Better with Age Spring and Summer Issue

Better with Age Mieux avec l'âge Spring-Summer 2021 - Volume 2 A Message from the Coalition Welcome to our second 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. This issue is a combined Spring/Summer edition , so it is a few additional pages this time. Nous sommes fiers de vous présenter notre deuxième 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. Ce numéro est une édition combinée printemps / été, il s'agit donc de quelques pages supplémentaires cette fois. Spring is in the Air What's in This Issue: As the trees and shrubs awaken and the dandelions bloom, it Page 1:  feels like spring is on its way, a time of hope. It is a time to Update from the Seniors Take Action Coalition reflect, regroup, and strengthen our ties with others in our Page 2: communities. We have had to adjust how we communicate. Age -Friendly Communities Some have rediscovered the joys of a telephone call or a Creating Webs of Social Connectedness ‘real’ letter delivered by Canada Post; others have reached Page 3: out through FaceTime or Zoom or other internet-based Who are the people in your Neighbourhood? ways. Some have learned different ways they can support Meet Blair and Cyndy Sampson their neighbours who are struggling; others have spread joy Page 4: through sharing songs, photographs, and date squares. We Aging Well Tips have walked our neighbourhoods, taken time to see the Page 5:  many ways we are very fortunate, and appreciated our Community Corner natural surroundings. We have recognized we are resilient Services and Programs in your Community when we work together. These learnings will help us to stay Page 6: the course until, once again, we can gather in groups. We Gardening is Good for the Soul need to work towards creating strong, inclusive Page 7: communities so we can all enjoy life here in Richmond Gardening at Home in Richmond County County. Page 8: Spotlight on Elder Abuse Dorothy Barnard, Coalition Chair Page 9: Upcoming Events, Courses, and Other Useful For more information about the Seniors Take Links and Tidbits Action Coalition, or if you would like to Page 10: become involved contact:  Seniors Clubs in Richmond County [email protected] Page 11: Last Words - Celebrating and thanking the many Pour plus d'informations sur le groupe Seniors local businesses and organizations in our Take Action Coalition, ou si vous souhaitez communities operated by older adults. vous impliquer, contactez: [email protected]

A G E - F R I E N D LY “Social connectedness is a personal sense of belonging to a communities group, family, or community. It is about the relationships people An age-friendly community has policies, services, settings, have with each other and their and structures that support and enable people to age actively by: engagement with the broader community.” Recognizing the wide range of skills and experiences among older people.  Anticipating and responding flexibly to aging-related needs and preferences.  Respecting the decisions and lifestyle choices of older adults.  Protecting those older adults who are most vulnerable.  Promoting the inclusion of older adults in, and contribution to, all areas of community life. Une collectivité-amie des aînés : Reconnaît la vaste gamme de compétences et d'habiletés propres aux aînés; Connaît les besoins des aînés liés au vieillis une collectivité- amie des aînés:sement et y répond; Respecte les décisions et les choix de vie des aînés; Protège les aînés vulnérables; Sait que les aînés ont beaucoup à offrir à leur collectivité; Reconnaît l'importance de la participation des aînés à tous les volets de la vie communautaire. CREATING WEBS OF SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS (CWSC) The Seniors Take Action Coalition (STAC) is excited to invite you to take part in building a collaborative network of organizations, groups, and individuals passionate about working together to increase social inclusion in Richmond County.   Social inclusion is one component of an age-friendly community.  Collectively, we will determine priority areas to begin work and develop an action plan with achievable goals. This  will lead to enhancing social and safety connectedness, especially among older adults. STAC includes members from various seniors clubs, groups, and organizations interested in the well-being of seniors/older persons in Richmond County. The Coalition strongly supports activities that facilitate social justice for older persons through the lens of age-friendly communities and the social determinants of health. The Coalition members are eager to build on the energy and shared knowledge that evolved from the SPARK a Connection forum, which was held in September 2020. One hundred and forty community members and organizations came together through a virtual forum to develop a shared understanding of the impact of social isolation. This forum provided an opportunity to develop strategies to better respond to the well-being of older adults in our community and the importance of social connectedness. Debra Leigh has been hired as the Community Connector to assist in strengthening relationships and encouraging collaboration with those involved with seniors’ issues. She has coordinated various projects regarding the impact of social isolation and the importance of social connectedness for the overall well-being of older adults in our community. Our plan is to hold a facilitated session, Social Connections for Aging Well - Connexions sociales pour bien vieillir either using a virtual platform such as Zoom or hosting an in-person forum at the Lions Den in Louisdale early October 2021.  Our final decision will depend on provincial COVID-19 restrictions at that time.  Debra will be in touch over the course of the summer months to inquire about your interest, provide an update on the event, and answer any questions you may have. Debra can be reached at: [email protected] or Cell: 902-623-2215 More Information Coming Soon 2 Richmond County Age-Friendly Communities Action Plan Committee 

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Blair and Cyndy Sampson The Busy Bees of Richmond County by Cynthia Curtis When Blair and Cyndy Sampson moved to Rockdale from Dartmouth in late 2017, their  four-hive bee business was still new. Today, Plan Bee Apiaries thrives with 24 hives, 20 of  those rented out around Richmond County. Blair grew up in Rockdale, but left for Toronto as a young man looking to secure full time work.  In Ontario for 18 years, he worked as a field merchandizer for Canadian Tire and later owned a pub in Creemore, home of Creemore Springs beer. Blair travelled extensively in Australia and south east Asia. Following his time in Ontario and abroad, he settled back in Dartmouth where he met his future wife. He and Cyndy both pursued different careers in the Halifax area. Blair was involved with the consumer wine industry as franchiser for Wine Kitz Atlantic. Cyndy worked in a real estate office for a few years and then later, as office admin, for the Atlantic publication, Saltscapes. During this time, they travelled back to Rockdale on holidays and long weekends to work festivals, visit with Blair’s father, and keep in touch with other family and friends. It was in his father’s house-his boyhood home-that they were married on Boxing Day, 2011. When Blair’s father passed away, the couple moved into his house on highway 247, the very same that Blair grew up in. Referring to their retirement, Cyndy said, “This was always the plan,\" and Blair agreed, saying, “We’re home, right?” A year prior to moving back to Rockdale, Blair started his apiary interest in Dartmouth. In the beginning, he and Cyndy had four hives—two in Rockdale and two in Dartmouth. Since 2017, the number of hives has fluctuated, some winters harder on the bees than others. This last winter was a good one, as each of their hives survived, all 24 abuzz in the spring ready to get back to making honey. Though Blair was always keen on the enterprise, Cyndy, in the beginning, was a little less so. He encouraged her interest by reducing some of her fears—he took her to an introduction workshop at a local apiary that was interested in educating people on honey bees. The demonstration was a success and Cyndy was won over. “A feeling of Zen came over me. The bees were calm so I was calm.” She was changed, realizing, prior to that afternoon, she simply “had not met them yet.” Though Cyndy admits that Blair is still the major force behind the business, she certainly has acquired many skills associated with the trade. She and Blair have taken many courses, both in class and hands-on, to hone their skills and knowledge. Cyndy now performs the propagating procedure of “queen grafting,\" wherein with great skill and dexterity, she turns a regular bee into a so-needed egg-laying queen. It really is a complicated science and a business that takes considerable tenacity, learning, and, simply, a love of the creatures they care for. Between the two, they certainly know their bees. There are three types of bees in a hive and each has a distinct role: workers (travelling up to 5 km daily to gather nectar and pollen), drones (whose sole purpose is to fertilize the queen), and the queen bee herself (who too has only one job--laying 1500 eggs a day). Blair and Cyndy also reviewed the details of harvesting (using an extractor to spin honey from the frames), and the process of getting as much as 600 lbs of that sweet liquid gold into almost as many jars. As for selling their wares, it’s simply “farm gate,\" meaning a small stand at the end of their driveway. The Sampsons are interested in educating the public about honey bees. Prior to the pandemic, they enjoyed taking their real- life display to local schools. “It was, and will continue to be, a lotta fun, just seeing the reaction of kids to the wonder of bees.” Added Mr. Sampson, “we so love teaching and changing attitudes about bees.” These beekeepers are proud to say that their work is their pleasure. “When a healthy hive is opened, it has the gorgeous smell of ripe honey and fresh wood,” Blair beamed. Clearly, the work and the results are more than satisfying. Cyndy and Blair might also consider themselves to be small-time farmers, in a way. Unknown to many, “Bees are considered livestock because they produce a food consumed by humans.” Given that, the Sampson’s hives are officially registered and inspected once a year by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. Their website, SeaBeeHoney.ca reflects their seaside location in Rockdale. But, when  said aloud, it sounds like CB—the initials for both Cape Breton and Cyndy and  Blair. Also in keeping with those interpretations of their domain name is the stylized  bee logo, encircled in our Cape Breton tartan. Years ago now, these long-time Capers likely looked at each other and asked, “To bee or  not to bee?” Most fortunate for us is that they both nodded yes and agreed that their  new plan “A” would be to become Plan Bee. 3

AGING WELL TIPS by Karla J. Bond - BSW MSW RSW Karla is a community-based seniors health and palliative care social worker who supports seniors to maintain independence, navigate systems, and engage in advanced care planning discussions through to end of life support. 1. Develop and feed your passions! Often our passions are right in front of our face. When you enjoy something in your life, do it. Build on those activities that give you meaning in life. 2. Develop and tend to social relationships! This will increase your sense of belonging. Look for the groups of people with members that you fit in with and that you share things in common. 3. Environment is important! In your personal spaces, be aware of your surroundings, routines, and patterns. Block off time to complete tasks such as organizing your space. 4. Use your sense of humor! Find the amusing, laughable, and ridiculous in your life in situations that come your way. Laughter provides pain relief, a boost to the immune system, and overall positivity. 5. Complete a self-inventory! Learn about yourself. What do you need to know about yourself to live and work on your terms? We all may have a different process, method, or approach to learn about ourselves, and it is often done by trial and error. 6. Take on life’s challenges! It will allow you to achieve your personal best. View challenges and change as opportunities. 7. Get your rest! This includes active physical rest (sleep) and also the healing types such as yoga, stretching and massage therapy. Other forms of rest are important for your social, emotional, creative, and mental health. 8. Develop morning routines! Wake up and take two minutes to answer three simple sentences: I will let go of … I am grateful for… and I will focus on … Community Rehabilitation/Seniors Health is a program through Nova Scotia Health, available in Richmond County. It includes Community Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Physiotherapy, primary care professionals (just like doctors and dentists) which means you can complete a self-referral or a health care professional can complete a referral on your behalf. Clients are assessed and seen at home because they are physically unable to attend out-patient appointments or it is determined that the home environment needs to be included in the assessment. Using a consultative approach, social work, occupational, and physical therapists focus on promoting a person’s independence and safety in daily activities. Interventions could include system navigation, equipment recommendations, falls prevention, exercise prescription, and/or caregiver education and training. For more information on Community Rehabilitation/Seniors Health, contact Kathy MacDonald at 902-867-4745. Trivia Answer from last issue: What Maritime Province has the What percentage of adults living in highest proportion of seniors? Richmond County are 55 years and older? Nova Scotia/Nouvelle-Écosse 46% Prince Edward Island/Île-du-Prince-Édouard New Brunswick/Nouveau-Brunswick Quel est le pourcentage d’adultes âgés de 55 Quelle province des Maritimes a la plus ans et plus, qui vivent forte proportion de personnes âgées? dans le comté de Richmond ? Tune into our next issue to see if you have the correct answer! Lisez notre prochaine édition pour vérifier si vous avez coché la bonne réponse ! 4

COMMUNITY CORNER Services and Programs in Your Community VON Canada has been providing services to the residents of Richmond County since June 2019. Home Support workers visit clients in their homes to help maintain independence and provide caregiver support.  If you want more information on this program, call 902-345-2900. The Transportation Program makes it possible for those without adequate transport to maintain an independent lifestyle. Supported by volunteer drivers, clients can receive door- to-door transportation  to medical appointments and to run errands. The program provides rides throughout Richmond County and surrounding areas. Meals on Wheels Program is for clients who are not able to , or not interested in in cooking full meals for themselves. These are frozen single portions, available for pickup in the VON office or delivered to your home. Thanks to generous community funding,  they currently have a price of $5.00 per meal, with  additional non-perishable food items provided compliments of  Sobeys. There is no-charge for home deliveries. For more information about our Frozen Meal or Transportation Program, or becoming a volunteer, please contact Karen O’Neil at [email protected] or phone 902-564-6479, ext. 205. Richmond County Seniors’ Safety and Social Inclusion Program All services available FREE of charge for Richmond  County residents 55+ (Funding from Dept. of Seniors and Municipality of the County of Richmond) Service Navigation  ( where to go to for services and help) Home Safety Visits (includes Fire Safety) Yoga & Mindfulness Presentations (Falls & Abuse Prevention, Deprescribing, Frauds & Scams Awareness) Programming (Your Way to Wellness, Canadian Mental Health Association, Fountain of Health) Socially inclusive programs and services If any group is interested in setting up an online presentation on any of the following topics. please  contact Michele.  Falls & Abuse Prevention Many people make assumptions about aging, Mindfulness what it is like to grow “old”, and how older Fountain of Health-Healthy Aging Strategies age will affect them. But as we grow older, it Frauds & Scams Awareness is important to understand the positive Deprescribing -reducing or stopping medications that may aspects of aging.        no longer be of benefit or may be causing harm. Michele is available to assist individuals with Beaucoup de gens font des suppositions sur le accessing information, services, and programs related vieillissement, sur ce que c'est que de devenir to their safety, health, and well-being.  \"vieux\", et sur la façon dont l'âge avancé les affectera. Mais à mesure que nous vieillissons, Reach out to Michele MacPhee 902-587-2800, ext. 5 or [email protected] il est important de comprendre les aspects positifs du vieillissement. 5

gardening IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL by Cynthia Curtis Countless studies have shown that gardening—planting, weeding, admiring, and harvesting—improves our physical and mental health. Though many gardening activities such as preparing soil and weeding are considered lighter exercise, others, such as hefting wheelbarrow loads of earth, hoeing, digging, and clearing gardening space are more intense, building muscular strength and improving cardiovascular health. Exercise and moderate exposure to sunshine can boost levels of vitamin D and strengthen our bones and immunity. Studies have shown these factors can also “[decrease] cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase endorphins.” Equally beneficial to the physical benefits of gardening are the psycho-emotional ones. Being one with the earth, mucking with soil and seeds, and listening to the sounds of nature are proven to relieve stress, allowing greater focus and mindfulness. Current research suggests that being in the beauty of nature can help with depression and anxiety. At garden shops and greenhouses the banter between friends and strangers revolves around plants and greenery. Horticulturalists love to share their knowledge and impart valuable tips and advice to those who are willing to listen. Vegetable co-ops and community gardens contribute to community pride and provide opportunities to meet and socialize with like-minded neighbours. The benefits of a fruitful harvest are plenty. There are the rewards of beauty--the splendor of petals, the scent of lilac, and the oh-so green promise of vegetable plenty. Those results are most gratifying and can work to create a sense of delight and accomplishment which, in turn, can boost self-esteem. With the harvest of organic fruits and vegetables, a less expensive, healthier diet is possible.  Those benefits, in turn, can do so much—save money, provide food independence, improve physical wellness, and inspire further gardening projects. The labours and joys of gardening have so many benefits it could be considered essential to all forms of health.  So pick up a spade and plant that seed because it is so true—we do, indeed, reap what we sow. Gardening at Home in Richmond County The following stories were discovered when committee members Cynthia and Julie reached out and chatted with residents in Richmond County. There are several community initiatives that showcase the benefits of  gardening and many people who have worked their gardens to achieve excellent results. Ann’s Memory Garden The Isle Madame Garden Club meets at the Irish Club in Rocky Bay  where they have established the “Healing Garden” in memory of Ann Gurney England. Ann was an avid gardener and one of the founding members of the  Seniors Take Action Coalition. It is a garden created with the trust she left for such a project. In the intricate design of a Celtic knot, architect and fellow petal’n’trowel enthusiast, Gail Hearn, designed the garden that boasts a wide variety of beautiful flowers and several trees that bloom in spring--apple, cherry, magnolia, and lilac. Photo Courtesy of The Rocky Bay Irish Club Face Book Page Of course, the plants need tending so volunteers are always welcome to visit and help out. With donated “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” benches and a versatile gazebo, Ann’s “Healing Garden” is Audrey Hepburn an ideal place to sit or explore, while admiring the beauty of the Irish Club grounds and the rugged shores of Rocky Bay. 6

Gardening at Home In Richmond County Meet Clarence and Helen Martell of Rockdale. As with many partnerships, each has a role. Clarence is the gardener and Helen, the preserver. Clarence has been involved in various forms of farming for most of his life. An avid gardener for over 50 years, he now has 30 raised beds, 25 bathtubs (yes, bathtubs - the structure is solid and a drain is already built in), 18 fish tubs, and eight gardening barrels. His potatoes and rhubarb are in-ground. Growing most every vegetable variety popular in Cape Breton today, he once planted 15 different types of lettuce and harvested onions as weighty as 5.5 pounds! Prep for the 2021 season started in February and Clarence claims his success has been built on a number of factors—including determined hard work, well- raised beds that eliminate stooping, and his own fertilizer concoction of manures, black earth, and seaweed. Given the number of beds and the richness of soil, the harvest of his personal gardens has been truly bountiful. Most remarkable were the enormity of the zucchini, parsnips, and carrots and the exotic deep hue of the purple potatoes. With that much produce on hand, Photo courtesy of Cynthia Curtis Helen and Clarence generously give much of it away. Cynthia knows this from personal experience.  Shortly after she moved to Rockdale, the Martells Helen said, “Many of our welcomed them with a large basket of colourful vegetables. meals are made up of food The remainder of their harvest is stored and preserved. Last year, Helen put up we grew ourselves.  We enjoy over 50 jars of beets, 30 jars of pickles, and as many jars of cucumber mustard better and fresher vegetables relish. She also uses the stuff of their garden to make zucchini lasagna and other all year round.” healthy dishes. An ambitious but rewarding hobby, these two--and others-- certainly enjoy the fruits of their labours. Isle Madame’s Daffodil Trail Three years ago, Margaret Herdman headed up a project to beautify the island and encourage Isle Madame residents to purchase and plant daffodils visible from the road. Photo courtesy of Maxine David A fundraiser for the Isle Madame Garden Club, local D’Ecousse residents bought boxes of 15 daffodils for $15.00 with 50% going back to the club. In the first year, 2018, they Louisdale Gardening Boxes sold 30 boxes and the following year almost tripled sales at 80 boxes. Their goal was to have 10,000 daffodils planted in five years. Residents placed orders in late summer and planted the flowers in September, anticipating their bright yellow blooms in spring. The Daffodil committee “wanted to welcome spring… creating a trail of blooms all over Isle Madame.” Unfortunately, the seed distributor discontinued this fundraising promotion in the fall of 2020, but the committee members remain hopeful it will be renewed in the upcoming year. At Our Lady of the Rosary Park in Louisdale, Seniors Take Action Coalition Photos courtesy of Debbie Samson member Debbie Samson oversees the success of the 10 raised beds at the community garden. Before COVID 19, the sizeable boxes were planted, tended, and harvested by members of the community. At the end of the season, the volunteers, many of whom are seniors, enjoyed a lot of what they grew. The remaining vegetables were distributed to those in need and went into the garden stew served to approximately 150 seniors at the Parish Hall. This meal was free of charge and encouraged seniors to get out and socialize with others in their community. Much of the chat over dinner focused on gardening and similar interests. Unfortunately this last “Around the Dinner Table” event was in the fall of 2019, before COVID-19, temporarily, shut its doors. When COVID is behind us, they hope to re-establish the gardens and the good that they do. Debbie Samson also pioneered the distribution of personal garden boxes to 60 seniors in the Louisdale area. With a grant aimed at helping older adults, they purchased seed, earth, and fertilizer. Local fish plants donated the boxes and the high school built the stands. Community homes received two boxes each. A lot of pleasure and satisfaction grew from this engaging and rewarding initiative. 7

SPOTLIGHT ON elder abuse by Michele MacPhee Richmond County Seniors’ Safety & Social Inclusion Coordinator June 15, 2021 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day When we think about abuse, what ideas come to mind? We might have a pre-conceived notion of what it looks like, who it affects, and the form that it takes. The truth is, anyone can experience it and we have a responsibility to address it. Abuse can take many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or spiritual and can really impact one’s sense of self worth. Often it can be complicated by the fact that the abuser is a loved one, family member, or someone that you trust. Understandably this makes it challenging for victims when deciding how and when to reach out for help. Perhaps surprisingly, financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse in Canada[1]. As abusers tend to isolate their victims from family, community and supports, isolation can make one more vulnerable to experiencing it. During COVID we are seeing rising abuse levels of all kinds. A 2020 survey conducted by Ending Violence Association of Canada found : “Those surveyed said abusers took advantage of the conditions created by the pandemic to increase control over their victims, using isolation at home as a tool to ramp up violence, using information about coronavirus to exert control, or monitoring and controlling access to technology to limit the amount of help a victim was able to access. “ An important message to consider is that people who are abused need support and people who are abusive need help. The more we talk about the issue, support those that may be living this experience, and advocate for continued support for victims, the better off we all are. What should you do if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse? Don't ignore it; reach out.  211 is a great place to start. They have a seniors’ support line and can link you to resources and transition houses in your area. The Nova Scotia Dept. of Seniors has also developed a toolkit of resources to prevent and understand the issue of Senior Abuse. Understanding Senior Abuse - A Toolkit for Community Champions - CNPEA  1. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum/financial-abuse.html https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/national-survey-domestic-violence-end-violence-now-anova-1.5698028 Seniors have the right to live free from abuse. It is estimated that between 4 and 10 Seniors have the right to financial security. percent of older adults in Canada Seniors have the right to safe housing. Seniors have the right to quality healthcare. experience some form of abuse and that Seniors have the right to access justice. only one in five incidents of abuse are reported. Les aînés ont le droit de vivre à l'abri des mauvais traitements. Les aînés ont droit à la sécurité financière. Au Canada, on estime que de 4 à 10 % des aînés sont victimes d'une forme Les personnes âgées ont droit à un logement sûr. Les personnes âgées ont droit à des soins de santé de qualité. quelconque de mauvais traitements et que seulement un cas de mauvais traitements Les personnes âgées ont le droit d'accéder à la justice. sur cinq est déclaré 8

UPCOMING events, courses, and other useful links and tidbits Provincial Websites National and International Websites https://caregiversns.org/ https://www.carp.ca/ https://alzheimer.ca/ns https://www.activeagingcanada.ca/  https://ns.211.ca/ https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/ https://nscommunitylinks.ca/ https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors.html https//novascotia.ca/seniors/ https://cnpea.ca/en/ https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs/ https://www.endsocialisolation.org/ https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/ https://www.nia-ryerson.ca/  housing-programs-seniors Global Campaign to Combat Ageism - Toolkit (who.int) https://mha.nshealth.ca/en https://www.canage.ca/ - NEW https://fountainofhealth.ca/ https://www.seniorsactionontario.com -NEW COVID Relief Fund - Maritime Division http://www.eapon.ca/ - NEW (salvationarmy.ca) http://agesafecanada.ca/ - NEW https://helpagecanada.ca/seniors-can/  - NEW  Healthy Aging CORE Canada - NEW https://www.nicenet.ca/talk2nice - NEW 30th edition of the Positive Aging Directory:  Guide to Programs and Services for Older Adults in Nova Scotia.  Click here to read. Nova Scotia Health Primary Health Care is offering online AVAILABLE GRANTS free wellness programs for adults of all ages on healthy eating, physical activity, mental wellness, parenting and reducing one’s health risks. Sessions are led by health professionals and are offered using Zoom.  To learn more and to register, visit HealthyNovaScotia.ca for organizations  and individuals The Nova Scotia COVID Relief Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence - Helps homeowners pay for home (NSCR) Fund was established by adaptations so seniors with low incomes can stay in their homes independently for the Government of Nova Scotia longer periods of time.  A one-time forgivable grant of up to $3,500 is available. https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/housing-programs-seniors/home- from the Federal Safe Restart adaptations-seniors-independence Agreement in April 2021. This funds supports low-income Nova Seniors Citizens Assistance Program - Provides assistance to senior homeowners (age Scotians struggling to pay their 65+) who would like to remain in their own homes, but cannot afford necessary home heating or electric bill as a repairs. result of income loss due to the https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/housing-programs-seniors/senior-citizens- COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund assistance-program.   provides one-time assistance of Call one of our caseworkers today at 1-844-424-5110. up to $400. COVID Relief Fund - Maritime Division (salvationarmy.ca) HomeWarming offers home energy Seniors Can! (Aînés Debout!) is an initiative assessments and upgrades for income- of HelpAge Canada designed to help qualified homeowners, at no cost for people low income seniors across Canada avoid living on lower incomes. For qualifying isolation and loneliness and to engage homeowners, if determined that  upgrades more fully with their communities. like draft-proofing and insulation will help https://helpagecanada.ca/seniors-can/ reduce your heating and power bills, upgrades can be installed at absolutely no Well-Being Grants of up to $10,000 cost to you. Apply Here Innovative Programming Grants of up to $10,000 Emergency Relief Grants of up to 9 $10,000

SENIORS CLUBS IN Richmond County Arichat - Susan Marchand Other Seniors Groups Isle Madame New Horizons Seniors Club [email protected],  902-631-3853 Le Regroupement de Aines et Aines de la Nouvelle-Ecosse Dundee/St. George's Channel Janine Lacroix, [email protected] South Mountain Arm of Gold Association 902-226-0077 Grand River - Joanne McCormack Richmond County Seniors Council Grand River Seniors Club Claire and Wilfred Marchand, [email protected] [email protected], 902-587-2143 902-345- 2499 or 902-302-1650 L'Ardoise - Lillie Spray Richmond County Branch of Retired Teachers L'Ardoise Jolly Seniors Marlene Boyd, [email protected] [email protected] , 902-587-2077 902-625-3096 Louisdale- Robert Goyetche Fleur de Lis Seniors Club -  Dundee/St.George [email protected],  Channel 902-345-2232 or Cell - 902 227-7079 Lower River- Peggy MacNeil Red Islands Riverdale's Seniors Club 55,  [email protected], 902-625-0166 Port River Port Hawkesbury - Francis Lamey Hawkesbury Bourgeois Strait Area Evergreen Senior Citizens Club [email protected], 902-625-3962 West Bay St. Peter's Grand River Red Islands - Howard MacIntyre Lower River Bras D'Or Lakers Seniors Club,  Louisdale L'Ardoise [email protected], 902-631-5643 River Bourgeois - Rose Merrick Arichat Rocky Bay River Bourgeois 50+ Seniors,  [email protected], 902-535-2141 Richmond County: Volunteer of the Year Rocky Bay - Cynthia Blackmore Rocky Bay Irish Club, [email protected] Congratulations Rose on Félicitations à Rose pour 902-302-3922 being selected as Richmond avoir été sélectionnée St. Peter's - Ken Leachman County’s Volunteer of the comme bénévole de l'année Bonnie Brae Senior Citizens Club  Year! Many thanks for your dans le comté de Richmond ! [email protected], 902-535-2835 contributions, passion, Merci beaucoup pour tes West Bay - Murray McPhee energy, and time! contributions, ta passion, Head of the Bay Seniors Club ton énergie et ton temps ! 902-345-2988 or Sedley Rafuse, [email protected], 902-345-2063 10

LAST WORDS Celebrating and thanking the many local businesses and organizations in our communities operated by older adults The Richmond River Roots Market Garden began in 2019 with community member donations, a donation of land, the purchase of a former glebe house and adjacent land in River Bourgeois. Set up as a non-profit, social enterprise, all income accrued through the Richmond River Roots Market Garden is reinvested into the organization contributing to its sustainability. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported with project staff, many of  whom are older adults from our community, lending their skills, passion and talents to address food security in Richmond County and surrounding areas. The objectives are: For more information contact the Project to increase access to fresh, affordable produce;  Development Coordinator Rita Warner at to increase knowledge and implementation of ‘backyard gardening’ by County residents;  [email protected] or 902-535 3393 to establish a sustainable social enterprise whereby two to three apprentices/year are educated in eco-agricultural/heritage approaches to market gardening that honour our land, and to establish a community kitchen to teach and produce meals for vulnerable community members. Samson and Landry Gardening has been in the business for 35 years providing excellent service to the residents of Richmond County. Open seven days a week beginning in May through to July from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., they stock a wide variety of products to address your gardening needs. Whether a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, stop by and chat with Andre Samson and you won’t be disappointed. They are located just as you arrive in Petit de Grat, on the right hand side at 16 Old Boudreauville Road. In their greenhouses you will find a variety of soils, fertilizers, composts, hanging baskets, plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs. Andre can be reached at 902-227-5422. Les jardins Samson et Landry sont en activité depuis 35 ans et offrent un excellent service aux résidents du comté de Richmond. Ouvert sept jours par semaine, de mai à juillet, de 8 h à 17 h, ils offrent une grande variété de produits pour répondre à vos besoins en matière de jardinage. Que vous soyez un jardinier novice ou un professionnel chevronné, passez les voir et discutez avec André Samson, vous ne serez pas déçu. Ils sont situés juste en arrivant à Petit-de-Grat, sur le côté droit au 16 du vieux chemin Boudreauville. Dans leurs serres, vous trouverez une variété de terreaux, d'engrais, de composts, de paniers suspendus, de plantes potagères et florales et de fines herbes. André peut être joint à  902-227-5422. When you step into The Greenhouse Co-operative located at 9651 Grenville Street in St. Peter’s, you feel it...a passion for growing, a passion for customers, and a passion to work hard at success! Twenty years in this location, they are a year-round business with nine greenhouses and 16,000 square feet of growing and retail area. There’s more than passion here though. There’s deep knowledge of horticulture, and best practices honed over the years. With a loyal customer base that comes from as far away as Truro and Halifax, it’s not          Connie Stewart, Carol Dixon-Nightingale             surprising that  plant tables were emptied out by mid-July in 2020!  Seniors and Debbie MacDonald                                themselves  now, Connie, Debbie and Carol thank the seniors who are the                         backbone of their success – long-term and loyal customers.  As they all attest,                             \"gardens are good for the body, soul and mind\" at any age.                                                            Phone: 902-535-3129 Email: [email protected] If you have comments, feedback and ideas Photo courtesy of Julie Freeman for future issues let us know at Click here to [email protected] Si vous avez des commentaires, des réactions Subscribe to the et des suggestions pour nos prochaines newsletter mailing list publications, faites-le nous savoir à [email protected] Newsletter Committee Newsletter Design Celeste Gotell Celeste Gotell and Janelle AuCoin Cynthia Curtis Julie Freeman Health Promotion Team Mental Health and Addictions Translation provided by Janine Lacroix Nova Scotia Health 11