Meeting Highlights - 2015

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November 2015 - General Meeting Highlights 

This November, the Post Polio Network had their holiday and end of the year "get together" at the Katherine Friesen Centre. This was a trial run to see how the membership enjoyed a less formal dinner for their annual holiday celebration.

Our musical guest was Walle Larsson, one of Winnipeg's finest saxophone jazz musicians. Walle entertained us when we were arriving, while we were getting our meal, and after our meal. He played music from his new CD and many festive tunes. He frequently was accompanied by recorded music. Everyone enjoyed this fabulous music.

The lunch consisted of a variety of Chinese food dishes and Kentucky Fried Chicken with cake for dessert. Everyone enjoyed the meal.

After lunch there was a gift exchange for those who wished to participate. Lots of fun!!!

October 2015 - Meeting Highlights

Meeting Topic: International Hope Canada Inc.
Presenster: Ms. Liz Patzer

International Hope began in 2001 when two Winnipeg women came together with a common goal; a Winnipeg nurse who became aware of the critical medical needs on a trip to Malawi and a nurse who had collected and was storing superfluous/unneeded/unwanted new medical materials from a local hospital.    International Hope started by sending boxes of medical supplies to areas where needed.

International Hope is a charitable, non-profit organization that is run by senior volunteers.  International Hope Canada Inc. supplies medical equipment, both new and used and new medical materials/supplies to third world countries.  The medical materials are often excess homecare supplies.  The volunteers sort, pack and make small repairs on equipment.   Private companies, service organizations individuals, medical facilities or medical organizations can drop off medical equipment/supplies at the warehouse Wednesday and Saturday mornings or at other times after making special arrangements.   Supplies come from all across Canada and Manitoba.  The contributors are responsible for the transportation to the Hope International warehouse.  The 35,000 square foot warehouse is located on Milt Stiegel Road and Yukon Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  TELE:  204 774-1102.

Financial support is through donations.  Every dollar received is used to deliver the goods.

  • In kind support; the cost of warehouse rental, heat and hydro is donated by the building owner
  • All supplies and equipment to be sent
  • Memberships of $5.00 per year
  • Individual contributions
  • Third party involvement
  • Specific ethnic group proups
  • Supply and/or borrow medical equipment to the movie industry for donations.

An example of a donation was when the hospital beds were changed from manual operation to automatic/electronic operation, International Hope was given the older beds. New mattresses were made by a Hutterite colony that operates a mattress factory. The beds are appreciated by third world countries.

Hope International prefers to send 40 foot containers full of equipment and supplies as that is the most economical. These containers are 75 cubic meters and weigh over 10 tonnes when loaded. The cost of the container is supported by the sponsoring group, company, organization, family or in some cases receiving country governments. All the contents of the container are supplied by Hope International and are free. Hope International is responsible to pack the container but the sender is responsible for the costs involved in sending the container from $7 to $20,000. Container goes to known contacts in the receiving country. Hope International needs a reliable contact recipient to ensure success of the program. Also, individuals can take a package when travelling to developing countries.

International Hope measures its success through:

  • feedback from recipient communities; pictures and letters
  • personal reporting by those involved
  • photos of efforts in action

International Hope Canada Inc. has sent supplies and equipment to 47 countries around the world in South and Central America, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the African continent.

In 2016, International Hope plans to send five (5) 40 foot containers to areas in need. Shipments are made from April to October; packing takes place during the winter months.

June 2015 - Meeting Highlights

The June Meeting was a social event.   A Picnic was held at Bourkevale Community Centre on Ferry Road in Winnipeg.   “Famous Dave’s” supplied the food; ribs, chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and rolls.  For dessert we had a cake from Costco.  All this for $5.00—it was a great deal!!!  The event was a great success and the food was fabulous.  There were about sixty people in attendance consisting of our members, family and friends.  A good time was had by all and there was great camaraderie.   Doug was helping with the Grey Cup Pool Ticket Distribution.  Cheryl was inviting everyone and passing out information for PPN’s upcoming conference on The Physical and Psychological Aspects of Aging with PPS.

May 2015 - Meeting Highlights

Guest Presenter:  Lawyer, Heather Dixon, L.L.B.
Presented on:  Health Care Directives, Power of Attorney, Wills 

Heather Dixon, L.L.B. is a lawyer that specializes in Elder Law, Wills and Estates.  Heather served on the Board of Alzheimer Society of MB for 12 yrs. and Alzheimer Society of Canada for 6 yrs. It was here that she found her passion in the field of Elder Law. As a result in 2000 Dixon Law Office was formed with a focus on this new emerging area of practice, Elder Law.   In 2002 Heather received the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal for her work with Alzheimer Canada.  In June 2013, Heather became of   counsel to Pullan Kammerloch Frohlinger.   As counsel to the firm she can share her knowledge and experience with all members of the firm, its lawyers and clients on Elder Law issues. 
Heather emphasized what was important in preparing our individual futures in an aging population - the focus on BEING PREPARED! 

Heather explained this preparation process beginning with what we do while we are living and of sound mind.

  1. Health Care Directive – a MUST for everyone to have the right to appoint someone to speak on your behalf/make decisions for you when you are not able – that person becomes known as your “Proxy”. When naming anyone on any document, be sure you have spoken with them clearly about it and have their consent. Speak with them about your needs and wishes and write them down together should you be unable to care for yourself at some point.

    A simple form is available on the internet by Googling Health Care Directive Manitoba – on that page there will be a link to the form which can then be printed for use. You do not need a lawyer for this form; it is free of charge and legally binding. A witness is optional – not mandatory.

- Naming a Proxy – option to give two names if desired

 - For the question “Do you want them to act jointly?” Always check off “consecutively” to avoid any conflicts that might arise when making decisions for your life.

-Treatment instructions:  Heather advised that rather than try and write all the details on this form, simply write “Proxy must be consulted to discuss details as he/she will be making all the decisions.”

- DNR– Do Not Resuscitate is a very broad area – always leave it blank and let your Proxy decide. In emergency situations, there might not be time to contact your Proxy so at those times the doctors will make an immediate decision as it is their job to make people’s lives better. Then once the Proxy is contacted further treatments will be outlined and honoured

Once this form is completed, dated and signed, send copies to all your doctors and health care professionals: i.e. GP, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Dentist, any specialists you see on a regular basis, even to your clergy and pharmacist. Also call your local hospital’s Records Dept and request that your HCD be included in their electronic record system then it is available to all hospitals.

  1. Power of Attorney (PoA) – Have drawn up with a lawyer.

    A PoA gives someone the you trust completely  the right to speak and act on your behalf. That person (legally known as “attorney”) will be in charge of all your belongings and bank accounts, but does NOT control you – only your stuff.  It is recommended that there be only one “attorney” on a PoA.   This is a situation where you are still mentally competent but perhaps not physically able to do certain things for yourself.
  • A Springing PoA – takes effect only upon the occurrence of a specified situation or at specific time when you are not able to conduct your business.  An example would be an extended trip abroad and your “attorney” would conduct business on your behalf for a specified time; or a hospitalization as a specific situation when you can’t conduct your own business.  
  • An Enduring PoA - PoA automatically expires when you can no longer manage your affairs due to incapacitation.  A PoA can be stated to continue or endure even in the event of your subsequent incapacity. This is called a continuing or enduring power of attorney.

Joint Bank Accounts - not advised particularly if the co-applicant is married. If they divorce, then their spouse is legally due a percentage of any money in any and all accounts that are held jointly with you and your co-applicant. Have a legal PoA drawn up instead, then only the PoA will have access to your monies.   

Once you’ve passed away your Will goes into effect and PoA’s are no longer valid.

  1. Last Will and Testament – Have this drawn up with a lawyer. 

    This document names an Executor or Executors who take care of your business after you die. It states what to do with all your possessions that are left behind. If there is a substantial amount of money, consider leaving some to charity as this will result in a tax deduction for your Executors (if you want them to receive such a benefit).Without a Will – You want to avoid this by having a lawyer help you draw it up and pay a one-time fee. Otherwise the courts will form a Committeeship that will include a relative or friend who will be appointed to speak on your behalf and a Public Trustee. This is a government-controlled situation with a long legal process that can take months or years to complete, and the cost of not having a Will can be in the thousands of dollars.

If you have not already done so, please contact a lawyer of your choice.  For those 55+ or on limited income, please keep in mind that A & O (Age & Opportunity) has a lawyer for these specific documents at a very reasonable cost. You can call A & O at 204-956-6440 and tell them that you would like to make an appointment with their lawyer

April 2015 - Meeting Highlights

A & O Support Services for Older Adults The guest speaker, Katherine Nelson from A & O, was a very knowledgeable lady and an excellent presenter with a wealth of information on the many services offered. All services are FREE of charge, but each person requesting any of their services must be interviewed and registered.

ONE phone number will get you in touch with the staff and volunteers who will get you connected to the services you require: 204-956-6440 or Toll Free: 1-888-333-3121. A&O Mission Statement: A&O Support Services for Older Adults (formerly Age & Opportunity) is a not-for-profit social service agency that offers life-enhancing programs and services to older adults 55+ living in the province of Manitoba. A&O programs and services support and enhance the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual lives of older persons and actively promote participation in all aspects of community life. Some highlights from the Programs and Services that were presented:

  • Safety and security - 24/7 abuse help line, safety aids
  • Social engagement  - interactive programs from the comfort of your own home
  • Connect program - assist socially isolated older adults - connecting to independent living
  • Counselling services - information & referrals, housing information, legal clinics

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY PROGRAMS LISTED OR YOU WOULD LIKE A PRINTED COPY OF ALL THEIR SERVICES; PLEASE CALL ANY TIME OF THE DAY, 204 956 6440. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE AT THE OTHER END OF THE PHONE.

 March 2015 - Meeting Highlights 

Guest Speaker - Roger Currie, from CJNU Nostalgia Radio 93.7 FM Roger has been a writer, broadcaster and storyteller on the Canadian Prairies for more than 40 years. From a junior in the CJOB newsroom in 1970, to a news director in Regina in 1977, to CJOB in 1981 Roger was on the move pursuing what he loved to do most ' report news, and interview people. In 2006, finding himself drifting into early retirement, wondering what he should be doing now, Roger finally settled in Winnipeg in 2012 continuing with freelance writing for the Free Press and Senior Scope which he still does today. It was then that Roger met Bill Stewart from CJNU Radio; a non-profit community co-op station that had been operating on temporary permits until 1994, CJNU progressed into selling annual memberships to where they currently have about 1,000 members. The nostalgia music from 1920's through the 1960's era was very well received by the listeners. It was something new and refreshing. The biggest change for CJNU was that the station moved from 107.9 to 93.7 FM, a position that allowed more freedom in broadcasting, and acquired a new 500 watt transmitter that was able to deliver this nostalgia music without interruption 24/7. Broadcasts are heard at host-sponsor locations throughout the city. These are mostly non-profit organizations themselves, who pay for CJNU to come in and help promote their work while playing the music that leaves the audience with a positive feeling. Many of the CJNU staff are volunteers. Many unique volunteer positions are available. CJNU appreciate their co-op members who pay and annual membership. Listen live at 93.7 FM Radio, channel 725 on MTS TV or off their website at www.cjnu.ca. Or call their info line at 204-942-2568, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Roger does a newscast that is heard every weekday morning at 7:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. He also looks at stories in greater depth on Currie's Corner, heard Friday through Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m., and in partnership with Barry Bowman, another prairie broadcaster, who lives in Victoria, Roger co-hosts a weekly podcast, called Boomertown which can be heard every Saturday at 8 a.m. and 11 p.m., also in CJNU 93.7 FM.