Spring is almost here, so here are some tips to help you make the most of it!
Melting ice: watch out for ice damming!
Warming temperatures may cause a ‘perfect storm’ of ice damming on your roof. The cycle of freezing and thawing can form ice dams and lead to leaks in the ceiling of your home, and water running down walls. Here are some tips for preparing your house for the melting snow:
Clear snow from windows and doorways. Pay special attention to shovelling snow from basement windows.
Check for obstructions such as fallen debris that may cause water to flow towards your home, rather than to gutters and sewers.
Check for icicles. They could be a sign of ice dams.
The City of London has a new tool to help people understand overflow activity in the city’s wastewater treatment system. A new interactive map and webpage has been launched that displays the status and key locations for overflow activity in real time. According to the city’s website: “Overflows and bypasses are a last resort measure to prevent basement flooding and damage to treatment processes during severe weather. A sewer system overflow occurs when sanitary sewers are overwhelmed by stormwater during wet weather events.”
Are you interested in learning more about policing in London? London Police Service is inviting people to sign up for its Citizen’s Academy. The 8-week session runs weekly from April 24th to June 2nd at London Police Headquarters. It features members of various sections, offering presentations on their areas of expertise. The sign up period for the program runs from February 24 to April 4, 2025.
They’re called frauds on top of frauds. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is warning people to be on the lookout for what are known as ‘recovery frauds.’ How do they work? Fraudsters keep a list of people who have been previously victims of investment scams, and claim they can help the victim recover lost money. The scammer will say there’s a fee for the service, and sometimes ask for remote computer access. Here’s some advice from the CAFC.
If you’ve been a victim of fraud, fraudsters may target you again with a promise to get your money back.
Never be afraid to hang up the phone.
Never allow an unknown person to gain remote access to your computer/device.
Spring officially arrives on March 20th. And if you need help with those spring cleaning projects, then call us. We can help with housekeeping, seasonal maintenance, painting, repairs and so much more.
Our thanks to everyone who came out to support us at the Lifestyle Home Show, January 26-28 at the Western Fair District Agriplex. “Our team was delighted to showcase our expertise in home repairs, renovations and maintenance – as well as our unique employment program designed for adults age 55+,” says Rodofo Martinez (Executive Director, Over 55 Skills At Work). The show attracted more than 8,000 visitors. We’re grateful to our dedicated team who helped to “get the word out” at two booths we had at the show.
Trusted Since 1986.
Over 55 Skills At Work is best known for its Associate program. We match requests for home repairs to one of our experienced members, in areas ranging from small fixes to full renovations and support services such as housekeeping and personal organization.
We frequently receive calls from our loyal customers, and are proud of the great work that our Associates do. Here is one recent success story:
A client recently called as they had an issue and required a storm door to be installed. Installing a door might sound like a simple job, but it is the kind of thing that you want to have done by an experienced professional to avoid any issues down the road.
This job was referred to Brian Fast, an experienced handyman and long-term service provider with our organization. After the job was done, the client called to say what a great job Brian did of installing his storm door. He said Brian was professional, arrived ready to do the job, knew what he was doing, and completed the work in a timely manner.
This client said he would be recommending Brian to all his neighbours, and would not hesitate to have him back to do more repairs. He also stated that Over 55 Skills at Work provides a great service to people of London.
Remember, if you need help with a home repair, you can reach us at (519) 438-1111 and let us know how we can help.
Valuing Experience – A Success Story
In our January newsletter we introduced you to Vicki Mayer, Program Coordinator, for Valuing Experience; an Over 55 Skills At Work program that connects mature job seekers with employers.
This month we’d like you to meet Tunde, a program participant. Before coming to us, Tunde sent out 150 resumes in the London area, and didn’t get a single interview. But his determination has paid off. Tunde completed his certification as a Personal Support Worker, and with the assistance of our team, he secured a job with the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON).
What services did you avail yourself of in the program?
Tunde: They helped me with resume writing, and they helped me understand the importance of computers. I learned how to put all my information on one page and they assisted me in using it for the job search. They taught me about transferable skills and how to take credit for what I had learned.
What was your experience with the program; how did it help you?
Tunde: I was able to think deeper and focus on all I could do. I learned to take what I am doing now and project it toward what I could do with my future. It allowed me to interact with people with diverse backgrounds and experience. The positive attitude of the staff helped me remain positive.
How did the program help you in terms of your current job?
Tunde: I applied for two and got both, but accepted this position as it is a permanent position, included medical benefits and assists me in meeting my financial obligations. Over 55 assisted me in applying for,and getting to the interview.
What would you say to people who are interested in accessing Valuing Experience?
I would tell them to move forward “with speed”.
Working Beyond Retirement
Health, lifestyle and financial considerations are explored in a recent Statistics Canada report on when and why people decide to retire from their job. “Among people who had not completely retired but were planning to retire, more than half (55.1%) reported that they would continue working longer if they could work part-time, and about half (48.9%) reported that they would continue working if they could work fewer hours without affecting their pension,” cites the report. For more information visit: Majority of people planning to retire would continue working longer if they could reduce their hours and stress A recent online news article also highlights how the high cost of living forced a Nova Scotia senior to postpone her retirement plans. You can check it out at: ‘It doesn’t look pretty’: N.S. woman plans to return to work at 77 amid high living costs
Romance Scams
February is, of course, the month when we celebrate Valentine’s Day. But it also serves as a timely reminder to be aware of romance scams. According to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre, last year these scams cost a reported 945 victims more than $50 million, meaning each person lost an average of $53,000. Here are some online red flags according to the CAFC.
When someone you haven’t met in person professes their love to you.
If the person wants to quickly move to a private or different mode of communication like email, text, Whatsapp, Google Hangouts, etc.
If you receive poorly written or oddly phrased messages, or if they sometimes address you by the wrong name.
London police have launched a new service inside Masonville Mall. The Community Engagement Centre is a pilot project, designed to work with residents on a number of fronts. This includes hosting sessions in crime prevention education, recruitment, as well as answering questions from members of the public. The Centre is open weekdays from noon until 3 p.m.
Until next month, we hope that you stay happy and healthy!
Happy New Year from the team at Over 55 Skills At Work and Neighbourhood Watch London! We hope you have a safe, happy and prosperous 2024.
Lifestyle Home Show
We’re thrilled to be part of the 2024 Lifestyle Home Show. Come visit us from January 26-28 at the Western Fair District to learn more about the valuable services provided by our Associates. We will also be highlighting our employment services for individuals age 55+. For information about the show and to purchase tickets, click here.
Employment Services for Adults 55+
In Conversation with Vicki Mayer about Valuing Experience – an Employment Program for Mature Job Seekers.
Over 55 Skills At Work is honoured to be spearheading the Valuing Experience program, to help mature workers connect with employers. We’ll have updates and features in upcoming newsletters, and today we’d like to introduce you to the Project Manager, Vicki Mayer.
Can you tell us about the program?
Vicki: Job seekers who are over 55 years old are connected with a team of professionals who begin the process by gathering information about the applicant. There is a meeting where we ask questions regarding previous experience, education and interest and more importantly present job goals. The program offers assistance in customizing resumes and cover letters specific to these job goals. Short term employment specific training is also offered either internally or through our community partners. There is the opportunity for weekly drop ins for peer support, digital literacy or career counselling. Personal well being and portfolio development workshops are also provided.
Who are the people being served?
Vicki: Our clients come from all walks of life and are seeking employment in a wide variety of occupations as well as full time, part time and casual employment. They are only distinguished by their age.
What’s been the response from employers and job seekers?
Vicki: Our job seekers like to be working with a team of their peers. They have been very pleased with the individual attention and services they receive. Our employers know that clients referred through us come with both work and life experience. They often speak about the belief that qualified older applicants bring an increased reliability. We have employers who call us with their job vacancies and often to say thank you for sending a successful applicant.
How can people get involved?
Call or send a request through www.skillsatwork.ca or (519) 438-1111. You will hear from a member of the team within a couple of days. We will answer your questions and if it feels like a good fit for you, set up an initial meeting.
Winter Weather – What to Know
The recent cold snap is a reminder to be prepared for winter weather extremes. The City of London has advice on keeping yourself and your home safe during storms.
Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Stay clear of bodies of water, and use caution around watercourses.
Surfaces can be slippery when covered with snow and ice, so it’s important to prevent falls.
Take small steps.
Avoid loading yourself down with shopping bags.
Don’t run on icy ground.
Keep your hands free for balance rather than in your pockets.
Additional safety tips can be found at the University of Saskatchewan website: Winter Walking Tips
Fraud Prevention
The new year brings frauds, both new and old that we need to be aware of. One of the latest scams making the rounds involves fraudsters contacting people, claiming to be either a loved one or having knowledge of an urgent situation. It’s called the “emergency scam”. You can read about one family’s experience by clicking on the CBC news report. How a Slick Talking ‘Lawyer’ Almost Scammed an Ontario Senior Out Of $6K
Here’s some advice from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for preventing similar scams:
If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from a family member in an emergency situation, hang up and contact them on the number you have in your contact list.
If the caller claims to be a law enforcement official and asks you to pay a fine or bail, hang up and call your police directly.
Listen to that inner voice telling you: “This doesn’t sound right”.
More fraud awareness information can be found by going to the CAFC website below:
Happy Holidays from O55 & Neighbourhood Watch London!
We hope you have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. And that you are looking forward to a prosperous new year.
Holiday Scam Prevention
Fraudsters don’t take a holiday, so it’s important to recognize scams that are especially prevalent during the holiday season. Here are some of the practices on the “naughty list”.
Advertisments on social media. If you’re unsure about an ad, check for the similar product on a trusted website, or find the company online at its real IP address to see if it’s offering the same product at the advertised price.
Gift card scams. Watch out for high service fees. Consider buying cards at a physical location such as a retail store.
Fake charities. Scammers exploit the spirit of holiday giving through fake online charities and phony requests by phone. Research the charity, and don’t give money to unsolicited callers who demand immediate payment.
For ongoing information about fraud prevention and reporting visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre website.
Preventing Porch Theft
Online shopping is especially popular during the holiday season. But according to a 2019 survey conducted for FedEx, 68% of Canadians asked said they were concerned about porch pirates. A further 29% said they had experienced package theft.
Here are some ways to reduce the risk of having your packages stolen.
Install a security camera.
Opt in for notifications on your package to keep up with tracking.
Use package redirecting if you will not be home to receive the package. Set delivery instructions and preferences on where to leave the package at your doorstep.
Require a photo for proof of delivery.
Require a signature upon delivery.
The 12 Days of Safety
Think about safety in and around your home. Here are some tips from Health Canada:
When buying a real tree make sure it’s fresh. The needles should be hard to pull out. Water the tree daily once indoors.
Use lights with an accredited certification such as CSA. Ensure indoor lights are only used indoors, and check light strings and extensions to make sure they’re not frayed.
Make sure toys are age-appropriate to prevent choking hazards.
The holidays are a time to visit friends and family. And that often means taking road trips. Driving according to road conditions and having a well-maintained vehicle are important. But if the unexpected happens, it’s a good idea to have emergency supplies in the trunk of your car. These include:
Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
Tow rope
Jumper cables
Fire extinguisher
Warning light or road flares
For more tips and information, visit the Government of Canada website:
Welcome to fall! It’s a busy time of the year as students return to class, and we dive into those yard and garden cleanup projects. We hope you have a safe and happy autumn.
Back to School Safety Tips
London police are reminding motorists to slow down and be alert for children heading to school. There will also be an increased police presence on the roads to ensure safety. Police are reminding parents to make sure safety is top of mind for their children.
Establish the safest route to school or the bus stop
Encourage children to stick to the route and avoid short cuts
Always walk on the sidewalk or away from the roadway
London police are also reminding parents to make sure their children are cyber safe.
Have age appropriate conversations about digital use with children
Establish your household expectations about things like text messages, location information sharing, etc.
Explore parental controls to monitor what children can access through device management programs such as parental controls
We’ve all been following the news about the wildfire situation in Yellowknife, Kelowna and other parts of Canada. But the Canada Revenue Agency wants us to be careful not to fall victim to fraudsters. Here’s a recent tweet from the CRA.
The CRA also wants us to be aware of other scams that are circulating, including fraudsters sending text messages and emails related to the Grocery Rebate.
A Windsor man says he fell victim to an online trading scam. According to a report on CTV Windsor, the man got a phone call from a so-called investment firm, asking if he “wanted to make money.” After giving them funds, he later noticed that his line of credit and his VISA account had been accessed. For the full story, click here:
An Oakville senior also recently fell victim to the bank inspector scam. This type of fraud has been around for a while, and often involves the victim getting a phone call from someone purporting to be from their bank. The victim is then asked to withdraw money in the guise of “helping” the fraudster uncover financial misdoings at the bank.
Do you have a great idea for a neighbourhood improvement project? The City of London wants to hear from you. Applications are being accepted until September 29th for Neighbourhood Decision Making 2023. The city is making available $250,000 for projects designed to enhance neighbourhoods across the city. This could include anything from streetlights to playground upgrades. For more information and to submit an application go to the City of London website.
The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and for many of us that means yard cleanup. According to the U.S.-based Aurora Health Care enews, an estimated 143,000 Americans end up in hospital emergency rooms each year from an injury related to caring for their lawn. To stay safe while doing yard work this fall, here are some tips:
Do not twist your body while raking. For example:
Use your legs to shift your weight rather than your back.
Avoid throwing leaves over your shoulder or to the side, which can cause twisting and muscle strains in your back.
Use the right-sized rake for your height and strength.
Warm up with some light stretching for 10 minutes prior to raking.
A Cambridge OPP officer got more than he bargained for during a routine traffic stop on the side of the highway last month. While stopping a driver, a kitten emerged from the nearby tall grass and sat at the officer’s feet. The driver was given a warning, and the kitten was rescued.
Until next newsletter, we hope that you stay safe and healthy.
– Sincerely, the Over 55 & Neighbourhood Watch London Team
Summer is often the time for home renovations. But did you know that home improvement was the top scam for Canadians last year according to the Better Business Bureau?
The BBB numbers are troubling:
People targeted lost an average of $1,900 in 2022.
Reports of home improvement scams to the BBB climbed from 4th place in 2021 to the top spot.
April showers….May flowers….June blooms….and staying safe while doing those seasonal cleaning chores. Here’s expert advice on prevention from Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital.
When cleaning eavestrough place ladders on solid footing and have a spotter.
Do a quick check of the backyard for stones, debris or garbage that might be tripping hazards;
Check BBQ for small animals that may have blocked gas lines.
The hashtag says it all. Many of us like to get out on our bikes in the warmer months. London police want to curb bike thefts, and they’re encouraging people to register their bikes by using a special app. “The app works to alert other London-area cyclists any time a bike is stolen or goes missing. Once the user determines his or her bike is missing, they activate an alert notification to 529 Garage, which sends out a broadcast to all users in the area to be on the lookout for the missing bicycle. This information, along with a police report, helps us recover your bike in the case of theft.” London Police
‘Where are you coming from? Where are you going to? What’s the last road you were on?’ These are questions to ask yourself if you need assistance from 911 when you’re on the road in an unfamiliar location, such as a country backroad. Here’s a timely tweet from OPP with a link to a video with advice on how to help yourself in an emergency.
NWL & Over 55 are hosting a free workshop on protecting yourself from fraud & scams. This session will be led by Constable Catherine Foundation of London Police Service.
This session is open to all, and will be held at the Kiwanis Seniors Centre on February 21st at 1pm.
We’ve put together some great tips this month to help you stay safe as we kick off 2023.
Fraud Seminar
We’ve heard in the news lately about disturbing cases of people having their homes sold without their knowledge. It’s part of what’s known as “title fraud”, which happens when a perpetrator uses false identification or forged documents to steal the homeowner’s identity in an effort to remove their legal ownership of the property. When the scammers have a property’s title, they can sell it, or attempt to get money by means such as having the home re-mortgaged. For more information read: How to Protect Yourself From Real Estate Title Fraud
Mark your calendar! On Tuesday February 21, 2023 Over55 and Neighbourhood Watch will be hosting a seminar on fraud prevention featuring Const. Cathy Fountain with London Police Services.
What: Fraud Prevention
Where: Kiwanis Sr. Centre, 78 Riverside Dr. London
When: 1 pm
Cyber Safety
As always, keep an eye out for scams both new and old . South of the border, the FBI reports that illegal call centres cost Americans billions of dollars in 2022, and many of the victims were seniors. The Canada Revenue Agency publishes a list of the latest scams on its website: CRA Scam Alerts
And here’s advice on cyber safety from Public Safety Canada:
Improve your approach to cybersecurity this year by familiarizing yourself with cyber safety stats. Check out the annual cybersecurity attitudes and behaviours report for 2022: https://t.co/FxvxsVLag5pic.twitter.com/Nxpyd85dug
January is the time that many of us make new year’s resolutions. But it’s also often the month when people start to look for a new job. According to the job search website themuse.com there are a number of considerations to keep in mind when embarking on a new career path.
Apply mid month or later so that your application doesn’t get lost in a pile of holiday mail.
Hiring may be prioritized in January because of a company’s financial cycles.
Because it’s a busy time for hiring, companies may take longer to get back to you.
Also, if you are 55+ and looking for work or considering a new career, Over 55’s Skills At Work program can offer you specialized training and supports.
Did you know that if you load a shovel with an average amount of snow (11 pounds) every five seconds, in 15 minutes you will have shovelled more than 2,200 pounds of snow? The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has advice on snow shovelling including:
Look for a shovel that’s light, but sturdy. It should weigh a little over 3 lbs.
The shovel should reach your chest to minimize bending.
Push the snow when possible. If you must lift it, take lighter loads and turn your feet in the direction where it will be thrown, rather than twist at the waist.
The numbers are troubling. According to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection-operated website cybertip.ca there was a 56% increase in sextortion cases against youth between March and August of 2022. London police joined a special campaign in January to raise awareness.
With the colder weather upon us, we’re advised to use caution when approaching surfaces covered with ice. “Use extreme caution before heading out on a frozen lake or river in Ontario. Temperature changes or a fresh snowfall can contribute to concealing thin ice.” Source: Destination Ontario. The organization’s website recommends three steps for ice safety.
It’s great to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. But it’s important to keep safety in mind. To help you out, here are some tips from the London Police Service.
If you’re travelling:
Assign a trusted family member or friend to periodically check on your home and pick up mail or flyers that may have collected.
Practice motor vehicle safety:
Bring your valuables inside and alway lock your vehicle, especially if you are at the park, the beach, or out shopping.
Take extra care outdoors:
Ensure there are proper safeguards to keep children safe around pools.
Rogers is warning customers of a new scam following a widespread service outage on July 8th. Messages known as phishing scams often involve false email and text messages designed to extract sensitive information, or get people to download viruses. A message on the Rogers website states:
We are aware of scam text messages being sent claiming to offer credits in the wake of July 8th’s service interruptions. We will apply the credit proactively to your account & no action is required. If you receive a suspicious SMS, please forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
According to the Rogers website, the company will “never contact you by email, text or phone to ask for personal information including pin and account numbers.”
Effective June 13, 2022 Ontario Provincial Police began offering online police record checks for those people in municipalities policed by the OPP. According to the OPP website, it’s a “quick and secure” way to obtain a police check, which is often needed by people in certain jobs.
A Timely Reminder From the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office During BBQ Season
A barbecue is not safe for children to touch or be near. Even after a bbq is turned off it can stay hot for quite a long time. #BarbecueSafetypic.twitter.com/5zzQyk47mg
Playground upgrades, pollinator pathways, a community pantry, bike repair stations…these are some of the winners in the City of London’s 2022 Neighbourhood Decision Making program. For a full list of winners, and where the projects will be located in the city visit. Get Involved London
Leave Us a Review for Your Chance to Win!
For the months of August & September Over 55 and Neighbourhood Watch will be running a gift card giveaway.
If you leave a Google review for Over 55 Skills At Work you will be entered to win one of seven gift cards.
The gift cards included in the draw are:
$25 Parkway Garden Centre
$130 Niagara Park Passes (x2 counted as one prize)
$50 Exodus Escape Rooms
Lunch for four at Willies Café
Lube, Oil, & Oil filter change at Jiffy Lube
4 lawn bowling lessons at Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club (x2)
Over 55 has launched a new program for mature job seekers. Valuing Experience connects job seekers age 55+ to free training, coaching and other valuable resources.
Getting started is easy! Just email info@o55.ca or call (519) 438-1111 to see if this program is right for you.
Thank you and be sure to keep an eye out for our Fall newsletter!
Fraud is the #1 crime against Canadian seniors. And it can take many forms such as identity theft, credit or debit card fraud, as well as phone or door-to-door scams, and more. We invite you to join us virtually on Thursday June 23, 2022 at 7 p.m. for a live webinar; Seniors & Fraud Prevention, brought to you through the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada’s financial literacy program. Our featured presenter is Roshan Quraishi, CPA CMA. Roshan has more than 10 years experience in the financial sector, and he is currently Senior Financial Consultant for William Osler Health Systems.
Topics that will be covered in the webinar will help you:
understand what fraud is and how it works
learn how to identify the signs of fraud and how to act on suspicions
learn about the top three scams
understand why seniors are targeted
know what to do if you are a victim of fraud
We kindly request that you pre-register, as there are resource materials that will be emailed to you prior to the webinar. Upon registration, you will then be emailed the coordinates that will enable you to attend the live webinar.
