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NSMP ADVISORY BOARD
Chair John Fennell Vice Chair&
Constitution
Bob Sullivan
Treasurer Chris Cruttwell Finance Chair Chris Cruttwell Activities Chair Bob Sullivan &
Maureen Cleland Property Chair &
Planning Chair Valerie Foti &
Bob Sullivan Games Chair Russ Howe Public Relations Carol Fairley Newsletter Editor Joy Ribbans Special Events &
Fundraising Maureen Cleland &
Micheline Koumi Kitchen & Catering Ann Kernohan &
Nancy Moriarty-
Hussey Recording
Secretary Linda Devereux
TOWN STAFF Programmer Admin Co-ord. Clerk
Jason Malone Bianca Mendes Denise Cook
Advisory Board Chair Message
Hello Everyone,
Since our last Newsletter, the weather has at
last taken a turn for the better so out with the
Sunscreen and hats for those of us that are a
bit thin on TOP.
Davis Drive is again in an upheaval with lanes
being closed due to planting taking place in
the flower beds so please, be extra careful
when out driving.
I'm sure you will all remember Larry Blight? I
was looking forward to working with Larry
when he was Chair of the Advisory Board but
sadly, that did not happen but it was nice to
see that a "Parkette" has been named for him.
Larry had a great sense of humour and he did
a lot for the Town of Newmarket.
The Badminton Group challenged the
Recreation Dept., to a Badminton Match and
this was played on Friday, May 13th, and the
Seniors came out on top 11 - 1. Everyone
enjoyed the Games and had fun. The
Recreation Dept. were just great, everyone
played their hearts out and the nice thing is
they want to play us again so this is something
to look forward to.
In closing it was nice for the Meeting Place to
receive a Government Grant and no
doubt this will help out with necessary
purchases.
I hope everyone has a great Summer, just take
care and be safe.
John Fennell
Programmer Message
It has been a very busy few months here at the
NSMP, as we’re constantly working to add
new programs, events, services, and other
opportunities here at the centre.
The monthly bulletins and email alerts are
proving to be very useful in getting
information out there, so be sure to let Denise
know your email address if you want to be
added to the list.
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It is one of the best ways to be kept up to date
on what’s going on. With that in mind, let me
know if you have any ideas for the centre, and
we’ll see what we can put together.
Jason Malone
Newsletter Editor Message
I hope you all enjoyed our last issue. There is
much more in this edition for your perusal,
including the following items I have been
made aware of:
Canada Post: If your community mail box is
difficult to reach into or is too low to see to the
back of the box, leave a note for the mailman
and they will have a tray installed that pulls
forward. Problem solved. You can also
contact customer service at 1-800-267-1177 or
visit canadapost.ca/support to make your
request.
Ontario Lowers Drug Costs for Over 170,000
More Low-Income Seniors
Ontario is making changes to the Ontario
Drug Benefit (ODB) Program that will allow
more than 170,000 seniors to become newly
eligible for the low-income seniors program. As
a result, they will save approximately $130 on
average per year in out-of-pocket drug costs
and almost half-a-million Ontario seniors will
pay no deductible and only a co-payment of
up to $2 per prescription.
Starting August 1, 2016, the government
proposes to increase the income thresholds to
qualify for the low-income seniors benefit:
● from less than $16,018 to less than or
equal to $19,300 for single seniors, and
● from less than $24,175 to less than or
equal to $32,300 for senior couples.
These new thresholds are aligned with the
Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System
and will be indexed to ensure they remain
aligned in future benefit years. With these
changes, Ontario seniors will continue to enjoy
the lowest on average out-of-pocket drug costs
of any seniors across the provinces in Canada.
In addition to changes to benefit low-income
seniors, the 2016 Budget also included
proposed changes to drug cost contributions
by non-low income seniors. Over the past
month, the Province has consulted with
Ontarians on these proposed changes and
received feedback from seniors and
representative organizations. Based on this
feedback, the government is pausing the
planned increases to drug cost contributions
from seniors who are not low-income.
Beginning this year the government will
continue to consult on the correct income
thresholds for an improved Ontario Drug
Benefit, with a view to creating a fair,
sustainable system that remains among the
most generous in Canada.
Making drugs more affordable for low-income
seniors is part of the government's plan to
build a better Ontario through its Patients
First: Action Plan for Health Care, which
provides patients with faster access to the
right care; better home and community care;
the information they need to live healthy; and
a health care system that is sustainable for
generations to come.
*NOTE: Applications for the Seniors Co-
Payment Program, found at local Pharmacies,
should be completed and sent to Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care as early as
possible prior to August 1st.
For the full article copy and paste the following
link into your browser.
https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2016/04/ont
ario-lowers-drug-costs-for-over-170000-more-
low-income-seniors.html.
Joy Ribbans
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Welcome to Our New Members:
On behalf of Jason Malone, Recreation
Programmer, the Advisory Board and the
members of Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting
Place, we extend a warm and sincere
welcome to our new members:
Jose Ranea, Jim Spurgeon, Peggy
Spurgeon, Vicki Morley, Rob Thomas,
Cathy Van Gennip, John Erskine, Leslie
Pritchard, Pat Porter, Betty Skrupskas,
Aldona Skrupskas, Gerald Graham, Anne
Samson, Lois Brown, Marlene Hart ,
Barbara Yates, Bob Haggart , Diane
Haggart, Mary Vieni Constantine
Xintaris, Rachel Xintaris, Anna Mueller,
Patricia Ziricino, Susan Boyd Van Exan,
Sue Battle , Darlene Pickard, Eugene
Kelly, Marnie Parkin, Gail Martin,
Yoshiko Nonoyama, Helga Jones, Joyce
Scott, Michael Kiely, Marilyn Willoughby,
Jean McAllister, Cynthia Rapley, Nellie
Rochacewich, Tony Notarfonzo, Cathy
Notarfonzo, Michaela Kraus, Rita Thomas
, Howard Thomas, Elisabeth Hempen,
Stuart Aldridge, Barbara Johnston, Lynne
Fitzpatrick , Gord Sands, Nancy
Balcombe, Regina Brown, Andrey Baca ,
Marilyn Church , Yan Jiang , Wenda
Jiang, Susan Aquino, Omo Persaud ,
Adele Brodhagen, Alfreda Bak, Mark
Hanley, Marsha Pilgrim.
DIGNITARIES AT NSMP
On Wednesday April 27th our Member of
Parliament Kyle Peterson paid a special
visit to NSMP. It was really very special
as also present was MPP Chris Ballard,
Our Mayor, Tony Van Bynen, Regional
Councillor and Deputy Mayor John
Taylor, and several councillors from
Newmarket. The Mayor of Aurora,
Geoffrey Dawe, was also present.
Our Mayor introduced Mr. Peterson to a
packed audience and he said he had been
given a tour of the NSMP and was duly
impressed. Mr. Peterson then went on to
tell us that he was here on behalf of Jean-
Yves Duclos, Federal Minister of Families,
Children and Social Development, to let us
know that the Government of Canada were
supporting several organizations for
community based projects for seniors.
M.P. Kyle Peterson
Our grant is $25,000.00 and will be put to
a wonderful use, NEW CHAIRS. We have
had our chairs for 20 years (they were
second hand when we got them from the
Roman Palace) with a few new ones and a
few repairs. Jason said that the new chairs
will be a mesh type chair that folds similar
to the ones the Aurora Seniors Center has.
NSMP members thank the Government
for this grant and we are lucky to have
our wonderful organizational group to help
us find and apply for grants to aid us with
financial help.
Kyle addresses a Packed Room
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CANADA DAY STRAWBERRY TEA
On June 26th we held our Sunday tea. As
it was so near July 1st we decided to make
it a Canada Day Strawberry Tea.
Members came in red and white and
tickets sold out quickly. We had the same
entertainer that you all enjoyed at the
Christmas Luncheon. Everyone had some
fun, enjoyed good tea, sandwiches and
strawberry shortcake. Good company was
had and new friends made.
Good times at the tea
Wouldn’t be possible without the Tea Committee.
A few members are camera shy, and missing from
the photo.
Bustin’ a Move on the dance floor
NEWMARKET SENIORS’ MEETING PLACE
STARS ARE BORN
Three members of NSMP, Joyce Bellord,
Rita Hooper and Joan Pelham, have made
their television debut. The program is called
“Think Back.” It gives you a chance to talk
about your life. the ups, downs, laughter and
tears. There is a list of questions and if you
choose not to answer any of them you don’t
have to. The interviewer is so sweet,
extremely compassionate and leads you into
your story very easily. Joyce Bellord’s story
aired on April 10th, Rita Hooper’s on April
17th and Joan Pelham on April 24th. NSMP
has thousands of years of interesting lives and
Rogers would like to continue this program.
Please, if you are lucky enough to have some
memorable moments in your life, go to the
office and tell Jason. You are given the CD so
it is something to hand over to your children.
Several members sat in the lounge on a
Thursday after lunch and watched Joyce
Ballord’s interview. Joyce did an incredible
interview you could hear a pin drop. Well done
Joyce.
Watch for more episodes to come.
Joan Pelham
Joan Pelham and Joyce Bellord
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MAH JONG
The Mah Jong club was started in 2012.
When it began there were two or three
tables! Now the program has fifty
members, and it is nothing to see eight
tables playing. I dropped in on a Monday
afternoon and everyone was having a great
time. The program begins at One o' clock ,
they take a break at two thirty, and then
continue until four o'clock. You don’t
have to play the whole time, you can go in
and play for the first or second half. They
are a terrific group of people; they even go
out to lunch once a month. Mah Jong is
played Monday & Friday. If you are
interested pop in and watch. There are
people who will teach you how to play this
Great Game.
Joan Pelham
Some of the Mah-Jong Players enjoying
the game. See all the smiles.
ART SHOW & SALE
The Town held their second Art Show & Sale
on Saturday June 4th at the Newmarket
Community Centre.
The event featured 24 artists, which
included participants of the NSMP art
classes, members and instructors. Over
200 visitors stopped by to check out and
purchase the work created.
The event went really well and we look
forward to next year’s show when we hope
there will be even more participants.
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York Region 55+ Games - Mah Jong The 55+ Games have been held in York
Region for several years, however Mah Jong
has been introduced this year, 2016, for the
first time.
The challenge became apparent when
distribution of the Registration forms began
because of the two different versions of this
game being played in the Senior Centres within
the Region. These are the American and
Hong Kong versions.
The formulations of the rules were based on
the Hong Kong version and the points system
was based on the Newmarket scoring system
with a few modifications and renamed the
York Region 55+ Competition Rules and
Regulations.
Thanks go to the Games Committee for
including Mah Jong in their 55+ Competition
and to Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place for
providing the venue and refreshment facilities
at short notice and to all the competitors for
their professionalism.
Congratulations to Lillian Shaw, Charlotte
Alderson and Norna Malizia as the gold, silver
and bronze medalists respectively. Other
competitors included: Patricia Berry, Maureen
Huismans, Sofia Romero, Micheline Koumi,
Nancy Prime, Martha Mortensen, Fanny
Yeung, Suzanne Larcina, Carol Weaver, Karen
Watson, Betty Yuen, Mike Zeitoun and Chico
Persaud.
Financial
Literacy
Workshops
The six sessions that wrapped up in March
were very popular and successful. Hosted by
John Errington (a member of the NSMP and
its Financial Advisor), John brought us an
understandable appreciation of financial
planning and investing.
John will be back in the fall and winter with
four more sessions planned for October,
November, February and March. He will once
again have some great guest speakers join him
to address matters requested by the members
of NSMP including Estate Planning (part 3),
all about registered plans (such as Tax Free
Savings Accounts and RRIFs), generating
income and protecting yourself online.
Plan to join us - whether you are an
experienced investor or a beginner or have no
experience - these workshops have proven to
be marvellous opportunities to improve our
financial literacy.
For more details or if you have any questions
or suggestions please call John at 905-898-
6262.
19th Annual Golf Tournament
34 players enjoyed great weather and a
wonderful BBQ at Mill Run Golf Club on
June 21st. We had a number of player
challenges during the tournament, with
the following results:
Putting - Fran Smith, Joann Nixon
Longest Drive - Patricia Berry, Gord Claus
Lowest Score – Kim Watson, Gord Claus
Closest to the Pin - Kim Watson
Most Accurate Drive – Jim Law
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WHAT IS
"THE GRANDPARENT CONNECTION"?
At the Christmas Tea in 2015 I was
approached by Valerie Luttrell; Valerie asked
if she could sponsor the St Patrick’s Tea. As
most of you are aware, we try and have the
entertainment and the center pieces sponsored
for each tea, and I was delighted to think I
didn’t have to go look for a sponsor. The St.
Patrick’s Day tea was the best St Paddy’s tea
yet! I have included some pictures.
So what is "The Grandparent Connection?"
I asked Valerie some questions and here is
what she told me:-
The organization was started by Valerie and is
currently run by herself with the help of
family members. The group started in
November 2013. They have many initiatives
including the annual “Stockings for Seniors,”
"The Greeting Card Program" (to which many
of our members drop off cards in the box in the
front hall). They host the “Old Fashioned
Christmas Craft Show” (this year’s event is on
November 12th at Newmarket Community
Centre), “Community Cares” where they do
some outreach for senior’s, usually receiving
info from neighbours. “School Links” where
they are gradually getting elementary schools
involved helping to make cards and artwork
which is distributed during the year.
They are currently working on some new
initiatives “Floranthopy” Flowers are donated,
put together in small arrangements to be
delivered to lonely seniors in hospital,
residences, long term facilities and in the
community.
“Helping Hand” has community members
donating medical/physical assist devices such
as wheelchairs walkers etc. You can visit their
webpage to see some of the other things they
do. www.thegrandparentconnection.com
At Christmas of 2015, NSMP members were
great with so many amazing donations of
stocking stuffers and small gifts. With their
help they were able to distribute
approximately 100 stockings and multiple gifts
to seniors in residences, long term care
facilities and in the community.
Valerie thanked you all for allowing her to get
involved with the St Patrick’s Day Tea. She
really wants to cement a solid connection
between NSMP and The Grandparent
Connection.
I was duly impressed with Valerie and I know
everyone enjoyed the St Patrick’s Tea; On
behalf of NSMP I would to thank Valerie and
the Grandparent Connection.
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All decorations including table decorations
provided out of pocket by Valerie Luttrell of
The Grandparent Connection
Joan Pelham
The Renoir
The Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place has
luncheons on Mondays and Thursdays and we
would like to thank The Renoir for the
delicious cakes that we have enjoyed for
dessert on those days. It has been greatly
appreciated by everyone who attends these
luncheons.
Again, Thank You to The Renoir.
The Wood Shop:
Flavio Morandin, the convenor for our
woodshop, and Don Zecchino for wood
carving, are ready and willing to share their
know-how with the rest of us. Earlier this
month, members and budding artisans
Justina, Maria, and Sabine, each paid $10.00
for materials, guidance and instruction in the
use of machinery and tools; each came away
from the mini workshop with a beautifully
crafted, hand-turned wooden pen and a new
set of skills.
You too can learn something new, or just
make use of machines such as the lathe, router,
drill press, table saw, band saw, compound
mitre saw, scroll saw etc. You can make
repairs for home, or produce artisan-quality
items ideal for gift-giving such as bar tools,
candlesticks, drawer pulls, toys etc. You might
like to learn marquetry, intarsia, or relief
carving. For figure carving, blanks (e.g. in the
shape of a bear or fish) are available for you to
bring to life.
Because of the machinery, rules are in place
governing safety and everyone working in the
shop must take part in a Wood Shop Safety
Orientation.
- it's only one 2-hour session. Confidence
comes with the guidance and support provided
generously by our volunteer convenors and
supervisors.
Flavio says that you're welcome at the
woodshop, and that, "It's easy.... anyone can
do it!"
Lynne Bateman
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Brain Fitness Health Seminar
Last month’s Brain Fitness Health Seminar
went really well. We had over 40 people in to
listen to Jill Hewlett - author, speaker,
Educational Kinesiologist and Brain Gym
consultant.
The essence of her message: everyone can
proactively build a Fit Brain and a Fit Life!
She provided a number of user-friendly tools
to help change and strengthen cognitive
pathways.
As well, Ben Fuchs joined us for the eventing.
Ben is a World renowned “Nutritional
Pharmacist” is a registered pharmacist,
nutritionist and skin care chemist for over 30
years. He educates and empowers people to
take charge of their biochemistry through
foods and supplements, rather than using
prescription drugs.
We are in the early planning stages to have
both Jill and Ben back in late fall, in a further
effort to provide access to additional health
information.
Also, we’re planning an Information Fair for
Saturday October 1st, which will feature a
vendor tradeshow as well and multiple
informative sessions on maintaining your
health. The event will focus on everyone over
50 years of age.
Anything Goes Bus Trip
Back in May, members and guests went on a
bus trip to St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. and
enjoyed an afternoon play “Anything Goes,”
along with a buffet lunch and some free time
in St. Jacobs.
Getting ready to go
The Playhouse
A scenic place to visit
(Photos courtesy of Roland,
Photog Photographer)
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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
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Canada Day Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
Closed
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Centre is
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Summer
Registered
Programs Start
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Foot Care
Clinic
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Friday Night
Social Dance
8 to 11 p.m.
$5 Mem
$6 Non-Mem
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Trivia Pub Night
7-10pm
Members $5
Non-Member $10
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Fallsview
Casino
$10 members
$15 non-
members
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Book Club
10am – 11am
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474 Davis Drive, Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P1 - Tel: 905-953-5325
Website: www.newmarket.ca/adults55+
During the Maintenance Closure, Registration will continue at the Magna
Centre, Ray Twinney, Town Offices and Online!
Look for August and September Calendars at the beginning of each month.
Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place
July 2016
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DR
OP
IN
SC
HE
DU
LE
– J
uly
& A
ug
ust
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Day Program Room Time
Monday
Wood Carvers Wood Shop 9 a.m. to noon Arts & Craft Room Craft Room 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Computer Room Access Computer Room 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. BBQ Patio / Hall 1 & 2 Noon to 1 p.m.
Shuffleboard Hall 3 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Progressive Bridge Hall 1 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Bingo Hall 3 1 to 4 p.m. Duplicate Bridge Hall 5 1 to 4 p.m.
Mah-jong Hall 4 1 to 4 p.m.
Tuesday
Wood Shop Wood Shop 9 a.m. to Noon Computer Room Access Computer Room 9am to 2pm & 4pm to 9 pm
Badminton Hall 3, 4 & 5 8:30 to 10 a.m. Bid Euchre Hall 2 1 to 4 p.m.
Advisory Board – 3rd
Tuesday Hall 1 & 2 10am to noon Tech Support OR Classes Computer Room 2pm to 4pm
Texas Hold'em Hall 2 1 to 4 p.m. Carpet Bowling Hall 4 & 5 7 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday
Wood Carvers Wood Shop 9 a.m. to Noon Computer Room Access Computer Room Noon. to 9 p.m.
Art & Craft Room Craft Room 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curling Hall 3 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Qi Gong Hall 4 1 pm to 2:30pm
SMP In House Band Practice Craft Room 6pm to 8pm Book Club - Last Wednesday Hall 4 10:00am
Photogs Workshop - 3rd
Wednesday Hall 4 10 a.m. to noon Table Tennis Hall 3 1 to 4 p.m.
Thursday
Badminton Hall 3, 4 & 5 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Computer Room Access Computer Room 9am to 2pm & 4pm to 9 pm
Tech Support Computer Room 2pm to 4pm Wood Shop Wood Shop 9 a.m. to noon
BBQ Patio / Hall 1 & 2 noon to 1 p.m. Shuffleboard Hall 3 1 to 3 p.m.
Tai Chi Practice Time Hall 4 & 5 11 am - noon Bid Euchre Hall 1 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cribbage Hall 1 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Friday
Art & Craft Room Craft Room 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Computer Room Access Computer Room 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Progressive Bridge Hall 1 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mah-jong Hall 5 1 to 4 p.m.
Carpet Bowling Hall 3 1:30 to 4 p.m. SMP In House Band Practice Hall 3 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Progressive Euchre Craft Room 7 to 10 p.m. Friday Night Social Dance (2
nd & 3
rd Friday) Halls 1 - 5 8 pm to 11pm
Saturday Badminton Hall 3, 4 & 5 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Computer Room Access Computer Room 9am to 11am Locations within the NSMP are subject to change.
Member drop in fees vary by program. A Drop-In Day pass must be purchased by Non-Members ($2) who wish to participate.
The Wood Shop can only be used by members who have completed the Wood Shop Safety Orientation.
The Holiday & Maintenance Closure runs from July 1 to July 10, 2016