pal55plus@gmail.com 204-946-0839

PEMBINA ACTIVE LIVING (55+)

NEWSLETTER

Check the PAL programs on page 3 ….and sign up!

August 2011 Vol. 1 Issue 1

In This Issue

Message-Board 1

Message-Exec. Director

2

Board members 2

Programs 3

Volunteering 4

Memory Walk 5

Still Bloomin’ GC 6

PAL Goals 7

Lunch Pals 6

Message from the Board G. Olive Nimblett

It is with a sense of excitement that I send you greetings on behalf of our Board of Directors. To the volunteers of the Membership Committee we say congratulations as you formalize PAL’s membership and produce this first Members’ Newsletter. It marks another ‘first’ for this organization as we celebrate the start of our second official year. As we review with joy the accomplishments and growth of our first year, we are not content to rest on our laurels, but instead, we intend to use what we have done as stepping stones to climb ever upward. Recognizing and embracing our strengths, we seek to strive toward our goal of improving the lives of seniors. The challenge facing us is to toil together, each person using their particular skills, gifts, experiences and influence to forge ahead and so achieve together our goals and aspirations. When we have done that, we can say with a great degree of satisfaction that we have done our very best to ensure the success of this organization. Let us blaze new trails for seniors!

Fall Lunch

Artist Ruth Tryhuk is a watercolour class participant.

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Board of Directors

Officers: President: Olive Nimblett-269-6428 Vice President: Bob Newman-269-0121 Secretary: Bruce MacDonald-261-9903 Treasurer: Cecil Grant-275-8174 Directors: Johanna Denesiuk-284-7422 Doug Good-275-6860 Dorothy Lachance –275-3267 Tom Walker-269-5988 Executive Director: Alanna K. Jones-930-5290

Message from the Executive Director Alanna Jones

The Spirit of Success

It is with great enthusiasm, passion and pride that I forge onward into my fourth programming season with PAL. In my short time with Pembina Active Living, I have witnessed the tremendous growth of this young organization and I am continually renewed and inspired by the vitality and commitment of the incredible volunteers that dedicate so much of their time and talents to PAL.

As with many new beginnings, there is a learning curve that is often accompanied by growing pains, uncertainty and chaos. There are those who have shouldered more than their share of this load and have done so with grace and humility that is exceptionally inspiring to behold. Time and again I have observed the challenges of change faced with courage, determination and dignity. The individuals I have had the great fortune to work with, and who are the very backbone of this organization we call PAL consistently conduct the business of PAL with integrity, honour and decency. I am proud to be part of this organization at this particular time in its history.

I thank the unsung champions of PAL for breathing life into this essential mission and I look forward to an exciting and vigorous future with you all at the helm.

“Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and

continues the journey”. Alex Noble

Visioning Workshop

A Visioning Workshop was held at RKCC on

Tuesday June 21st. The purpose of this workshop was to invite interested members to envision PAL’s future as it might be in five years. Those in attendance provided many possibilities. Practical results from this process include the following:

Goal Setting: The formation of a Visioning

Committee to further the short and long term goals of PAL.

Capacity Building: PAL will provide opportunities

for education and training to those interested in

volunteer and peer leadership within the organization.

“Seven days without laughter makes one weak”.

-unknown

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FALL PROGRAM LINE-UP

Seniors’ Yoga: RKCC - Upstairs – 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. 12 Mondays beginning Sept. 12th Members $72.00/non-members $84. 00 (Lois 261-1368) 10 Fridays beginning Sept. 16th Members $60.00/non-members $70.00 (Alanna 946-0839)

Tai Chi: RKCC – Main Hall - 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. 10 Mondays beginning Sept. 12th Members $40.00/non-members $50.00 (Alanna 946-0839)

Watercolours: RKCC – Upstairs – 1:00 – 3:00 pm Beginners - 10 Tuesdays beginning Sept. 13th

Members $55.00 + supplies/non-members $65.00 + supplies. (Ruth 269-1903) Continuing - 10 Mondays beginning Sept. 12th

Members $55.00 + supplies/non-members $65.00 + supplies. (Ruth 269-1903)

Line Dance I and I/II: 1:00 – 2:30 pm Members $40.00/non-members $50.00 L.D. I – 10 Mondays beginning Sept. 12th at St. Norbert C.C. (Alanna 946-0839) L.D. 1/II – 10 Wednesdays beginning Sept. 14th At Richmond Kings C. C. (Alanna 946-0839)

Urban Poling: RKCC – 10:45 -11:45

Members:$16.00/non-members $20.00. (Alanna 946-0839) 4 Fridays beginning Sept. 16th 4 Fridays beginning Oct. 14th

Tuesday Drop-In: RKCC – Main Hall – 1:00 – 3:00 pm Tuesdays beginning Sept. 13th . Member Drop-In Fee $1.00/non-members $2.00.

Cards & Games - Needlework - Art Drop-In (Heather 269-8003)

Computer Assistance (Marla 269-5383)

Scrapbooking (Connie 269-6391)

Nine-Hole Golf: South Side Golf Course – 8:00 a.m. Mondays to the end of the golf season. Pay green fees payable to Course. (Gil 275-3267)

Five-Pin Bowling: Dakota Lanes – 10:00 – Noon 10 Wed. beginning Sept. 14th. Fees $7.00 plus $1.00/shoes paid to Lanes. (Dorothy 275-3267)

Still Bloomin’ Gardening Club: RKCC – 1:00 – 3:00 pm Members $1.00/non-members $2.00. The last Thursday of the month (Lois 261-1368)

Lunch Pals : Every second and fourth Friday at different restaurants. (Lynn 334-1442)

Pay your own.

Transit Travel Tutorial: RKCC - 1:00 – 3:00 pm Sept. 22nd (Alanna 946-0839)

NO CHARGE

Memory Lane Sock Hop: RKCC – 1:00 -3:00 pm Oct. 21st Members $5.00/non-members $7.50 (Alanna 946-0839) See page 6 for more upcoming programs

Copy this page for a friend.

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What are YOU doing this fall? Johanna Denesiuk

While attending PAL programs and events can be a lot of fun, there is nothing that will enrich your life like volunteering where you can meet new people, explore new opportunities, acquire new skills or sharpen those you already have. We know that, even in retirement, commitments can sometimes feel burdensome; while at other times we would like something interesting to do. Volunteering fills the bill perfectly. You can have the flexibility you need and still be involved. PAL is driven by volunteers and we are growing quickly. There are a lot of opportunities for you to become involved and we invite your active participation. We are very respectful of time constraints, and we recognize that health concerns can interfere with well-intentioned commitments. We need your energy, your interest and your commitment to make PAL a thriving Centre for all of us. You can make a difference so join the team by calling 946-0839 or emailing pal55plus@gmail.com.

“Volunteers do not get paid, not because they are worthless but because they are priceless.”

-Sherry Anderson

HUMAN RESOURCES PAL is seeking volunteers experienced in contract development for staff and contract workers, risk management, personnel policy development and volunteer recruitment. FINANCE Bookkeeping, financial management, accounting, banking, and related skills are required for this committee. MEMBERSHIP If you are experienced in data entry or the use of publishing software, editing and composition, and wish to assist, you can make a significant contribution to the work of this Committee.

GRANT WRITING Help PAL take advantage of available funding and grants by writing proposals and completing applications for monies to supports PAL’s mission and goals. FUNDRAISING A Fundraising team will plan and execute events to generate income for future development of PAL’s vision. MARKETING/ADVERTISING Committee member or consultant with a background or expertise in graphic design, marketing and/or advertising will be a valuable asset to PAL. SOCIAL EVENTS If you like planning events, are creative and hospitable, you will enjoy working with this committee.

O Lord, have pity; I’m on a committee Dorothy Lachance

Have you ever found yourself on a Committee and discovered that teamwork needs to be the first order of

business? Without it, negative behaviours like apathy or conflict can become the norm and very little real work can be accomplished. The challenge of course, is that we are unique individuals with our own principles, temperaments and opinions about how groups should function and what should be done.

When anticipated outcomes don’t materialize, we might place blame somewhere outside ourselves but are we always justified in doing so? The real culprit is probably some form of misunderstanding and with a little patience and emotional self-management, the outcome could be quite different. Before your next committee meeting, consider the following words of wisdom:

The heart of dialogue is asking and listening. It is not what is said that is important but what is heard. If something can be misunderstood it will be, so clarify! clarify! clarify! Body language speaks louder than words. It’s not about you; it’s about the agenda, the problem or the issue at hand.

Committees have a huge upside when teamwork prevails. Their potential is unlimited and PAL is proving that - committee by committee. Become a team player. You can make a difference!

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My, How We’ve Grown!

In June of 2010, we had 3 programs and a total of 100 participants. One short year later, by June of this year, we increased our program offerings to 17 and our participants to a total of 500! That is a 450% increase in program offerings and a 400% increase in participants!

Memory Walk

On June 23 2011, PAL (55+) partnered with the Fort Garry Seniors Resource Council to sponsor our first "Memory Walk" in support of research and programs for people living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately 40 people participated in the walk – one kilometer in length - in support of this vital mission. Together we raised $3916.50 for the Alzheimer Society! Well done, Walkers!

What is the Fort Garry Seniors Resource Council? FGSRC is a community-based, non-profit Council that provides support and services to older adults with a

goal of increasing their independence and wellbeing. It assists older adults to access services available in the community such as congregate meal programs, housing and transportation options, health services, home cleaning and maintenance, yard work and more…

For information on these and other services offered by FGSRC, contact them at 792-1913 or fgsrc@swfic.org .

“There is always a lot to be thankful for if you take

the time to look.

For example, I’m sitting here thinking how nice it is

that wrinkles don’t hurt.”

-author unknown

If you don’t take time for exercise…..there’s a good chance you will have to take time for illness.

Dog Philosophy: When you’re happy, dance around and wiggle your whole body.

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Still Bloomin’ Gardening Club Diane Cooley

Whether you are a dedicated gardening enthusiast or an occasional “putterer” on the patio or balcony, creating and nurturing attractive gardens and green spaces is an immensely satisfying pastime. Still Bloomin’ Gardening Club provides an opportunity for seniors in South Winnipeg to share their growing successes and challenges with others. This year we enjoyed presentations on growing herbs and exotics, attracting birds, and landscaping with native plants. The St. Avila rain garden provided a close-up look at the latter. We also got a sneak preview of new plants at St. Mary’s Garden Centre. A June “Walk in the Park” showcased the work of our volunteers who are maintaining the waterfall and Hosta gardens in King’s Park. A sunny July day provided the right combination of sun, breeze, beautiful gardens, refreshments, and the company of the 40 participants for our second annual Mad Hatters’ Garden Party. The fall program lineup features presentations on identifying and controlling invasive plant species, recognizing beneficial and harmful insects, using environmentally friendly controls, and growing butterfly gardens. Still Bloomin’ meets on the last Thursday of each month (September to June) from 1:00-3:00 at Richmond Kings Community Centre. We welcome new and returning members and look forward to interesting activities and ideas. For more information, contact stillbloominpal@gmail.com

Want to improve your listening skills? Try these suggestions:

Give the speaker your full attention. Watch the faces of individuals while they talk. Be aware of the situation, the context and sequences of events.

Become familiar with the way different people express themselves; facial expressions, sentence structure and accent.

Watch visible speech movement, facial expressions and body gestures. Courtesy of Horizon Hearing Centres

Lunch Pals Lynn Arnott

Relax, make new friends and enjoy lunch at a variety

of south Winnipeg eateries – from Aalto’s to Mongo’s

to Triple B’s – fun and friendship for all. Join us on

the second and fourth Friday of each month.

Beginning September 23rd, we will gather at

Southwinds, Holiday Inn South. Pay your own way.

Get on the contact list by calling Lynn at 334-1442.

Bon appetite!

“Sharing a meal with friends is a true delight”

Coming in 2012……... Writer’s Club Dance Sampler ( Salsa, Ballroom, Belly Dance ) Quilter’s Corner Weight Training Travel Buddies Meditation Do you have other program ideas? Contact Heather ph.269-8003 hderkson@hotmail.com

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Achieving our PAL Goals

In this and subsequent issues of the newsletter, we will focus on one or more of the goals set out in the bylaws. The way a particular goal is being realized will be explored. . Goal # 1: To deliver programs and services

that respond to the diverse and changing needs

of seniors in the community.

Initially this goal is being realized through

programming. Programs are offered in areas of expressed interest. The Programming Committee works diligently to present programs in different areas to support healthy and active living. As PAL expands, programs will be added or changed to reflect the wishes of the membership.

Secondly, this goal is being met through the delivery of services to the older adult public. PAL’s Healthy Aging Forum and Zing into Spring! brought community seniors together for informative and enjoyable experiences. The Mexican Fiesta Picnic, held in conjunction with PAL’s Membership Kick-off was an invitation to the community to enjoy the company of their neighbours and learn about Pembina Active Living (55+).

Finally, PAL has gone from a goal of serving seniors to serving the community at large. The Still

Bloomin’ Gardening Club is caring for two gardens in King’s Park, and a new garden at the Cenotaph in the St. Norbert Cemetery.

Mexican Pineapple Salsa Ingredients: 1 Fresh pineapple, Sweet onion (the amount to about ¼ of the amount of pineapple, or to taste) Fresh cilantro (a small handful of leaves, or to taste) Process: Chop pineapple and sweet onion about the size of peas. Chop cilantro and mix all three ingredients. Comments: This condiment is healthy, delicious and fresh tasting, not to mention, easy to make. It stores well in the fridge for a couple of days. It will go well with barbecued pork, chicken or shrimp. If you are creative, you can add mango, red peppers, etc. or substitute mint for the cilantro. A little liqueur will give it an added spice, for special occasions.

About our newsletter We hope you have found this first issue of our Members Only Newsletter interesting and informative. This

quarterly paper is one of the benefits of your Membership. The next issue will be published at the beginning of December.

As a member of PAL, we hope you will contribute your suggestions for improvement and ideas for content. What would you like to see in the newsletter? Do you think our Newsletter should have a name? Tell us what you think.

We are grateful to our community and civic leaders who, through purchasing advertising space, are cover-ing the cost of publication. We encourage you to support these businesses and individuals and to thank them for supporting us.

We thank everyone who took some of their precious summer time and contributed content to this issue. If you are interested in desktop publishing or contributing your editorial skills to make our newsletter something to look forward to, please contact the Membership Committee or any one of the Board members.

“Happiness is good health and a bad memory.”

-Ingrid Bergman

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We wish to thank the business community for supporting PAL55+ and encourage our members to patronize the businesses

below.

Note: Members who wish to receive subsequent newsletters electronically as a PDF file,

contact pal55plus@gmail.com