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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2015-12-23, Page 66 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Seaforth Trust is now worth $3 million Shaun Gregory Huron Expositor It's been 13 years since the Huron East/Seaforth Community Development Trust originated. Since then they've doubled their capital, making the corporation worth roughly $3 million. After first hearing the news back in 2002 that the Canada Post Office could potentially part ways with Seaforth, a small group of locals including Deputy Mayor Joe Stef- fler joined forces to make sure this did not happen. As a result of this possibility the trust was born. The previous owner wanted the build- ing sold and the concerned group knew the level of damage to the town that could result if a business like this were to shut down. After creating the HE/SCDT that year the Post Office building was purchased. "We thought, uh oh a Post Office is central to your community," said the chair of HE/SCDT that Lin Stef- fler, remembering back when first Ai But we are not a committee of council, we have no ties to council, we are a stand alone committee," — a statement made clear by Maureen Agar, the secretary of the HESCD. hearing news that Seaforth may perhaps be left without a mailing outlet. Under the authorization of the municipality the Public Utilities in Seaforth was sold for approxi- mately $1.4 million. The proceeds were contributed to a trust for the community of Seaforth. This sub- stantial amount of money launched the HE/SCDT that with all intentions of reserving funds, promoting health and safety, morality and welfare of the rate- payers in the geographical district of the former town of Seaforth. The group of people that made up the HE/SCDT from the commence- ment compiled of seven staples of the community including both Seaforth councillors. "But we are not a committee of council, we have no ties to council, we are a stand alone committee," a statement made clear by Maureen Agar, the secretary of the HE/SCDT that. This specific trust created more than a decade ago when Lin was the Mayor of Huron East is one that benefits the population for longer lengths of time compared to the typical cash returns said Agar, "If you look back, some of the towns when they got the money back, they rebated the taxpayers, it was a one time thing and it was gone," explained Agar. Purchasing property such as the Post Office, the CCAC build- ing as well as partnering with the Health Centre, the community organization has constantly increased the town's money by investing funds and collecting rent. Currently the value of their guaranteed investments and cash is roughly $1 million. In addition to all the money and equity they have also donated $320,000 to local sports and education and $375,000 to healthcare projects according to Lin and Agar. All of these projects are brainstormed and chosen carefully by the team, both the HE/SCDT that members said. "It has to be safe, it cannot be any risk at all, (and) we cannot gamble because this is not our money, this money is in the trust for the betterment of Seaforth," said Lin. 'If anything happens to this trust down the road, the money that is left in it, goes back into the reserve funds of Seaforth." Now that their last project of sprucing up Victoria Park is almost finished, this December members were asked to come up with one idea to move forward in the New Year, the strategic plan already has 18 ideas. "We gave carbon monoxide protectors. I'm hoping in another year and this is just an idea on the top of my head. What about fire extinguishers for kitchens? You never know what can happen," stated Lin who's been with the organization for six years. As it stands, by the next munic- ipal election some of the mem- bers of HE/SCDT will be ready for retirement, this will open two positions to the community, which will be available in the form of an advertisement in the Expositor. Alzheimer Societies receives $385,400 OTF Grant for Minds in Motion Program Three Alzheimer Societies in Southwestern Ontario will share a three-year, $385,400 Ontario Tril- lium Foundation Grow Grant for the innovative Minds in Motion® Program that was introduced in Ontario two years ago. Minds in Motion® is a two-hour, eight week community-based program for people with dementia and their care partners that combines physi- cal activity and mental stimulation. 'Alzheimer's is a painful disease that takes a toll on all involved: patients, friends and family. It is encouraging to see the work of the Grey -Bruce, Huron and Perth Alz- heimer's Societies recognized, and I lookforward to seeing the good that will come from this grant in expand- ing the Minds in Motion program:' - Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron -Bruce. The Alzheimer Societies of Grey - Bruce, Huron, and Perth were among six societies in Ontario that offered the program in 2014 and 2015 as apilotproject Following the success of the pilot, the three socie- ties partnered to seek Ontario Tril- lium Foundation funding to con- tinue offering the program for the next three years. "We are thrilled that we will con- tinue to be able to offer this pro- gram for the next three years," said Cathy Ritsema, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. "Early on in the pilot pro- gram we saw the value of Minds in Motion for person's with dementia and for their care partners." People with dementia are often excluded from mainstream recrea- tionalprograms due to cognitive def- icits or potential need for support. This exclusion contributes to social isolation and decreased activity and compromises health and wellbeing. The program offers gentle and easy to follow physical activities and fun social activities focused on building personal connections. This program has been shown to break down leisure barriers and increases social participation outside of the program. "Evidence from the pilot projects show that participation in Minds in Motion® decreases social isolation and improves physical and emo- tional wellbeing'; Ritsema said. "Care partners who participate may also reduce their risk of isolation:' During the pilot, Minds in Motion® programs were offered in Clinton, Goderich, Grand Bend Wingham, Owen Sound, Hanover, Stratford, and Listowel, and 157 par- ticipants were involved in 2015. The Ontario Trillium Foundation fund- ing will allow the three Societies to increase the number of programs to a total of 27 eight-week sessions each year and the goal is to involve 1,044 individuals over that time. "In Huron County during the pilot we offered ten (10) sessions over 14 months in Wingham, Goderich, Clinton and Grand Bend. Our plan is to continue to offer ses- sions in each of those communities and to expand to offer the program in other communities in the county;" Ritsema said. The pilot projects were offered in collaboration with communitypart- ners, including: The North Huron Wescast Community Complex, The Goderich- HuronYMCA, One Care, and the Grand Bend Area Commu- nity Health Centre. The three Socie- ties will continue to work together to ensure consistent standards for the program. "We will continue to build and enhance our partnerships to deliver accessible programming within our communities and ensure all staff and volunteers delivering the pro- gram are trained in dementia edu- cation;' Ritsema said. The key goals of the program dur- ing that time: Enabling the person with dementia to get involved in com- munitylife Promoting healthy lifestyle changes for both the person with dementia and their care partner to improve quality of life Increasing inclusiveness to create dementia friendly communities through education and awareness. Minds in Motion will become a mainstream, self -sustained pro- gram based on local collaboration and education supported by trained and skilled volunteers. For more information about Minds in Motion® and to get involved in the program visit: www.alzheimer.ca/huroncounty LIRCORY EliuiC'H You are invited to attend these area churches ST. THOMAS ANGLICAN 21 Jarvis St., Seaforth Church Office 519-527-1522 holyspirit@tcc.on.ca The Rev. Lynn Mitchell, Interim Priest Christmas Eve Worship at 9pm Sunday, December 27 Carol Sing at 9:30am Everyone Welcome EGMONDVILLE UNITED CHURCH Pastor Steve Hildebrand Worship December 27th 10:30 a.m. Worship Leader Theresa Kolkman Youth Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Christmas Eve Service 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, so come & join us. For more information view our website L� www.egmondvilleunitedchurch.com BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 519-527-0982 Interim Pastor: Rev. Laurie Morris Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m. TUESDAY EVENINGS: Youth Groups Junior & Senior High 6:30 - 9 p.m. Boys & Girls Club 7 p.m. Wednesdays 7 p.m. Mens & Womens Bible Study (5- EVERYONE WELCOME FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 59 Goderich St. W. Seaforth 519-527-0170 Lorrie Mann -Organist Sunday Worship December 27th, 11:00 am Guest Minister: Rev. Major Dwight Nelson Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, 7:30 pm Sunday School Nursery Provided as Needed LLk. ALL WELCOME typical cash returns said Agar, "If you look back, some of the towns when they got the money back, they rebated the taxpayers, it was a one time thing and it was gone," explained Agar. Purchasing property such as the Post Office, the CCAC build- ing as well as partnering with the Health Centre, the community organization has constantly increased the town's money by investing funds and collecting rent. Currently the value of their guaranteed investments and cash is roughly $1 million. In addition to all the money and equity they have also donated $320,000 to local sports and education and $375,000 to healthcare projects according to Lin and Agar. All of these projects are brainstormed and chosen carefully by the team, both the HE/SCDT that members said. "It has to be safe, it cannot be any risk at all, (and) we cannot gamble because this is not our money, this money is in the trust for the betterment of Seaforth," said Lin. 'If anything happens to this trust down the road, the money that is left in it, goes back into the reserve funds of Seaforth." Now that their last project of sprucing up Victoria Park is almost finished, this December members were asked to come up with one idea to move forward in the New Year, the strategic plan already has 18 ideas. "We gave carbon monoxide protectors. I'm hoping in another year and this is just an idea on the top of my head. What about fire extinguishers for kitchens? You never know what can happen," stated Lin who's been with the organization for six years. As it stands, by the next munic- ipal election some of the mem- bers of HE/SCDT will be ready for retirement, this will open two positions to the community, which will be available in the form of an advertisement in the Expositor. Alzheimer Societies receives $385,400 OTF Grant for Minds in Motion Program Three Alzheimer Societies in Southwestern Ontario will share a three-year, $385,400 Ontario Tril- lium Foundation Grow Grant for the innovative Minds in Motion® Program that was introduced in Ontario two years ago. Minds in Motion® is a two-hour, eight week community-based program for people with dementia and their care partners that combines physi- cal activity and mental stimulation. 'Alzheimer's is a painful disease that takes a toll on all involved: patients, friends and family. It is encouraging to see the work of the Grey -Bruce, Huron and Perth Alz- heimer's Societies recognized, and I lookforward to seeing the good that will come from this grant in expand- ing the Minds in Motion program:' - Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron -Bruce. The Alzheimer Societies of Grey - Bruce, Huron, and Perth were among six societies in Ontario that offered the program in 2014 and 2015 as apilotproject Following the success of the pilot, the three socie- ties partnered to seek Ontario Tril- lium Foundation funding to con- tinue offering the program for the next three years. "We are thrilled that we will con- tinue to be able to offer this pro- gram for the next three years," said Cathy Ritsema, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. "Early on in the pilot pro- gram we saw the value of Minds in Motion for person's with dementia and for their care partners." People with dementia are often excluded from mainstream recrea- tionalprograms due to cognitive def- icits or potential need for support. This exclusion contributes to social isolation and decreased activity and compromises health and wellbeing. The program offers gentle and easy to follow physical activities and fun social activities focused on building personal connections. This program has been shown to break down leisure barriers and increases social participation outside of the program. "Evidence from the pilot projects show that participation in Minds in Motion® decreases social isolation and improves physical and emo- tional wellbeing'; Ritsema said. "Care partners who participate may also reduce their risk of isolation:' During the pilot, Minds in Motion® programs were offered in Clinton, Goderich, Grand Bend Wingham, Owen Sound, Hanover, Stratford, and Listowel, and 157 par- ticipants were involved in 2015. The Ontario Trillium Foundation fund- ing will allow the three Societies to increase the number of programs to a total of 27 eight-week sessions each year and the goal is to involve 1,044 individuals over that time. "In Huron County during the pilot we offered ten (10) sessions over 14 months in Wingham, Goderich, Clinton and Grand Bend. Our plan is to continue to offer ses- sions in each of those communities and to expand to offer the program in other communities in the county;" Ritsema said. The pilot projects were offered in collaboration with communitypart- ners, including: The North Huron Wescast Community Complex, The Goderich- HuronYMCA, One Care, and the Grand Bend Area Commu- nity Health Centre. The three Socie- ties will continue to work together to ensure consistent standards for the program. "We will continue to build and enhance our partnerships to deliver accessible programming within our communities and ensure all staff and volunteers delivering the pro- gram are trained in dementia edu- cation;' Ritsema said. The key goals of the program dur- ing that time: Enabling the person with dementia to get involved in com- munitylife Promoting healthy lifestyle changes for both the person with dementia and their care partner to improve quality of life Increasing inclusiveness to create dementia friendly communities through education and awareness. Minds in Motion will become a mainstream, self -sustained pro- gram based on local collaboration and education supported by trained and skilled volunteers. For more information about Minds in Motion® and to get involved in the program visit: www.alzheimer.ca/huroncounty