lot through this practical experience. We closed the day with an evaluation and then students spent time with their parents.

If the future of healthcare is in the hands of young people like those I met on November 5, we will be cared for with compassion, respect and kindness.

~ Submitted by Shelley James, Manager, Organizational Health & Safety

Bring our Kids to Work Day

On October 28, Reboom hosted a Fall Food Fest at Ivany Place and it was a great success! Residents, staff and members of the surrounding Bedford community all congregated in the Ivany Place parking lot to enjoy some delicious food truck eats and hear great music from the Fine Tuners. Five food trucks participated including the famous Gecko bus and the delicious Miller’s Kettle Corn.

This event was a great way to introduce Reboom’s programs to the community and it was so nice to see staff from Domvista

Like many health care organizations, Northwood has to look for help from staffing agencies. We try to avoid this as best we can but that is not always possible. The reasons are varied.

• Itmaybeunanticipatedsickcallsand despite our best efforts, we can’t find anyone to replace the individual. • Hard-to-fillshiftsduringstormsoron nights and weekends when regular staff are not available to work. • Peakholidaytimeswhenfewerstaff are able to take on additional shifts. • Fromtimetotimewemayrequire people to act as a Client Support Worker, Medical Escort or companion to a resident/client who needs more “one-to-one” attention.

It’s times like these that Northwood turns to agencies that provide trained staff to fill in for regular staff on a temporary basis

Condos, BMO Centre, IBM and other neighbourhood businesses as well as families from the community, students from the high school, staff, residents, and volunteers join together to enjoy a bite to eat!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the first annual Fall Food Fest a success and a shout out to the recreation team from Halifax who helped our Halifax residents join us at Ivany for the event.

or provide people with some health care experience to meet individual needs.

As we look to the future, the need to access agencies to meet temporary needs will only increase. It is for that reason Northwood has made the decision to create our own agency. This move is NOT intended to replace or limit the use or hiring of regular staff. Normal processes will continue to be used in the event of a vacancy or shortage.

We also have growing needs in home support where client visits are cancelled due to staff illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

What will the new agency look like?Northwood will begin a recruitment drive for people who would fill shifts that cannot be filled using regular means. We are looking for CCAs who are either recently

Northwood creates its own agency retired, are in the process of completing the Nova Scotia designation, or want flexibility around the hours they work.

We will also recruit people wanting to go into the health profession but do not have a health care designation. They could fill roles as client support workers; helping provide basic services such as making beds, reading to the client, assisting with games or puzzles and accompanying the client to appointments.

What are the benefits?A Northwood agency would ensure staff are properly trained to meet the needs of Northwood’s clients and residents and help to control costs. We would also have the ability to reduce the frustration caused by shortages on the units. The agency would be attractive to those individuals looking to get into the health profession, are going to school and need flexible hours or to those recently retired. If you are interested in exploring this option, contact 902-421-7392 or [email protected].

Reboom’sFallFoodFest

“My view of Northwood changed today after meeting residents …very eye opening.” ~ Vendor

Kudos to Us!Shelley registered our Bring our Kids to Work Day event with a national organization called The Learning Partnership,

and Northwood was selected for an Outstanding Employer Award, honourable mention.

Congratulations!

“Please thank the volunteers, especially the woman who carried my lunch back to the Great Room for me.The food and music were lovely; can they come back again tomorrow?” ~ Resident

Northwood Life Northwood Life 98December 2014 December 2014

Hello, my name is Amy MacDonaldand I’m the Occupational Therapist at Ivany Place.

Occupational Therapy is a career in which you help people do the things they are interested in. Occupation can be defined as self care, leisure, or productivity. What drew me to this career is that it is very client-centred. Your clients pick their goal and you help them achieve it.

I graduated from Dalhousie University as an Occupational Therapist in 2008. My first job was working with the Community Rehab team in Guysborough County. I really enjoyed getting to know people in their own homes. It was a challenge to enable people to do the things they wish to do while still remaining at home. However, due to time limits and wait lists, I wasn’t able to spend a lot of time visiting these clients. About four years later, I took a position in the long term care facility in Antigonish. Once I started this position, I knew this was the right fit for me. Being able to see people daily to build relationships with the residents in a different type of “home” setting is really rewarding.

I always wanted to move back to the city of Halifax but I also knew I needed the right fit for my career before moving. I wanted to stay working in long term care but really valued the client-centred approach to care. In doing my research for possible job opportunities, I knew Northwood would be the perfect place for me. I started working at Ivany Place in October 2012.

Every day at Ivany Place is different. You never know what kind of task you’ll have to tackle or what you will have to do to help a resident or staff member. This is a fun and exciting part of the job. What I enjoy most about my job is spending time with the residents. I enjoy hearing their stories about the past and learning about what made them

the person they are today. I also enjoy joking around and making people laugh.

In my spare time, I enjoy running and being active outside. I love getting out and hiking or exploring a new area where I’ve never been.

Happy 100th Birthday Mildred!Born on November 30, 1914, Northwood Intouch client Mildred (Brown) Robinson recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. Mildred lives in the south end of Halifax in her own home, with her son. Congratulations on this special milestone!

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Return of the AlumniNorthwood’s Alumni group continues to grow! On October 16, they met for lunch at the Redwood Grill restaurant to share stories and reconnect with friends. They are planning to get together again in the new year.

From February 23 to 26, 2015, Northwood will welcome three surveyors from Accreditation Canada. They will spend four days assessing our performance in quality, safety and communications. They will meet with our Board and leadership team, and tour the facilities talking with staff, clients and residents.

Based on a set of standards that every health organization must meet, the surveyors will ask questions to evaluate our understanding and our commitment to those standards. One method surveyors use to evaluate organizations is something called a ‘tracer’. Surveyors will follow a process or event from beginning to end. There are two types of tracers:

Administrative tracers explore system processes and deal with such things as communications, emergency preparedness, an adverse event, a piece of medical equipment, a recent quality initiative and HR files.

Sample questions could include: • Isthereaqualityimprovementworkplan? • Howdoyouidentifyareasforimprovement? • Howdoyoumonitortheorganization’sperformance?

Clinical tracers follow the client and provide information on access to services, admission, assessment, care planning process, delivery of safe and effective service and follow up. They may also ask questions about staff orientation, training, your role in resident safety, medication management, infection control and hand hygiene. They will talk to managers, front line staff, environmental services, clients and families.

Sample questions could include: • Tellmeabouttheprocesstoadmitthisperson. • Canyoutellmewhowasinvolvedintheassessment? • Howisthecareplandeveloped? • Howyouexchangeinformationwithotherpeople involved in the client's treatment? • Howdoyoumonitorthesuccessofthecareand services that have been provided to this client?

Accreditation will involve all of us. It is important to remember that accreditation is not a test or a measure of your performance. It is an opportunity to talk about what we do, ask questions and learn about how we each play a part in delivering care and services to the client. Talk to your manager about accreditation and be prepared.

Accreditation Update

Northwoodcare:1402, 8708

Take your ID and a copy of Life to the Business Office to collect your $20 prize.

Northwood Homecare:32730, 35055

Leave Christine Bowman a message at 421-6380 and she’ll mail you your $20 prize.

Northwoodcare Bedford:55363

Please see Bill Ryan in the Business Office to collect your $20 prize.

Winning Employee Numbers for December Sponsored by your SMART Committee

Northwood Life Northwood Life 1110December 2014 December 2014

Participate at reboom.ca or 902-454-3351

Reboom Bingo Bingo is a great way to get out and meet new people. New people are always welcome! Games consist of 10 regular games, one jackpot game and six specials (optional). We also collect for a loonie number (optional), which accumulates until it’s won (prizes have been as high as $2,500).When: Mondays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. Card sales from 6:00 to 6:50 p.m.Where: Shirley Burnstein Hall, Northwood at the HarbourCost: Call Reboom for card prices

Reboom Laptop Computer Borrowing ProgramThanks to a generous donation from IMP, we are happy to offer the Reboom Laptop Computer Borrowing Program. This free-of-charge service is open to Reboom members, Northwood residents, tenants, volunteers and employees. Call or drop by the Reboom office to reserve or sign out a laptop from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Lunch BunchGood food in a relaxed atmosphere with great company and conversation! We make the reservations and provide the transportation or you can meet us there. When: Thursday, December 18Where: TBA.Register by December 17

Join us for our weekly entertainment. This month features:

December 10: Eclipse December 17: Tom Keeping

Standard dance fees apply, for more information contact the

Reboom Office at 902-454-3351.

reboom.ca/calendar

Wednesday Evening Entertainment in the Harbourview Lounge

Quick MealsQuick Meals

Reboom MembershipThe Perfect Holiday Gift Make your holiday gift giving easy and give a gift that keeps giving. Purchase a Reboom membership for your friend or family member. Memberships are just $15 a year and provide many opportunities to join an interesting array of programs and activities to keep you active and involved throughout the year. Membership allows you to stay connected and save on all sorts of activities and events. Be a part of something special! Reboom Bucks make a great gift, fit in a card and give your friends or family members the opportunity to join a program or take in a fun event. To get Reboom Bucks, simply drop in to the Reboom office or call us at 902-454-3351.

Want a meal that’s delicious, healthy, inexpensive and ready in five minutes or less? Then Reboom Quick Meals is for you. Every morning there is a line up of regular clients at the Reboom office door waiting to purchase a pre-packaged, homemade meal. The meals are ready to heat and serve, and are only $4.00!

INGREDIENTS: • 1canfrozenpunchand 1 can water • 1partcranberryjuice • 2partsgingerale • Limeslices&cranberries

DIRECTIONS: Pour the frozen punch into a large punch bowl, fill the empty can with cold water and stir well.

Add cranberry juice and ice cubes.

Wait until just before serving to add the ginger ale so it maintains its fizz.

Garnish with lime slices and cranberries for extra festive flair, and enjoy!

Northwood Tenants have built a community within a community here which is lovely to see. They understand what it is like to be a new tenant transitioning from their home to our rather large set of buildings and they want to reach out and make that transition easier for new tenants. That is one of the reasons they came together to form the new Tenant Social Committee. They also like to organize social events for their peers. Their last gathering, a cheese and beverage party, was enjoyed by all. They have organized several Meet & Greets and have also coordinated a Tenant Christmas Dinner. They also act as our very own Welcoming Wagon inviting new tenants after they are settled in for a tour and to show them where the Tenant Common Room is located.

If you are a new tenant, please feel welcomed to come and enjoy a few laughs, meet your neighbours and enjoy a cup of tea in the Tenant Common Room open Monday through Friday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.. (Main Floor of the Manor Building, turn left off the elevator and go through the double doors.)

The Chair of the committee, Patricia Bone, can be found every Tuesday evening in the Common Room from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. waiting to meet new tenants!

If you would like further information about the Social Committee, please call me at 902-493-3263.

~ Submitted by Kerri Miller, Manager, Retirement Living

Cranberry Sparkle

GPS Watch helps people move about independently and freely

Northwood believes people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias should

have the opportunity to move about as freely and independently as possible.

Our new GPS Watch facilitates freedom of movement while ensuring

a person can be found quickly should they become

disoriented, confused or lost.

Wrist-worn and easy-to-use, it functions like a

typical watch, plus it has an SOS button, built-in

fall detector, and personalized safe zones.

•GPSWatchhelpsmaintainindependence

•Waterproofandlockable

•2-wayvoicecapability

•902-492-3346

or 1-800-461-3346

northwoodintouch.ca

A vibrant community where you can live more!

Retirement Living at Northwood

Northwood Life Northwood Life12 13December 2014 December 2014

Halloween2014

• Comprehensive Benefits, Competitive Rates

• Direct deposit to get you reimbursed faster

• Manage your benefits on the go with the Group Benefits Mobile App

Call Manulife at 1-855-626-HANS (4267),Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm AT.

You help others every day. We’re here to help you. Your Health Association Nova Scotia Health and Dental benefits are moving to Manulife as of January 1, 2015.

Northwood Foundation Thank-a-ThonTo kick off National Philanthropy Week, the Northwood Foundation hosted its first Annual Thank-a-Thon on November 10. Simply put, a group of volunteers came together in the Great Room at Ivany Place to call donors just to say thank you! It was an overwhelming success as 622 donors were called that day!

Maritimer of the WeekOn September 26, 2014, Northwood Broadcasting (NWBC) hosts Dale and Sue MacKeigan received the Maritimer of the Week Award from CTV News Atlantic. The couple was nominated by their fellow broadcasters for their dedication to Northwood’s radio station. They also recently celebrated 50 years of marriage!

Jack FM Card DriveOnce again, 92.9 Jack FM will be hosting a Christmas Card Drive for In Care Living Residents at Northwood! Cards can be dropped off at the reception desks at both Northwood at the Harbour and Ivany Place. Broadcasters will also do a live show from Northwood at the Harbour later in December.

Across2. ___________ Christmas3. Has branches for arms6. You give them7. The cold season10. On your door14. Fill it15. A house made of16. ’Tis the _________17. Santa’s entry19. Yummy dinner22. Jewish tradition23. Trim it24. North pole crew25. Cheerful and joyous26. White, fluffy stuff27. Holiday music28. He led them through the streets of town

Down1. Jingle ___________4. Kiss me5. He comes on the Eve7. Joy to the ____________8. Holiday drink9. Decorative element11. Prancer, Dasher, Rudolf12. We have heard them on high13. Red, white & tasty18. String them20. Deck these21. Up on the ____________22. Happy ______________

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Holiday CrosswordHoliday Crossword

Custom puzzle created by Northwood Elves