Issue #275 March 6th,2017 Feeding Our Curiosity, Uncovering Strengths

F O C U S

174 Oliver Road, PO Box 1087, Campbellford, ON

1-866-514-5774 or www.commcare.ca

March for Meals 2017 During the month of March, agencies across North America are celebrating the value of Meals on Wheels programs. Together, local Meals on Wheels programs, governments, service groups and concerned individuals are joining to meet the needs of the fastest growing population in Canada who want to live at home for as long as possible. This program is more than just a meal:

Access to well-balanced, affordable meals is imperative to the independence and sustenance of isolated seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Research shows that healthy eating provides essential energy and nutrients for general welfare and maintenance of health and functional autonomy, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases at older ages.

The benefits of Meals on Wheels are emotional and psychological, as well as physical. Sometimes, a friendly Meals on Wheels volunteer may be the only person a client interacts with in a given day.

Meals on Wheels volunteers perform a valuable security check for isolated clients and can notify the proper authorities in the case of accident or injury.

Client Testimonial: The following is a testimonial from Ray, who received Meals on Wheels in Toronto: "The Meals on Wheels program has saved my life! I was battling Leukemia and a severe attack of the shingles. My immune system had shut down and I had lost my appetite for food. I lost 40 pounds and was slowly starving to death, until my doctor notified Meals on Wheels and hot, nutritious meals began to arrive. Now my future is hopeful. I am gaining weight and no longer feel that I am alone. My heartfelt thanks for a job well done."

2017 - Meals on Wheels in Ontario Quick Facts:

Meals on Wheels are delivered in 181 communities across Ontario. There are 137 not-for-profit organizations receiving government funding from the Ministry of Health and

Long-Term Care to provide Meals on Wheels in Ontario. Government funding covers only part of the cost – the difference is made up by donations and/or client fees,

which are kept as low as possible. We delivered 2,899,292 meals in 2015-2016, to over 38,800 Ontarians.

Over the next few weeks Community Care Northumberland will be highlighting our Meals on Wheels programs across the communities we serve. If you are interested in receiving meals on wheels or would like to volunteer with the program, call a local office for more information or visit www.commcare.ca/mow.html

If you wish to be removed from the distribution list at anytime, simply send a reply to this linked email.

Meet A Member of Our Staff—Sherry Gibson

Fairly new to the area and with a young family, I was thrilled to be hired in

February of 1992 to work out of the CCN administrative office which at that

time was located in Warkworth. My first job was payroll – and it grew to

include all finances before I moved into the program side of CCN. My

employment with CCN was also a wonderful opportunity for me to get to know

people in my new neighbourhood of Northumberland County. I feel really

fortunate that I’ve been able to watch as Community Care Northumberland has

grown, unified and integrated with other agencies over the past several years.

Currently I hold two job titles – Program Coordinator (Port Hope) and Regional

Volunteer Development and Special Projects Coordinator. I am a certified 55

Alive Instructor, current Chair of Situation Table Northumberland, and

represent our agency on local and provincial stakeholder committees and

initiatives. I’ve completed the Hospice Palliative Care volunteer training but

have not yet decided to be active in that program. In 2015 I was elected to

the position of Councillor for the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand and this new

responsibility has given me insight into partnerships, funding and municipal

relationships. It’s been a rewarding 25 years working in various capacities for

CCN and meeting all kinds of terrific people along the way.

Together with my husband Mike we have four lovely children, a beautiful

daughter in law and a grandson I’m certain many of you have heard us bragging

about! We are still getting used to our empty nest and thoroughly enjoy the company of our family whenever

possible. Submitted by: Sherry Gibson

Recent Workshop in Brighton

Hand Painted Surprise!

Participants created their very

own holiday surprise project

to keep or give as a gift. This

creative painting workshop

with artist Cheryl Lafferty

helped guide them through

step of the way.

Health & Safety Column—Ministry Launches Home Renovation and Roofing Campaign

This month, the ministry will launch two digital advertising campaigns targeting the underground economy in residential renovations and roofing. The campaign will raise homeowner’s awareness of the risks posed by hiring residential renovation and roofing contractors who operate "under the table," and who potentially aren’t covered by the WSIB, lack proper certification and don’t follow safe workplace practices. Read more on renovations through this link here. Read more on roofing through this link here.

Submitted by: Alicia Vandine, Regional Community Relations Coordinator

Hospice Palliative Care Program

Advance Care Planning and Health Care Consent: Making Your Wishes Known

Click the image below to watch the You Tube—Don’t take chances!

Video link provided on the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario website.

For additional resources, please visit Speak Up About Heath Care Consent and Advance Care Planning website at speakupontario.ca

Submitted by: Alicia Vandine—Regional Community Relations Coordinator

Job Opportunity in Our Home at Last Program

For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please

email through this link here.

Home at Last

CCN Accepts Donation from the Cobourg Lakeshore Lions Club

We recently accepted a donation of $200 from the Cobourg Lakeshore Lions Club. Patti Aitken and I recently

attended their meeting to thank them and give them a brief update on our programs and services in the Cobourg

area. Pictured (L-R)1st row: Lion Christine Bayer with Ryden Service dog, holding cheque - Lion Anna Marie

Torrieri, Lion Johanna Raggers, Lion Joan Marshall (sitting), Lion Helen Scott, Lion Daisy Gould.

2nd row:

Lion Sylvia Lefebvre, Lion Terri Meringer, Patti Aitken—CCN, PA in Cobourg, Lion Laurie Scott (vision dog Mellow)

3rd row:

Ping Han (hiding behind Sylvia), Lion Beth Lazar, in back Lion Mona Mavin, Lion Jean Cuningham, (way back) Lion Nancy Foden, Lion Jacquie Norman, (half hidden) Lion Bernice Stanley, Heather Butler, Caroline Oliver.

We so appreciate the continuing support from the Cobourg Lakeshore Lions Club!

Cobourg Lakeshore Lions Fundraising Initiative:

For just $20 you can win a brand new car.

Taxes paid, all you need is insurance.

For more information, email cobourglakeshorelions@gmail.com or call Christine at 905-269-8505 . Submitted by: Alicia Vandine—Regional Community Relations Coordinator

Community Bulletin Board

For more information about this event or to purchase tickets, please contact the Northumberland United Way or

email through this link provided here.