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Volume 17, No.8, September 2021
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Scroll down for Community Links updates, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and Seniors Week information.
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COMMUNITY LINKS UPDATES
Community Links’ 2021 Annual General Meeting was held virtually September 21 via Zoom. Thank you to all who attended. Read our 2020-21 Annual Report here: https://nscommunitylinks.ca/community-links-2021-agm/ Become a member of Community Links and receive our monthly ebulletins at https://nscommunitylinks.ca/membership/
A big welcome to new Board Members Eleanor Gallant, Jim Vance, Madeleine Dillon, and Arron Acosta. We’re excited to have you.
Thank you and best wishes to former Board Members Carol Tooton, John Hamblin, and Madeleine Sauvé. A special thank you to Past President Carol Rogers for your leadership.
We also want to welcome the new Minister of the Department of Seniors and Long-term Care, Barbara Adams. Community Links looks forward to continuing its work with the much-expanded Department.
STAFF UPDATES
Welcome Andy Thompson as Regional Coordinator for Pictou/Antigonish. Andy has extensive experience working to ensure the wellbeing of older adults as a Municipal Councillor since 2008. He has hands-on
experience supporting community groups by
securing funding for improvements to local community halls and facilities, knowing that with safe, accessible amenities, older adults can remain active, engaged and socially connected in the areas they call home. Andy also co-chaired the 2015 Nova Scotia 55-Plus Games and served as a member of the Pictou County Age Friendly Communities Committee.
Following a family move to Lunenburg County, Meagan MacDonald has been reassigned and now serves as Regional Coordinator for HRM/Lunenburg/ Queens Counties. Meagan’s steady support and guidance to community partners and regional coalitions throughout the ongoing COVID-19 crisis was invaluable. Her skills and experience in community development, social justice, food security, mental health, and volunteer coordination were essential in responding to the pandemic; they will be important as communities emerge into endemic times and ways of being.
Hiring (term) - Regional Coordinator Annapolis/Kings/ West Hants
Regional Coordinators spark connections and facilitate collaboration among representatives of seniors’ clubs, senior-serving organizations, business, government and individuals who address issues of aging well, including physical and mental health, active living, social connection, transportation and appropriate, affordable housing; our regionally based Aging Well Together Coalitions offer members opportunities to learn, share resources and increase their impact.
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. This federal statutory holiday occurs on Orange Shirt Day; the Survivor led awareness campaign. Find out more at https://www.orangeshirtday.org/
On September 30th, all Canadians are urged to wear orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
Community Links will be closed September 30th in acknowledgement of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Our staff will spend the day in reflection and education on what it means to be a treaty person, as well as honor the culture, language, and history of L’nu in Miꞌkmaꞌki as settlers who now share this land.
October 1st marks the 35th Treaty Day in Nova Scotia, which also kicks off Mi’kmaq History Month in the province. Learn more here https://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/about/
October 1st is International Day of Older Persons
The 2021 theme “Digital Equity for All Ages” affirms the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by older persons. Learn more here
October 1-7 is Seniors Week -
EVENTS AND MORE
There are many events, online and in person, being held across Nova Scotia to celebrate the knowledge, experience and rich contributions of older adults to our province. Find the activities calendar curated by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-term Care here, including the Signature Event: Seniors Hour @ the Oval Tuesday October 5 from 12- 1 PM - All Welcome!
Please Join the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging and Community Links Tuesday, October 5, from 3:30-4:30 PM for a virtual Celebration and Conversation on the contributions, talents, and dedication of older adults to their communities across Nova Scotia. Participants will be entered in a draw for the chance to win gift cards. For more information and to register: https://nscommunitylinks.ca/celebration-conversation/
ReachAbility is excited to announce a lineup of events in celebration of Nova Scotia Seniors Week. Please find their Seniors for Seniors 2021 and links to register for events at https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/reachability-association-32863059319 or click here
Please reach out to seniors@reachability.org for more information or with any questions.
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RESEARCH PROJECTS
Age Friendly in Focus: Understanding access and inclusion for older adults in the built environment.
Community Links and the Planning for Equity, Accessibility and Community Health Research Unit at Dalhousie School of Planning invite older adults to take part in research to help improve access within our communities. The objective is to collect photos and stories that show accessible and inaccessible spaces from the perspectives of older adults. Participants will be asked to take photographs of spaces in their neighbourhood, and then tell the story about the spaces in an interview. Options are available to accommodate COVID 19 concerns. Participants will be entered in a draw for the chance to win a $25 gift card.
For more information contact Katie Vaughan: agefriendlyinfocus@gmail.com
Phone: (902) 233-6061 or visit https://nscommunitylinks.ca/age-friendly-in-focus/
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A Community Podcast Project for Older Women is inviting women ages 65+ who live with financial insecurity to participate in a research project. Participants will take part in ten weeks of online workshops to produce up to three pilot podcast episodes.
For more information contact Kelly O’Neil at x2019epk@stfx.ca or visit https://www.olderwomenpodcasting.com/
EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Art Larks! invites seniors to its second session of online arts programming. If you enjoy a little fun and friendship with other seniors while singing, dancing and creating, then Art Larks! is for you. Led by artists from across NS (and beyond, with NS connections), Art Larks! seeks to bring seniors together for music, visual arts, poetry, dance, story and laughter. Under 65 but like to join? You won't be turned away.
Free, virtual programs, both live and pre-recorded, are available for seniors living in Nova Scotia. Registration is required to access the programs. Choose your day, time and art form! Join as few, or as many, sessions as you'd like! There will be programs offered for 12 weeks...they'd love to see you there!
Contact Rachel Power for more information or register at rcpeastcoast@gmail.com or artshealthantigonish@gmail.com
Community Sector Council Black History Learning Journey- Series 2 will run from October 5- 26 Register for Series 2 here
Alzheimers Nova Scotia is hosting its virtual conference on October 28, 2021. For program details & registration visit their website at https://alzheimer.ca/ns
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Age Friendly Community Grants will open in October. Find more information at https://novascotia.ca/age-friendly-grant/
Find a list of current Provincial Funding Opportunities Here:
- Community Health Board Wellness Funds
- Department of Communities, Tourism and Heritage: Recreation Community Development Grant: Active Communities Funds
COVID-19 VACCINES
Nova Scotia’s Proof of Full Vaccination Policy starts 4 October, 2021. When the policy is in effect, anyone 12 and older will need proof of full vaccination to participate in most events and activities that bring groups of people together. Find more details about the policy here,
Nova Scotia has updated its COVID-19 immunization plan. Appointments for first and second doses are available across the province for anyone 12 years or older. Walk-in appointments may also be available. Learn more: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/book-your-vaccination-appointment/.
Stay up to date with Federal and Provincial information and updates on COVID-19 and please, wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay safe.
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