Perspective: Do You Like Being Old? I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body - the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don’t agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I’ve aged, I’ve become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I’ve become my own friend. I don’t chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn’t need, but looks so avant-garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 am, and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60’s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. They, too, will get old! I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten, and I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say ‘ no, ‘and mean it. I can say ‘ yes, ‘and mean it. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don’t question myself anymore. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles. Author: Unknown
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. FOOD SECURITY: OUR SPECIAL THANKS TO FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA (FCSSAA) for their willingness to provide grant support towards overcoming food security issues through the frozen Meals On Wheels program during this COVID-19 pandemic time period. This support enables low-income seniors and low-income adults and families in Kneehill County to receive greater food security by providing financial aid towards frozen meals orders through Seniors Outreach and Kneehill Regional FCSS. .
Please continue to call for this support by ordering frozen meals (available approximately every two weeks). Meals need to be ordered before 10:00 a.m. on each order date complete with payment, if able to do so. The menu is available at the Seniors Outreach main office [128 – 3rd Ave S, Three Hills] in the Provincial Building or at the KRFCSS office. You may work out your order with the reception desk/staff at either location. Low-income adults and families should call Kneehill Regional FCSS at 403-443-3800. Low-income seniors (Ages 65+) should call Seniors Outreach at 403-443-2555 or from the Carbon area 1-888-443-2555. YOU MAY ORDER OVER THE PHONE WITH ONE OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS OR CONTACT US FOR AN ORDER FORM before the next order date. PLEASE Call in to order your food as the Next Order date is Monday, September 28 (no later than 10:00 a.m.and the Next Delivery date in 2020 is Tuesday, October 6 (in the afternoon).
2. CLIENT SERVICES:
• Seniors Outreach MAIN OFFICE is open for regular hours –Mondays to Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
• Extension Offices: will provide client services in person (with an appointment) in A. Kneehill North:
i. Trochu office at Frank VanderKley’s Law Offices – presently on Tuesdays (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
ii. Torrington office at the Arena will be open by appointment only on Thursdays (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) starting on October 1.
B. Kneehill South
i. Acme office at the Acme Seniors Association – beginning on Thursday , October 8 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
ii. Carbon at the New Horizon’s Centre – beginning Tuesday, October 6 (9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.)
iii. Linden at the 50+ Club (Care & Share Centre) – beginning Thursday, October 8 (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Please be aware that the doors may be locked to the extension offices. The coordinator for extension office will let you in at your appointment time! Please have patience as we will still be the following Pandemic precautions:
IF YOU ARE SICK, PLEASE DO NOT COME UNTIL YOU ARE OVER THE ILLNESS OR HAVE SELF ISOLATED/BEEN TESTED –as appropriate!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
Please call 403-443-2555 (Carbon/area 1-888-443-2555) to Make an Appointment and let staff know if you require us to wear a mask when meeting with you.
3. CARING CARS/WHEELCHAIR BUS USEAGE: For medical appointments one may call to book Caring Cars/Wheelchair Bus as they are available for those who need this support.
4. All BUS RUNS HAVE STOPPED and NO Community Bus runs will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week in Three Hills at present. NO Bus Trips to Red Deer/Specialty Bus Trips are presently planned. Changes to Busing will be updated as it is deemed safe to do so. (Changes To Be Announced)
5. The CommUnity Drop-In Center, Three Hills is presently OPEN from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon (Mondays to Fridays only). After assessing the Alberta Health guidelines, a limited and COVID-19 protocol-based opening of the Center has been enacted. We must wear masks, maintain safe physical distancing, constant cleaning/sanitizing of surfaces in the building, continue to do hand sanitizing or washing of hands, and sign in/verify health status daily. By continuing to abide by these protocols, the Center will remain open. A Daily Fee for usage is collected ($2/day) as you enter.
6. GIFTS FOR GRANDPARENTS: Be aware that this program will look a bit different for 2020. Look for further announcements as we move forward with this program during the Fall of 2020 and towards the Christmas season. We wish to be supportive of our Seniors in the Kneehill area and to continue to provide some gifting for seniors who need it.
7. SENIORS OUTREACH IS ON FACEBOOK! If you are already on Facebook simply enter Seniors Outreach Kneehill County and if you are seeking to link to facebook use: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorsOutreachKneehill
Let us know how this is working for you! Do check Facebook for updates and announcements and please post us or provide feedback about your facebook experience!
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO the Three Hills Capital, the Seniors Outreach Website, our new Facebook page, other news sources, or word of mouth regarding any further changes to our operations.
