December 2014

NORD - BRIDGE SENIORS

Newsletter

“The Friendly Centre” 1904—13th Ave. North

Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 4W9 Open Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone 403-329-3222 Fax 403-329-8824

E-mail: friendly@nordbridgeseniors.com

MEMBERSHIP: OPEN TO ALL SENIORS AGE 55 PLUS. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: TO YOUNGER INDIVIDUALS WHOSE SPOUSE IS 55 AND A MEMBER.

2014-2015 NORD-BRIDGE SENIORS

EXECUTIVE President Jim Hahn Vice-President Pat Santa Treasurer Roberta Svennes Secretary Marilynn Heaton Past-President Harry Fischer BOARD OF DIRECTORS FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR THIRD YEAR Norene Easthope Delores Bourk Marilyn Gillies Rodger Halvorsen Clay Olsen Rodney Foster Doug Youngren Donna Takeda Elaine Molyneux ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Executive Director Randy Smith Sr. Administrative Ass’t Kathleen Filkowski (Wed, Thur, Fri) Administrative Assistant Shirley Trefan (Mon, Tues, Wed) Chief Financial Officer Roberta Svennes Financial Administrator Tracy Beauchemin Director of Programming David Ng Reception Supervisor Valerie Arkinstall Reception Assistant Heather Belle Rentals Kathleen Filkowski / Shirley Trefan Cook II Sally Reyna Cook I Bety Castillo DR/Kitchen Assistant Gail Krysak Janitorial Marco & Carla Escobar

ON-SITE PARTNER PROGRAMS & SERVICES FSNA Allyn Mills 403-328-0801 Chinook Lifecare Assoc. Jane-Anne 403-320-1170

PROGRAMS, COMMITTEES, CONVENERS, & BOARD REPRESENTATIVES*

(* indicates individual on Board responsible for Program Area) (** indicates “Emeritus”)

ADMIN. PROGRAMS By-Laws & Policies Comm. Marilynn Heaton* (Chair), Harry Fischer Gordon Kometz, Judy Cartwright Crafts Boutique Heather Newsham Finance Committee Roberta Svennes* (Chair), Jim Hahn, Clay Olsen, Frank Deane, Harry Fischer, Mike Bennett Memberships Shirley Trefan Newsletter Kathy Filkowski (Production & Billing) Newsletter Advertising Sales Jim Hahn Nominations Committee Harry Fischer* (Chair), Mary Potvin, Clay Olsen, Dan Deringer Seniors Helping Seniors Harry Fischer, Norene Easthope CARDS & BOARD GAMES Rodney Foster*, Board Rep Contract Bridge Kathy Ludwig Crib Pat Veres & Mike Bennett Euchre Rodney Foster Military Whist Ruth Balogh Trump Whist Pat Veres Norwegian Whist Pat Veres Scrabble Sheila Brust, Jenny Oleksy** Texas Hold’em Mike Bennett Duplicate Bridge Pat Kincade EDUCATION Elaine Molyneux*, Board Rep Acrylic Painting Karina Mak Paper Tole Elta Buckman Wood Carving Don Johnson Watercolor Denise Savard Watercolor Club Sandy Baceda, Erika Bosters Krafters Koffee Klub Jo-Ann Adams Quilters Group Marilyn Martens Nord-Bridge Card Crafters Pat Kincade Spanish for Travelers Marco Escobar

Library Marie Areshenko, Janet Bobinec Mind Joggers Judy Knox, Jack Simmons Ted Sillito, Melvin Horn FUNDRAISING Pat Santa*, Board Rep GAMING Harry Fischer*, Board Rep Casino Coordinator Mike Bennett In-House Bingo Coordinators Shirley Cavanaugh & Frances Wallace Monday Jam Draws Helen Gepneris, Blaine Hyggen Winners Bingo Rep/Co-ord Bonnie Hammond Winners Bingo Alternate Leonard Hutchinson HEALTH & FITNESS Marilyn Gillies*, Board Rep Keep Fit Classes Erin Ko & Melanie Hillaby Tai Chi Lynn Hunter-Johnston Yoga/Pilates Melanie Hillaby Fitball/Exercise With Arthritis T. J. Dunn Zumba Jeannie Williamson Fitness 55 Club Jim Scott (Volunteer Trainer) OUTREACH Donna Takeda*, Board Rep Bereavement Cards Valerie Arkinstall Get Well Cards & Visits Lydia Prokop/Chris Figenshau Keep-in-Touch Program Valerie Arkinstall Outreach Program Rodger Halvorsen SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Doug Youngren*, Board Rep Decorations Eva Deringer Monday Music Jams Roy Swidinsky Senior Music Makers Barbara Stewart Socials Committee & Specials Eva Deringer Social Dance Karen Hooper Clogging Sandy Nowell Line Dancing A.M./P.M. Della Howg SPORTS & RECREATION Norene Easthope*, Board Rep Bocce Clay Olsen Carpet Bowling Norene Irwin, Woody Neely Darts Ken Bobinec Dragon Boat Team Eileen Sawatsky, Dawn Vickers Floor Curling Vacant Golf Harry Fischer Pool Vacant Shuffleboard Clay Olsen Table Tennis Jerry Mikusek, Dave Bergen TRAVEL Rodger Halvorsen*, Board Rep Travel Trip Bookings Valerie Arkinstall Bus Bookings Kathy Filkowski, Shirley Trefan Driver Co-ordination —Travel Trips Valerie Arkinstall Driver Co-ordination — Card Trips Mike Bennett Vehicle (Bus 2) Maintenance Marco Escobar

VOLUNTEERISM Delores Bourk*, Board Rep Building Set-up Volunteers Clay Olsen, Harry Fischer Volunteer Committee Delores Bourk, Eva D., Elaine M.

AFFILIATIONS Clay Olsen*, Board Rep ACA Representative Harry Fischer Alberta 55 Plus—Zone 1 Mike Bennett, Clay Olsen 2015 AB 55 Plus Winter Games Liaison David Ng Economic Development Lethbridge Mike Bennett (through Feb. 2015) Health Education Presentations David Ng (and Alberta Health) Lethbridge Seniors Forum David Ng N-B Income Tax Program Harry Fischer, David Ng, Sheila Brust SASCC (So AB Srs Centre Coalition) Jim Hahn, Roberta Svennes, Harry Fischer, Randy Smith Alberta Assoc. of Senior Centres Randy Smith Go Seniors Society Clay Olsen, Delores Bourk New Horizons for Seniors Program Harry Fischer

View our Website

www.nordbridgeseniors.com for information, photos, video, Newsletters and more.

3

Nord-Bridge Meetings Reminder

Each Month Outreach Committee First Monday 9:30 a.m. Executive Meeting First Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Winners Bingo Committee Second Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting Second Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Finance Committee Last Thursday 9:00 a.m. Annually Annual General Meeting First Wed of March 9:30 a.m. General Member Meeting First Wed of November 9:30 a.m.

Go Seniors Society Regular Board Meetings Feb, April, June, October Second Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Annually Annual General Meeting First Tuesday of April 9:00 a.m.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT As we near the end of 2014, it is with inter-est that I look back on our endeavors with many successes during the past year. Since most of the major interior upgrading has been completed, we focused on the exterior of our Friendly Centre. Randy has done a fine job coordinating all the con-struction with minimal inconvenience to our mem-bers and visitors over the summer. The work was completed on time and on budget! Good job, Randy. Our AGM showed that we are a bit more comfortable with our budget since we have seen a return to more normal returns from gaming. Nord-Bridge will get a turn at a casino this month which will be positive for our 2015 budget. We are still actively lobbying for a solution to our “core fund-ing” issue that all centers in Alberta are facing. We have learned that Jeff Johnson, the newly appointed Minster for Seniors, will visit our Centre on his next visit to Lethbridge. Our hope is that the new Prentice government may be our chance to finally address this is-sue. We expect they will deal with the Alberta Association of Senior Centres study which confirms a need for another revenue stream for all senior centres in Alberta. During budget deliberations, Randy arranged for Nord-Bridge to present to City Council a request for an extension of the $75,000 yearly grant we received in the last budget. The big challenge for Randy and Roberta was to consolidate our eight-page budget docu-ment into a two-page version for the City. During budget debate, it became quite evident that Mayor Spearman and Council would exact due diligence in all funding requests. I want to thank mem-bers of City Council who supported our request. Please refer to Randy’s message for more detail. One other issue I want to mention is that my term as Presi-dent will expire at the AGM in March. According to policy, at least one third of our Board members will be ending their terms. Our Board holds monthly meetings. We need active members who can come on board and help keep Nord-Bridge Centre member owned and controlled. Please talk to Harry Fischer, Mary Potvin, Clay Ol-sen or Dan Derringer who are members of our Nominating Com-mittee, if you have further questions. Harry has application forms in his “Seniors Helping Seniors” office. Until my next report… ...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Remember – Keep Active & Stay Connected

Jim Hahn, President

NEW 2015 MEMBERSHIPS

EFFECTIVE NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 2015 $53.00

2015 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS $50.00

Masako Tani Karen Trainer

Ken Taylor Donald Decker

Edie Taylor Andy Lessard

Dean Antal Jeanne Handerek

Cheryl Elliott Brian Handerek

Tena Bloudoff Esther Kienholz

William Bowden Joanne Robson

Henry Doeve Pauline Secretan

Carolyn Doeve Kim Nielsen

Sheryl Duncan Marie Wilson

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Contact Greg at (403)329-4644 or via e-mail at:

lethbridge.west@assembly.ab.ca or drop by 402 - 8 Street South

Lethbridge, AB T1J 2J7

Programmer’s Report by

A friendly reminder of a few important dates in December: On the 5th (Friday) Carpet Bowling will be cancelled, this will allow everyone to take out their wallets and purchase some tasty holiday bak-

ing from the Nord-Bridge Annual Bake Sale starting at 9 a.m. On the 8th (Monday) the Winter 2015 Program book-let will be available. Program Registration will begin on De-cember 16th (Tuesday) at 8:30. I will be at home with my family from December 22 to January 5. Merry Christmas and best wishes to all of you this holiday season.

OUR CHRISTMAS SURPRISE by Gail Hornberger - Mind Joggers Group

One Christmas when our family had gone through many diffi-culties and Christmas was looking mighty slim, we had a special experience. Darol, my husband, had gone out on Christmas Eve to do chores. The rest of the family stayed in the house to get ready for our Christmas Eve program. The children always acted out the nativity with costumes while their dad read the Christ-mas Story. We were all waiting for their dad to come in. He finally came in and told us we had to get our coats on and come out to the barn with him. We all groaned and complained as going out to the barn of course usually meant work. He insisted and we grudgingly got our winter clothes on and went with him. The most delightful surprise greeted us. Our horse, Kitty, had a brand new baby colt. It was still a little unstable on its legs so we knew it had just been born. The colt was a brown color like its mother and had a white star on its forehead. We talked about names and many came to our minds. Wade, our second son, suggested a name which we all liked and it was “Starfire” for the white star on its forehead, and to remind us of the new star that came into existence on the night Jesus was born. Star-fire changed what would have been an ordinary, unmemorable Christmas to one with special memories we all cherish. The colt could have been born anytime but I like to think that the lord knew we needed a special experience to make us feel better. To send the colt on Christmas Eve when we were cele-brating another birth, the birth of our Savior, helped to make the Christmas season even more special. I know the Lord sends us special gifts when we need them. The beautiful colt that Christ-mas, was one of those gifts.

BOARD PORTFOLIO REPORT - FUNDRAISING

As the Nord-Bridge Fundraising Board Representative, I would like to thank all our members for their attendance at our events. We need the support of our members in order to continue the success of these efforts. We are planning several new presentations in 2015, including an Oktoberfest Accordi-on Evening. If any member has an idea for other fundraising

activities, we would be pleased to hear from them. We have raised over $24,000 so far this year and while we are pleased with this return, it can always be improved upon. Nord-Bridge Senior Citizens Association also receives funds from L.C.B.A. (Winners Bingo). Bonnie Hammond and her team of over 20 volunteers work up to nine bingo ses-sions per month. They are a great team and we thank them for their service to our Centre. For the months of January to September 2014, they contributed $100,967 (avg. $11,218 per month). I thank you for the opportunity of serving you in this capacity. Pat Santa, Vice President Nord-Bridge Fundraising Representative

EVENT PROFIT

Daily 50/50 $ 1,903

Sound System 50/50 $ 2,221

Monthly 50/50 $ 1,320

President’s Dinner $ 3,157

Miner’s Banquet ($290)

In-House Bingo $15,313

Other Events $ 1,099

TOTAL PROFIT $24,723

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LUNCH WITH CITY COUNCILLORS

Councillor Jeff Coffman Friday, Jan. 16

Councillor Ryan

Parker Tuesday,

Dec. 2

Learn more about our City’s governance and our representatives in our comfortable and convenient Dunford Diner. All City Councillors are encouraged to join us frequently. Confirm your visits by e-mail to friendly@nordbridgeseniors.com.

Councillor Blaine

Hyggen Friday, Dec. 12

www.mbfunerals.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Greetings Members;

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Greetings Members; During the past month your administration has spent considerable time focusing on our Budget for the fiscal years 2015-2016-2017-2018. This effort has been made in connection with a request Nord-Bridge made to Leth-bridge City Council to maintain an annual Facility Opera-tions Grant of $75,000 per year, while Nord-Bridge con-tinues to lobby the Provincial Government for Operating Cost Funding (sometimes referred to by Exec. and Board Members as Core Funding). At the current time, our only source of provincial funding for programming comes via the FCSS (Family and Com-munity Support Services) program, whereby the Province advances a fund for preventative social services to the City on a 80% provincial, minimum 20% municipal formula. The City of Lethbridge FCSS office then reviews applications from various social service agencies, and allocates funds to them for programming that qualifies under the Provincial FCSS Act. In the last two fiscal years, Nord-Bridge has received $183,400 per year from FCSS. This FCSS allocation in 2014 will represent about 18.5% of our expected revenues. The City’s temporary annual Operations funding of $75,000 mentioned above represents another 7.6% of our anticipated 2014 revenues. Thus, funding from all levels of government in 2014 will represent about 26.1% of our income. The other 73.9% of expected reve-nues has come from Nord-Bridge. Memberships represent about 6.6% of income; fundraising 4.2%; products sold 23.4%; donations 3.7%; rental income from both tenants and weekend and evening rents 17%; program fees 1.1%; and gaming revenues 15.9%, of a year end expected revenue total of about $993,313. I think it is rather admirable that Nord-Bridge rais-es the bulk of its funding. However, the way some government partners act can lead one to believe there is a lack of true understanding of Nord-Bridge, which is disappointing. More regular visits might help their under-standing. We are a publicly owned society, and our assets and holdings belong to our entire membership of 1,350 seniors; and the City “as a whole” benefits from our resources, and contributions to a healthy and vibrant community. On other business, I ask you to read the article on the outside back cover of this Newsletter to become aware of the continued pressing need for funds to support this February’s 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games. Any help you can provide will be deeply appreciated.

On a sad note, our membership mourns the untimely loss of Table Tennis Club members Kaz Hayashi-zaki and Fuki Nishibayashi. Both were involved in a tragic fishing re-lated accident in a Montana lake. We will miss their presence. To all of our members, best wish-es for a special and healthy Holiday Season, and a Happy New Year!

Our office is more than happy to assist you in navigating your way through Federal Government services. We regularly help constituents: Contact Federal departments and agencies; Obtain Canadian pins and flags; Request a meeting; Make claim inquires about Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, or Citizenship and Immigration; Order congratulatory certificates for birthdays or anni-

versaries; Access information on Government legislation, and Submit a petition to the House of Commons. These are just a few ways we can be of service to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Jim Hillyer, MP Lethbridge 255 8th St. S

Lethbridge, AB T1J 4Y1 403-320-0070

e-mail: hillyer@jimhillyer.com

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WIN CAZH AT NORD-BRIDGE! DAILY 50/50 DRAW

Nord-Bridge hosts a Daily 50/50 Draw to help raise

much needed funds. Half of the proceeds go to the

Centre.

IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE YOU MUST:

1. Hold a current REGULAR, ASSOCIATE

or LIFE Membership.

2. Cost to play is 25¢

3. Draws will be made at 12:15 p.m.

4. After the draw, members may

sign-in for the next day’s draw.

RECENT WINNERS

MONTHLY 50/50 Toonie Draw Nord-Bridge holds a “Monthly 50/50 Toonie Draw”

on the third or fourth Friday of each month.

Members do not have to be present to win. The

Nord-Bridge share of proceeds is dedicated to Pro-

gramming. TO PLAY:

1. Fill out an envelope for the draw

at the draw desk in the Dunford

Diner.

2. Drop a Toonie into the envelope

and deposit it into the Draw Box.

3. Come out to lunch on “draw day” to see if you

are the winner. The more times you enter, the

more chances you have of winning!

NOVEMBER WINNER…

Next Draw December 19

SOUND SYSTEM DRAW Proceeds of Monday Jam draws are

earmarked to assist with sound system

and AV costs in the building.

MONDAY JAM 50/50 WINNERS Nov 3 Gordon Skidmore $50; Gladys Rushfeldt $50 Nov 10 Gail Tomsic $37; Gail Tomsic $37 Nov 17 Sally Reyna $58; Ramsey Vickers $58 Nov 24 Vera Miechkota $58; Bill McTighe $58 Thanks Jammers, Volunteers and Patrons. Thanks

also to Helen Gepneris & Jim Hahn for selling tickets at Monday Jams.

Rudy Grams $23; Don & Faye Ward $200; Robert S. Mikado $30; Joseph & Eveline Polczer $250;

Fred & Alice Mehlhaff $100; Anonymous $50

NORD-BRIDGE BUILDING FUND RECENT DONORS

NORD-BRIDGE IN-HOUSE BINGO Cumulative proceeds from Jan 1, 2014

Through November 21, 2014: $ 18,488

BUILDING FUND UPDATE: Goal Achieved Total Fund-Raising Goal $6,250,000

From City of Lethbridge 750,000 82%

From Various Provincial Grants 2,500,000 66%

From Various Federal Grants 500,000 7%

From Nord-Bridge

- by Fundraising 2,500,000 80%

Total Contributions to our

Building Fund 1998 through Nov. 2014 $ 2,012,848 Still needed by N-B Fundraising $ 487,152

Bonnie Hammond

and her team of over 20 volunteers who work up to nine Winner’s Bingo events every month. Their dedica-tion has translated into significant funding for our Centre.

Friday Lunch Specials $6.50

Dec. 5 Liver n’ Onions, Mashed & Veggies Dec. 12 Special Christmas Luncheon. Ticket required. Soup, snacks, etc. in Hall. Dec. 19 Aloha Burger with Fries

$6.50

All You Can Eat

Breakfast Buffet

First Wednesday of

each month

Breakfasts from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Daily lunch specials 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Homemade soups, sandwiches and treats plus Menu Items including hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, fish, fries, onion rings, salads, desserts and more!

9

Come in every third Wednesday of the

month for CUSTOMER

APPRECIATION Free food for all players starting at

11:30 or 5:15 (while supplies

last) And... ask about the

monthly

On the last Monday of each month. It’s

fun and it’s free!

Thursday is

SENIORS

DAY!

Half-price

Regular &

Gold Cards

for all players

60+ For more information

Call 403-327-7454

A Whole New

Experience!

Two blocks west of the Casino on

Crowsnest Trail

Free Initial Legal Consultation

Wills...Estate Planning... and other matters as you may require. Nord-Bridge offers this service through

RYAN CHAN of

HUCKVALE WILDE HARVIE MACLENNAN Upcoming FREE consultation dates:

Fridays, December 12 & January 9 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

Contact the Front Desk to schedule an appointment. Phone: (403)329-3222

EUCHRE REPORT EUCHRE REPORT EUCHRE REPORT

WOW! Where did the year go? WOW! Where did the year go? WOW! Where did the year go? Getting ready for Christmas? Remember Getting ready for Christmas? Remember Getting ready for Christmas? Remember the first gift is to yourself. Renew your the first gift is to yourself. Renew your the first gift is to yourself. Renew your 2015 membership so that you may contin-2015 membership so that you may contin-2015 membership so that you may contin-ue playing Euchre into the New Year with your friends.ue playing Euchre into the New Year with your friends.ue playing Euchre into the New Year with your friends. While you are at it, you can give someone a smile, While you are at it, you can give someone a smile, While you are at it, you can give someone a smile, a hug, or a word of kindness. These gifts cost nothing a hug, or a word of kindness. These gifts cost nothing a hug, or a word of kindness. These gifts cost nothing but the feeling you give is priceless.but the feeling you give is priceless.but the feeling you give is priceless.

Merry Christmas to All! Have a safe, happy Merry Christmas to All! Have a safe, happy Merry Christmas to All! Have a safe, happy and healthy New Year. See you in 2015. and healthy New Year. See you in 2015. and healthy New Year. See you in 2015.

Rodney Foster, Convener

CARPET BOWLING NEWS

Our October 29th play-offs established the teams that will represent Zone 1 in the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games. The winning teams are:

Age 55 & Over - Open Team: Woody Neely, Betty John-son, Dermy Copeland and Eileen Sawatsky.

Age 70 & Over - Open Team: Pauline Secretan, Lorna Vandervalk, Noreen Irwin and Floyd Irwin.

Good Luck to all of you at the Games, February 19th to 22nd, 2015. The winners of our In-house Tournament which was held November 12 to 28, 2014, will be report-ed in the January 2015 Newsletter.

Here’s wishing everybody a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Norene Irwin & Woody Neely, Conveners

11

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OUTREACH REPORT by Rodger Halvorsen On Monday afternoon, Nov. 17 we held our November Outreach Program, part of a monthly endeavor to reach out into our community to a variety of care facilities to provide a

few hours of entertainment, refreshments and social interaction for some very precious people. We not only pride ourselves in being “The Friendly Center” but we set our goals to practice what we say. This event included 84 guests from care facilities, 31 walk-in guests, and 20 volunteers hosting the event bringing total attendance to 135. Groups from our City as well as Vul-can, Coaldale and outlying areas attended the program. Our theme was “Time To Remember”, our November emphasis. The afternoon began with Marcella Myers at the piano, card Bingo lead by Bud and Ash and of course entertain-ment with Oscar and Yvonne. Punch was served followed by a light snack with coffee and tea served by our faithful group of volunteers. Our measurement of success is best realized by smiles, laughter, participation, spontaneous applause and of course the Big Question “When is the next event?”. The an-swer: December 15th, “Santa’s Big Day”.

It is my privilege to be a simple crack filler … just doing what may need to be done convening this wonderful group of

volunteers. Rodger Halvorsen

Bridget A. Pastoor, MLA Lethbridge East

Contact Bridget at: 2816 - 5th Avenue North Lethbridge, AB T1H 0P1

Phone: 403-320-1011 lethbridge.east@assembly.ab.ca

CONDOLENCES were sent to… ...Tena Bloudoff on the loss of her hus-band, Nick.

GET WELL WISHES went out to…

...Olai Egeland who was hospitalized after a heart attack but is out and back enjoying his usual activity – cards; Eileen Habdas

an eager crafter is now at home recovering from a broken hip; Carol Jonsrude, broken wrist; Doreen Bergen at St. Mike’s; Nancy Knapik, now at home; and Doreen Irwin at home, with a knee injury. Buella Chervinski has been released from St. Mike’s and recently visited with us and played Euchre. She’ll get back to her regular routine soon.

We extend heart felt thanks to Joe and Dianne Smith for being good Samaritans. They fre-quently assist our special super seniors with vis-its and rides; getting people where they want to

go and getting them home again safely. They are great exam-ples of friendly, caring members; looking out for those who need just a little extra care and consideration.

HELP IS AT HAND

Chinook LifeCare has been providing emergency re-sponse service for over 27 years to clients in Lethbridge, Taber and surrounding com-munities. Visit our office at Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre to view all the options for ex-

tending independent living.

Affordable lifeline within the Community

#8, 1904 - 13 Ave. N Lethbridge, Alberta

403-320-1170

University of Lethbridge Student’s Community Health Nursing Station Over the past few months it has been a great opportunity to meet with some of you. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. As we move on with our learning experi-ence, we will remember all of you for the wonderful and amazing stories you shared with us. As we move closer to the holiday season please call a friend or two and wish them a happy holiday to expand the cheerful and giving spirit that is around us. The winter season is slowly creeping upon us. Please ensure you are wearing proper footwear, dress warm and make sure your sidewalks are clear, clean and dry. Pouring de-icing salt on the sidewalks will help prevent you and the people around you from falling. With the drier and colder weather it is important to remember to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Once again, thank you for everything. We really enjoyed our time with you at Nord-Bridge Senior Centre (The Friendly Centre). Have a hap-py holiday and wonderful New Year.

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Sheila Brust, Convener

T here’s no time like Christmas for laughter

and cheer and wishing life’s best to you

now and all year.

M erry Christmas from the Scrabble

gang!

Jennifer, Ruth, Louise, Johanna,

Pat, Lucy , Craig, & Sheila

Join us for Scrabble in the Dunford Diner on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. for an interesting game of words.

L.A. SHUTTLE

Express Passenger Service Between Lethbridge and Calgary

Bookings Call: 403-380-2015 In Calgary Call: 403-681-4038

Airport Service Medical Appointments

Residential Drop off and Pick up

LIFTERS & LEANERS

There are just two kinds of people on earth today, Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the rich and the poor, for to count a man’s wealth You must first know the state of his conscience and health.

Not the humble and proud, for, in life’s little span, Who puts on airs is not counted a man.

Not the happy and sad, for the swift counting years

Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears. No, the two kinds of people on earth I mean

Are the people who lift and the people who lean. Wherever you go you will find the world’s masses

Are always divided in just these two classes.

And oddly enough you will find, too, I ween, There’s only one lifter to twenty who lean.

In which class are you? Are you easing the load Of overtaxed lifters who toil down the road?

Or are you a leaner who lets others bear

Your portion of labour and worry and care?

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Holiday Schedule

The following changes will be made to our regular Monday to Friday Schedule:

Open 8:30 to Noon on Wednesday, December 24

Closed All Day on Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26

Open 8:30 to Noon on Wednesday, December 31

Closed all day on Thursday, January 1, 2015 Open all day on Friday, January 2, 2015

Mind Joggers - submitted by Judith A. Knox

We have been writing up a storm since we came back in September. We

have a few new members since our summer break and now we are almost

into the Christmas season. Our last day for Mind Joggers is Dec. 18th. We

will return on the SECOND Thursday of the year, January 8, 2015.

We wish you and yours a blessed Christmas a very prosperous New Year.

DARTS REPORT by Ken Bobinec

We had a very good turnout for our In-House Tournament.

Congratulations to our Men’s and Women’s Singles division

winners:

GOLD: Bill Lelievre Diane Reid

SILVER: Jerry Schwartz Iva Thiessen

BRONZE: Rob Grisak Verna Penner

Our Double’s division will wrap up on December 10. I will report those

results in the January Newsletter. The Darts players wish of you a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES

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1-877-644-9992 www.health.ab.ca

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Relines & Repairs

Are you buried under a pile of paperwork?

Confused about Government forms? If so, contact “Seniors Helping Seniors” here

at Nord-Bridge. We have friendly trained

volunteers to help you Monday through

Friday 9 am to 12 noon; and Monday,

Wednesday, Friday 1 to 3 pm. Call us at

403-329-3222 to make an appointment.

We are excited to welcome Darlene Crofts to

our team. Darlene will be available to assist

with questions, filling out forms, and general

information on senior programs beginning

December 1, 2014.

Seniors Receive a

10% Discount

Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre

IN-HOUSE BINGO

FRIDAY AFTERNOONBonanza Pre-call 1:00 pm Games Start 1:30 pm Regular Book - $5.00 3 Extra Games - $1.00 each

Transportation is available for members; $3.00 each way. Phone at least one day ahead at 329-3222 to confirm.

From the Desk of Val December is here and many of you are busy with

family and friends and Christmas themes, especially if you have little ones near. 2014 has been stressful for me as the only caregiver in my family. DON’T GET OLD...IT’S A TOUGH LIFE! At the Front Desk, please check out the 2014 Community Christmas Tree which your Outreach Program has purchased for a special family. If you have a new or gently used SMALL ornament, drop it off and one of my elves will put it on the tree. We will be delivering the tree to the Inter Faith Food Bank on December 16th.

I wish all members and especially the volunteers who have worked so hard in 2014 the best of the Christmas Season and the New Year. I look forward in working with you in 2015.

ANNUAL OUTREACH BAKE SALE Friday, December 5th, 9 a.m. Sharp!

In the Multi-Purpose Hall

Don’t be late! Drop in and buy some scrumptious goodies. We’ll have cakes, cookies, breads, squares and more! This sale is in support of our Outreach Program. Outreach is a monthly drop-in event that targets our “super senior” community.

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PLEASE NOTE: ALL NON-MEMBERS must pay an additional $20 for all Nord-Bridge trips.

Go Friendly Shuttle

Call us at 403-329-3222 to book your rides for your preferred days and times We provide convenient service direct from your door to our door.

The cost to use the Go Friendly Service is $3.00 each way. Pay cash or use your L.A. Transit BREEZE CARD.

TRAVEL NEWS

Triple D Tours

Triple D Tours would like to Thank everyone who travelled with us this past year. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you at Nord-Bridge a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We have Gift Certifi-cates available for all of our up-coming trips, a great idea

for Christmas Gifts. Donna, Bob and Ian Dobra

Contact Donna at Triple D Tours 403-394-0349

Brochures on future trips available at Nord-Bridge.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT NORD-BRIDGE GETS A COMMISSION ON EACH TRIP BOOKED HERE AT THE NORD-BRIDGE SENIORS CENTRE

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 LOCAL CASINO Cost: $8.00 Pick-ups start at 9:30 a.m. to arrive at the Casino by 11:15 a.m. You get a FREE lunch while you GAMBLE. Bus departs Casino for home at 3:00 p.m.

NEWS ABOUT PAST TRIPS: Fourteen members enjoyed a lively show and tasty dinner at Hillspring Great Canadian Barn Dance. Thanks to driver Jack Fox for his commitment to driving for us. The gamblers enjoyed a monthly visit at the local casi-no with some new members who joined the usual faithfuls. Thanks to Ron for his volunteer commitment. Thanks also to Lucy for volunteering her time to take our weekly Roll and Strollers.

LOCAL CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOUR Dates: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 (Sold Out)

and Thursday, December 18, 2014 COST: $15. TIME: 6:00 P.M.– 8:00 P.M. After the light tour, we will enjoy Hot Chocolate

and a donut at Tim Horton’s.

Home pick-ups will begin at 5:00 p.m.

STAGE WEST (CALGARY)

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 “80’s SOLID GOLD” COST: $90 (members) $110 (non-members)

A wonderful musical featuring songs by Phil Collins, Huey Lewis,

Elton John, and Billy Joel; legendary groups like Journey, Hall &

Oates, The Police, and Eurythmics; and innovative female vocalists

like Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and Olivia Newton John.

These are just a few of the names that are going to

be part of this big, magical journey through the hit

songs of the ‘80s.

You won’t want to miss this party!

ROLL & STROLL PROGRAM will continue snow or shine through December 17th. Walks

may be indoors, depending on the weather. We will then take a break for the holidays and resume on Jan-uary 7th, 2015. New walkers are always welcome to join this senior friendly program each Wednesday, 10 a.m. until Noon. If you live alone and need to get out and about, this program is for YOU. COST: $3

BROXBURN VEGETABLE CAFÉ / GREEN HAVEN Christmas Outing.

Cost: $15 (buy your own lunch). Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2014. (Only 3

seats left)

Taking Wait List in case of cancellation!

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Christmas Shopping Trip

Chinook Centre. Calgary Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Cost: $50 Bus will depart Centre at 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 6:30 p.m.

We still have a few seats available. Welcome back Wendy Kalkan, our driver for this trip.

Friday, December 12, 2014 2 p.m. Matinee - Cost: $15.00 UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE THEATER The Nutcracker Classic Christmas Ballet

The University of Lethbridge Theatre invites Seniors to a

Special Matinee performance of the NUTCRACKER. We are taking names and payment now.

Bus will leave the Centre at 1:15 p.m.

Monday, December 29/14 Local Yates Show, “Jubilee” is a live performance of great music by amazing local talent. COST: $35 (bus & show). Buy your own supper. Taking names and payment NOW. Deadline to pay is December 17, 2014

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The 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games will be hosted in Lethbridge February 19 - 22. Some 1,200 athletes will participate in this four day event, with venues around the City, and in the Crowsnest Pass and Westcastle regions. Nord-Bridge is one of these venues, where we will host a confirmed 4 events including: Snooker (with 16 partic-ipants), Carpet Bowling (64), Euchre (32) and Table Shuffleboard (32). We are also being considered as an alternate site for Darts, which would add another 28 par-ticipants. Thus the total number of individuals to compete at Nord-Bridge may be around 172 . Our Dining Room will also serve as one of the primary food venues for the event. We have some 20 - 25 volunteers and staff that are, or will be contributing significant amounts of time to the delivery of the 2015 Games.

Nord-Bridge congratulates the 16 members of our Centre who have already qualified to participate in the 2015 Games. These individuals won Gold medals in the Zone 1 Playoffs. They include: Darts: Bernice Carrier & Alice Strickland; Bridge: Pat Kincade & Kathy Ludwig*; Carpet Bowling: Betty Johnson, Woody Neely*, Dermy

Copeland, Eileen Sawatzky*, Floyd Irwin, Norene Irwin, Pauline Secretan, & Lorna VanderValk; Snooker: Karl Sinnott; Table Shuffleboard: Gordon Olsen* & Helen Gepneris; and Five Pin Bowling: Shirley Trefan* & Sumi Tomiyama. Also on the Nord-Bridge Team is Mike Ben-nett, President of Sunny South Zone 1, and Clay Olsen, this year’s Zone 1 chef de’ maison. ( *indicates missing from picture) .

SPONSORS & DONORS STILL NEEDED: While participants pay a nominal fee to attend the Games, the bulk of expenses are sponsored by the 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Games Organizing Committee, which is still in need of funds to cover the Games expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation costs. IF YOU CAN HELP SPONSOR AN ATHLETE, OR KNOW A BUSINESS (OWNED BY FAMILY OR FRIENDS) THAT COULD DONATE, please stop by the Nord-Bridge Front Desk and pick-up an “Adopt an Ath-lete” application. Any donation will be appreciated. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $25 or more.

Local Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games

Organizing Committee seeking

Sponsors and Donors to Fund the Games L E T H B R I D G E ● F E B R U A R Y 19 - 22