2023-04-19 Better With Age Final Spring Edition

Better with Age Mieux avec l'âge Spring 2023 - Volume 9 A Message from the Seniors Take Action Coalition Spring is here, the days are longer, What's in This Issue: the sun is warm and the breezes are light... time to get out and about. Page 1: Update from the Seniors Take  Time to rekindle old friendships and Action Coalition develop new ones. Page 2:  Age -Friendly Communities Volunteering is an amazing way to   connect with others, use your Page 3:  Spotlight on: Volunteering and          talents, develop new ones, and share    Acting Collectively the enjoyment of working together. We all have skills we can contribute and we all have things where we Page 4/5:  Who are the people in your need support. Neighbourhood?  Meet Martha Nettleton We were fortunate to receive an Age Friendly Communities provincial Page 6:  Spotlight on: Harbour Wars grant \"Working Together - Engagement and Connections for Older Adults in Page 7:  Spotlight  on: In Our Day Richmond County: community outreach project to increase awareness\". Page 8:  Spotlight on :Honour our Loved Ones This grant will enable us to strengthen connections with seniors’ clubs, Page 9/10: Spotlight on: We Care Days share information and engage with seniors through our membership Page 11: Community Links FaceBook and Better with Age quarterly newsletter. It is time to join together, appreciate the riches we have and together fill Page 12:: Community Corner: the gaps as we can.  Services and Programs in your Community Le printemps est là, les jours sont plus longs, le soleil est chaud et les brises sont Page 13:  Upcoming Events, Courses, and  légères... c'est le moment de sortir. C'est le moment de raviver de vieilles amitiés Other Useful Links and  Grants Available et d'en nouer de nouvelles. Page 14:  Seniors' Clubs in your Community Le bénévolat est un moyen extraordinaire de nouer des liens avec d'autres personnes, d'utiliser ses talents, d'en développer de nouveaux et de partager le plaisir de travailler ensemble. Nous avons tous des compétences que nous pouvons mettre à profit et nous avons tous besoin d'aide dans certains domaines. Nous avons eu la chance de recevoir une subvention provinciale de Age Friendly Communities \"Working Together - Engagement and Connections for Older Adults in Richmond County : community outreach project to increase awareness\" (Travailler ensemble - Engagement et connexions pour les personnes âgées dans le comté de Richmond : projet de sensibilisation de la communauté pour augmenter la prise de conscience). Cette subvention nous permettra de renforcer les liens avec les clubs d'aînés, de partager des informations et de nous engager auprès des aînés par le biais de notre FaceBook pour les membres et du bulletin trimestriel Better with Age. Il est temps de s'unir, d'apprécier les richesses dont nous disposons et de combler ensemble les lacunes. Take care and enjoy the season!  Dorothy Barnard, Coalition Chair Welcome to our ninth issue of Better with Age. This newsletter was developed by the Seniors Take Action Coalition to learn more about seniors and their concerns by providing information and opportunities for seniors to contribute to this newsletter. We hope to demonstrate and celebrate the lives and contributions of older adults in Richmond County. As strong advocates for age-friendly communities, we will increase the awareness about, and emphasize the importance of, age-friendly communities for people of all ages who live in Richmond County. Nous sommes fiers de vous présenter notre neuvième édition de Mieux avec l’âge. Ce bulletin a été développé par Seniors Take Action Coalition pour en savoir plus sur les aînés et leurs préoccupations en fournissant diverses informations propices. Nous voulons également offrir des occasions aux aînés pour contribuer à ce bulletin. Nous espérons démontrer et célébrer les contributions des personnes âgées dans le comté de Richmond. En tant que fervents défenseurs des communautés Amies des Aînés, nous augmenterons la sensibilisation et nous soulignerons l'importance de cette collectivité pour les personnes de tous âges qui vivent dans cette région.

A G E - F R I E N D LY communities What's New in Richmond County By: Celeste Gotell Working Together Several activities we will focus on over the next year will Engagement and Connections for assist in strengthening connections, engaging seniors Older Adults in Richmond County more and promoting an age-friendly community. Building on a project last year, funded by the Strait- Undertake regular contact and collaboration with Richmond Community Health Board,  where we connected seniors’ clubs to help promote their activities though with older adults throughout Richmond County to hear the development of a monthly calendar that can be from them about their  concerns, hopes and ideas for the shared widely. future following two and a half years living with COVID, Increase presence on social media; increase the the  Seniors Take Action Coalition (STAC)  applied for  a group  membership from the present 600 to grant through Age Friendly Communities Grant to continue over  1,000 members. this important work. Develop an age-friendly community presentation to present to  Municipal Council and Staff and to Last years' Community Connector project affirmed that community organizations and seniors clubs. many seniors’ clubs and seniors saw STAC as taking on a Work with Telile Community Television to increase leadership role in areas such as outreach and seniors programming and promotions. communication. It also highlighted the need for a Continue to produce the quarterly newsletter and coordinated approach to increasing engagement and increase distribution both electronic and print copies. strengthening connections.   Explore ways to support seniors’ clubs with developing distribution lists to send updates on important and This next phase of the  project will  assist the coalition to timely information. transition into the next phase of its growth, support. Increase collaboration with Municipal Staff. Explore new funding sources for STAC when it STAC members who are volunteers will be able to increase becomes incorporated. their effectiveness, and continue to provide the leadership Support clubs with applications for funding. that community members have come to expect. Special thanks to the Province of Nova Scotia, Age Friendly Community Funding  for supporting this important project. Join the Seniors Take Action Coalition  Check out our new monthly calendar promoting activities Facebook Group and stay informed. of Seniors Clubs on Facebook. 2

Spotlight on: Volunteering  A Thread that Connects us All By: Michele MacPhee  Richmond County-Seniors' Safety & Social Inclusion Coordinator As Spring begins to unfold and many of us emerge from our winter hibernation, we may be feeling ready for more social engagement. While we all have varying social activity needs the research is clear, social connection is good for our health and overall well-being. Check out this article on the importance of staying connected:  Social Activity | Fountain of Health Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with your community and its members in a meaningful way. It offers an opportunity to share your talents and connect with a wider group of like-minded individuals. Not only does volunteering provide a sense of purpose, it also offers a chance to belong, while engaging socially. This is tremendously valuable if we are experiencing social isolation or feeling disconnected from our community. Lifetime volunteer Dorothy Barnard, River Bourgeois shares her insight below: \"Volunteering can bring meaning into your life. Much like the ripples of a pond extending outward from a single pebble, one might not realize how impactful and far reaching their contributions can be...\" There are many exciting opportunities across Richmond County to become involved. Reach out to your local seniors’ club today to learn how you might participate or check out the VNS website to Volunteer Nova Scotia (volunteerns.ca) \"Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. Doing good for others and building community provides me with a sense of accomplishment. Contributing to projects and organizations that I am passionate about makes me feel I am making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve. It helps me connect and stay connected to my community. Being socially aware means I get to meet and understand people better. If my contribution and presence makes a difference in someone’s life, what better feeling can a person have?\" - Robert Goyetche, Louisdale “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others\". (Gandhi) Want to learn more? Acting Collectively for Older Adults in Nova Scotia, e-mail [email protected] 3

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN  YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? Meet Martha Nettleton How a “Young Lass” from Edinburgh Found Her Way to Isle MadameIndividuals who experience housing insecurity or homelessness are at greater risk for substance abuse, suicide  and social isolation and lower life expectancy. By Celeste Gotell I had the privilege of joining Martha Nettleton at her home in Arichat, Isle Madame and got a tiny glimpse into her interesting life journey. Martha (Menzies) was born in 1934 in Edinburgh, Scotland during the Great Depression, a time when Scotland was still recovering from WWI. She grew up with her five siblings on Leith Street, a densely-populated area in the city centre. In 1950, as a young woman, Martha packed her suitcase and headed south to London  to begin a position as an animal technician at the Royal Veterinarian College. It was there that she met me husband, Brian Nettleton, who was in his final year of veterinary study. Brian left for Yorkshire to begin his career, working with James Herriot and after Martha and Brian married, she joined him in Yorkshire to begin their new life together. Brian and Martha Nettleton, were the actual people in James Herriot's BBC series All Creatures Great and Small. The character Calum Buchanan was based on Brian. If not familiar with the series, check it out at: https://www.jamesherriot.org/all-creatures-great-and-small-documentary/ In 1958, Brian was presented an opportunity to move from Yorkshire, England to work as a veterinarian in Truro, Nova Scotia. They lived on their farm in Salmon River for 20 years, raising a young family of six children. To ensure that farmers received fair market price for their livestock, they were instrumental in starting a Martha and Brian on their wedding day local livestock auction, called Maritime  Cattle Market . In fact, their own sheep flock, which eventually grew to several hundred, began with a purchase at auction. The first sale took place on April 24, 1959 on the Truro Exhibition grounds. In the late 1970s, the Nettleton’s sold the business and eventually relocated to Cape Breton. This move came about in an unexpected way. In order to attend a weekend veterinarian convention in Kentville, they had arranged child care for their family. The convention didn’t meet their expectations, so they decided to do a spontaneous road trip, given the rare gift of free time and a child-free weekend. This trip took them to Isle Madame to check out a property they had heard about; while there they learned about another property and as the saying goes, a long story short, they made an offer and packed up again for the next chapter in Isle Madame. By 1980, things on the farm did not go exactly as planned, so they decided to Rockloaf Farms in Arichat, Richmond County change their course and seek a new adventure, now that their children were grown and had left home to begin university education and careers. Earlier in their lives they had considered an opportunity with CUSO, a non-profit development organization which sends volunteers to countries around the world. Unfortunately, this did not materialize as it was difficult to find a position that could accommodate moving a large family. With their children grown, a new challenge for Martha and Brian fell in their laps- 1982 they packed their bags and headed for Mendi, in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to begin their next adventure on this remote island nation in the Pacific. Brian worked with the local government to teach local students animal care and management skills at a provincial livestock station. Martha became the Station Manager for the operations. This is a carved wood Storyboard from Papua New Guinea. Storyboards are a tradition of the Kambot Tribe in the lower Sepik region. A storyboard is a carved wooden board which literally tells a story. Storyboard 4 themes include village life, adventures and encounters with wild animals and spirits.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN  YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?   How a “Young Lass” from Edinburgh Found Her Way to Isle Madame Individuals who experience housing insecurity or homelessness are at greater risk for substance abuse, suicide  and social isolation and lower life expectancy. During their six years in PNG, they had many adventures and rich learning, living in a culture and language very different from their own. When I asked what was one thing that she found hard to get used to, “Being the center of attention.” Expatriates were the subject of curiosity among local people and it was not easy to remain unnoticed! Brian and Martha were well known and loved during their time in Mendi, PNG.  Sadly, on a trip back to NS in December 1988, Brian was killed in a tragic car accident, leaving Martha to begin a new chapter of life without her husband and work/life partner. Not long after, Martha returned to PNG for an additional two years, this time working at the vocational school in Mendi on a skill development program for women. When she returned to Isle Madame in 1990, she found herself learning new skills, taking on There are many different Tribal Shields from PNG, they differ responsibilities for the sheep that were once shared with Brian. Her daughter Sarah depending on the region. Often, returned to NS from Ontario in 1998  with her young family and in 2001 moved back  to one warrior would be tasked Arichat, and joined her Mom in running the farm. with holding the shield, while another would fire arrows from Martha found it challenging to become part of the rural community on Isle Madame, as behind. there was no obvious downtown area to meet people like small towns often have. She and a few other local women were providing care to some older women in the community and through their interaction and friendship, decided they would start meeting for a lunch every week. They referred to themselves as the Thursday Lunch Bunch. This would also be a way to bring the older women they cared for on an outing. In the early days, they would meet at a small café called Gulliver Tea Room; over the years, word got around and new women joined. The purpose was simple, to gather, support each other, and share stories - another example of Martha’s community development initiatives. As one of the original members, Martha still attends the group which has been going for nearly 25 years. (More to come about the Thursday Lunch Bunch in the next issue.) In the 1990s, Martha got involved in the local Anglican Church, which was an aging Martha with her three daughters: population and very small congregation. According to Martha,” When I brought along my Mary, Fiona and Sarah grandchildren to a church service, the number in the congregation doubled in size”. She was recruited as the volunteer representative from the church to get involved with the St Anne Centre and for several years, volunteered her time to help with many fund raising activities. It would likely come as no surprise that Martha has a connection to Coady Institute in Antigonish, as many people who work there have a CUSO connection as well. Over the years, Martha and her daughter Sarah have hosted international Coady students to the farm for a Thanksgiving weekend experience. In 1999, Martha suffered another loss when her daughter Jennifer died. She is very close to other five children, Mary, Fiona, Iain, Gordon and Sarah. Today, she still lives on the farm in in Isle Madame, enjoys spending time with her children, 10 grandsons and one granddaughter when she can. She has several friends, still attends the Lunch Club, enjoys knitting socks for the food bank and is an avid reader. Martha says, “I love Kenneth at the library in Petit de Grat”. Her daughter Sarah and family, with the help of their sheep dog, now run the farm and, Martha with her five children as you will see in this film, they are fascinating characters in real life too! on her 80th Birthday Check out the video from the People’s Archive of Rural Nova Scotia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoLX0R89Hig Martha Nettleton has lived an interesting life, seeking out new experiences and challenges from Scotland to Nova Scotia and PNG. She is a born innovator and community developer, enriching the lives of so many, including those in our community. “The Nettleton’s’ believe that if you have land, you have the responsibility to use it.” 5

Spotlight on:  Harbour Wars – Alayne’s Legacy Contributed by: Andree Sampson. L'Ardoise As an example of true altruism and community connectedness, one must admire the hamlet of L’Ardoise in Richmond County. The spirit of volunteering is generations deep here, a likely outcome of a population forced to depend on each other for survival. Cape Breton’s history is clear about that. A great many of the volunteers are seniors who remember the days of hardships and struggle. Launched as an annual event in 2019, Harbour Wars was an immediate success. Held at Little Harbour in Richmond County, the concept was born out of a desire to showcase the fishing industry in the community of L’Ardoise, with Little Harbour facilities in the forefront as a venue. The folks at Lobsters r Us and the Port Authority of Little Harbour were immediately on board. A committee of five began putting the framework together, including Alayne Martell, who brought her Public Relations expertise to the table. Alayne was crucial in laying out the groundwork for Harbour Wars. Sadly, Alayne passed away due to cancer in 2020. In her memory, the event was recently rebranded as Harbour Wars – Alayne’s Legacy. April is Cancer Awareness Month. The rates of cancer in Cape Breton are high – so is the Alayne Martell generosity of Cape Breton’ers even though income is often not. With this in mind, we reached out to the Cape Breton Hospital Foundation to try to get a feel where we would head from the initial concept. This led me to Tom MacNeil, the social worker at the hospital’s cancer centre. Tom talked about the Cancer Patient Fund, explaining that 100% of funding goes directly to the cancer patient’s non-medical needs, such as transportation for treatments, and accommodation for family. After talking with our small group of volunteers, this was the way we decided to go. In our first year, the event raised $22,000. COVID-19 restrictions forced a hiatus in 2020 and 2021, but we came roaring back in 2022 and more than doubled our donation to $48,000. The fund became known as the Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund and the donation was given directly to the Fund. We wanted the impact of funds raised to be far-reaching to help more people in Cape Breton, whilst still assisting many of our locals in the catchment area. Harbour Wars could never happen without our volunteers. In the first year, we numbered 40-50, and in 2022 we reached 75- 100. They came from Richmond and Inverness counties, and the Halifax area. This event is totally run and by volunteers, many of who are seniors. Volunteers are 100% of the reason this event happens. The teams that competed were all from Little Harbour in 2019, but in 2022, two additional harbours participated. We look forward to more joining us – our only requirement is that they must be involved in the fishing industry in some  capacity (fishers, plant workers, truck drivers, etc) and raise the $400 required to form a team. Sponsors are approached from all over the province, and account for half of the funds we raise. We offer four levels of sponsorship: Mackerel, Haddock, Crab and Lobster. The L’ Ardoise Men’s Club is the local sponsor. As an incorporated entity, they handle the requirements for a ticket license and event insurance etc. We are working on becoming our own entity,  but we could not do this event without the Men’s Club members’ participation!!! Volunteers are always welcome! 6

Spotlight on:   \"IN OUR DAY\" By: Becky Bourinot Station/Production Manager Telile Community Television is delighted to announce that we While connecting seniors who have been feeling even received funding through the Age-Friendly Communities Grant more socially isolated than usual over the past few program, through the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, years, the aim of the project is to connect people with the Nova Scotia Government. through food and conversation, by highlighting the interesting and illuminating real-life experiences of Our project, called “In Our Day”, promises to bring seniors together the seniors who have contributed so much to our lives to share, showcase and preserve their stories in a context that will and communities. be meaningful and enjoyable for them and will allow participants to form lasting connections with others they may not know. We will By featuring our beloved seniors on television bring seniors together for a series of televised, facilitated lunch speaking about issues they face and how things were conversations, each with a separate topic drawn from their lived different when they were younger. This  will give the experiences such as: Christmas celebrations, local legends, viewing audience and local communities a glimpse historical buildings and schooling, (Now and Then). into differences in upbringing and ways of thinking in the past. It will also help bridge the gap between In collaboration with the Isle Madame Historical Society, our goal is young and older through understanding and to connect participants with each other. At the same time, it acceptance.  We will be reaching out to seniors to will help to reconnect our audience to the relevance and delight of become involved. remembering a past that is very much with us despite our fast- paced, ever-changing present. Stories shared by Seniors are treasures to be heard, nourished and celebrated. Congratulations to Debbie Samson and Robert Goyetche, members of the Seniors Take Action Coalition who both received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. Thanks for years of volunteer community service!!!! 7

Spotlight on:  Honouring our Loved Ones Through the Creation of a Garden By: Claire Doyle, President of Isle Madame Garden Club and Member of Seniors Take Action Coalition April is Cancer Awareness Month Some say that the greatest benefit of a garden and gardening is the beautiful friendships made, a feeling of love, a deep appreciation for Mother earth, and shared stories of both triumph and tragedy. A cancer diagnosis inspired a fellow member of the Isle Madame Garden Club and one of our founding members of Seniors Take Action Coalition to help create a healing garden in the community she dearly loved. Elizabeth “Ann” Gurney, England was an avid gardener and had a passion to volunteer for not-for-profit organizations. Her cancer journey took her to Sydney, NS, for treatments; there she reconnected with Joanne Ford, a passionate gardener from Sydney that Ann had met through Mary Lou Daniels of D’Escousse; a long-time gardener, friend of Joanne, and founder of the Isle Madame Garden Club. Ann’s cancer journey resulted in a friendship with Joanne. She supported Ann through her cancer journey and Joanne willingly offered to help support the garden club with the sudden death of Mary Lou Daniels. She served as the first president of the Isle Madame Garden Club. She provided her expert advice, hosted events, and travelled from Sydney for club meetings. Under her guidance, the club flourished much to Ann’s delight. Even more important Ann felt supported throughout her cancer journey. Sadly, Ann lost her battle with cancer and died, on July 14, 2018, but her memory lives on. At this time, it is fitting, that we honour Ann. But, also remember other members, especially, Vice President Louise Leblanc, another avid gardener, who dedicated many hours of her time to the garden club and would often visit the garden to experience the peace and tranquillity of the garden. Their love of gardening brought them healing; a happy place to enjoy friends, helped them to cope with difficult diagnoses, feelings of love and being loved by members of the club, stories shared, tears shed, and life-long friendships made. April is Cancer Awareness Month. The Daffodil is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring and for those living with cancer; it is a symbol of strength, courage and hope. The Isle Madame Garden Club each year spreads Hope throughout Isle Madame with their Daffodil Trail program. To date, approximately 2500 daffodil bulbs are now growing throughout Isle Madame, and each year we will continue to expand the program as a symbol of love for our loved ones who lost their battle to cancer. Budget 2023, the Canadian Budget 2023, le plan du gouvernement Government's plan to support seniors. canadien pour soutenir les personnes âgées. Restoring the eligibility age for OAS and GIS back to Le rétablissement de l'âge d'admissibilité à la SV et au SRG de age 65 from 67. 67 ans à 65 ans. Enhancing the GIS for nearly 900,000 low-income Améliorer le SRG pour près de 900 000 personnes âgées single seniors. célibataires à faible revenu. Increasing the OAS pension by 10% for seniors Augmenter la pension de la SV de 10 % pour les personnes aged 75 and over. âgées de 75 ans et plus. Providing $10 billion to provinces and territories to Fournir 10 milliards de dollars aux provinces et aux territoires strengthen home care, community care, and long- pour renforcer les soins à domicile, les soins communautaires et term care for seniors. les soins de longue durée pour les personnes âgées.  Providing a one-time payment that doubled the Le versement d'un paiement unique qui a doublé le crédit pour GST credit, which put an average of $225 more in la TPS, ce qui a permis aux personnes âgées d'empocher en the pockets of seniors. moyenne 225 dollars de plus. Below are some of the highlights for seniors:  Voici quelques-uns des points saillants pour les personnes âgées Budget 2023, our plan to build a stronger, : Le budget 2023, notre plan pour bâtir une économie more sustainable, and more secure canadienne plus forte, plus durable et plus sûre - pour tous. Canadian economy—for everyone. 8

Spotlight on:  Promoting Seniors Clubs in Richmond County Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”   Helen Keller By: Debbie Samson, Fleur-de-Lis Seniors Club The Fleur-de-Lis Club received for a grant with the Strait-Richmond Community Health Board in 2012, which happened to coincide with the time of my retirement from Continuing Care with the former GASHA District Health Authority. I began offering club members monthly wellness checks on their blood pressure, sugar, and weight. The monthly clinic also provided an opportunity to bring in local professional presenters to discuss health care needs identified through these clinics such as a local dietitian. physiotherapist and staff from the diabetes clinic. We shared lunch together and the afternoon would be spent playing cards or doing crafts and sharing ideas. Quickly the program grew from 15-20 attendees, mostly from the local Congratulations and thanks  to Debbie for her community of Louisdale, but when we became involved with Seniors Take on-going commitment to her community. Action and the Seniors Council, word spread. Invitations and promotions were expanded to a wider audience and we began having 30 to 40 attendees. These sessions became so popular that we realized we needed more space and partnered with St Louis Parish to access the parish hall. The program soon developed into a program called We Care Days, which included the wellness clinic, presenters, lunch and some social time following lunch.  The Club continued to fund the lunch aspect of these functions through small grants. In addition to the numbers of participants growing, so did the range of presentation topics in addition to health- related topics we also featured speakers on estate planning, palliative care, gardening, caregiving and even had one on medicinal use of cannabis. Grant money was getting scarce, so we began an anonymous donation jar which we placed on the table to help defray the costs of food. In March 2020, Covid-19 changed the world as we once knew it and unfortunately the clinics have not yet been held since. However, in September, We Care Days resumed on the last Wednesday of each month. October and November topics focused on Acupuncture and Continuing Care and were both attended by people from all over the county. January and February  sessions on Palliative Care and  Fraud Prevention drew 80 participants. These sessions not only provide valuable information, but also create an opportunity for seniors to gather and remain socially connected. Something that has become even more important since COVID-19. In September of 2022, we decided that COVID had taken its toll on our community and we had to try to get people out and socializing again. A decision was made to begin to offer We Care Days again on the last Wednesday of each month and see what happens. Over 50 people attended the sessions in October and November. Our presentations were on Acupuncture, Continuing Care, and much to our surprise both were well attended and included people from all over the county. We had participants complete a survey with ideas for speakers that were of interest and we planned the rest of the year based on their feedback. Si vous souhaitez contribuer à la lettre d'information avec un TAKE article de votre club, faites-le nous savoir. Nous présenterons un NOTE ou deux clubs de séniors dans chaque numéro. If you would like to contribute something from your Club to the newsletter, let us know, we will feature a seniors club or two each issue. 9

Spotlight on:  Promoting Seniors Clubs in Richmond County We Care Days .....Continued Through the years this program has also passed on valued information to our senior population of upcoming events and services of value to the general public. We organized a forum of all the senior organizations in the province and had a panel discussion. On what each had to offer our seniors and had over 150 participants from the county attend. We partnered with the “Mind, Body and Spirit” programs, holding many activities at We Care Days including several Around the Dinner Table events. This past year has proven that seniors in Richmond County are hungry for information and socialization when we had 80 people attend our January, February and March sessions on Palliative Care, Fraud Prevention and Medication and Deprescribing. The preparation behind the scenes is done by a dedicated group of men and women volunteers who spend a couple of hour on the Tuesday before and start two hours before start time on Wednesday to get the meal prepared. The meal costs are covered by the generous donations of everyone who attends. If you can afford a little extra you do and if it’s a tough month you don’t put in any money but everyone is fed and we have enough to buy next months supplies…it all works out in the end. We Care Days is a perfect example of this years’ National Volunteer Week theme, “Volunteering Weaves Us Together.” and the importance of volunteering to support one another. None of this would be possible without the foresight and leadership of those that came before us and the numerous volunteers who give so freely of their time from month to month and contribute to an atmosphere of welcome and acceptance. Thank you everyone who participates; this project will continue on its own merits. Where there is a need, there is a way! Want to read past issues of Better with Age? Check out the Nova Scotia Budget All online versions can be accessed below. $4.7 million more to provide high-dose flu vaccine for all seniors aged 65+ for free Holiday 2022 https://novascotia.ca/budget Fall 2022 2022 Summer 10 Spring 2022 Holiday 2021 Fall 2021 Spring/Summer 2021  Winter 2021

Spotlight on:  Community Links’ Research Project Focuses on Seniors Groups Around the Province     By: Dawn Parks, Outreach & Communications Lead We want to explore the needs, strengths, and Community Links is hosting eight community conversation opportunities of groups who are working with older events across Nova Scotia and online from April 17 to May 2. adults (55+) in communities across Nova Scotia. If you are a key staff or volunteer with a community group that There are many clubs, groups, and organizations that focuses on, or includes older adults, join Community Links and enable older adults to stay connected, engaged, and IONS for a free catered lunch while discussing the strengths supported in the province but there is no clear picture of and needs of seniors’ groups across the province. where they are, who they serve, and how they function or are supported. Your experience is valuable, and Community Links needs your help. Share your knowledge by attending a Community Community Links is a province-wide non-profit Conversation and completing a survey. organization that promotes and supports age friendly communities and they are partnering with Impact For more details and to register, click here or call Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS) to shine a light on (902) 229-2579. senior serving groups and the ways they make a difference for older adults in Nova Scotia. Community Links will take a deeper dive with a survey to capture a clearer picture of the smaller, local seniors' groups Did You Know? In 2022, 43% of Nova Scotian’s were age 50 across the province. The results from the community or older and roughly 2 in 10 Nova Scotians were 65 and older. conversations and the survey will be used to shape upcoming Most older adults want to age in place, in their home and planning and micro-grants from Community Links. community, with supports that enable them to adjust to the changes growing older may bring. While the focus seems to be The survey is going live on April 5! The survey link and more on developing capacity for long-term care facilities, the reality information on the project will be on their website: is that less than 5% of us will ever live in those spaces. www.nscommunitylinks.ca Creating age-friendly communities that foster independence and inclusion is key to preventing social This project is funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors isolation and loneliness and promotes healthy, active, and and Long-term Care. purposeful living. 11

COMMUNITY CORNER Services and Programs in Your Community The Legal Information Society of Learn Mark Nova Scotia has developed The Nova more Your Scotia Personal Directive Reflection Calendar Guide. Join the Legal Information Society of This guide will help you contemplate Nova Scotia as they provide an overview of their and make the important decisions that Nova Scotia Personal Directive Reflection Guide you will set out in your Personal Directive. What is a personal directive? For more information, and to make Why should we complete one? your Personal Directive, click here. Friday June 2, 2023 (Times TBD) Location 1:  Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre, L'Ardoise Location 2:  Lions Club, Louisdale For more information: Contact Michele MacPhee Call 902-587-2800 ext: 5 or  e-mail: [email protected] Did You Know? Saviez-Vous Que? Dental Care The Federal Budget 2023 included next steps to ensure Canadians have access to dental care. The government proposes to introduce legislation to support the implementation of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan, which will provide dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000, with no co-pays for those with family incomes under $70,000. This year eligibility will open to people who are under the age of 18, seniors, and people with disabilities who meet the income criteria and do not have insurance. The plan would begin providing coverage by the end of 2023. Details on eligible coverage will be released later this year. Soins Dentaires Le budget fédéral 2023 comprend les prochaines étapes pour garantir l'accès des Canadiens aux soins dentaires. Le gouvernement propose d'introduire une législation pour soutenir la mise en œuvre du nouveau Régime canadien de soins dentaires, qui fournira une couverture dentaire aux Canadiens non assurés dont le revenu familial annuel est inférieur à 90, 000 dollars, sans co-paiement pour ceux dont le revenu familial est inférieur à 70, 000 dollars. Cette année, les personnes de moins de 18 ans, les personnes âgées et les personnes handicapées qui répondent aux critères de revenu et n'ont pas d'assurance seront éligibles. Le régime devrait commencer à fournir une couverture d'ici à la fin de l'année 2023. Les détails sur les couvertures éligibles seront publiés plus tard dans l'année. 12

UPCOMING events, courses, and other useful links and tidbits National and International Websites Nova Scotia Websites https://caregiversns.org/ NEW Principles of Healthy Aging | High Five https://alzheimer.ca/ns NEW Mental Health First AId - Seniors https://ns.211.ca/ https://nscommunitylinks.ca/ NEW https://www.niageing.ca/ https//novascotia.ca/seniors/ https://www.carp.ca/ https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs/ https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/housi https://www.activeagingcanada.ca/  ng-programs-seniors https://mha.nshealth.ca/en https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/ https://fountainofhealth.ca/ COVID Relief Fund - Maritime Division https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health- (salvationarmy.ca) https://www.legalinfo.org promotion/aging-seniors.html Nova Scotia Centre on Ag ing (msvu.ca) https://cnpea.ca/en/ https://www.endsocialisolation.org/ https://www.nia-ryerson.ca/  Global Campaign to Combat Ageism - Toolkit (who.int)/ https://www.canage.ca/ https://www.seniorsactionontario.com http://www.eapon.ca/ http://agesafecanada.ca/  https://helpagecanada.ca/seniors-can/   GRANTS AVAILABLE Healthy Aging CORE Canada  https://www.nicenet.ca/talk2nice  for organizations  https://www.who.int/ageing/decade-of-healthy-ageing- NEW and individuals Institute For Social Connection  Apply for help with household, healthcare and home heating costs: Seniors Care Grant - Government of Nova Scotia Wellness Funds applications due May 1, 2023 Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence - Helps HomeWarming offers home energy homeowners pay for home adaptations so  seniors with low assessments and upgrades for income- incomes can stay in their homes independently for longer qualified homeowners, at no cost for people periods of time.  A one-time forgivable grant of up to $3,500 is living on lower incomes. available. Click here to learn more. For qualifying homeowners, if determined Senior Citizens Assistance Program - Provides assistance to that  upgrades like draft-proofing and senior homeowners (age 65+) who would like to remain in their insulation will help reduce your heating and own homes, but cannot afford necessary repairs. power bills, upgrades can be installed  at Click here to learn more.  Call one of our caseworkers today absolutely no cost to you. Apply Here. at 1-844-424-5110. 13 Mental Health Foundation of NS 2023-24 IMPORTANT DATES*** Community Grants Round II Call for Grants: July 6th, 2023. Application Deadline: August 11th, 2023 https://www.mentalhealthns.ca/grants

LAST WORDS Celebrating and thanking the many local businesses and organizations in our communities operated by older adults By: Julie Freeman Sand Dollar Food Truck Frankie and Mary Crewe are a friendly and fun Frankie and Mary Crewe enterprising couple. Mary is a Newfoundlander who found her way to Cape Breton 45 years ago, as a young woman. Frank is a Caper through and through – their home in L'Ardoise is a  family heritage, several generations on the land. They run two businesses close to home – an AirBnB called Ocean View Cottage and a delightful food truck. In the off-season, they both are involved in volunteering with the Jolly Club Seniors and the community Men’s Club, supporting fund-raising events. The Sand Dollar Food Truck was a response to oft-heard remarks from locals and visitors about how great it would be to have a food truck at the Point Michaud Provincial Park Beach. Never had there been a permit granted for that popular site, and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) were hard-pressed to give in. Two years of form-filling/filing, investing in refits to an old truck to meet stringent codes, much cajoling and well-executed persuading, resulted in the arrival of the Sand Dollar at the beach for the 2022 season. Not only is typical truck food prepared tastily, but all their packaging is biodegradable, they provide their own garbage receptacles, and are the guardians of pristine surroundings. Now the MNR is totally supportive of their efforts, picking up the garbage bins several times a week, and supplying power to the truck to keep the equipment running and the beach quiet. Beach-goers love having it there - the crispy (real chicken!) chicken burgers are the best seller, but the kids would tell you their Slushies are the best ever! When the beach season is over, the Sand Dollar moves to the corner of Old School Road and Chapel Cove Road, across from Holy Guardian Angels Church, and brings cheer to main street L’Ardoise! The 2023 season looks to be another great one! Look for them at the beach from June through September. And try those chicken burgers! SENIORS CLUBS IN RICHMOND COUNTY in your community Arichat - Susan Marchand Lower River- Peggy MacNeil Other Seniors Groups Isle Madame New Horizons Seniors Club Riverdale's Seniors Club 55,  [email protected] [email protected] Richmond County Branch of [email protected] 902-625-0166 Retired Teachers 902-631-3853 Donna Machin [email protected] Port Hawkesbury - Francis Lamey Dundee/St. George's Channel - Strait Area Evergreen Senior Citizens' Club Le Regroupement de Aines et Aines Doris Matthews [email protected] de la Nouvelle-Ecosse South Mountain Arm of Gold Association 902-625-3962 Janine Lacroix, [email protected] [email protected] 902-226-0077 Red Islands - Howard MacIntyre 902-345-0495 Bras D'Or Lakers Seniors’ Club,  THANK YOU! MERCI! [email protected],  Grand River - Joanne McCormack 902-631-5643 Newsletter Contributors Grand River Seniors Club Celeste Gotell [email protected] River Bourgeois - John Digout Julie Freeman River Bourgeois 50+ Seniors,  Claire Doyle 902-587-2143 [email protected] Debbie Samson L'Ardoise - Rene Samson Rocky Bay - Cynthia Blackmore Becky Bourinot L'Ardoise Jolly Seniors Rocky Bay Irish Club,  Dorothy Barnard [email protected] [email protected] Andree Sampson 902-302-3922 Michele MacPhee 902-587-2446 St. Peter's - Ken Leachman Dawn Parks Louisdale- Robert Goyetche Bonnie Brae Senior Citizens Club  Fleur de Lis Seniors Club -  [email protected] Newsletter Design [email protected],  902-535-2835 Celeste Gotell and  Janelle AuCoin 902-345-2232 or Cell - 902 227-7079 West Bay - Sedley Rafuse Head of the Bay Seniors Club Sedley Rafuse [email protected] 902-345-2063 Staying Connected: 14 Click here to subscribe to the newsletter mailing list!