november & december 2015 - city of leduc and december... · decorated their homes with palm...

PANORAMA

Have you ever wondered why the colors that are traditionally associated with Christmas are Red, Green and Gold? Why not orange and purple? The traditional colors of Red, Green and Gold and their meanings come from the western/northern European traditions and customs, when this part of the world is in the middle of winter and it’s dark and cold. The color Green has a pre-Christianity origin while the colors Red and Gold became significant only after the birth of Christ.

Green During the month of December the Romans celebrated Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture. Greenery such as holly and ivy were exchanged to wish one another a long and happy life, peace and good luck. Green is a color that represents life, nature, peace, eternity and hope for the future. It was a powerful symbol of mystery and life. It was noted that long after plants appeared to die during the winter, fir trees and holly bushes magically appeared to be able to survive even the harshest winter. Throughout history green items have been brought into homes during the harsh winter months as a reminder that although the earth may appear asleep, spring and the reawakening of nature are not far away. The Egyptians decorated their homes with palm branches; the Germans brought in evergreen Christmas Trees, and garlands of green boughs are draped across fireplace mantles.

Red Red is an important symbol of Christ’s birth and death. In many parts of Europe during the middle ages Paradise plays, the story of Adam and Eve, were performed often on Christmas Eve. In the Garden of Eden there was a Paradise Tree hung with red apples. Since apple trees were not available during the winter, a pine tree was used. The red apples signified the fall of Adam. Holly berries are said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. Bishops robes are red as was the robe of St. Nicholas, which ultimately became the uniform of Santa. Don’t forget about Rudolph’s red nose! Our favorite red Christmas Poinsettia originated in Mexico. The red Amaryllis and the red Christmas Cactus flowers are also popular at Christmas.

Gold Gold is the color of the sun and light - both very important in the dark of winter. Red and gold are the colors of fire

that keep us warm, and gold is the color of the flame of a candle that gives light. Gold was the present brought to the baby Jesus by Melchior, one of the Magi . Gold is also the color used to illustrate the star that guided the Magi from the East. Gold signifies the gift of eternal life.

The colors of White and Blue are also common at Christmas. What is their significance?

White White, the color of winter snow, can be associated with purity and peace. Often white paper wafers, symbolic of the bread eaten during Christian Communion, were used to decorate Paradise Trees. On Christmas Day the altar in most churches is draped in a white cloth, and the accents are gold.

Blue Blue is the color associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In medieval times blue dye was more expensive than gold, so it would only be worn by very important people. Hence Mary is portrayed wearing blue. Blue also represents the color of the sky and heaven.

Christmas is a time for family and friends to come together. It is a time to appreciate the love in our lives that we often take for granted. May the Holiday Season bring you peace and tranquility, and fill your heart with many blessings. Lucrecia

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2015

TTThhheee CCColololooorrrsss ooof f f CCChhhrrriiissstttmmmaaasss

GRATITUDE CORNER “I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of coincidences that have no meaning or connection. For me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the views of eternity, and hope my choices will create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.” ~~Mike Ericksen

“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” ~~Robert Braathe

“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as

opening our hearts.” ~Janice Maeditere

PANORAMA

INCOME LEVELS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANCE - 2015-2016 A senior's eligibility for Special Needs Assistance (SNA) is based on income. Eligible items are funded at the primary or secondary income levels. The SNA program uses your total income (line 150 of your tax return) to determine your eligibility for benefits. The income levels below are effective July 1, 2015, for the benefit year July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016:

Primary funded items

Appliances/furniture– bed, dryer, refrigerator, stove, washer

Home Repairs – bathroom repairs, carpet replacement, chimney repair, cistern, electrical repairs,

faucets/taps, furnace, house roof, hot water tank, mobile home leveling, mobile home skirting, plumbing, sewer/septic tanks, steps, sump pump, well

Health Supports – CPAP machine and supplies, diabetic supplies, nutritional beverages, podiatry,

prescription costs Personal Supports – bed bug fumigation, celiac groceries, clothing, funeral expenses, lift chair,

medical trips, medication administration fee, personal response service, relocation of washer and dryer, utility arrears, wigs

Secondary funded items

Appliance/furniture– microwave, television, vacuum

Home Repairs – eaves/soffit/fascia, exterior doors, garage roof

Health Supports – foot orthotics Personal Supports – housekeeping, yard maintenance, laundry, respite care

November is FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH in Alberta Family Violence is considered to be any form of abuse, mistreatment or neglect that a child or adult experiences from a family member, or from someone with whom they have an intimate relationship. Women, men, children, older adults, the disabled from all walks of life are not immune. There are many types of violence: physical; emotional; sexual; financial and neglect. Family violence can occur in different relationships: intimate partners; child abuse and neglect; elder abuse; violence based on so-called “honor” and forced marriage. Family violence crosses all social, cultural and socio-economic boundaries and touches all ages, gender and walks of life. Over the past decade Alberta’s rate of self-reported domestic violence is

among the highest in Canada.

Every hour of every day a woman in Alberta will undergo some form of interpersonal violence from an ex-partner or ex-spouse. It is estimated that only 1/4 of spousal abuse victims report the violence to police. The impact upon society is huge: inability to work: loss of wages; inability to care for themselves and/or their children; children suffer long-term emotional, behavioral and developmental problems; plus large amounts of governmental resources need to be directed to address the issues caused by abuse which include: health care costs, judicial costs, unemployment and the impact on social and community services. It is estimated that the cost to the Canadian society of only 1 form of abuse - spousal - is

approximately $7.4 billion per year, or $225 per Canadian citizen!

The Alberta Family Violence Info Line is available to provide help and information, toll-free in Alberta 24

hours a day: 310-1818. Funding is available to help people get to safety, set up a new household or start a new life. For more information regarding funding call: 780-644-5135. If you or someone you know is

immediate danger call 911.

Visit the Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying website for more information:

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/abuse-bullying/14839.html

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2015

Seniors Annual Total Income Funding Level

SINGLES: Less than $22,000 Primary and secondary items

$22,001 – $26,400 Primary items only

Over $26,400 No funding

COUPLES: Less than $34,800 Primary and secondary items

$34,801 – $43,000 Primary items only

Over $43,000 No funding

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/abuse-bullying/14839.html

Panorama November & December 2015

“EVENTS in Leduc”

November NOTICES

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS Sunday November 1st REMEMBER: Fall Behind so set your clocks BACK 1 hour

Square Dance

A brand new program starting

November 2nd at Telford House.

Good Exercise and LOTS of fun!

Call: Norman Lake at 780-919-9046 for more

information.

December NOTICES

Dr. Woods House Museum

CANDELIGHT TEA

Thursday December 3rd

2:00 to 4:00 pm

$5.00 per person

For more information call: 780-986-1517 or visit:

www.woodsmuseum.com

MISTLETOE CRAFT & FOOD SALE When: Sat December 5th Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost: Free

Where: Telford House

All Art and Crafts are designed and handmade by

artisans to showcase unique gift ideas. The food sale will provide buyers with products geared toward stocking their pantry, fridge and freezers for the Holiday Season, such as: sausage; jerky/fish; ethnic foods; appetizers; cheeses; wine; jams/jellies; artisan breads; meat pies; baking; candy; etc.

For more info call Diane: 780-986-6160

Leduc Public Library’s Annual

Christmas Tea

Thursday December 10th

Time: 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Drop In Anytime

Everyone is WELCOME!

Music, Homemade Baking, Coffee, and Tea!

Leduc Public Library

For more info. phone: 780-986-2637

SEASONAL HUMOR

"Here's a Christmas request I can't give," Santa said

to Mrs. Claus. "Why not?" asked Mrs. Claus.

"Here, read the letter." said Santa.

Dear Santa,

Will you please bring me some crocodile shoes

for Christmas?

Thanks,

Pete

"But you have lots of crocodile shoes," said Mrs.

Claus. "Why can't you give him a pair?"

"Because he didn't tell me what size his crocodile

wears."

Santa goes up and down so many chimneys that

he's thinking of getting a yearly flue shot?

Did you hear that one of Santa's reindeer now works

for Proctor and Gamble? Its true . . . Comet cleans

sinks!

You do know what would have happened if it had

been three wise WOMEN instead of men, don't you?

They would have asked for directions, arrived on

time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable,

made a casserole, and brought disposable diapers

as gifts!

Submissions to Panorama

If you would like to submit an article or have a suggestion please submit a copy to Lucrecia at FCSS by the

following deadline: December 11, 2015 by 4:30 pm. Mailing Date for January/February 2016 edition:

December 30, 2015. We welcome your Views and Input! Call Lucrecia at: 780-980-7115

The views expressed in the pages of “Panorama” do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or City Hall. The contents

of this publication cannot be reprinted without prior expressed permission.

NOVEMBER is FALLS PREVENTION MONTH Falls are the leading cause of injury related hospitalizations for seniors - 20% to 30% of seniors fall each year. Reduce the risk of falling with these tips:

Watch your Step - keep pathways, halls and stairs free from clutter. Watch where you are walking outdoors and wear supportive footwear. Install grab bars in your bathroom.

Keep Active - Regular activity improves muscle strength and balance. Try to do at least 30 minutes of activity each day.

Check your Medication - have your medications reviewed by your doctor or pharmacist at least once a year. Medication that helps you relax, help you sleep or improve your mood can also increase your risk of falls. Also as we age medications could affect us in differing ways.

If you feel at all dizzy or lightheaded be sure to tell your doctor.

http://www.woodsmuseum.com/

Panorama NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2015

More Seasonal HUMOR

What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a

chimney? Claustrophobia!

Why does Santa have 3 gardens? So he can Ho!

Ho! Ho!

Why was Santa’s helper depressed? Because he

had a low „elf‟ esteem!

What kind of motorbike does Santa ride? A Holly Davidson! What do you call a cat in the desert? Sandy Claws! What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck? A Christmas Quacker! What says OH! OH! OH! Santa walking backwards!

What do you call an frozen elf hanging from the ceiling? An elfcicle! What’s worse than Rudolph with a runny nose? Frosty the Snowman with a hot flush! Did Rudolph go to school? No, he was elf-taught! What song do you sing at a snowman’s birthday party? Freeze a jolly good fellow! How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas? One that‟s deep pan, crisp and even!

NOTE: There may be a change in the Field House schedule

due to special events. Please call 780-980-7120 or online:

http://www.leduc.ca/LRC/Programs/

Field_House_Sports.htm

Leduc Recreation Centre Drop in Fitness Programs

All drop-in classes are included with membership or paid daily admission:

Aqua Fit - seniors

Tues/Thurs. 11:00 -11:45am

Pickle ball

Mon/Wed/Fri. - 8:00 am to 2:30 pm

Wed 7:00 - 9:00 pm & 9-10 pm (ADULT HOUR)

Sunday - 3:30-9:00 pm

Badminton

Tues & Thurs - 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Tues. - 9:00 pm -10:00 pm (ADULT HOUR)

Sun - 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Floor Curling

Tues & Thurs - 8:00 am to noon

WRITING YOUR PERSONAL DIRECTIVE What is a Personal Directive?

A Personal Directive is a legal document that allows you to name people you trust to make decisions on your behalf about health care, what activities you wish to participate in, and where you will live should you lose mental capacity. They are called Agents. If you name 2 agents, be clear about the areas they can each make decisions. It is important to prepare this document while you are still able to make your decisions.

Why do I need a Personal Directive? Having someone else make decisions about your personal life can dramatically affect your quality of life.

Where do I get the form for a Personal Directive? You do not need to submit any documents to the Court or have a lawyer draw up your directive, You can prepare it in the comfort of your own home. The Alberta Government has an informative site that gives you step by step instructions: http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/guardianship-trusteeship/write-a-personal-directive The document should be given to the person you name as your agent and a safe place where others can access it.

http://www.leduc.ca/LRC/Programs/Field_House_Sports.htm



http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/guardianship-trusteeship/write-a-personal-directive.html

http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/guardianship-trusteeship/write-a-personal-directive.html

2015 EVENTS

2

9:00 Stained Glass (TH)

10:00 Exercises (TH)

1:00 Floor Curling (TH)

6:30 Square Dancing (TH)

7:00 Guitar lessons (TH)

3

9:00 Dup. Bridge (TH)

10:00 Sight Seekers (TH)

1:00 Crib

7:00 Music Jam (TH)

7:00 Stroke Recovery (TH)

4

9:00 Oil Painting (TH)

10:00 Qigong (TH)

12:30 Water Colors (TH)

1:00 Curling (TH)

2:30 Guitar lessons( TH)

5

9:00 Coffee & Lunch (TH)

9:00 LDSC Board Mtg.

10:00 Qigong (TH)

1:00 Sturling (TH)

1:30 Table Tennis (TH)

6:00 Dance (TH)

7:00 Crib (TH)

6


1:00 Fun Bridge (TH)

1:00 Euchre (TH)

9


10:00 Alzheimer Support (PL)





10


1:00 Crib

11


10:00 Qigong (TH)


1:00 Curling (TH)


REMEMBRANCE

DAY

9:30 Remembrance Day Ceremony -

LRC Co-Op Field House

12


10:00 Qigong (TH)


1:00 Sturling (TH)


6:00 Dance (TH)

7:00 Crib (TH)

13


1:00 Euchre (TH)

16






17


1:00 Crib

1:30 Choir Practice (TH)

1:30 MOW Committee

MTG (TH)

7:00 Music Jam

18


10:00 Qigong (TH)


1:00 Curling (TH)


7:00 Karaoke (TH)

19


10:00 Qigong (TH)


1:00 Sturling (TH)


6:00 Dance (TH)

7:00 Crib (TH)

20


1:00 Euchre (TH)

23






24


1:00 Crib (TH)


25


10:00 Qigong (TH)


1:00 Curling (TH)


6:00 Funseekers

26


10:00 Qigong (TH)


1:00 Sturling (TH)


6:00 Dance (TH)

7:00 Crib (TH)

27


1:00 Euchre (TH)

Santa Claus Parade

7:00 - 9:00 pm Route starts at Grain

Elevator and goes down

50th Street ending at 53rd

Street

. Festivities on Main Street

30






TH Telford House

CC Civic Centre

PL Peace Lutheran Church

LRC Leduc Recreation Centre

MS Main Street

RCL Royal Canadian Legion

CCM City Centre Mall

UC St. David’s United Church

DECEMBER 2015 EVENTS

1


10:00 Sight Seekers (TH)

1:00 Crib (TH)

7:00 Music Jam (TH)

7:00 Stroke Recovery

(TH)

2


10:00 Qigong (TH)


1:00 Curling (TH)


3


9:00 LDSC Board Mtg.

10:00 Qigong (TH)

12:30 LDSC General Mtg.

1:00 Sturling (TH)


6:00 Dance (TH)

7:00 Crib (TH)

4



1:00 Euchre (TH)

5:00 Curling Christmas

Party

7






8


1:00 Crib (TH)

9


(last day until Jan 6th)

10:00 Qigong (TH)

10:00 Focus on 55+ (TH)




6:00 Funseekers

10


10:00 Qigong (TH)

1:00 Sturling (TH)



6:00 Dance (TH)

7:00 Crib (TH)

11


1:00 Euchre (TH)

14






15


1:00 Crib (TH)

7:00 Music Jam (TH)

16

10:00 Qigong (TH)



7:00 Karaoke (TH)

17

LDSC CHRISTMAS

DINNER

6:00 Dance (TH)

7:00 Crib (TH)

18


1:00 Euchre (TH)

21




22


1:00 Crib (TH)

Winter Solstice

(shortest day of the year

First day of WAINTER)

23

Telford House

Closed

24

Telford House

Closed

Christmas Eve

25

Telford House

Closed

Christmas Day

28


29


1:00 Crib (TH)

30


31

7:00 LDSC Crib New

Year’s Eve PARTY (TH)

New Year‟s Eve

TH Telford House

CC Civic Centre

PL Peace Lutheran Church

LRC Leduc Recreation Centre

MS Main Street

RCL Royal Canadian Legion

CCM City Centre Mall

UC St. David’s United Church

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference

in our lives.” John F. Kennedy

november & december 2015 - city of leduc and december... · decorated their homes with palm...

Documents