2020 College Dr. Saskatoon, SK S7N 2W4 | 306.652.2255 |www.scoa.ca | admin@scoa.ca

Promoting dignity, health and independence of older adultsANNUAL REPORT

2015 - 2016

Since 1991

Serving our community for 25 years!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Organization Chart 3Board 4Agenda 5 & 6Annual General Meeting Minutes from May 28th, 2015 7 & 8OFFICER’S REPORTSCo-President’s/Executive Director’s Report 11 & 12 Treasurer’s Report 13 - 15Auditor’s Report 16 - 34REPORTS OF COUNCIL 25th Anniversary 37Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative 38Bullying Project 39Bus Buddy Project 40Century Club 41Communications 42Education and Awareness 43Finance and Fundraising 44Lifelong Learning Courses 45 & 46Membership 46Older Adult Abuse Task Force 47Partnerships/Supporters 48 & 49Resources for Older Adults 49Saskatoon Caregiver Information and Support 50 & 51Saskatoon Seniors Globe Walk 52 & 53Senior TechBuddy 54Seniors’ Neighbourhood Hub Club 55Spotlight on Seniors 56Volunteers 57Zoomer Idol 58

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 4Executive

Co-president Jane McPheeCo-president Janet Barnes1st Vice President Joan LidingtonTreasurer Bruce IrvineChair, Finance and Fundraising Jim Wasilenko

Board of Directors 2015 - 2016

Members at Large Dave Gibson Jan KingShan Landry Leo MonselorMercedes Montgomery Burna PurkinJane Richardson Ila SarkarPeter Sen

Liaison Position: Lisa Thibodeau, City of Saskatoon

AGENDA5SASKATOON COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.

THURSDAY, MAY 26th, 2016 at 2:00 – 3:30PMYWCA Studio Room

AGENDA1. Call to Order Jane McPhee2.Approval of Agenda3.Approval of Minutes of Annual General Meeting May 28th, 20153.1Announcements June Gawdun4. Officers’ Reports4.1 Co-President’s/ Executive Director’s Report Jane McPhee/Janet Barnes/June

Gawdun4.2Treasurer’s Report Motions: - Move that the Annual Audited Financial Statements be Accepted -Move that the firm KPMG be appointed as auditors for SCOA for the year ended March 31, 2017 subject to mutual agreement.

Bruce Irvine

4.3 By-law Revisions Shan Landry5.Reports of Council5.1 Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative Cheryl Loadman5.2 Bullying Elliot Paus Jenssen 5.3 Bus Buddy Jennifer Holmes5.4 Century Club Karen Heise5.5 Communications Mercedes Montgomery5.6 Education and Awareness Shan Landry 5.7 Finance and Fundraising Jim Wasilenko 5.8 Lifelong Learning Courses Sandra Schweder5.9 Membership Sandra Schweder5.10 Older Adult Abuse Task Force Joan Lidington5.11 Partnerships/Supporters June Gawdun/Virginia

Dakiniewich5.12 Resources for OlderAdults June Gawdun5.13 Saskatoon Caregiver Information and Support Lorraine Holtslander/Katherine

Ash5.14 Saskatoon Seniors Globe Walk Sheila Angelstad5.15 Senior Tech Buddy Sandra Schweder5.16 Seniors’ Neighbourhood Hub Club Sandra Schweder5.17 Spotlight on Seniors Joan Lidington 5.18 Volunteers June Gawdun5.19 Zoomer Idol June Gawdun

6. Report of Nominations Committee – Elliot PausJens-sen, Shan Landry, Candace Skrapek, Mercedes Mont-gomery6.1 Nominations to Board of Directors Approval of Agenda6.2 Installation of 2016/2017 Board of Directors (stand to be acknowledged)7. New Business8. Adjournment of Business Meeting 2:30 p.m.9. Social Time 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.10. Program Presentation: 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.10.1 Video “Vignettes” & Popcorn - SCOA Programs June Gawdun 10.2 News: Age-friendly Saskatoon Cheryl Loadman10.3 SCOA website Virginia Dakiniewich

AGENDA 6

SASKATOON COUNCIL ON AGING, INC.THURSDAY, MAY 28th, 2015 at 1:00PM – 3:00PM

SASKATOON FIELD HOUSE – ROOM 2

1.Call to OderThe meeting was called to order at 1:03pm by Jane McPhee. There were 37 members in attendance.

2..Approval of Agenda for May 28, 2015Motion: To approve agenda.M/S Bruce Irvine/Shan Landry. Carried.

3. Approval of Minutes of Annual General Meeting May 29th, 2014Motion: To approve minutes as circulated. M/S Muriel Baxter/ Peter Sen. Carried.

3.1. Announcements June Gawdun thanked all those who attended the AGM today. Looking for people to audition for Zoomer Idol. You must be 55 years or older (individual or groups of up to six people), that have any form of talent (example: voice, dance, comedy, magic, storytelling, poetry reading, etc.)

Officers’ Report 4.1. Co -Presidents/Executive Directors Report-Jane McPhee discussed the enthusiasm of SCOA – Board, Committee Chairs, staff, and SCOA’s Members. She also discussed the programs and services successes this year – Saskatoon Seniors’ Globe Walk, Zoomer Idol, Spotlight on Seniors, etc. -Also gave an enthusiastic thanks to those sponsors and partners who help make programs possible.

4.2.Treasure’s Report-Bruce Irvine presented a slide show presentation on the Treasure’s Report. The information can be found in the Treasure’s Report in SCOA’s Annual Report circulated to those who attended. Motion: That members approve the audited financial statements 2014/2015 fiscal year.M/S Bruce Irvine/Jim Wasilenko. Carried. Motion: That KPMG be appointed as the external auditors for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. M/S Bruce Irvine/George James. Carried.

4.3. By-law Revisions-Shan Landry proposed the bylaw changes for SCOA’s Annual General Meeting 2015. -SCOA’s Mission Statement previously read: “The Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) is a community leader in the promotion of dignity, health and independence of older adults through programs, services, and policy

MINUTES7

-advocacy”). As well, the SCOA’s Committee name previously read: 1.4. “Advocacy”. Motion: That SCOA’s Mission Statement be changed to read: “The Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) is a community leader in the promotion of dignity, health and independence of older adults through programs, services, education and awareness”. Motion: That SCOA’s Committee name be changed to read: 1.4 “Education and Awareness”. M/S Shan Landry/Peter Sen. Carried.Please Note: both motions were approved, seconded, and carried at the same time.

Reports of Council -Jane McPhee explained that the following reports below are included in SCOA’s Annual Report.

5.1. Advocacy – Shan Landry 5.2. Age Alive – Burna Purkin/Mercedes Montgomery 5.3. Age-friendly Training for the Retirement Service Sector – Cheryl Loadman 5.4. Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative – Cheryl Loadman 5.5. Bishop Klein School Partnership – Joan Lidington 5.6. Bus Buddy – Jennifer Holmes 5.7. Century Club – Karen Heise 5.8. Communications Committee – Mercedes Montgomery 5.9. Drop-in Program/Bus Tours – Ashley Stam5.10. Finance and Fundraising – Elliot PausJenssen5.11. Lifelong Learning Courses – Ashley Stam 5.12. Membership – Ashley Stam 5.13. Older Adult Abuse Task Force – Joan Lidington 5.14. Partnerships/Supporters – June Gawdun/Rachelle Eichholz 5.15. Resources for Older Adults – June Gawdun5.16. Saskatoon Caregiver Information and Support – Katherine Ash/Lorraine Holtslander 5.17. Saskatoon Seniors’ Globe Walk – Kristen Howlett5.18. Senior TechBuddy – Rachel Piatt5.19. Spotlight on Seniors – Joan Lidington5.20. Zoomer Idol – June Gawdun5.21. Discussion and Approval of ReportsMotion: To approve the Reports of the Saskatoon Council on Aging.M/S Jane McPhee/Wilma Mollard. Carried.

Report of Nominations Committee – Elliot PausJenssen, Shan Landry, Candace Skrapek, Mercedes Montgomery 6.1. Nominations to Board of Directors -Shan Landry reported that the Nominations Committee would like to nominate three individuals to the Board of Directors, as Elliot PausJenssen, Muriel Baxter and Vera Pezer are retiring from the Board of Directors. The three individuals nominated are Ila Sarkar, Dave Gibson, and Mercedes Montgomery.

MINUTES 8

Mercedes Montgomery:  a long time committed SCOA volunteer.• Member of the Communications Committee since 2007 and Chair since 2008.• The prime mover in SCOA’s Age Alive Photo Exhibit and Age Alive (ageism) presentations.• Member of the Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative Steering Committee since it was formed and of its Policy

and Communications Committee. • Also a member of the Board of the Saint Paul’s Hospital Foundation and a previous Board Chair.

Ila Sarkar: extensive experience with the International Women of Saskatoon, Open Door Society, and Saskatchewan Intercultural Association.• Extensive knowledge of immigrant older adults and their experiences as older persons in Canada.• She has her Masters in Social Work – worked at International Women of Saskatoon and Open Door and

volunteered at Sherbrooke Community Centre.• Also knowledgeable about older adult issues in general.

Dave Gibson: familiar face to SCOA as he was the originator of sustaining grants to SCOA from the Saskatoon Health Region when he served as Director of Continuing Care and Seniors Health for over 35 years.• Currently serves as a member of St. Ann’s Special Care Home board of Directors.• Very committed to positive aging, illness prevention, health promotion (also sponsored the beginnings of

Forever in Motion) and Aging in Place.• Spear-headed the development of the long term care quality assurance program now used throughout the

province and developed the Direct Client Funding program that has assisted many clients to receive care in their own homes improving their quality of life and preventing special care home admissions.

Motion: To approve the nominations of Ila Sarkar, Dave Gibson and Mercedes Montgomery to the Board of Directors. M/S Shan Landry/Jane Richardson. Carried.

A big thank you to Elliot PausJenssen, Muriel Baxter and Vera Pezer for all of their hard work as one of SCOA’s Board of Directors.

6.2.nstallation of 2015/2016 Board of Directors (stand to be acknowledged)All 2015/2016 Board of Directors stood to be acknowledged.

1.New Business No new business to report. 1.Adjournment of Business Meeting Jane McPhee thanked the sponsors and all those members who attended SCOA’s AGM today.Motion: To adjourn the business meeting of SCOA’s AGM at 1:42pm. M/S Janet Barnes/Joan Lidington. Carried.

MINUTES9

Program Presentation 1:45pm – 3:00pm What Organizations are doing to Become Age-friendly Cheryl Loadman introduced the program presentation and what organizations are doing to become age-friend-ly. Age-friendly has met with over 100 community based organizations and has met with the group of indi-viduals today in the last 12 months. The following organizations that are present today are: Brenda Crowe – Access Transit, Dori Krahn – Fire Services, Shannon Mason – Saskatoon Open Door Society, Rachel Loew-en-Walker – Avenue Community Centre.

10.1. Access Transit – Brenda Crowe-Brenda Crowe is the Community Liaison for Access Transit. She has worked at Access Transit for 11 years. Brenda discussed the definitions of Access Transit and accessible, who can use Access Transit Services, the regis-tration process, fare structure, and their Customer Care Line: (306) 975-3555 ext. 4, throughout her presenta-tion.

10.2. Fire Services – Dori Krahn -Dori Krahn explained in her presentation that Fire Services organized a forum with Saskatoon Police, to discuss solutions to implement as a department that would affect the older adult community. There were 15 seniors who attended the forum and they were able to discuss how they felt about Fire Services. Fire Services recognizes how important communication is and want to continue working on what is the best way to commu-nicate with older adults. -Dori explained that Fire Services will continue to listen and plan and come forward with ideas. They are just beginning and are working their way through it.

10.3. Saskatoon Open Door Society – Shannon Mason -Shannon Mason is the Community Programming Worker at the Saskatoon Open Door Society. Shannon ex-plained what the Saskatoon Open Door Society does as an organization in our community and stated that her position was created due to Age-friendly. -Shannon explained that they have partnered with SCOA in the past to offer Seniors Conversation Circles at the Saskatoon Council on Aging. She has now started a Conversation Circle on the Westside of Saskatoon and will be starting one in the future on the Eastside of Saskatoon.

10.4. Avenue Community Centre – Rachel Loewen-Walker -Rachel Loewen-Walker is the Executive Director at Avenue Community Centre (ACC). -ACC started in 1991 and they just found out today that they got approval to change their name to Out Saska-toon! -They offer support services, education, and connecting. -Their strategic plan explained that they were under serving older adults in Saskatoon and with the help of SCOA and Age-friendly, are currently working on ways to serve older adults. -Cheryl Loadman thanked all of those partaking in SCOA’s AGM Program Presentation. -Jane McPhee thanked everyone for attending the AGM today. -SCOA’s AGM adjourned at 2:55pm.

MINUTES 10

As we think back on this 25th year of SCOA’s contribution to our community, there are so many things to celebrate and so many older adults who come to mind who have made such amazing contributions! We are so proud of those people who had a vision for a more age friendly community, a vision for people being able to age positively, and who joined together and took action to bring about change! This was, and is, Civic Partici-pation,an important part of the history of SCOA’s first 25 years, and still continuing in this 2015-2016 year for SCOA! From the visit in 2015 of the then Finance Minister to our offices to announce some new fiscal programs for seniors, to the political forum SCOA held in March to ask questions of the provincial election candidates, this was a year when older adults stepped up to their responsibility to keep our elected officials accountable! It has been a year that held both a federal and a provincial election, and SCOA provided support (and some helpful questions) for older adults to ask of those who were running in these elections. In some of the other reports in this Annual Report you will find details of the meetings held with politicians to ask questions about issues that are key to three generations of seniors thriving in our community, province, and country! And our Board, staff and volunteers have put forward to the politicians at those levels the issues we believe are key to the health, independence and dignity of older adults. Through this year of challenging financial times in our province, SCOA has become more aware of our need to achieve some financial security, and we have wrestled with the need to find new ways to secure our financial future. Our Funding and Finance committee have worked hard to find new ways of getting SCOA on a solid financial foundation into the future. Our members, supporters and sponsors have stepped up to the plate and again, through their participation in our Cornerstone campaign and through our Zoomer Idol Fundraiser, we have been able to start to plan for a future less dependent upon grants and project funding. The need for our supporters and volunteers to continue to contribute their time, energy and other kinds of support, will remain the most important part of our efforts to achieve our goals.

The Globe Walk has been another are where participation has been impressive! you will read in the report of the growing numbers of Teams participating, the increasing numbers of miles walked (or run, or cycled, or danced…) and if you talk to participants, they are taking up the challenge to stay active and having fun doing it! SCOA is becoming known as an organization that gets people involved and participating in so many ways, and that will contribute to us achieving our larger goal of an age-friendly community. This year the Board has been in what we are calling a “Strategic Planning Season”, and from those sessions, dreams emerge of what SCOA could become. so as well as encouraging people to be participating in our community, it has also been a year of getting people to dream…….

Co-President’s and Executive Director’s Report

There was a dream to showcase the talents and abilities of older adults, and Zoomer Idol was born! In October we had our second great evening of fun and talented entertainment, and did some fine fundraising too! We are so grateful to our sponsors for helping us to put on such a fun event, and I know some of us already have next years’ event in our calendars! There was a dream to create a new fundraising culture in our organization, and it happened with the develop-ment of our Cornerstone Fund! Thanks to all who contributed and for those who have not…..why wouldn’t you want to be part of this group of folks who dream for better things for our community? There was a dream of older adults staying more active in Saskatoon winters…..and the Globe Walk was born……and you know how well that is going…. There was a dream to research what would be required for us to become an Age Friendly Community, and many projects were born that you will read about in this report, that have made a difference and will continue to make a difference in Saskatoon (and beyond!) And the dreaming continues, and our hope is that there will also be lots more participation of our older adults that live and thrive in this community, to bring even more dreams to life! Our thanks go out to our great staff, volunteers, members, donors, and sponsors for being the energy every day that helps bring the dreams to reality.

And if you are reading this and are not already one of us, wouldn’t you love to be a bigger part of this bunch of Dreamers and Participants in creating a community where positive aging in an age friendly community is a REALITY!!!???

DONORS

12OFFICERS’ REPORTS

2016 Treasurer’s ReportIn my report last year I began by listing the many successes of the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) in terms of the various programs, services, education and awareness activities, functions, events, and other age friendly actions it undertook to promote the dignity, health and independence of older adults.These successes continued this year and were expanded upon with the introduction of Senior Neighbourhood Hub Clubs, work to complete the Age Friendly Saskatoon Initiative, more intergenerational projects with High Schools, improvements in our communications, and significant enhancement of SCOA’s web site. These successes are one side of the SCOA coin. The other side of the coin is the financial and human resources required to support what it does and how well it does it.The Treasurer’s Report enables us to focus on the financial component of SCOA’s operations through examining the information in the audited financial statements. I will proceed by highlighting what is in the audited finan-cial statements and offering some of my personal conclusions. From this examination questions about SCOA’s finances may arise and we may be better able to evaluate how SCOA has performed. Such evaluation may be useful in identifying future financial strengths, opportunities, and threats.Before progressing, two points I made last year should be revisited:1.In addition to financial resources, SCOA’s successes rely very heavily on human resources. a) Staff is a crucial human resource to SCOA. While their contribution is measured to some extent in terms of salaries and benefits in the financial statements I think all that have worked with them agree their value is much greater. b) Volunteers are also a crucial human resource. The financial statements do not recognize the value of the work done by volunteers (because we do not know how to fairly measure it). So, while it is not in the financial statements, be assured that the members of the Executive, Board and Staff very sincerely appreciate the tremen-dous value of volunteers.......it is PRICELESS.2. This is the third year that KPMG has been our auditor. Our move to KPMG resulted in adopting an accrual/deferral basis of accounting for financial position and operating results. Formerly (prior to 2014), SCOA had been more on a cash basis. While we continue to progress in adopting the new basis, most of the consequenc-es of the change have now been implemented. Consequently, because we have consistency in the accounting, we should have more confidence in what the numbers are telling us when looking at trends and comparative amounts over the past three years, as is done in the following analysis which focuses on amounts for years ended in 2016, 2015, 2014 (drawn from last year’s Annual Report).

From the Statement of Financial Position and/or The Statement of Cash Flows: Total Cash and Cash equivalents at year end

2016 2015 2014$141,036 $123,084 $94,775

CONCLUSION: SCOA continues to be in a strong cash position entering the 2016-17 fiscal year. Included in the 2016 and 2015 amounts are $70,000 of GIC’s. The 2014 amount is after paying amounts related to the relocation of the Resource Centre (an infrequent event).

From the Statement of Operations: 2016 % 2015 % 2014 %Revenues $247,238 57.4% $172,247 52.1% $240,642 72.5%Misc. Revenue (see Sched. 1) 163,456 38.0% 146,621 44.3% 4,667 5.5%Donations 18,183 4.3% 11,971 3.6% 5,769 2%Investment Revenue 1,482 0.3 % 112 - 421 -Total Revenues $430,324 100% $330,951 100% $331,499 100%

CONCLUSIONS: Substantial growth in total revenues (2016 was more than 30% higher than 2015 and 2014). Grants up 44% but just 3% over 2014, Misc. up 13%, Donations up 52%, and Invest up 1323%. Grants increased in terms of the proportion of total revenues for 2016 (57.4% versus 52.1% in 2015). However, SCOA’s reliance on grants remained under 60% of total revenues for the second year in a row. This is consistent with an objective to rely less on grants than in past years. But grants remain the major source of revenues! Note that of the total grant revenue for 2016, over $80,000 (32%) came from the Saskatoon Health Region .

Miscellaneous Revenue continued to come from traditional sources (registrations for courses, art classes, men’s cooking) and events (Spotlight on Seniors, Zoomer Idol).Donations, while not yet a large source of revenues, continue to grow. SCOA’s first major fundraising appeal in December and January (the Cor-nerstone Campaign celebrating our 25th anniversary and the beginning of the next 25 years) raised over $10,000 to augment general donations for operations. Zoomer Idol has vote donations associated with it which generated almost $11,000 from the October 2015 event (accounted for as part of Zoomer Idol revenues rather than donations).

Indeed when all forms of donations (from general appeals, Cornerstone appeals, designated donations, 25th anniversary donations, and Zoomer vote donations ) are added together regardless of how and where they are accounted for , the total comes to about $33,000.

Looking at donations in this broad way leads to another source of financing that does not get proper atten-tion in SCOA’s financial statements........SPONSORSHIPS.

Sponsors are increasingly providing financing for events and programs undertaken by SCOA ........ Spotlight, Zoomer Idol, Globe Walk, 25th Anniversary events, forums and workshops. Their contribu-tions get somewhat hidden in the audited statements because they are a part of a program’s or event’s overall revenues. In 2016 event sponsors contributed $54,000 and program sponsors contributed $12,200.

14OFFICERS’ REPORTS

Expenses: 2016 % 2015 % 2014 %Positive Aging Resource Centre

$226,026 56 $204,697 63 $188,152 57

All other things (Programs, Projects, Services – Sched. 2 for details)

176,155 44 121,927 37 143,617 43

Total Expenses $402,181 100 $326,624 100 $331,769 100

CONCLUSION: Focussing on 2016 amounts compared to 2015, overall total expenses increased by about $75,500 (23%).

The Positive Aging Resource Centre expenses increased by 10.4% . The primary reason for this was the increas-es in the costs for personnel (about 11.5% which reflects costs of turnover in the year, hiring more experienced people and a moderate increase in benefits).

The total expenses for “All other things” increased by 45.5% (by $54,228). Details in Schedule 2.Notable in accounting for this was the increase of about $46,600 for the Age Friendly Initiative. This is ex-plained by the fact that in 2016 two part-time people were hired and the addition of the aboriginal, LGBT and bullying projects which had an age friendly focus.

Expenses for the Globe Walk increased by $13,600.

A new cost SCOA incurred was $21,000 of printing costs for the Positive Aging Calendar and the Directory of Services. These costs were covered by a grant from the SHR which had previously done the printing as a “grant in kind” for SCOA.

New cost initiatives included a Men’s Cooking Class ($3,000), the establishment of two Senior Neighbourhood Hub Clubs ($12,000), and the Mending Hearts Program ($2,600). Partial offsetting of these new costs result-ed from discontinuing the Senior Technology Buddy program ($25,000... .although discontinued it is currently operating through SCOA but there are no funds from outside), an Age Friendly Education program ($7,200) and the Bus Buddy project ($2,000).

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues over Expenses:

2016 2015 2014

CONCLUSION: Financially SCOA had a Very Good Year!!

$ 28,178 $ 4,327 $ (270)

Respectively submitted,Bruce Irvine, Treasurer

| 13OFFICERS’ REPORTS15

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

REPORTS OF COUNCIL

25th Anniversary Report Twenty five years of activity for the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) was well and truly marked at the West-ern Development Museum on April 13, 2016. Some 235 guests were greeted by Co-President Janet Barnes who brought a welcome from SCOA. Guests enjoyed music by Zoomer Idol People’s Choice winner Pat Thomson prior to the luncheon.

Greetings from the City of Saskatoon were brought by Ms. Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation and Commu-nity Development. She outlined the many partnerships and collaborations between the City and SCOA, indi-cating a strong and growing bond. Next, Dr. Murray Scharf, Ambassador, Cornerstone, 25th Anniversary Fund delivered a succinct review of SCOA’s first 25 years, and then projected his vision for the next 25 years.

He stressed the demographics of aging, and the resulting lifestyle changes. Dr. Scharf emphasized the movement towards self funding to meet operational requirements, and the importance of the Cornerstone Fund in “kick starting” this process.

Candace Skrapek, Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative Co-chair, then delivered a concise review of the project. She outlined how this model will set the pattern for SCOA’s future policies in supporting the needs of Saskatoon’s older adult population.

To finalize the programme, the “It’s Too Late Baby Band”, presented a lively set of 60’s and 70’s pop jazz. June Gawdun Executive Director, SCOA, wound up the event with thanks and door prizes. The audience was re-ceptive and lively, a sure indicator of a successful event. Jenni Mortin provided the written material and Virginia Dakiniewich designed the layout and graphics to pro-duce a commemorative booklet. This booklet contains SCOA’s past, present and future was handed out at the event to guests as a keeps sake.

A big thank you to the volunteer planning committee and staff that assisted with this event.

Respectfully submitted,June Gawdun, Executive Director and Chair of 25th Anniversary Committee

37

1991 - 2016

Positive Aging for All

Celebratingyears

Sa

skatoon Council on Aging

Age-friendly Saskatoon InitiativeAge-friendly Saskatoon Initiative is a multiyear, multiphase project aimed at establishing Saskatoon as an “age-friendly” community where older adults can lead healthy independent lives and are active and engaged members of the community.

During the 2015-16 year, the Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative worked to develop partnerships across Saskatoon that encourage and support community-based age-friendly projects along similar themes to the previous year.

This includes:• Community Conversations - meetings with community organizations on the recommended actions needed

to make Saskatoon an Age-friendly Community where people can age successfully;• Speaking to Government – working with all levels of government to advance the Age-friendly objectives;• Forming Partnerships – identifying and working with partners to advance the Age-friendly objectives;• Adding a Voice – identifying new and ongoing projects to ensure the voice of the older adult is an integral

part of the conversation.• Working with Aboriginal Communities - adding the voice of the Aboriginal Community to the conversa-

tion about an Age-friendly Saskatoon.

Major successes in the past year include the following:• SCOA recently released a research report developed in partnership with OUTSaskatoon and the University

of Saskatchewan, School of Public Health on the experiences of LGBT older adults in congregate housing in Saskatoon. 

• SCOA was the keynote speaker at the Breaking the Silence Conference, May 2016 and an upcoming speak-er at the Saskatoon Public Library Queer Film series. The report also generated significant media coverage and interest with requests coming from across Canada after the media carried the story in newspapers in Toronto, Edmonton, Brandon and Vancouver to name a few.  As part of the research, training material was developed and is being provided to facilities across Saskatoon to be used to support a workshop or simply to share with staff. To date, two facilities in Saskatoon have contacted SCOA to sign on for staff training – a positive outcome for this important work. We are also hoping to meet with SHR and the Ministry of Health to have them incorporate this training into the education required for private and public facilities.

• SCOA partnered with the First Nations University of Canada resulting in three practicum students leading a pilot initiative providing support to aboriginal old people and elders at Station 20 West. The project iden-tified activities and supports to older aboriginal adults. The Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative is completing a mid-term monitoring and evaluation report. The report will be available at the end of June to provide an assessment of the age-friendly work to date in Saskatoon.

Though many ideas have been adopted, the size of the Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative and the number of changes imagined, means that implementation will progress over the next couple of years.

Respectfully submitted,Cheryl Loadman, Age-friendly Project Coordinator

38

Seniors to Seniors Bullying CommitteeSCOA’s work on seniors to seniors bullying in congregate living environments is our response to a community need identified both in Age-friendly Training initiatives and in SCOA’s 2015 World Older Adult Abuse Aware-ness Day workshop. Financed by a grant from Dakota Dunes, the work is led by Cheryl Loadman, Age-friend-ly Saskatoon Initiative coordinator, supported by an ad hoc committee of SCOA volunteers and community members most of whom are involved in seniors’ congregate living facilities.

Work began with a review of issues regarding bullying in seniors’ housing facilities in Saskatoon and how this project could best serve needs identified. A literature review that included programs elsewhere was undertaken. Work is underway to develop materials to educate seniors’ housing management and staff as well as residents on their shared responsibility to create safe and respectful environments and to decrease bullying behaviours among residents. Demand for assistance with this challenging issue has led to several presentations in both Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Work is continuing on refining the materials and in providing presentations.

Respectfully submitted,Elliot Paus Jenssen

39

Bus Buddy ProjectThe Bus Buddy Program was a two and a half year pilot project. It continued in 2015-2016 as an official pro-gram of SCOA. The goal of The Bus Buddy Program is to increase independence and reduce isolation of older adults by equipping them with the knowledge of the City of Saskatoon’s transit system. Trained volunteers teach seniors how to plan routes and ride the bus safely and efficiently, to get to their destinations. The volun-teer accompanies the senior for three rides, going anywhere from the mall to their doctor’s office. It includes at least one transfer.

In 2015-2016, participation was down. We rely on word of mouth. Only four participants went through one-on-one. More inquired, registered and dropped out citing reasons such as having their licenses reinstated, finding other means of transportation and most of all inclement weather. One participant expressed interest to continue from last Fall when the first storm arrived. We continue to get referrals from seniors’ residences. A large number of par-ticipants are new in town. A new volunteer was trained as a bus buddy in the summer of 2015. Those who participated say they enjoyed the companionship, felt less isolated, and were grateful for the chance to learn the transit system. Volunteers also praised the program saying it gave them an opportunity to meet people, teach and empower others, as well as learning the transit system more efficiently.

The focus of the Bus Buddy Program turned to developing community partnerships such as Access Transit, Saskatoon Transit, and Bus Riders of Saskatoon, working together to either promote the Bus Buddy Program or help to improve the safety of city transit system, so that everyone feels safe and gets what they need, including seniors. The Saskatoon Transit is beginning to implement a five-year plan to improve the efficiency and safety of the buses, beginning July, 2016. The Bus Buddy Coordinator has been attending workshops and lectures to ensure the voice of seniors are expressed.

Looking ahead, we will partner with Saskatoon Transit, CNIB, and ACCESS Transit to have a number of come and go Q & A forums to the public, where seniors can board a parked low floor bus and ask questions about the bus itself, learn of the Bus Buddy Program and see a demonstration on how the bus operates. The intention is to lessen the fear and intimidation of taking the bus and to generate interest in participating in The Bus Bud-dy Program. Participation in the program after this forum will enhance their overall experience.

40

Thomas and Maxine Rees

Century Club Saskatchewan Century Club is a provincial association of members who are at least 90 years old and determined to continue living a full and active life to the age of 100 and beyond. The Saskatoon Branch of Saskatchewan Century Club is part of the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA). The club is operated by a Century Club Committee, currently eight volunteers who plan and execute the club’s events with assistance from Sandra Schweder at SCOA’s office. Membership is free of charge and all costs for events, including transportation, is covered thanks to funding through Saskatchewan Lotteries Fund. Century Club Members continue to express their gratitude for the opportunities this grant provides. It allows them to socialize out in the community, keep them connected through phone calls or newsletters, which in a small way, assists them with maintaining their dignity, health and independence.

Due to the age of our membership currently ranging from youngest at 90 years to our oldest member turning 104 in July, there are constant changes in membership, but we finished the year with 171 members. As the club was started in 2005, we had a 10th year anniversary celebration in December in which Jeannette Dean prepared a wonderful slide presentation showing reflections of the 10 years of activities. For the 2015/2016 year, the Century Club Committee again organized and hosted a regular event every second month and produced and mailed a newsletter to all club members in the in-between months. We also provided 38 new member stories for the 2015 updates for the Memory Book which were mailed out to all members. We have a member who just moved to Prince Albert to be closer to her family and recently left a message on a volunteer’s phone telling us who she gave her Memory Book at her previous residence to encourage them to join and that she didn’t want us to waste money sending her newsletters but how much she missed the Century Club as she was very lonely in her new home. We even hear that from shut-ins who can no longer attend events, they still want to receive the newsletter and stay connected and that is one way we measure the success of our endeavours in these heart-felt stories.

Once again our Bishop Klein School Partnership provided an exciting opportunity for our members to interact with their young Students at the April Tea. In June we had a Hawaiian themed event at The Bentley where a few members even tried some Hawaiian dances which demonstrates how spry some are. In July we had our special event at the Farmer’s Market for those members more isolated who live in small care homes or their own homes. In August we had “Picnic at the Park” at Preston Park II where the entertainment was a band comprised of some of our very own Century Club members who appreciated sharing their musical talents. In October we hosted a Halloween Party at St George’s with Jeff O’Brien City Archivist bringing some great pictures and stories of Saskatoon early days. Amazing how young spirits who even at 100 years old still like to dress up for Halloween. Then our December event was a combination of our Christmas Tea and the 10th Anniversary Cel-ebration with Jeanette’s slideshow mentioned above as well as wonderful singing and interaction with St Joseph’s High school Choir.

For the upcoming year we will continue hosting six regular events (plus one special event) and producing the six newsletters, which is especially important to those members who are no longer able to get out but still enjoy the information in the bi-monthly newsletter. We have the club members divided up amongst the committee and each committee member makes personal phone contacts or visits with Century Club Members assigned to them; especially focusing on those more isolated. As some members now call volunteers back on their home phones we recognize this is an important component of the program. We will also continue to add stories and pictures to the Memory Book for new members joining the club. It seems to be a way members can get ac-quainted to new members and stay connected by reading each other’s life stories.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Heise, Committee Chair

41

CommunicationsThe mandate of the Communications Committee is to publish the Coming of Age, the official newsletter of the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA), three times a year in January, May, and September and assist with internal and external communication as required by the Board and the Executive Director.

Coming of Age informs readers about SCOA programs and services, up-coming events, positive aging resources and offers timely articles and stories of interest. With a distribution of 4000 the newsletter is emailed or mailed to members who have asked to receive it and dropped off at 110 locations mostly older adult residences. Electronic delivery continues to increase. Coming of Age is also posted on the SCOA website.

Two monthly electronic newsletters are prepared by staff; eNews reaches members with email and the Volunteer Newsletter targets about 140 active volunteers.

Additional committee activities this past year have included: • Increasing Coming of Age to 12 pages.• SCOA’s 25th Anniversary celebrations• Planning to update the Age Alive Photography Exhibition • Revision of Terms of Reference (Approved by the Board)• Developing publishing guidelines for publications• Updating membership form.• Implementing Canada’s Anti-spam Legislation (CASL) • Signage and Logo guidelines and consistent use of templates• Speakers Bureau guidelines for non-city presentations • Media relations and tracking

Meetings are held monthly except in December and July.

Thanks to the Saskatoon Health Region for assistance in printing the Coming of Age, and to the distribution team – Rita Lise and volunteers – who prepare the mailing and drop-off newsletters around the city.

Special thanks to the dedicated members of the Committee: Sheila Clements; George James; Elliot PausJenssen; Candace Skrapek; Adrienne Sawchuk and Virginia Dakiniewich - Community Engagement Coordinator – staff support to the Committee

Respectfully submitted,Mercedes Montgomery – Chair

42

Communications Committee 2009

Education and Awareness This committee is designed to enable SCOA to raise community awareness and provide education about the issues and needs for positive aging in our community. This committee has worked very closely with the Age Friendly Initiative over the last three years. Through the committee’s work, members identify and advance opportunities to influence older adult focused public policy, programs and services as well as foster public awareness, knowledge and understanding of positive aging. For 2015/2016 the committee focused on priorities related to– advancing human rights related to aging, devel-oping a direct liaison with the Saskatoon Health Region and working to create political awareness and reduce and eliminate ageism. All of these committee priorities were key areas identified within the Age Friendly Saskatoon Initiative reports. These priorities set the stage for the committee to discuss and take action on opportunities for change: 1. Committee member and past SCOA Co-Chair Elliot PausJenssen continued her work as a liaison with the Human Rights Commission identifying systemic ageism and potential for highlighting the needs and concerns of older adults’ rights and support within the community. This went beyond the individual advocacy for long term care improvements and dealt with the wider broader areas of older adults in the community at large such as hous-ing design and aboriginal older adult perspectives.

2.The Committee also initiated several discussions with key figures within the Saskatoon Health Region about the opportunities for SCOA to play an active role as a full-fledged partner in their anticipated 2016 focus on seniors health in the province and the region.

3. The committee met with members of both the Sask. Party Saskatoon caucus and the NDP caucus to present perspectives on the importance of developing a seniors’ strategy for the province and the relevance of topics rang-ing from long term care to employment/income disparities and civic engagement of the older adult population.

4.The committee produced a number of written documents and speaking points for older adults in the Federal Election of November 2015 and the Provincial Election of April 2016. Related to the latter, the E&A committee oversaw a SCOA sponsored well attended and lively political forum on March 19th 2016 with one candidate of the Sask. Party and one candidate of the NDP. Joined by SSOT and SRNA, the forum provided opportunity for questions focused on the 8 domains of the age friendly initiative. Those in attendance rated the forum informa-tive and necessary!

As the year progressed the opportunities for engagement with the Health Region related to a seniors’ focus was somewhat diminished as the economic realities of the current provincial state and changes within the health region senior leadership led us in a different direction. In late 2015 and early 2016 the committee was able to build the first steps of a relationship with the new Vice President of Integrated Health Services and with the two new Directors of Seniors Health and Continuing Care in SHR. Through these connections the opportunities for partnership as well as the more pragmatic issues related to annual sustaining funding from the health region were discussed and highlighted. The relationship continues to build. As a connection to the work of Saskatchewan Seniors’ Mechanism the SCOA nominated representative to the SSM board, Wilma Mollard, brought information and background to the committee regularly to ensure that SCOA remains aware of and involved where needed in provincial advancement of seniors issues. Respectfully submitted, Shan Landry Chair of Education and Awareness Committee

43

Finance and Fundraising The Committee introduced the idea of an Ambassador to champion SCOA’s 25 Anniversary year. The Board appointed Dr. Murray Scharf to a one-year assignment as Ambassador to promote SCOAS’s past achievements and talk about the future. An outcome was the establishment of the Cornerstone 25th Anniversary Commemorative Fund. The Fund will build for SCOA’s future and create a pathway for the development of creative and innovative services to enhance an age-friendly environment in Saskatoon.

The Committee presented a business plan for fund development with recommendations which are in various stages of implementation. One element is to instill a culture of fundraising in SCOA to raise 50% of required revenues from fundraising ventures. The purpose of this stance is to ensure SCOA remain financially viable and strong for the next 25 years.

While recognizing grants and sponsorships made SCOA’s past successes amazing, they are also essential for SCOA’s wide array of programs and services. Annual donations will supplement SCOA’s capacity to attain financial independence. The Committee will continue to encourage and motivate SCOA`s loyal annual donors.

During the past year, the Committee established a new partnership with the Saskatoon Community Foundation. This partnership will provide a menu of choices for donors. Choices include an endowment option for donors wishing to build a legacy or a gift in memory which would be entrusted and managed forever. The partnership includes a managed fund called Cornerstone Commemorative Fund for the future development of innovative services.

The next challenge for the Committee is to expand membership. A larger membership will foster a strong voice for seniors to talk about their greatest needs to gain their optimal independence. Accordingly SCOA will forward seniors` concerns to appropriate organizations in Saskatoon.

The Committee finished developing a set of operating principles for fundraising to make sure all fundraising is accountable back to the donors and maintain SCOA’s integrity. The principles are now enshrined in SCOA’s Operating Manual.

The Committee recognized SCOA’s website as a vital resource for seniors to obtain information they need to enhance their lives. The Committee wants to promote the website in the community. Families with a senior in their household are able to gain the information they need to make life better for their senior family members.

The Committee will provide leadership to strengthen administrative support for SCOA’s three major events. Seniors’ Globe Walk, Spotlight on Seniors, and Zoomer Idol are significant revenue generators for operating expenses and at the same time, demonstrate the skills, knowledge, talents and experience seniors offer to Saskatoon. These events add fun and diversity to the vibrant life of Saskatoon.

We want to extent appreciation for the work of the members of the Committee and support of the Executive Director, June Gawdun and Community Engagement Coordinator, Virginia Dakiniewich.

Bruce IrvineGeorge JamesJan KingLeo MonselerElliot Paus Jenssen

Burna PurkinGerlinde SarkarMurray Scharf

Jim Wasilenko - Chair

44

Lifelong Learning CoursesThe Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) is a community based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive aging for all members of our community. We strive to achieve our mission by providing programs and services to promote dignity, health and independence of older adults. Lifelong Learning presentations and classes are aimed at fulfilling SCOA’s mission. These sessions continue to be a valued part of the work done by (SCOA). Older adults come out to learn and be informed and leave having learned something new or enhanced a skill, gained more confidence by doing so, made new acquaintances/friends, and being more engaged in the community. A few of the classes offered this past year included art (watercolor and acrylic), financial and legal presentations, technology classes, men’s cooking, a grieving workshop and lunch and learn opportunities. We had over 300 older adults attend various sessions throughout the year. We welcome suggestions from our members as we strive to continue offering programs that enrich their lives.

Technology CoursesWith the assistance of volunteer teachers, The Saskatoon Council on Aging technology courses were taught to over 135 older adults at the resource centre this past year. Sessions were delivered either one on one or in a group setting and included iPad – Beginner and Level II, iPhone – Beginner and Level II and Facebook. The goal of the classes is to give older adults the independence and confidence they need to successfully work with technology to stay connected with friends, family and the world at large. Based on feedback from participants we continue the suc-cessful in meeting this goal. We are now offering one on one sessions on Tablets and android phones.

Art ClassesBy popular demand, The Saskatoon Council on Aging has continues to offer a variety of art classes throughout the year. Over 30 older adults participated in classes taught by Gisele Bauche. Classes included Watercolour, Acrylic and Drawing and Dealing with Grief and Loss. We also continue to host an informal drop in art session on Friday afternoons at the SCOA office. We have three regular participants to this program and hope to see this number grow.

Men-Torship – Men’s CookingThis past year the Saskatoon Home Economists continued to coordinate amongst themselves to teach 4 weekly 3 hours cooking classes for men. The goal of the classes is to provide a place for men to learn to become more independent in the kitchen and be educated on labels and ingredients. An element of socializing is also part of the sessions. Two courses were offered this past year: Soups and Sandwiches and Saucy Meals. We had 8 participants for the two sessions.

Men-Torship - Financial LiteracyIn a partnership with the Frances Morrison Library, The Caregiver Information Centre and the Men-Torship program facilitated a 4 session series related to financial literacy and legal education. The first two sessions were offered at the end of 2015 and the other two at the beginning of 2016. Will you outlive your money or will your money outlive you was presented by R.H. Kilburn and Associates; Online banking, financial abuse, fraud aware-ness, and how to avoid new bank fees was presented by Affinity Credit Union; Power of Attorney Wills, Estates, the process after someone passes away was presented by WMCZ Lawyers and Just in Case Binder - How to prepare in advance to facilitate a smooth transition for the family following a death was presented by Harold Empey. Over 120 participants combined attended the series and were engaged in the discussions. We plan to have these sessions again in the fall of 2016.

45

Membership During the past year membership has increased from 1832 to 1967. This is an increase of 7.4%.

In honour of our 25th Anniversary, we are building toward a goal of 2500 members! Would you like to be part of the exciting work SCOA does in our city? You can help make that happen. Become a member and join our mailing lists to receive the Coming of Age publication and SCOA e-newsletters for updates on news, programs and events. Other benefits include opportunities to volunteer, participate in projects, and meet other older adults. Help us make Saskatoon an Age-friendly place to live. Membership is FREE. If you wish to make a donation to offset communication costs of membership it will be appreciated.

Membership will continue to be promoted SCOA’s website, events, programs, presentations and displays. Membership information is updated annually and to comply with Canada’s anti-spam legislation members that have given SCOA permission to send them emails can unsubscribe at any time. Our membership list is kept confidential and not given out.

Respectfully submitted, June Gawdun, Executive Director

Future Plans:

• Maintain and update technology manuals to reflect the relevant operating systems and templates. • Offer more in depth sessions on specific functions of Apple products such as iCloud storage and

photography• Continue to offer current art classes• Offer art classes in new mediums • Offer digital photography sessions• Offer baking and sewing classes• Continue to evaluate ongoing courses on a regular basis to ensure access value and student satisfaction• Continue offering Men’s Cooking Classes• Offer the Financial Literacy series in fall of 2016

Respectfully submitted,Sandra Schweder, Program Coordinator

46

Older Adult Abuse Task ForceOur committee has met four times this past year. We have representatives from a number of community agencies and our focus is raising awareness of older adult abuse, advocacy and networking.

Activities:• We held our WOAAAD (World Older Adult Abuse Awareness Day) event on June 10, 2015 at McClure

United Church. The topic was “Bullying Isn’t Just Between Kids: Building Respectful Communities”.• We have been following the progress of the development of a provincial seniors neglect and abuse phone

line.• We have participated in a research project regarding bullying in seniors congregate living being led by

Donna Goodridge of the University of Saskatchewan.

Future Plans:We are currently planning a Workshop on June 8, 2016 at McClure United Church from 9 -3. The topic is “The Caregiving Relationship: Supporting Family Care Providers to Prevent Abuse”.

Respectfully Submitted,Joan Lidington, Chair, OAATF

47

Partners and Supporters The Saskatoon Council on Aging has many types of partners that provide: • Knowledge and expertise through involvement as volunteers • Funding by providing grants and donations • Sponsorships to ensure SCOA’s fundraising events and projects are successful • In-kind support such as free space, advertising or human resources.

SCOA sincerely thanks all our partners/supporters listed below for this past fiscal year:

Avenue Community CentreAffinity Credit UnionAll Seniors Care Living CentresBayshore Home HealthBishop Klein SchoolCAA SaskatchewanCanadian TireCity of SaskatoonCommunity AssociationsCommunity Initiatives FundCrisis Intervention ServicesCrown Investments Corporation of SaskatchewanCommunity Initiatives FundDakota Dunes Community Development FundDakota Dunes CasinoDignity Memorial First Nations UniversityForever in MotionGrace West Minister United ChurchGlenwood AutoElite Subaru of SaskatoonEvan Hardy High schoolHoly Cross High SchoolHuman Resources and Skills Development Canada James P MahoneyInvestors GroupHome Instead Senior CareLuther Riverside TerraceMcClure United ChurchMeewasin Valley AuthorityNew Horizons for Seniors ProgramOskayak SchoolOur Lady of the Prairies FoundationOUT Saskatoon Primrose Chateau

Sage Seniors ResourcesSaskatchewan Seniors Mechanism Saskatoon City PoliceSaskatoon Community FoundationSaskatoon Health RegionSaskatoon Home SupportSaskatoon Housing AuthoritySaskatoon Media GroupSaskatchewan Health Quality CouncilSaskatchewan Parks and Recreation AssociationSaskatoon Public LibrarySaskatchewan Lotteries Trust FundSaskatchewan Ministry of HealthSaskatchewan Retired Nurses AssociationSaskatchewan Seniors Fitness AssociationSatisfaction Hearing SystemsSaskatoon Open Door Society SPHERUTCU PlaceThe Medicine ShoppeThe Plan by Investors GroupThe Star PhoenixThe Village of CrossmountThird Avenue United ChurchUnited Way of Saskatoon and AreaUniversity of Regina University of Saskatchewan: College of Arts and Science College of Education College of Medicine School of Public HealthWA Edwards CentreW.P. Bates SchoolWMCZ Lawyers

48

Respectfully submitted,June Gawdun, Executive Director and Virginia Dakiniewich, Community Engagement Coordinator

FACT: 137 volunteers of SCOA including partners and student practicums who provide human resource hours in kind accounted for 15,000 hours of service. SCOA’s 8 staff (casual and full time) accounted for 9000 hours. Total hours = 24,000. Volunteer efforts 63% and staff 37%

15,000 hours x 10.50 /hour = $157,500 dollar value in kind.

Positive Aging Resources for Older AdultsPositive Aging Resource CentreSCOA’s centre is where you go to find information and resources for older adults! Friendly staff and volunteers will assist you to find the information you need from our vast variety of pamphlets and printed materials. Thousands of people contact the centre each year in person, by phone or visiting our website. It is a one stop information centre for older adults and caregivers. Directory of Services and Activities for Older Adults This free directory is contains resources for older adults and caregivers. Copies can be downloaded from SCOA’s website at www.scoa.ca or hard copies are available at the Resource Centre. The directory is updated annually each summer. Printing of the Directory was provided by the Saskatoon Health Region.

Caregiver GuideThis resource guide has been produced by SCOA specifically for caregivers. It provides information on support and resources. Hard copies are available at the Resource Centre and can also be downloaded through the caregiver website at www.saskatooncaregiver.ca Printing of the guide was provided by our lady of the Prairies Foundation and the Saskatoon Foundation.

Websites Both SCOA’s are a resource for older adults and caregivers. These websites have recently been updated and have a new look! Visit the sites at www.scoa.ca and www.saskatooncaregiver.ca.

Positive Aging CalendarThree thousand calendars with tips and information on health, fall prevention, and many other topics, were produced for 2016 year thanks to the Saskatoon Health Region for covering print costs.

Life Long Learning ProgramsMany programs such as computer technology, art, grieving support have been offered using our Life Long Learning room at the centre.

Respectfully submitted,June Gawdun, Executive Director

49

Saskatoon Caregiver Information and SupportThe Saskatoon Caregiver Information and Support has been a program of the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) since 2000. Its focus has been on providing information and support to family caregivers through presentations, forums, a caregiver information phone line, the Caregiver Website, and the Saskatoon Council on Aging Positive Aging Resource Centre.

Activities Completed: • The Caregiver Resource Guide was updated; hard copies are available at SCOA’s office and the guide is also

available on the Caregiver website www.saskatooncaregiver.ca.

• Four presentations in the community were made possible through the James P Mahoney Grant. In partner-ship with the Saskatoon Public Library, the goal of these presentations was to respond to the current needs of caregivers to implement two afternoon sessions and two evening sessions to include financial literacy topics and legal topics such as financial abuse, wills and estates, power of attorney, financial planning and a guide of how to have things organized in case of an emergency. Presenters included R. H. Kilburn and Associates, Private Wealth Management, Investors Group, Affinity Credit Union, WMCZ Lawyers and Harold Empey, Just in Case Binder. Over 150 people were reached through these presentations and were provided with in-formation about financial literacy.

• A one-day Caregiver Forum, with the theme of: “Transitions: Inviting Support in the Life of a Caregiver.” was held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on March 19, 2016. A total of 55 people participated, including nu-merous caregivers and professionals.

Speakers included SCOA 25th Anniversary Cornerstone Ambassador Dr Murray Scharf followed by Keynote Speaker and founding member of Caregiver Information and Support services, Richard (Dick) Strayer.

Afternoon Presenters included: Shirley Porter – Sage Seniors’ ResourcesJanice May – Saskatoon Housing AuthorityJenafor Alm – Seniors Real Estate SpecialistNatasha Solvason - Home Free Organizing Solutions R H Kilburn and Associates – Investors Group

A panel discussion followed the presentations. Overall, feedback from the participants was very positive.

Some comments included, “Everything was interesting encouraging, informative. Excellent presentations. Lunch was really good.” and “The whole day was great.”

50

The Saskatoon Caregiver Website is also a great tool for caregivers to navigate and receive information specific to their situation. From April 2015 to March 2016, 1963 people visited the website at www.saskatooncaregiver.ca.

Future Planning:

• Continue with an annual Caregiver Forum as a way to give information about caregiving and an opportunity to connect with other caregivers.

• Ongoing community presentations for interested organizations, addressing the need for caregiving information and support.

• Update the Caregiver Information and Support Website as new information is introduced at www.saskatooncaregiver.ca.

• Continue tracking the Caregiver Information and Support phone calls. Respectfully submitted,Lorraine Holtslander & Katharine Ash

51

Saskatoon Seniors’ Globe Walk “Return from the Moon” 2016 During Saskatoon Council on Aging community consultations for the Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative, older adults identified the need for more physical activity and social opportunities during the winter months. The Seniors Globe Walk was created to help fill this need.

The Seniors Globe Walk inaugural year was 2014. Their goal was to have 500, 50+ older adults, and travel around the world – a distance of 24,901 miles. Participation exceeded expectation and by the end of the project over 1210 participants logged a total of 145,538 miles which was 5.8 times around the Globe. In 2015, the Seniors Globe Walk set much higher goals. Captains were recruited to help increase individual participation to 2000 and to set a goal of traveling to the moon which is approximately 222,000 miles. The Globe Walk expanded to include individuals living throughout the Saskatoon Health Region and introduced the Investors Group sponsorship of free track time for over 40 participants at the Saskatoon Field House. The 2015 Seniors Globe Walk was a great success with over 1789 participants registered on 60 teams and logging over 285,525 miles.

The 2016 Seniors Globe Walk once again saw another major increase in participation with 2486 team mem-bers on 77 teams logging over 437,069 miles. Of the 2486 participants, 1826 were female and 660 male. Age range of participants: (50-59) 219, (60-69) 720, (70-79) 888, (90-99) 122, (100+) 4. The Investors Group once again sponsored walking lanes at the Field House with an increase to over 120 walkers, which necessitated the of adding two more walking lanes. Our monthly social/exercise events (Forestry Farm Family Walk, St. Patrick’s Day, Scavenger Hunt and Celebration Luncheon) were greatly appreciated by Globe Walkers; highlights included a frosty winter walk, a motivational presentation to 132 Globe Walkers by Vera Pezer (Globe Walk Ambassador), polling instruction on the riverbank by Kimberly Willison (FIM) and a Celebration Luncheon with over 271 Globe Walkers in attendance.

As discussed, the two main objectives of the Seniors Globe Walk are to increase physical activity and social-ization for aging adults during the long winter months. Part of our evaluation process includes online surveys sent out to Captains and Team Members. Below is a cross section of online comments from participants that acknowledge that our objectives were successfully met.

“The more we walked the better I felt, both physically and mentally. We had fellowship, sharing our sto-ries and walking, doing something that did us the world of good. WE were not alone anymore. “

“This is my 3rd year walking and I feel that I am more motivated to do my part for my team to reach a common goal, awesome program.” “Globe Walk keeps us involved over the depressing winter months.”

“The Globe Walk inspired us to keep moving in the cold dark days of the winter months. It is such a great program and kudos to those who came up with the idea and thanks to team captains and the organizers who kept track of us over the past few months. The Globe walk experience has certainly helped me feel better and to be healthier. Now I will just have to keep the exercise up until the next Globe Walk! Your example and messages are inspiring.”

52

“Participation in the Globe Walk caused us to think more about the importance of exer-cise, as we realized we were not doing enough. Thanks so much.”

“My Mom wants me to start one in her home town when I go visit there.” “It is encouraging to see seniors who routinely exercise, particularly those who were in the 80+ group. Even though six of the seniors on the team primarily relied on indoor physical activity, it proved to be a positive experience: conversation, laughter, encouragement, a form of competition.”

We are grateful this year for the support received from our sponsors the Investors Group, Community Initiatives Fund, Dakota Dunes Community Development, Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association and our supporting partners Forever in Motion and City of Saskatoon.  We are also grateful for the ongoing support of the Globe Walk planning committee members: Candace Skrapek (Co-chair), Janet Barnes (Co-chair), Vera Pezer (Globe Walk Ambassador), Richard Kilburn (Investors Group) Sheldon Kraus (SSFA), Dawna Neilson (SSFA), Ron Spizziri (SSFA), Kimberly Willison (Saskatoon Health Region), Kim Guillaume (City of Saskatoon), Linda Cooney (Past Coordinator) and Sheila Angelstad (Project Coordinator) and a special thank you to Virginia Dakiniewich for our website management and event photography.

Respectfully submitted,Sheila Angelstad, Seniors’ Globe Walk Coordinator

53

The Senior TechBuddy program is an inter-generational initiative facilitated in partnership with the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) and Holy Cross High School. Seniors are paired with Holy Cross High School students in grades 10 to 12 for assis-tance with technology. Student par-ticipants are able to earn 5 Christian Ethics volunteer hours by participat-ing in 1 hour of mandatory sensitiv-ity training and 4, 1 hour teaching sessions. Students answer questions and troubleshoot issues on whatever device the older adult chooses. The program was coordinated between February to April 2015, September to November 2015 and February to April 2016. During this time about 40 older adults and 20 Holy Cross student volunteers participated in the project. Older adult participants registered with SCOA and were matched with student volunteers who are forwarded to SCOA by Gary Vrinten who is the teacher liaison at Holy Cross School with the program. With the assistance of summer student Rachel Piatt and practicum students from the College of Social Work, University of Regina, Saskatoon Campus, we were able to offer the program as a free service to participants. The program’s value/success was gauged by way of post session evaluations and verbal feedback. After reviewing the evaluations and talking to participants, it was noted that participants on average rated their experience to be very good to excellent. Many participants urged us to continue the program and have referred friends as a result. We are currently running a waitlist for the program in the fall. We have planned for a future Social Work Practicum Student to coordinate the program in the fall of 2016.

Outcomes of the project include:

• Older adults using technology with confidence• Promoting Independence of older adults.• Older adults being able to keep in touch with friends and family• Creation of intergenerational interactions• Enhancement of student communication skills.

Respectfully submitted, Sandra Schweder, Program Coordinator

Senior Tech Buddy 54

Seniors Neighbourhood Hub ClubThe Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) continued to offer two monthly Seniors Neighborhood Hub Club (SNHC) programs for the 2015/2016 year. This was made possible by funding through The Community Initia-tives Fund and Sask Lotteries Grant. The newly named Senior Neighborhood Hub Club, formerly the Drop in Program, were offered at two locations in Saskatoon – in the multi-purpose room at the Lawson Civic Centre on the third Thursday of the month and at Nutana Legion on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The programs were offered from 1:30pm – 4:00pm and saw an attendance of over 300+ over past the year. The program was open to all older adults who wanted to attend. The SNHC programs were promoted via SCOA’s newsletters, website, posters, word of mouth, signage etc.

Based on feedback from our participants and in an effort to reach a wider audience of older adults in our city, the program usually held at the Lawson Civic Centre will now be offered at Mayfair United Church, in the large classroom. Our research shows that the Mayfair area has a high concentration of older adults in the city and is therefore a potentially good area to grow the program.

As was our intent, we were successful in our attempts to have at least of the programs adopted by a community organization in 2015. Members of the Eastview Community Association have now assumed the program held at the Nutana Legion and ran it from September 2015 to March 2016. SCOA provided guidance and support at each meeting to ensure the program’s smooth transition. We will continue to approach other community associ-ations in hopes of having them take over the Mayfair program or start one of their own. This year we developed a start-up toolkit to assist other organizations or agencies in starting similar programs in their area. The booklet offers suggestions and resources to successfully start up and maintain a relevant drop in program.

Under the larger banner of reducing social isolation, participants of both programs offered presentations that were educational, fitness based, discussed legal matters, fun and entertaining. Presentations this past year includ-ed, but were not limited to, Chair Yoga, Summer in Saskatoon presentation, Jeff O’Brien – City Archivist, Power of Attorney Wills and Estates, Tai Chi, Heads up for a Healthier Brain by the Alzheimers Society, Container Gardening, Carpet Bowling, a wind-up etc. Our participants offered suggestions for future programs using the evaluation forms provided at the end of each program. These suggestions were later used to assist our committee in planning topics for next year. Our committee consists of a dedicated group of volunteers who assist in plan-ning; shopping for the program, donating items, or whatever else is needed. They also volunteer at each program to set up, take registration, manage refreshments, mc the event and mingle with participants. Refreshments for the Eastview program this past year was provided by Preston Park and for the first four months of the year, refreshments for the Lawson location was provided by Primrose Chateau.

Participants also had the option of having their blood pressure checked by retired nurses at each meeting. Our group of dedicated nurse volunteers ensure that this aspect of the program is always available. The addition of the “Ask a Pharmacist” table to the events provided opportunities for participants to speak with a pharmacist and ask medication and prescription related questions. The Ask a Pharmacist table for both program locations was provided by the Medicine Shoppe.

Access Transit passes and Comfort Cab vouchers were purchased and given to participants to provide transpor-tation for attending meetings or for them to share or refer a friend to attend the program. The vouchers also presented an option to participant’s driving in treacherous driving conditions.

55

Spotlight on Seniors The 16th Annual Spotlight on Seniors event was held on October 6th 2015 at TCU Place from 9:00am to 3:00pm. It is organized by SCOA in partnership with TCU Place and provides a venue to connect older adults and their families with products and services to enhance their quality of life.

The program emceed by Dale Yellowlees provided entertainment throughout the day and included the Slightly off Centre Jam Band, Hub City Square and Round Dance Association, Juno Award Winner Ken Hamm and Slim Chance and the High Rollers. A Fashion Show at noon showcased outfits from Value Village Stonebridge modelled by SCOA volunteers.

Thank you to our sponsors:Title: The Medicine ShoppeDiamond: Government of SaskatchewanPlatinum: Sage Seniors ResourcesGold: All Seniors CareSilver: Dakota Dunes Casino, Dignity Memorial, CAA SaskatchewanCoffee Sponsors: Allied Denture Clinic, Canadian Tire, Bayshore Home Health, Luther Riverside Terrace, Comfort Cab

Future Plans: Spotlight on Seniors will be held on October 4, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at TCU Place

Respectfully SubmittedJoan Lidington, Chair, Spotlight on Seniors Committee

The Bus Tour was not offered this past year due to lack of funding and an inadequate number of registrants to finance the outing. It is our hope that we will be able to offer this again in the future.

The primary goal of the Saskatoon Council on Aging Senior Neighborhood Hub Club is to address isolation of older adults in Saskatoon. To this end we will continue to provide an informal support structure for Saskatoon’s older adults by offering a safe, welcoming, and relaxed environment to meet, learn, mingle and have fun.

Respectfully submitted, Sandra Schweder, Program Coordinator

56

Volunteers 57

To recognize and celebrate the diverse talents of older adults, the Saskatoon Council on Aging held their 2nd annual Saskatoon Zoomer Idol on October 22, 2015 at TCU Place. This fundraising event featured 8 outstanding individ-uals and groups. The evening was entertaining and the audience cheered on the contestants. Pat Thompson was awarded Judges Choice. Jean and Doreen were awarded People’s Choice.

Save the date for our 3rd Zoomer Idol happening this October 27, 2016 at TCU Place. Call SCOA for ticket information. Respectfully SubmittedJune Gawdun, Executive Director/Zoomer Idol Co-chairSharon Fyke, Zoomer Idol Co-chair

Zoomer Idol

Many thanks to the sponsors , contestants and the individuals who attended. As a result SCOA raised $46, 533.26. These funds went directly into supporting many of the programs that SCOA provides in order to con-tinue promoting dignity, health and independence of older adults.

58

The Vision of the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) is positive aging for all. SCOA works to promote a better quality of life for older adults and has demonstrated leadership in creating an age-friendly Saskatoon by providing:

A Positive Aging Resource Centre designed to support and enable older adults to access relevant information, programs and services.A Caregiver Information Service that provides education and support to caregivers.The Age-Friendly Saskatoon Initiative: a project aimed at community change intended to establish Saskatoon as an age-friendly city.Research and policy development on important issues that affect older adults.

Saskatoon Council on Aging Inc. 2020 College DriveSaskatoon, SK S7N 2W4PH 306.652.2255FAX 306.652.7525

admin@scoa.cawww.scoa.ca

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter (@scoa3)

About the Saskatoon Council on Aging: The Saskatoon Council on Aging is a non-profit, community-based, voluntary organization dedicated to the promotion of dignity, health and independence of older adults and a community leader in promoting Positive Aging for All. Join us! Become a member (it’s free!) and receive the Coming of Age publication and the SCOA e-newsletter for the latest news, resources, programs and events. Phone 306.652.2255 or visit www.scoa.ca for more information.

59