ridge meadows seniors society: september ......page 3 september & october 2020 rmss- maple...

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2020

RMSS- Maple Ridge, 12150 224th Street Maple Ridge BC V2X 3N8 Tel. (604)467-4993 Web: www.rmssseniors.org

RMSS- Pitt Meadows, 19065 119B Ave Pitt Meadows BC V3Y 0E6 Tel. (604)457-4771

FACILITY HOURS

Maple Ridge

Seniors Activity Centre

12150 224th Street

Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3N8

604-467-4993

Hours of Operation

AS OF SEPTEMBER 8

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Closed Sep 7 & Oct 12

Dewdney Trunk

Brown Ave

122 Ave.

224th

St.

121 Ave.

190a S

t.

119b Ave.

Harr

is R

oad

RIDGE MEADOWS SENIORS SOCIETY: Serving Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows September & October 2020 Program Guide

Pitt Meadows

Seniors Activity Centre

19065 119b Ave

Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 0E6

604-457-4771

Hours of Operation

AS OF SEPTEMBER 8

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

(Tuesdays 9:00am opening)

Closed Sep 7 & Oct 12

Ford Road

www.rmssseniors.org

Need to put a face to a name? These are three of our wonderful CALL TEAM who have dedicated COUNTLESS hours each week phoning our members over the past months. Left to right: Linda, Sandra, and Wendy.

We are grateful to each one on the team!!! What a difference you have made to so many people!!!

RMSS centres are opening

Sep 8 for membership renewals and class pre-registrations.

Limited programming resumes Sep 21




STAFF PHONE DIRECTORY:

Executive Director, Maria Perretta 604-477-9985; [email protected]

Administrative Coordinator, Nancy Markham 604-467-4593; [email protected]

Activity Coordinator, Carmen Tischer 604-477-0425; [email protected]

Outreach Coordinator, Bev Schmahmann 604-380-0516; [email protected]

Volunteer Coordinator, Kara Matthew 604-380-0517; [email protected]

PM Facility Coordinator, Marcia de Vega 604-457-4771; [email protected]

You Connect Coordinator, Vanessa De Freitas [email protected]

VALUE STATEMENTS: We strive to …

… be a community leader in relation to issues relevant to adults 55+.

… be a welcoming, inclusive, safe centre that celebrates adults 55+.

… be a hub of social, fitness, and educational activities for adults 55+.

… provide opportunities for volunteerism and community service for our members.

… be a caring, compassionate, accessible, and transparent organization that works to improve

the lives of our members.

… remain relevant and responsive to member needs.

GOALS:

1. Strengthen membership

2. More programs and services at additional locations in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

3. Maintain Organizational Excellence

4. Advocate for affordable housing for adults 55+

VISION: Connecting adults 55+ with a happy, healthy life

MISSION: Providing services, fostering shared experiences,

advancing the well being of adults 55+ in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Message from RMSS President…… 3-4

What to Expect……………………. 4-8

Membership/General Info...……… 10

Cancellation/Refund Policy……….. 11

Fitness Class Equipment Info……. 12-13

Programs at a Glance……………. 14-15

Registration Guide……………….. 16

Program Information…………… 17-28

Outreach Services……………….. 33

Driving Service.…………………. 35

Annual General Meeting Info….. 36-37




MESSAGE FROM THE RMSS PRESIDENT

- continued on next page




MESSAGE FROM THE RMSS PRESIDENT - con’t

MEET YOU IN THE PARKING LOT!

With our coffee shops closed and no place to visit indoors, we are

encouraging you to come with a portable chair, your walker, or

stand while you visit with friends after a class. While the weather

stays dry, why not? We’ll save some parking spots for this purpose

at MR - and PM has the gravel lot. Join us!




WHAT TO EXPECT




WHAT TO EXPECT

Library “Grab & Go”




Some staffing updates:

As we prepare to re-open our centres many changes are being made to make them safe for

our members, volunteers and staff’s return. The activities we are able to continue with are

fewer than we are used to which means our centres aren’t open for the usual length of

time. This means that we bid farewell to some of our staff for various reasons.

Amber and Joe, known as our evening and weekend Facility Attendants at Maple Ridge,

won’t be returning simply due to the reduced hours of operation. They were here for a

short time but both brought so much enthusiasm, warmth and humour to our centres.

We will still see them around in other volunteer capacities.

Some kitchen staff changes: After years in the planning, MR Kitchen staffer Nia has moved

her family to Quesnel where they have just finished building their house. We welcome

Gaby to the kitchen crew. And Joanne, our Kitchen Coordinator at Pitt Meadows, has

decided to retire. She was with RMSS for seven years, working the bulk of her time at the

MR kitchen. She was so quick on her feet that if you blinked she would already be off on

her next task. We will miss the meals she prepared from our Pitt Meadows kitchen and

wish her all the best in her retirement.

Linda was one of our newest staff members starting in January of this year with a great big

heart! She took on brand new role of Caregiver Connection Coordinator and made great

strides getting this program set up and ready to put into action but the closure of our

buildings brought it all to a halt. Linda has since chosen to step away from this role. We

hope to have this position refilled early this fall.

On behalf of all the staff, volunteers and board of directors we bid each of

them farewell and thank each for their valuable contribution to the success

of RMSS.

Maria Perretta Executive Director, Ridge Meadows Seniors Society

WHAT TO EXPECT




Well done, Don! RMSS board president, Don Mitchell, is on the cover of the MR

Parks & Rec Fall program guide. A great bio and write up are included.

Go to: www.mapleridge.ca/1466/Parks-Recreation-Culture-Program-Guide.




MEMBERSHIP / GENERAL INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Membership cost is $25 and is valid for a full year.

You must be 55+.

A membership is required to sign up for bus trips once they resume.

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS A free membership is offered to members over the age of 90. Lifetime members are still required to come into the centre to renew each year.

DROP-IN & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Previously, most RMSS programming was designed to be drop-in, allowing members to

attend classes as their schedules permitted, and guests to try some activities free of

charge while considering membership. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, most programming

has now become pre-registered. This ensures your place in a class, secures sufficient

participation to pay our fitness instructors, and ultimately creates a safe, physically

distanced environment for our members. RMSS will continue to review and improve this

process.

Wearing your mask, please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes to class, allowing for

additional time to tap your FOB with our greeter so we have record of your visit

(should contact tracing be required). Masks are mandatory throughout the building but

optional during fitness.

Expect fewer faces in each class

Some class days and times are different; most fitness classes are 45 minutes in

length

Some class costs have increased (previously pre-registered class have retained their previ-

ous price point; drop-in fitness programs have become pre-registered, and with fewer attendees

in place, required a price increase)

We encourage you to bring your own fitness equipment (see pgs. 12-13 for more info)

To allow all members the opportunity to attend, some registration limits may be

required

A step by step guide is attached, should you need it. (see pg.16)




CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY

RMSS is committed to keeping our program fees as reasonable as possible. Having

consistent, fair ways of handling refund requests is part of what will allow us to keep fees

low. With most RMSS activities now being pre-registered, the following guidelines

regarding program cancellations and refunds have been implemented.

1.) Respecting our activity leaders’ and fitness instructors’ need to stay home if feeling

unwell, should RMSS be unable to source a substitute, that day’s class will be cancelled

and a credit put back onto your You Connect account, to be used for future activities or

at our lunch counter.

N.B. As possible, check your email prior to coming to the centres. Should there be a need

for that day’s class cancellation, we will do our best to contact you. Remember to check

your junk or spam. We will only email IF a class has been cancelled.

2.) If you feel unwell PRIOR to a pre-registered session of classes beginning, you must

contact RMSS reception to cancel your registration. Should there be sufficient

registrants to proceed, your registration fee will be refunded as a credit on account. If

there are insufficient registrations, you will not receive a refund, unless another member

is able to take your place within the class.

3.) Should you feel unwell AFTER a pre-registered session of classes has begun, we will

be unable to offer you a credit. That said, with restricted class numbers in place, once a

class is full, a waitlist will be maintained. RMSS will attempt to contact someone on the

waitlist to resume the remainder of your classes.

Staying home when feeling unwell is one of the best ways to contain any virus spread.




Remember to shop locally!

If you choose to purchase some of the above fitness equipment, you may

have success looking for these items at our local Canadian Tire, London Drugs, Winners,

and ?? Find a deal? Spread the word!

Review the program information (pgs. 17-28). Any possible equipment you may need to

bring will be listed under the class description.

1. Suggested equipment will be noted with an *asterisk.

2. These are for you to supply at your own cost.

a. Nothing may be left on site.

b. Label your personal equipment.

Resistance bands may be purchased at reception for $7.00

Foam yoga blocks (4”x6”x9”) may be purchased locally at minimal cost.

Free weights may be brought from home or

purchased locally at minimal cost.

Yoga straps may be purchased locally at minimal cost, OR bring your bathrobe tie!

3. For classes using chip foam blocks or yoga bolsters, you must bring your own pillow

case or bath towel. (You will need to cover the block/bolster in order to use it.

Blocks/bolsters will be sanitized and/or have a minimum 72 hours between classes.)

These items are used at your own discretion.

4. Bring your own pre-filled water bottle.

5. Wear appropriate athletic shoes.

FITNESS CLASS EQUIPMENT INFO

Something new: when you get to the Main Hall for a fitness or dance class,

green taped grids will mark where you need to position yourself to be safely

distanced during a physical activity. As well, you will find a clear bin for you

to place your personal belongings. For a chair class, place the bin under your

chair. For other classes, bins will be stored at the room’s edge.




FITNESS CLASS EQUIPMENT INFO




PROGRAMS AT MAPLE RIDGE – at a glance

MON TUE WED THU FRI

Stay Fit 3 Chair Yoga Stay Fit 3 Fit & Fun after 55 Stay Fit 3

Chair Fit 1 Crafts Chair Fit 1 Tech Help

(by appointment)

Chair Fit 1

Food Bank

(by appointment)

Stay Fit 3 Table Tennis Chair Fit 1

Take - away lunch served Mon - Fri 11:30am-1:00pm

Zumba Gold

Table Tennis

Tai Chi Table Tennis Personal Touch Hair Salon

(M-F; appt. only)

Table Tennis

Chair Tai Chi

Line Dance

- Level 1

Tax Clinic

(monthly, by appointment)

Hawaiian Dance Line Dance

- Level 2

Gentle Hatha Yoga

(formerly called Gentle Joint Yoga)

Meditation

Meditation

Absolute Hearing

Clinic

(most Wednesdays)

Connection & Conversation

Beez Foot Care

(Mon by appt. 778-998-2013) (see ad pg. 26)

Gentle Hatha Yoga

(formerly called

Gentle Joint Yoga)

Table Tennis

These are the programs and services currently offered at MRSC.

If you see it in this table, there should be more information within this GrapeVine edition.

Check the table of contents, program pages, or call reception at 604-467-4993.




PROGRAMS AT PITT MEADOWS – at a glance

MON TUE WED THU FRI

Stay Fit 2 Absolute Hearing

Clinic

(2nd Tuesday most months)

Stay Fit 1 Rhythm & Reach Rhythm & Reach

Stay Fit 2 Gentle Hatha Yoga

(formerly called Hatha Yoga)

Chair Fit 1 Line Dance

- Beginner

Tai Chi

Line Dance

- Level 2

Chair Yoga Chair Yoga Tai Chi

- Beginner

Take - away lunch served Mon - Fri 11:30am-12:30pm

Table Tennis Ballet Chair Yoga Crafts Table Tennis

Tech Help Flamenco Meditation Table Tennis

Table Tennis Connection &

Conversation

Foot Care w/ Emma

(Sat by appt. only 604-805-0779)

These are the programs and services currently offered at PMSC.

If you see it in this table, there should be more information within this GrapeVine edition.

Check the table of contents, program pages, or call reception at 604-457-4771.

PMSC

MRSC = Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre

= Pitt Meadows Seniors Activity Centre




* TIME: For classes that occur twice on one day, PLEASE NOTE time of your class. Attendance is specific

to that time. (You may only attend the time for which you have been registered.)

** CENTRE:

MRSC = Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre PMSC = Pitt Meadows Seniors Activity Centre

*** REGISTRATION: Registration opens two weeks before a class begins. You may now register at

either centre, regardless of where the class will occur. (Online registration is not available.)

REGISTRATION GUIDE

Follow these steps as you review the registration process:

1. Find the class which you are most interested in attending.

2. Note the cost and number of classes.

3. Find the day of the week & time*, and centre** that best suits your schedule.

4. Note the class dates for each session.

5. Note the Registration Open date.***

6. Review the “Of Note” information

7. Check for any possible equipment suggestions (found below the course description).

EXAMPLE of class registration:

For additional equipment information, go to pgs. 12-13




PROGRAM INFORMATION - Fitness





Staying physically active each day helps us stay healthy: body, mind & soul





At both RMSS centres, the entire hall will be open for programming to allow for required

physical distancing. Green taped grids are in place designating individual spots. Small,

clear bins are provided for your personal belongings to be stored at the back (MR) or room

edges (PM) during class (no more shared coat racks).

For chair fitness, a chair will be placed within the grid. Should you require a walker, it will

stay in the grid alongside you. Your bin may be stored under your chair.

Instruction will be from the stage.

Here are instructors (some shown here, left to right) Julia, Cathy, Debbie, and Jane waving hello,

and they are looking forward to seeing you!





To limit high touch-

points, we have

procured competition

level 40mm coloured

table tennis balls.

During a given

session, a player will

play with a singled

dedicated colour.

Table tennis balls and

table surfaces will be

sanitized between

sessions.




PROGRAM INFORMATION - Line Dance

At PM centre, the taped grids,

chairs, and bins are in place.

All instructors will have the

same measured grid on the

stage so they too will teach

within the same amount of

space as you.

Instructors (some shown here, left

to right) Kim (sub), Lori and

Lynda await your return.




PROGRAM INFORMATION

Need a moment?

A moment to regroup and catch your breath?

Guided Meditation is now offered at both RMSS centres.




PROGRAM INFORMATION - Drop-in




PROGRAMS - By Appointment




We happen to know...

we serve the best meals in town,

at the best deal in town, and

we have the best kitchen staff in town!

The lunch service offered at

RMSS centres IS

the best kept secret in town!

We want to thank our kitchen staff for

staying the course these many

challenging months. We acknowledge

their dedication to our seniors!!!




The Intergenerational Garden has missed

its usual visitors and is looking forward

to welcoming students back this fall.




RMSS centres will be closed on Monday,

October 12. We wish you all a...




OUTREACH SERVICES

Several years ago, the desire to address seniors’ needs within our membership and

community forged an idea at RMSS to create an outreach services department. A New

Horizon’s grant was applied for resulting in the promotion of Bev Schmahmann to

Outreach Services Coordinator. She helped form a seniors advisory committee which

then promoted the programs and services of Ridge Meadows Seniors Society through

out the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows communities. This culminated in RMSS’ first

educational forum , notably called “Here We Are - Intensify Your Laughlines.”

Since then, our Outreach Services department has been regularly supporting seniors

through helping source housing, organizing home care, facilitating caregivers support

groups, implementing a satellite food bank specifically for seniors, and also overseeing

the Seniors Helping Santa project. (Incidentally, this past July, because of the generosity

of our community, SHS were able to gift an additional 100 totes with everyday essentials

to seniors in need. Much gratitude was expressed by the recipients. Thank you to all

involved in making this program so very effective.)

A second grant, this one through United Way, called the “Caregivers

Support” has been on hold during our season of limited staffing

during COVID-19. This peer buddy and telephone support program

will soon again be top of mind. This will be lead by our Caregiver

Connections Coordinator.

Some programs you should know about:

Caregivers Connect:

Information and support for caregivers caring for loved ones at home.

Inquiries about food bank assistance.

If you are needing support, please contact: Bev: 604-380-0516; [email protected]

or go to www.familycaregiversbc.ca.

REMEMBER: we are...




ADDITIONAL COVID-19 DRIVING SERVICE PROTOCOLS:

For the health and safety of you and our

volunteer drivers:

Answer a few screening questions when

you book your trip

Wear a mask

Travel in the back seat, if possible.

Ride alone or only with those in your

social bubble/household

Refrain from using RMSS drivers as an

ambulance or if you are experiencing

COVID-19 Symptoms

Cough and sneeze into a tissue or crook

of your elbow

Touch as few interior surfaces as possible

Some of our RMSS drivers: (left to right)

Back row: Peter, Duffy Claudia

Kneeling: Sheila, Anne




MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

**Duffy 604-466-9617

- afternoons -

**Louise

604-512-4351

**Duffy 604-466-9617

**Jeri 604-842-6595

**Peter 604-230-5732

**Sheila 604-463-8929

- afternoons -

**Louise

604-512-4351

Claudia 604-467-8385

**Jeri 604-842-6595

**Peter 604-230-5732

- afternoons -

**Louise 604-512-4351

Anne 604-763-5623

**Duffy 604-466-9617

**Jeri 604-842-6595

**Louise 604-512-4351

**Peter 604-230-5732

Claudia 604-467-8385

**Duffy 604-466-9617

**Peter 604-230-5732

- afternoons -

**Louise 604-512-4351

Relief drivers: **Gillian Hodge 604-476-2109

may be available only if you find that none of the drivers are able.

** indicates drivers who are also driving members outside the Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows

areas. Priority is given to rides for medical purposes. Additional charges apply; please call

driver directly. Here are some sample rates to hospitals (round trip or one way):

Abbotsford $32, Burnaby $28, Eagle Ridge $20, Royal Columbian $24

5. Rides outside of Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows, contact the names with **

VOLUNTEER DRIVER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Have you considered becoming a volunteer driver?

A rewarding experience, adapted to your schedule requiring a small time commitment.

Contact Kara at 604-380-0517

NEED A RIDE? It’s simple!

1. Become an RMSS member: $25 a year or free for those 90+

(must still register for membership).

2. Call a driver from the schedule below. If daily driver is unavailable

select other drivers in the schedule. Please call at least one day ahead.

3. Reimbursement for drivers is a minimum $8 round trip or one way. Higher amounts

may apply due to added time and distance.

4. If you call a driver and there is no answer, please leave your name and number.

RMSS ‘SENIORS HELPING SENIORS’ DRIVING SERVICE

PLEASE NOTE

additional

COVID-19

protocols

to your left




ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION




AROUND TOWN

Masks are now mandatory on transit,

BC Ferries, RMSS and in most retail outlets,

i.e. Superstore, Walmart, No Frills, Winners...

(For TransLink, cards for exempt riders will be made available at

Compass Customer Service Centres at Stadium-Chinatown and

Waterfront Stations.)

Our local libraries

are OPEN!

PM Community Service Award nominations are open: Go to: www.pittmeadows.ca for more info.

On Oct 15 at 10:15 a.m., millions of people worldwide

will practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills. British Columbians

can join by registering for the 2020 Great BCShakeOut.

Go to www.shakeoutbc.ca for more information.

Face shields, though use-

ful, are not as efficient as

facial masks. At RMSS,

masks are mandatory.

https://www.shakeoutbc.ca/register




Have you supported a local business or service represented by one of our ads?

PLEASE BE SURE to let them know you saw their ad in our GrapeVine!

Interested in Advertising in the GrapeVine, or would you like to offer our

program guide at your place of business? Contact: [email protected]

Advertisers in this issue:

- Absolute Hearing Services - Beez Foot Care - EZ Riser

- Lower Mainland Denture Centre - MLAs Beare & D’Eith - The Wesbrooke

- Just Like Family Home Care - Mediplus Wellness

- Maple Ridge Dental Hygiene

- Qualicare Family Home Care




RIDGE MEADOWS SENIORS SOCIETY - BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019/2020

President…………………..Don Mitchell

Vice–President…………….Geoff Hampson

Secretary…………………. Bobbi Duncan

Treasurer…………………..Richard Newman

Director……………………Cindy Juker

Director…………………... Lindsay Norcross

Director……………………Fran Preston

Director……………………Kathleen Spiess

Director……………………Joan Thane

facebook.com/rmssseniors

OUR VISION Connecting adults 55+ with a happy, healthy life

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION!

We want to recognize RMSS’ amazing volunteers.

Please send your nominations to: [email protected]

I want to nominate...

JOHN B.

He is always offering to help!

He is our monthly Trivia volunteer - great presentation - Jim T.

(normally held 2nd Saturday monthly at PMSC)

He is always ready to go over and above for us - Lynn R.

John is an active volunteer at both RMSS centres. He offers one on one tech help, is part of

the Variety Plus team, leads monthly Trivia at out PM Centre, is integral to the PM Events

Committee, and is always willing to help.

ridge meadows seniors society: september ......page 3 september & october 2020 rmss- maple...

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