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Thursday, December 13, 2012


EPSI's Community Education Sessions - 99 to date!

East Prince Seniors Initiative will be hosting it's 100th Community Education Session on Thursday, January 3 at 10:30 a.m.      We are currently working on the January schedule and hope to have it ready before Christmas.  

We are SO fortunate to have such wonderful presenters who will come and give their time to deliver sessions.    (REMEMBER:  Although sessions are sometimes geared to seniors, they are open to everyone, regardless of age.   And you will find that many topics are for a very broad audience.    They are also FREE. )

We hope you will drop by in the new year - come often!    We would love to see you.    

If you want any more information about our sessions, why not drop by the EPSI office at Credit Union Place or give us a call at 888-21754.    MERRY CHRISTMAS!  
 
  1. PLEASE NOTE:    This is an excellent program!

    LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE is a fun and practical program that helps people with ongoing health conditions (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, stroke, etc.) overcome daily challenges and maintain active, fulfilling lives.
  2. The program is also open to caregiver, loved ones, and anyone ready to make lifestyle changes to improve their health. Topics covered include managing symptoms, healthy eating, exercise, better communication, and how to make daily tasks easier.

  3. Sessions are held once a week for 2.5 hours over a six week period. The program costs $10 and participants receive a copy of the book: Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.

  4. Wednesdays beginning January 9th in Summerside at the Trinity United Church from 9:30am - 12 noon

  5. To register, call 1-888-854-7244 (toll free).

  6. Additional information about the program is attached or online at www.peihealthyliving.ca. Living a Healthy Life is organized through the Department of Health and Wellness.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Community Education session for the week of December 3-7th.

On Tuesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. Seward Bouchie and Gloria Schurman are doing a presentation called Computers:  Why Bother?  We will touch on the many varied uses for computers and give examples of the common computer devices used in everyday life.  A good overview for anyone who wants to learn more about what computers can do and the reasons they might want to learn about them.

On Thursday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m., Ann Miller from the Canadian Cancer Society will be giving an overview of the society's role and their programs.  She will also talk about how friends and families can help when someone has been diagnosed.  This promises to be a very informative and worthwhile talk.

Please remember that sessions are free and open to everyone.

If you would like more information on either of these sessions, please call us at 888-2174.  Hope to see you!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Community Education session for the week of November 26-30th

On Tuesday November 27th at 7 p.m. Dr. Doug Carmody will host an informal chat about men's health.  Bring along your questions - this is an excellent opportunity to learn from a very knowledgeable health professional.

On Thursday November 29th at 10:30 a.m., Jules Aucoin, from the provincial government, will talk about what you need to know about PEI's long-term care program.  He will give an overview of how the program works, with lots of time to answer any questions you may have.

Please remember that sessions are free and open to everyone. 

If you like more information on either of these sessions, please call us at 888-2174.   Hope to see you!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Community Education Sessions for the week of November 12-16th. 

On Tuesday November 13 at 7 p.m.  We have Cindy Cameron, a Summerside lawyer, touching on many legal issues, including wills, estates families and planning for the future.  Cindy has a real interest in sharing information with the community, and this should be a session of interest to many.

On Thursday, November 15 at 10:30 a.m., we will be hosting a free session in Gentle Fit with Melanie Ramsay-Mugridge.  Drop out and experiencce this very popular form of excerise in a group session.  All are welcome, and there are ongoing classes available if you want to continue after your introductory class.

Please remember that sessions are free and open to everyone.

If you like more information on either of these sessions, please call us at 888-2174.    Hope to see you!

Monday, October 22, 2012

THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY SESSIONS:
 

At Credit Union Place, hosted by EPSI
SESSIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE!    ALL ARE WELCOME!

Tuesday October 23    7 p.m. Room 3   Vince MacRae from the Summerside Garden Club will talk about "PUTTING YOUR GARDEN TO BED".   Vince is a great presenter, and he will answer any questions you may have re: getting your plants and shrubs ready for....well, you know......winter.    It will come eventually.

Thursday October 25     10:30 a.m.  Room 2   Denise Lockhart, from Family Service PEI will do a presentation called, "DEBT SETTLEMENT CALLS - ARE THEY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?"   A timely session that will explain debt settlement calls and the pro's and con's.    Lots of great information.

Hope you can join us at these two sessions!  

Thursday, October 18, 2012

FLU SHOTS FOR SENIORS
 
Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club
9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on October 24
and 31.

FREE of charge
No appointment is required. 
(Another tentative date is November 8 - but they are not sure about that one yet.)
  

Also: October 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Kensington Legion
and another one
October 26 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Borden Legion.

This information was received from Harbourside Medical Centre this morning.

Monday, October 15, 2012

PLEASE NOTE: 

 55+ Games is looking for a Director for East Prince and also someone to represent West Prince. Duties include attending one meeting a month and then helping to organize the games and assist as required.   Meetings are usually in Charlottetown on Mondays.  The AGM is 19 Nov in Charlottetown at the Dutch Mill Inn - 9:30 am and all are welcome to attend.  For more information, please call Stew Arkwell at 436- 1384. 

Friday, October 12, 2012

 
WE'RE BACK!
 


Our educational sessions are starting up again, with the first being on Tuesday October 16 at 7 p.m. Joyce McCardle is doing a presentation on SENIOR SAFETY, and touching on topics such as Vial of Life, scams, and frauds. Joyce does an excellent job of these presentations, and they are certainly very informative.

On Thursday, October 18 at at 10 a.m. Jillian Wood, a nutritionist from Simply for Life will deliver a presentation called NUTRITION I.Q. Some great information about nutrition and healthy eating. There is something in session for everyone!

PLEASE NOTE: EPSI's sessions are all free and open to anyone who is interested in attending. We would love to see you there!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012





Here is another volunteer opportunity to think about!    The VON Adult Day Program operates Wednesday and Friday mornings at Wilmot Community Centre.    They are looking for volunteers to help with therapeutic activities such as morning exercises, music and reminiscence programs, distributing nutritional snacks, etc.   If you think you might be interested, please call Linda Arsenault at 436-6689 or 432-4411.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

This editorial was in the Lethbridge Herald.    Some interesting points--HOORAY FOR SENIORS!


Celebrating our seniors 
 
 
PrintPDF
 
 
You won't find it listed on the calendar but Monday is a special day. Not as special as the following Monday, perhaps, which is Thanksgiving Day, but Oct. 1 has a special designation of its own. It's National Seniors Day.
The day was introduced last year to coincide with the United Nations' International Day of Older Persons, which has been observed each Oct. 1 since 1991.
As the name suggests, the purpose of National Seniors Day is to celebrate our seniors - and there's much to celebrate. Our seniors are a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom, and they make a significant contribution to our society. Many senior citizens are still a part of the workforce and their contribution in that area is crucial in view of the labour shortage experienced in many sectors.
Other seniors make an important impact on our communities by volunteering. Figures from Statistics Canada's 2004 report, "Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating," indicated an estimated 34 per cent of Alberta seniors were involved in some sort of volunteer work, and those seniors contributed an average of 254 hours per year compared to 166 hours for other Albertans. Part of the reason, of course, is that most are retired and have the time to volunteer. But it also indicates they have the desire to remain active in their communities, and that's to the benefit of countless organizations and programs which could not operate without volunteer support.
Many seniors serve as caregivers to other seniors. According to national statistics, about eight per cent of those caregivers are 75 or older. There would be a noticeable void were it not for their caregiving efforts, and as the seniors population expands in the coming years, those efforts will become increasingly important.
Some cultures traditionally revere their elders. We would do well to show similar respect to our seniors. There is an anonymous saying which notes, "Do not forget the hands of the aged; they have touched much of life and have become sensitive and sympathetic."
Our senior citizens are able to enrich our lives in many ways. We should appreciate their contributions more than one day a year, but Monday would be a good day to remind ourselves how important they are.
CONGRATULATIONS
 
 
 
All of us at East Prince Seniors Initiative would like to take this opportunity to congratulate this
 
year's recipients of the PEI Senior Islander of the Year awards.  They were:  George Olscamp,
 
Garnett Buell, Joyce MacKenzie, Antoine Richard and Doreen Woodard.    Seniors truly do
 
contribute SO much to their communities.    It is wonderful to see them recognized and applauded.
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

 PASSPORT TO EMPLOYMENT


 This is a program that assists people between the ages of 55-64 years who wish to re-enter the workforce. It includes job search skills, computer skills, personal awareness training and increases opportunities for part-time or full-time work.

 There is a Summerside program starting September 25 and WE STILL HAVE ROOM FOR TWO MORE

Give us a call at EPSI for more information888-2177

or Contact Passport to Employment directly at :
 Yvonne Doyle
 Marketing Coordinator
 Phone: (902) 620-3857
 Fax: (902) 368-5909

Be on the watch at various locations for the Orange T shirt 

wearing folks who are out in support of Raise A Reader Day on

PEI and get your special edition newspaper


Monday, September 17, 2012

NOTE THIS DATE:
Saturday, September 22
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS CAN EXERCISE  (PACE)
A free session by the Arthritis Society
at the YMCA     212 Green Street      Summerside 
For more information please call toll free 1 800 321-1433

Friday, September 14, 2012

LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE is a six-week program for people who have ongoing health conditions. It helps them overcome daily challenges and maintain an active life. Sessions in Summerside start on October 2 at Credit Union Place and will run Tuesdays from 1-3:30 p.m. For more information call 1-888-854-7244 or check it out at http://www.gov.pe.ca/health/livingahealthylife.
HOW EXCITING!
 
EPSI has been named a finalist in the COMMUNITY IMPACT category  for the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards.
 
We are very appreciative of the support we have received from Chamber members, and we are proud to have been nominated for the award.
 
We would like to wish all others who are nominated the very best.
 
 
 

Friday, September 7, 2012

Give us a call at 888-2177 if you would like to find out more about PASSPORT TO EMPLOYMENT.

 This is a program that assists people between the ages of 55-64 years who wish to re-enter the workforce. It includes job search skills, computer skills, personal awareness training and increases opportunities for part-time or full-time work.

 There is a Summerside program starting September 25, with an information session on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 at 2 p.m. at Access PEI.  

TOASTMASTERS is a program that provides the education and support to be able to speak in any social setting.....and much more.   Meetings in Summerside are the first and third Wednesdays of every month at Sobey's Community Room at 6 p.m.    For more information please call Nancy Beth Guptill at 724-3330 or Rena Gaudet at 831-2930.    Check out their website at www.toastmasters.org   

Thursday, September 6, 2012

PLEASE NOTE:     We received this message from Community Legal Information Association about courses they will be offering.    These issues often touch the lives of grandparents as well.    This is an excellent community service:


With the help of the United Way of PEI, we will be hosting three Fall sessions of our free custody and access course called The Best Interests of the Child
in Custody and Access
.

You will learn:
• What you can expect if you have to go to court to resolve a custody and access dispute.

• How the ‘best interests of the children’ can be met.

• Ways to resolve your dispute outside of court.

These sessions are delivered by a volunteer lawyer.

Professionals who work with clients in this area are also welcome.

September 11th & 13th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Ch'town)
(Cathy Chaisson, Legal Aid)

October 23rd & 25th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Ch'town)
(Ron Profit, Cox & Palmer)

November 6th & 8th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Summerside)
(Nancy Key, McInnes Cooper)

Please let clients, friends and family know!

To register:
902-892-0853 or 1-800-240-9798
clia@cliapei.ca www.cliapei.ca
http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/pls-guide.pdf

Check out the Public Library Service FALL PROGRAM GUIDE.    Obviously, the library isn't just about borrowing books any more.   Some GREAT ideas for community participation!

  

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Congratulations to Aldine Richard for being named Acadian of the Year at the Evangeline celebrations this week.    Aldine was a participant in our Visions of Voice painting class, and she's a prime example of the impact seniors have in their communities.    Way to go, Aldine!!!

Friday, August 31, 2012





VON Canada will be starting an adult day program in Summerside in mid-September.     This has the potential to be of great benefit to participants as well as to their caregivers.    A doctor's referral is not necessary, but an assessment will be done by a VON nurse to determine eligibility for the program.   Please call Linda at 436-6689 or 432-4411 for more information.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

LEARN, LEARN, LEARN


Many people credit their good health with the fact that they stay active and try to learn new things on a regular basis.   September is quickly approaching, and there are many ways you can experience lifelong learning in East Prince this fall.   Three of them are:

EPSI's educational sessions will be starting up again soon, with two sessions per week--one morning and one evening--on many, varied topics of interest to seniors as well as the general public.    All of these sessions are free and open to anyone.   Stay tuned for our schedule.

PEI Seniors College will be holding registrations at Holland College's new Waterfront Centre on September 19.   Their website is www.seniorscollege.ca      The schedules will be out shortly and course descriptions are available now.  

PEI Community Schools are getting their SIS Fall program started with registration on Tuesday, September 11.   Check out their website at www.peicommunityschools.com for more details.

Drop by our office at Credit Union Place to find out about new programs and resources available to you.    Or give us a call at 888-2177.   We would love to hear from you!


Friday, August 24, 2012

PLEASE NOTE THAT EDUCATIONAL CLASSES WILL BEGIN AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE SOME DIVERSE, INTERESTING, AND INFORMATIVE SESSIONS FOR YOU THIS YEAR.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US WITH ANY IDEAS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT TOPICS AND PRESENTERS. 

AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT, LET US KNOW!

You can reach EPSI at 902 888 2177 or 2174.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN THE FALL.
Here is the information from the 2012 SIS community school.    Most community schools run after Christmas, but the SIS classes begin in September.   Please note registration dates.  

Summerside Intermediate Community School

Chair: Donna Matthew
Phone: 436-1174         Location: Summerside Intermediate, Central St., Summerside

Early Registration: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the school (bus entrance).
 Registration: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. (classes to follow at 6:45 PM)

Fee: $15.00                           Age Limit: 12 years and over (as per instructor discretion)
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 6:45 following registration (If possible, please register on the 11th). Classes Run 6:45-8:45 PM each Tuesday night following.

Courses Offered: Organic Farming; Beginner Fiddle; Scrap Booking; Line Dancing; Garden Art; Dancing with Pain (easy on joints); Cro-Hooking; Rug Hooking; Cooking; Computers; Jewellery Making; Craft A Night (Christmas Crafts); Topic A Night; Cross Stitch and Embroidery; Knitting and Crocheting; Jam Session; Therapeutic Touch (minimum of 10); Cards or Games for fun.
 Tentative Courses: Quilting; Photography; Guitar; Watercolour Painting; Basket Weaving; French; Japanese; Fly Tying; Belly Dancing; Home Decor.

 Please Note: Some classes requite extra costs for supplies, etc., i.e.; Garden Art fee is an additional $65 and Jewellery Making $10-$15 (depending on cost of supplies). Materials are supplied with this extra cost.
There may be other courses made available, check our  website http://peicommunityschools.com/summerside-intermediate-community-school or Summerside Intermediate Community School PEI Group on Facebook. We will also be putting ads on Kijiji.ca and Used PEI. Hope to see you at our school this fall!

 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

In recent years, the media has published many articles on how seniors are a drain on our health system or how the national pension system will not survive a growing population of seniors. This article is a reminder of why seniors should be celebrated within their communities.

 

The View from the West

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

'Grey tsunami' spreads a whirlwind of wealth

 
STORIES abound in the media about how seniors are going to bankrupt the health-care system or how the Canadian pension system will collapse under the burden of a growing senior population.
What we don't hear in the midst of all of these doomsday stories -- which are not based in evidence, and are simply wrong -- is how seniors contribute to society.
The fact people live longer than ever should be celebrated as one of the biggest success stories in history. As the saying goes: "Getting old is better than the alternative."
How do seniors contribute to society? As with any younger person, they shop, they use services (which employ people) and they pay taxes. They also volunteer; in fact, many organizations would be hard-pressed to function without their older volunteers.
Seniors also give generously; they make more charitable donations per capita than any other age group.
Seniors babysit; they look after grandchildren. One can only imagine what would happen to our economy if, suddenly, no grandparents were available to look after grandchildren. How many parents would have to scramble to find other care options (already scarce) -- or would have to miss work because they couldn't find alternatives? How many soccer games or ballet classes would be missed if Grandma or Grandpa were not there to drive the grandchildren?
Seniors do housework, home maintenance and yardwork -- not just for themselves, but for others as well. They provide transportation and run errands for others. They provide emotional support and friendship, like the senior who looks in on a housebound friend to make sure everything is all right and stays for a chat.
Seniors provide care for spouses or friends. Think of the wife who takes on more and more responsibilities in and outside the home as her husband starts to get frail. She may not think of herself as a caregiver, but without her, what would happen to him? Who would get the groceries, run errands, do the cooking, take him to medical appointments?
Other family members are not always available to help. They may live too far away or have health problems themselves. There are organizations that can help out -- but the bulk of these supports are made possible because of volunteers.
And the volunteers are typically seniors.
Then there is the husband who takes care of his wife who has Alzheimer's, who, from moment to moment, can no longer remember what day of the week it is, never mind what month or year, whether she has eaten, or what she just did; who keeps asking the same question over and over again, forgetting the answer as soon as it is given. He makes sure she gets dressed, eats properly, takes her medication, accompanies her to the doctor, and keeps her life as normal as possible. Without him, she would not be able to live at home anymore, but would have to be admitted to a care home.
Because of him, she is able to stay in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. Because of him, she is not a "burden" on the health-care system.
Rather than creating catastrophic visions of the impact of the "grey tsunami," it would help if we took a more balanced approach to the aging population. We need policy solutions to address the real challenges, such as: How do we ensure family and friends who care for older adults and play such an important role in their lives receive the supports they need? How do we provide supports in communities to make them as age-friendly as possible so seniors can continue to contribute to society and have the best quality of life?
Acknowledging seniors' contributions would help to make ours a more age-inclusive society that does not pit one generation against the other. It would also be a more accurate reflection of how most of us engage with each other in our everyday lives.

Verena Menec is an expert adviser with EvidenceNetwork.ca, a professor in the department of community health sciences at the faculty of medicine, and director of the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba.

-- EvidenceNetwork.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 23, 2012 A11

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

 
PASSPORT TO EMPLOYMENT IS COMING TO SUMMERSIDE! The Passport to Employment program is a joint initiative of the Federal and Provincial government to address the employment needs of mature workers while providing a service to local business.

The goal of the program is to help people aged 55 - 64 improve their skills in order to rejoin the workforce. It is a five week course on job search skills, knowledge and confidence building and skills identification. During the five weeks participants are encouraged and assisted in the process of seeking employment.
 
AN INFORMATION SESSION FOR THE SUMMERSIDE AREA COURSE will be held on Tuesday, August 28 at 2 p.m. in the Boardroom at Access PEI, Harbour Drive,Summerside.

The program begins September 11. Drop by and get the answers to any questions you may have – the organizers would love to see you there.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Some food for thought - How will the findings in this poll affect the workplace?   What if more and more seniors find themselves having to work part-time or full-time to supplement their retirement income?   Could this help employers who are looking for someone a day or two a week to round out their staff complement?

Poll: most fifty somethings plan to work in retirement to offset low savings

Published on August 21, 2012
The Charlottetown Guardian


TORONTO — A new survey of Canadians in their 50s found that 53 per cent of those polled said they plan to continue working after retiring in their 60s, in many cases to supplement their income.
The national online survey, conducted last month for CIBC (TSX:CM) by Leger Marketing, found that Quebec respondents were least likely to say they'll work after retirement, at 47 per cent.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan respondents were the most likely to say they planned to work after retirement, at 59 per cent.
Atlantic Canada (54 per cent), Ontario (55 per cent), Alberta (57 per cent) and British Columbia (49 per cent) were closer to the national average of 53 per cent.
Meanwhile, about 29 per cent of those surveyed said they were not sure if they would work after retirement, while 14 per cent said they would definitely not work post retirement.
According to the survey, almost half of today's 50-59 year olds polled have less than $100,000 saved for retirement and many planned to use employment income in retirement to make up for lack of savings.
``The retirement landscape is shifting as baby boomers reach traditional retirement age with a smaller nest egg than they expected to have,'' said Christina Kramer, executive vice-president, retail distribution and channel strategy at CIBC.
``Many Canadians are now planning to draw on multiple sources of income including employment to fund their retirement, and that makes getting advice about how to manage your income, savings, and investments even more important.''
Overall, the survey found that of those who plan to keep on working, 37 per cent said they would do so part time.
And only one third of those who plan to work post retirement said they would do so just for the money.
Two-thirds _ or 67 per cent _ saw working either as a way to either stay socially active or that they just found work enjoyable and wanted to stay involved in the workforce in some capacity.
The average age at which the respondents plan to retire varied by region, with those in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba and Saskatchewan looking to retire earliest at age 62. Ontarians were next at 63 and followed by those in Alberta and British Columbia at age 64.
CIBC says results are based on a poll conducted online by Leger Marketing via the LegerWeb panel that it says comprises more than 400,000 households. It said the poll used a sample of 805 respondents aged 50 to 59 and was conducted between July 5 and July 8.
The polling industry's professional body, the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association, says online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population.
SENIORS COLLEGE REGISTRATION at Holland College Waterfront Campus on Wednesday, September 19 from 10 a.m. until noon.   The full list of courses is available at www.seniorscollege.ca 

Friday, August 17, 2012

This is a link from the Journal-Pioneer--and it's a great example of what a group of dedicated seniors can accomplish in their community.   Congratulations to all of the committee members!

 

A walk to remember

Nancy MacPhee/Journal Pioneer
Al Poirier looks down at his brick in the Walk of Honour at the Air Force Heritage Park at Slemon Park. A rededication of the walk is taking place Aug. 24.
                               
Al Poirier looks down at his brick in the Walk of Honour at the Air Force Heritage Park at Slemon Park. A rededication of the walk is taking place Aug. 24.Published on August 16, 2012
Nancy MacPhee RSS Feed
 

SLEMON PARK — Al Poirier glances down at his name, one of almost 600 forever etched in stone, part of the Walk of Honour at the Air Force Heritage Park.

When Poirier signed on to help turn what was essentially a field with three abandoned aircraft into a park honouring military service, the senior, a former military man himself, never envisioned what it would become.
“Four years ago, there were three decrepit looking airplanes and a field of weeds. Today, there are three beautiful, like-new airplanes, and a park that has won a design award from the province,” said Poirier, beaming.
To the tune of almost $700,000, the park was completed, officially opening last year.
Next week, leading into the Atlantic Canada International Air Show, another ceremony, this time rededicating the park’s Walk of Honour, will take place.
The walkway is edged with granite bricks, each purchased in memory or in honour of someone who served or currently serving in the Canadian Forces Air Element, Second World War or the Canadian Military.
It’s a fitting tribute since the land it lies on was once part of CFB Summerside.
“In the 51 years of Air Force service, there are so many people from all over North America and Europe, too, that were here,” said Poirier.
When the concept was first envisioned, Poirier, a member of the Aviation Heritage Society of P.E.I. — the group behind the park — never expected the overwhelming interest it would receive people from all over the world.
The orders were so many that not all stones will be ready for the rededication.
“We never ever thought we would get near 600 stones. We overwhelmed the Windsor Monument people in Nova Scotia,” he said, with a laugh. “They have to cut the granite, design the face of the stone and it takes people who are experienced.”
Poirier often strolls the walkway, glancing down at the names.
“I get little shivers. They are names of people that I’ve met, grew up with and even older than me and also of people from the military that I have served with that I have never seen since I left the military,” he added. “You get a little twinge and think I must try to get a hold of that guy.”
Poirier hopes to see the walkway wind its way completely through the park.
“It’s perpetual.”
He also has dreams for the park and hopes it can become sustainable.
Half of the $100 cost for each brick goes to maintain the park, not near enough to cover costs, said Poirier.
“Our hope is to find patrons,” he added. “We have expenses. Insurance for the place is expensive and we must have that or Slemon Park would close us down.”
For now, Poirier is content knowing that the service of those now immortalized in stone will be forever remembered.
“They put their name in the ground here and in 100 years, hopefully, the name will still be there.”
The rededication takes place at the entrance to the park on Friday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m.
For more information about the park and the Walk of Honour, visit www.airforceparkpei.ca.

nmacphee@journalpioneer.com

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Our free educational sessions will resume in September, after a brief break this summer.    If you have any suggestions for courses/workshops that we might host this fall/winter, please do not hestitate to contact us at 888-2174 or email director.epsi@live.ca.    We plan to have two sessions per week, one in the evening and one in the morning.    See you this fall!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

OK, maybe it's too hot to talk about this right now, but........The City of Summerside and go! PEI have teamed up to offer a new go! walking program and another Learn to Run program.   Both are starting August 21 at 6 p.m. at Queen Elizabeth Park.   They are free of charge, designed for beginners, 10 weeks in length, open to all age groups, and lead by trained facilitators.   Are you kidding?    What's not to love about this?    You must pre-register by emailing gosummerside@gmail.com or call 724-3175.   Check out www.gopei.ca for more information. 

Summerside Rotary Library is offering WORD PROCESSING TUTORIALS Saturday August 18 at 3 p.m.    They are located at 192 Water Street.  Sounds great! 

There is a new HOME LIBRARY SERVICE for anyone who has a disability and cannot get to the library regularly.

The service relies on volunteers to deliver books. If you are intrerested in helping out, why not drop by the Summerside Rotary Library at 192 Water Street or give them a call at 436-7323. What a great idea----and a great service!


Please check out go!PEI's newsletter at http://www.gopei.ca/ for some tips on how to be active in the hot weather. You can sign up for their newsletter, which always contains excellent information!

                          GREATER SUMMERSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 
                                       BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
                                     

Well, this is exciting! EPSI has been nominated for a Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce Community Impact award! We attended a mixer this morning at the Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club where the nominees were announced.   
There is certainly no shortage of excellent businesses and organizations in our community, that's for sure. We are displaying our nominee status at our Seniors Access Centre with pride. Drop by and visit us at Credit Union Place.  We'd love to see you!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hi everyone!    Hope you are all enjoying the summer.    PEI is certainly beautiful this time of year (as it is ALL times of the year!)   

We just wanted to bring you up to date with EPSI as of the end of July.    To date, we have had over 1200 participants in our 84 sessions this year.    We have been very fortunate to attract excellent speakers who have generously donated their time to put together presentations and come in to Credit Union Place to share their expertise and knowledge.   

With August bringing people vacations, visiting family members, and many functions and events, EPSI has decided to take a break from our sessions until the fall.    Many of the presenters we have spoken to have indicated that September and on would be the best time for them to deliver new sessions.

So from now until September we will be working hard to put together a schedule that we hope will interest many people.    We will be back on CBC's Talkback and the Journal-Pioneer's Community Happenings to promote the fall sessions.    Please drop in to see us if you are at Credit Union Place.    We are always looking for more ideas for new sessions!!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Gloria at 888-2174.    In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your summer and we sincerely hope to see you in September.   Take care.   

Monday, July 9, 2012

Hi everyone!    Tomorrow (Tuesday) night, Seward and I will be doing a session on saving and retrieving files on your computer.    People often say they are somewhat timid when it comes to saving, deleting, and finding files.    Hopefully, we will be ably to de-mystify the process for you.    We will use a projector so that you can view the computer screen, and there will be lots of time to ask questions.   We hope to see you there.

Also please note:   due to many presenters enjoying vacations and family visits this month, our offerings are sporadic.   Please give us a call at 888-2177 if you are wondering what sessions will be occurring.   Thank you for your ongoing support - we appreciate it!   Gloria

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Join us tonite, Tues, July 3rd at Credit Union Place at 7 pm for a well informed talk on Heart Health and Stroke Prevention with John Mitchell - a first aid instructor with a wealth of knowledge.

Also Wed, July 4th at Credit Union Place at 10:30 am for a presentation on Planning Ahead Information such as wills, estate planning, and grandkids by Kelly Robinson - a presenter from CLIA.   Should be good sessions.  See you there!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Melanie Ramsay-Mugridge will be starting GentleFit band classes on Tuesday, July 3rd at 9:30 am.
Classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 until 10:30 and the cost will be $3.90 per class.  Another option is to purchase a ten-class pass for $39.00 and get one class free.  If you have a current CUP membership the classes will be free.  Classes will be held in one of the conference rooms at CUP.  See you on the 3rd.

Friday, May 25, 2012

We had a great turnout at our sessions this week.   Seward's presentation on SKYPE was excellent, and participants were able to view a Skype setup and ask some very good questions.    Melanie Ramsay-Mudgridge, manager of the FitStop, gave a super presentation on GentleFit--stretching using rubber bands.   This will be repeated on Wednesday, May 30 from 11 to 11:45.    Come along and join the group!   It looks like GentleFit will be offered at Credit Union Place over the summer - details to follow.   It really is a great way to keep joints and muscles in shape.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Tuesday - May 22 - Credit Union Place from 7-8 pm  "Introduction to Skype"
Skype allows users to communicate via computer by voice, video and instant messaging over the Internet.  Seward Bouchie will demonstrate the ins and outs of Skype, including how to set it up and the basics of Skype calling.

Wednesday - May 23rd - Credit Union Place from 10:30 to 11:30 am "GentleFit with Rubber Bands"
GentleFit with rubber bands - Introduction.  This is a gentle form of fitness which is designed to improve joint and muscle tone.  You can give it a try and see if it is what you have been looking for in the form of gentle exercise in a group setting, or on your own.  Melanie Ramsay Mulgridge - Manager of The Fitshop will demonstrate.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Kudos to all staff and volunteers with Canadian Mental Health who were passing out daisies yesterday for Mental Health Awareness Week. What a lovely surprise we got at the EPSI office when we were presented with a bouquet. THANK YOU for all you do! (and for the daisies, of course!)
 
 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

THE NEXT WEEK AT EPSI:

This Friday morning, the Photography Club will meet in the lobby of Credit Union Place near the EPSI office for a field trip, if weather permits.    Drop by and catch up on the photography club's plans!    Marvyn Ramsay is the contact.   Give us a call for more information.



OnTuesday May 15, from 7-8 p.m., EPSI is hosting a session on Backyard Birding. Birdwatching and feeding the birds are excellent PEI pastimes. Greg Feetham, a birder and photographer, will talk about how you can attract birds to your back yard and he will share some of the beautiful photos he has taken. We think this will be a really interesting and entertaining evening.
On Wednesday, May 16, from 10:30 - 11:30 in the morning, artist Joan Savage will show some of her landscape paintings from across PEI and share her stories of how she developed “Nature’s Healing Art”.
As usual, our sessions are at Credit Union Place, they are free, and they are open to everyone.
If you would like more information, please call Gloria at 888-2174

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

JUST A REMINDER.........

On Tuesday May 8, from 7-8 p.m., Leslie Strubel, a deep tissue massage therapist, will talk about Healing Bowls. Healing bowls are used worldwide for meditation, music, relaxation and personal well-being. Some health professionals using healing bowls include psychotherapists, massage therapists, cancer specialists, and stress and meditation specialists. We hope you will drop by Credit Union Place to find out more.
On Wednesday, May 9, from 10:30 - 11:30 in the morning, EPSI will host a session at Credit Union Place on Reflexology by practitioner Joan Savage. This is a natural healing art which can be used to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing. Reflexology treats the whole person, and not only the symptoms of disease.
PLEASE NOTE that our sessions, although targeted to the 50+ crowd, are not restricted to that age group. All are welcome!
If you would like more information on either of these sessions, please call Gloria at 888-2174

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

MARK THIS DATE: Saturday, May 26 -    10 a.m.
                
YMCA of PEI is hosting their second annual 10-5-1k Fun Run at Emerald, starting at the Community Centre near the train station. Proceeds to support "Youth-in-Need Programs" at YMCA. Both the professional runner and those wishing to test their running/walking skills are welcome. Prizes, games for children, and plenty of food options.
 
The Y folks hope to see you there!
NEW SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR EPSI - At Credit Union Place

Please note that our sessions are not restricted to seniors.   If you have an intrest in any of our sessions, please feel free to attend - we would love to have you there.

On Tuesday May 1, from 7-8 p.m., Meighan Forbes will give an overview of a program called LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE.   This is a 6-week program which is designed to help you manage your health and maintain an active and fulfilling life while dealing with chronic conditions.   Meighan will give you an outline of the self-management program and tell you more about how you can get involved.



On Wednesday, May 2, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.   Dr. Linda Morrison will introduce you to naturopathy. 
This is a system of medicine based on the healing power of nature. Naturopathy is holistic, meaning that naturopathic doctors strive to find the cause of disease by understanding the body, mind, and spirit of the person

If you would like more information on either of these sessions, please call Gloria at 888-2174.