Welcome to our 2021 virtual AGM. If you have any questions or need help in accessing this content, please email [email protected].
Author: Over 55
-
The Longevity Economy
During 2020/2021, Over 55 received a Labour Market Partnership Grant from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to research and make recommendations for a Longevity Economy, where individuals age 55+ could be engaged to participate in the work force longer.
This project is now complete, and you can download a copy of the report by clicking the icon below.
-
June 2021 Newsletter
June brought a tragic reminder of just how much needs to be done to combat racism, acts of hate, and Islamophobia. As thousands of people, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gathered June 8th in solidarity, a message from the London Muslim Mosque on its website highlighted next steps: “We will be calling for an immediate National Action Summit on Islamophobia, where federal, provincial, and municipal/territorial leaders come together to take immediate action on dismantling both violent forms of Islamophobia and systemic Islamophobia. These actions are necessary to ensure that no one else suffers the way #OurLondonFamily has suffered.”
What a Thrift Store Find!
This painting by David Bowie turned up a thrift store in North Bay, and nearly went to a landfill. After being salvaged, it fetched $108,000 at auction! CBC has a great article on this story here.
COVID-19 Update
Ontario moved into Step One of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen on Friday, June 11th. That includes measures that will allow restaurant patio dining for groups of up to four people, outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 10 people, and limited access to non-essential retail stores. The roadmap is a 3-step approach to reopening, based on vaccination rates and public health indicators. For more information visit: Roadmap to Reopening
Highway Safety
There are some alarming numbers from Ontario Provincial Police about highway safety. According to the OPP, from January to the end of May 2021, 94 people were killed in 88 fatal crashes on the province’s roads compared to 87 deaths in 78 fatal crashes in the same time period for 2020. Thirty-six percent of deaths on OPP patrolled roads occured in May. OPP say speeding and driver inattention were the leading causes of fatal collisions. See more at OPP Road Safety
Boating Reminders
If you’re heading out on area waterways for the summer season, here are some safety reminders from the Canadian Safe Boating Council.
- Wear your lifejacket. More than 80% of Canadians who drown were not wearing a lifejacket, or not wearing it properly.
- Boat sober.
- Be prepared. Make sure your boat is properly equipped with the required safety gear and that the weather is suitable for your voyage.
You can download Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide by clicking: Safe Boating Guide
We hope that you stay safe and healthy, and look for more updates in July!
-
Mar/Apr 2021 Newsletter
COVID Update
In response to the surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations, a provincewide stay-at-home order was issued effective Thursday April 8th. This requires everyone to remain at home, except for essential purposes. Updated regulations are posted on the Middlesex London Health Unit website. The vaccine rollout is also continuing, with updated information which you can view here.
Fraud Awareness
March was Fraud Awareness Month; an event sponsored by the RCMP, the Canadian Anti Fraud Network and the Competition Bureau of Canada. Appropriately, with the number of people online during the pandemic, this year’s focus was on online fraud. Did you know that in 2020 Canadians lost more than $106.4 million to fraud? And of that, $62.6 million was related to online fraud? To help protect yourself, an online resource is being made available called The Little Black Book of Scams, which talks about 12 common scams.
Mark Your Calendars!
On Wednesday April 28, 2021 at 7 p.m. NWL will be hosting an online event with Const. Catherine Fountain from London police. Const. Fountain will be discussing fraud awareness and prevention. The event will be held virtually, and we will be emailing invitations via Eventbrite, so look for it in your inbox.
Spring Flooding
Spring flooding can be a problem for homeowners. The Home Flood Protection Program based out of the University of Waterloo’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation has some spring flood protection tips such as:
- Remove valuables from your basement
- Test your sump pump and battery backup
The Home Flood Protection Program has an online checkup you can access to better understand how to protect your home.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness
The warmer weather means more motorcycles are on the road. To help make the journey safer, here are some tips:
For Motorcyclists:
- Always wear proper safety gear
- Drive according to weather conditions and your ability
- If you have to pull over, know how to conduct a roadside stop properly
For Drivers:
- Always signal before merging into traffic or changing lanes
- Ensure you make visual checks for motorcycles by checking blind spots and mirrors
- Never tailgate
Additional safety tips can be found at Spring Motorcycle Safety
-
February 2021 Newsletter
We hope that you had a Happy Valentine’s Day and that you and your loved ones are staying safe and connected, as we continue to follow COVID 19 rules and regulations.
Mark your Calendars
February is Black History Month. To mark the occasion, London Police Service celebrated its Trailblazing Award winners with a virtual event on the 26th. The award recognizes outstanding youth, and celebrates the contributions of Sergeant Lewis Coray, the first black officer hired by London Police Service. This year’s keynote speaker is Barbara Nathoo, a passionate advocate for children’s education. For more information visit the LPS website London Police Service
COVID 19
We’re all keeping a close eye on provincial regulations impacted by COVID 19. It’s also a good idea to stay on top of potential scams and issues of concern related to the pandemic. The Government of Canada maintains a website with up-to-date information COVID 19 Frauds & Scams. The site also has informative content about other related issues. For example, the site addresses misinformation that has arisen during the pandemic. One such topic is titled “Exposure to electromagnetic fields”. The subheading states: “Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 5G devices doesn’t spread COVID-19. There is no scientific basis behind these claims.”
As the vaccine rollout continues, there are media reports that the province will be launching a web portal for bookings. The Global News report says a successful pilot project was carried out in January, and the hope is to have the portal up and running by late February or early March.
The Thames Valley District School Board has introduced a way for students to stay fit during the pandemic. It’s called the Red Shirt Effect. The name refers to athletes who may not be on the playing field, but are still part of the team. Workouts have been developed to be used at home that require a minimum of equipment and space. Details can be found on the TVDSB website: New initiative produces student with virtual fitness.
Winter Safety
Falls are the most common cause of injury among Canadians seniors. According to Statistics Canada, it’s estimated 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall each year. Winter can be especially treacherous, and with that in mind, the Mayo Clinic has advice on its website about helping to prevent falls. This includes:
- Take care in risky locations. Check to see if the ground is slippery when exiting a car.
- Allow for extra time.
- Check your gait. Use a slower and wider gait for better stability.
- Dress appropriately.
- Carry a cell phone with you.
For more tips visit: Avoiding the slip: Winter Fall Prevention
Pet Protection in the Cold Weather
Our pets are also vulnerable to cold, and it’s helpful to keep these SPCA tips in mind.
- Know your dog’s limits. Some are more susceptible to the cold because of their age or breed.
- Check your car hood to ensure a cat hasn’t crawled under there for warmth.
- Wipe your dog’s paws. Avoid having them lick off road salt, antifreeze or de-icers.
Additional advice can be found at: Top 10 Winter Weather Tips for Pets
-
January 2021 Newsletter
The new year has brought new challenges, as the province imposed a lockdown beginning January 14th to help prevent the spread of COVID. This requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes including:
(more…) -
Over 55 December 2020 Newsletter
From our families to yours, we would like to extend our best wishes for the holidays. While the pandemic has made 2020 a very challenging year, our wish is that for all of us 2021 will bring hope, peace and joy. For our December newsletter, we are including some great safety tips from our friends at Neighbourhood Watch London.
Protection from Package Theft
According to London Police Services, there’s been a 36% increase in porch package thefts this December, compared to 2019. “With pandemic safety measures coinciding with a holiday season in full-swing, people are turning to online shopping now more than ever. While many businesses are still open, many London residents are choosing to shop online in order to avoid packed shopping malls and grocery stores. Many services have also moved to contactless delivery, no longer requiring a signature upon delivery,” notes the LPS. The London Police Services website has some safety tips including;
- When possible, arrange for a specific delivery time or window to ensure that you will be home.
- Monitor your tracking number to ensure that you are around when the package is delivered.
- Ask a neighbour if they could receive your package if you won’t be home at the time of delivery.
For more prevention tips visit the LPS website Porch Package Theft
Watch Your Vehicles
It’s always important to remember to lock your vehicles. And that’s an especially timely reminder, when we’re out shopping this time of year. Earlier this month, the Insurance Bureau of Canada released its 2020 list of the top 10 stolen vehicles in Canada. “Electronic auto theft is on the rise across the country as more vehicles are equipped with technology like keyless entry remotes,” notes the IBC. “In addition there’s a growing trend, especially during the pandemic in dangerous activities such as street racing…providing a market for small, speedy vehicles.”
Here’s a link to the IBC’s top 10 vehicle theft list.
Are You Password Protected?
It can be challenging to manage multiple passwords on the internet. But be aware that using something easy to remember can put you at risk of being hacked. The internet security company NordPass puts the password 123456 at the top of its list of the 200 worst passwords for 2020, noting that it can take hackers less then one second to crack Most common passwords of 2020
To create a strong password, the Better Business Bureau recommends it should be at least 8 characters long, with upper and lower case letters along with numbers and symbols. The BBB says it’s best to avoid using family and pet names as well as birthdays. For suggestions visit BBB Tip: How to Create a Strong Password
Have a Safe & Happy Holiday! See You in 2021!
-
November 2020 Newsletter
November 2020 Newsletter
November is a time of remembrance for those who have served their country. We would like to express our gratitude to the men and women who have given so much in times of war and peace to help us live in this wonderful community.
(more…) -
October 2020 Newsletter
What’s New at Over 55:
Fall is here! And with the arrival of the cooler weather, it’s time to turn our thoughts to those fall projects you may have been considering. Although the pandemic has meant challenges to the way things are done, it’s still important to keep on top of maintenance projects. And Over 55 Skills at Work is here to help. Please contact us at o55.ca for more information about the services that we provide. If you’re working on a “to do” list, here’s some advice that you may find useful.
COVID-19 and Halloween
The pandemic has raised questions and concerns among families about trick-or-treating this year. Recent media reports include comments by Mayor Ed Holder and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Chris Mackie, which highlight considerations in planning for Halloween. Neighbourhood watch London has put together a special Halloween guide, which you can read here: NWL COVID-19 Halloween Tips
Goodbye Summer!
Decluttering things that may have accumulated over the summer is a good way to welcome the fall. It may seem overwhelming, but here are a few tips to getting started:
- Donate warm weather clothes that didn’t see the sun this year.
- Take the time to go through your garage while the weather is still warm
- Recycle summer magazines you’re holding onto “just in case” for things like recipes.
- Recycle boxes that may be lying around from online orders.
Lawnmower Maintenace
It’s almost time to park the lawnmower for the winter. And it’s easy to forget about the mower once it’s back in the garage. But here are some tips to help ensure that it will be in smooth running order when you need it again in the spring.
- For Gas Mowers: Drain the gas at the end of the mowing season. Old gas is one of the main reasons a mower won’t start at the beginning of the season.
- Clean out the undercarriage. Caked grass can clog the discharge chute.
- Change the spark plug every year to ensure an easy start.
- For Gas and Riding Lawnmowers: Consider a professional tuneup and routine maintenance, including a diagnostic test.
Eavestrough Cleaning
It’s important to make sure that your eavestroughs and clean and in good shape BEFORE the snow and ice hits. Otherwise, you could experience costly damage such as:
- Roof damage: When clogs cause flooding, it could produce rot on the roof.
- Pests: Clogged eavestroughs can be an appealing nesting site.
- Garden Bed Damage: Excess water spilling from clogs can damage plants over time.
- Foundation Damage: If water overflows and pools along the foundation, it can freeze and possibly generate cracks, leading to serious damage and expensive repairs.
Eavestroughs are often out of reach and working at heights can be extremely dangerous for untrained individuals. Be sure to contact us for a quote on eavestrough cleaning if you need help.A Special Note From London Police Service Regarding Increased Bank Fraud
Be aware of recent reports of personal banking fraud. Here’s how the scam works: The victim is approached by someone who says they’ve lost their wallet or phone. The suspect asks for assistance, sending a fake electronic fund transfer to the victim. The victim is convinced to withdraw cash from an ATM, and hands the money over to the suspect. After the suspect has left the area, the victim realizes they have been defrauded. In another scenario, the victim is asked to deposit a cheque by the suspect into their personal bank account and turn over the money to the suspect. The victim later discovers the cheque was fraudulent.
“The London Police Service would like to remind the public that agreeing to withdraw funds from a bank account for a stranger is very risky, and usually ends up in a situation where the victim loses money. Any time someone wants to use your personal bank account for their benefit, it comes with great risk and should be avoided to protect the integrity of your bank account and personal finances” according to the London Police website.
Canine Kudos!
Here’s another great note from our friends at Neighbourhood Watch London: Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they have four legs! London police dog Koda, is being credited with helping the Canine Unit catch a stolen vehicle suspect. The vehicle had been taken from south London residence September 28th. Police tracked down the van, and as they approached the vehicle, the suspect fled into an alley. Koda led police to a man hiding inside a large garbage dumpster. The suspect has been charged with theft over $5000.
Until next month, we hope that you stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
The Over 55 London Team -
OTF Grow Grant Summary
Thank You OTF!
With the pandemic impacting so many communities around the world, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect on a positive end to our OTF Grow Grant.
In 2017, Over 55 Skills At Work was awarded an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant. The $397,000 was invested into our organization to help it grow and diversify its operations and membership, with a special focus on recruiting more female and ethnocultural Associates.
A core component of this project also reflected on offering increased training opportunities to our Members. All new members now receive access to intake training, and in addition, were able to offer the following workshops for the first time in our 30+ year history:
- Small Business Workshops, including marketing, digital marketing and small business finance
- Technology training – E-Mail, smartphones and more
- First-Aid
- Working At Heights
- WSIB
- Customer Service & Conflict Resolution
While the COVID-19 pandemic did impact our efforts, we were able to enjoy significant growth and impact with the valuable support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This 3 year period allow us not only to grow our organization, but it also allowed us to expand outside of London, with Guelph and Chatham-Kent on our roadmap for 2020. It also led to several community partnerships, including our management of Neighbourhood Watch London.
Unfortunately, this pandemic also forced us to cancel our planned OTF recognition event, which was to be attended by OTF Staff, local MPs/MPPs, local media, and our team. We have created a short video highlighting some of our OTF achievements, and hope that the community recognizes OTF for its support of our, and many other organizations.
This global pandemic has caused our economies to contract and change, with effects that will be felt for years. While over the short-term this has impacted our operations, we are confident that we can create long-term entrepreneurship, training and employment opportunities for individuals age 55+ in our communities.
While this OTF grant has ended, we will continue to work hard to create opportunities for mature entrepreneurs, and to serve seniors in our community.
