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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2002-02-13, Page 13Se,.li aiC' News Meals on Wheels program returns to Seaforth By Scott Hilgendorff Expositor Editor After shutting down for more than a year, a new and improved Meals on Wheels program has launched this week to bring hot, healthy meals to seniors working to maintain their independence at home. "Most of the people are homebound individuals," said Tammi Antaya, a community support coordinator with Town and Country Support Services. The organization hosts a number of programs, many like a monthly senior's meal at Seaforth and District Community Centres, are geared toward helping seniors maintain their independence across the county. Coordinators held. a meeting Monday with its new slate of volunteer drivers at Seaforth Manor, the facility which is now ready to prepare. the meals for the program Susan Armstrong, another support coordinator, said some seniors are reluctant_ to ask for help but have a hard time getting to the grocery store or choose to eat meals that are easier to prepare but don't meet their nutritional needs. For example, some will simply make tea and toast for a meal that might leave them full but has not given them nutrients they need to stay healthy. Through Seaforth Manor, a dietitian has developed the menu to ensure nutritional needs are met through meals that include meat, potatoes, vegetables and a dessert. Volunteers will deliver the hot meals to homes in Seaforth, Egmondville and Harpurhey. Rural areas may be included if there is a high demand for the service but for now, it is just being rebuilt in the Seaforth area. More than a year ago, the program folded for a number of reasons from concerns about the food quality to a lack of demand for the service. However, Armstrong said they have investigated the issue and, after being approached by a committee from Seaforth Community Hospital about patients needing the service, decided to take on the project. Some volunteers from the former program have returned, new ones have been recruited and now, Meals on Wheels is looking for people to come forward requesting the service. It will be available Monday to Friday unless there is a high demand for a daily service, and the meal will be prepared for an evening delivery rather than at noon, when it was served under the former program. While it is geared toward seniors and people with disabilities, anyone who needs the service will be considered eligible. "If you think you're eligible, you're eligible," said Armstrong. People don't have to he referred to the program by doctors or anyone and can call and request the service themselves. Also, neighbours, friends or families can refer someone to the service if they think there is a need but that the person is reluctant to call themselves. Town and Country Support Services will contact the person to make arrangements. The meals can be received on any days requested and same-day service is available if people call before noon. The meal can be cancelled for that day by noon as well. "We've been pleased with the enthusiasm of , the volunteers we've received," said Armstrong, adding they will still accept new volunteers to help deliver the meals each evening. Organizers are hoping the evening service will mean more volunteers are available outside of work hours to help. Cathie Schalk. administrator at Seaforth Manor, said they were interested in linking with the program. "Our business is providing a service to seniors. This is another way we can interact with the community," she said. The trend among seniors is to try and stay at home as long as possible. "This is another way to stay in home," said Schalk, adding that it can sometimes be the only social contact a homebound person receives. Volunteers are asked to keep their visits confidential but to also consider them regular home checks to make sure the residents are okay. If they sense any problems or the resident needs assistance. Town and Country Support Services is prepared to find the help the resident needs and can be contacted immediately through emergency numbers made available to volunteers. "We've got to get the clients and then we're going to show them a good meal," said Antaya. With the number of public events hosted by Seaforth Manor, including barbecues and dinners, they are hoping people will recognize the quality of food available and he interested in taking part in the program. Anyone interested in receiving meals or becoming a volunteer can contact Armstrong or Antaya at 482- 9264. Youth missing out on apprenticeships as local industries search for employees By Clint Haggarth Clinton News -Record Staff Youth unemployment is at 17 per cent, twice the national average, but local industry is calling for more skilled workers. "The average age of a tradesperson in Huron County is 50 -plus years of age," said Glenn McGregor in a letter to Huron County newspapers. McGregor, business and education co-ordinator for Avon Maitland District School Board, cited the Manufacturing Sector Strategic Plan, which estimates 339 skilled trade vacancies in Huron County. McGregor recommends the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) to students. "A student can enter this program in one of the 130 trades by signing as an apprentice," he said adding, "He or she will obtain credit towards their secondary school diploma (OSSD), is credited for the time and/or competencies they acquire as apprentices, gets a head start on a career and are also employees of the business that sponsors them as apprentices." Skills Canada, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU), and two local employers presented apprenticeship ideas at a workshop for Huron County businesses on March 1. Paula Crow, school liaison officer for Skills Canada, said many people don't find apprenticeship to be equal with college or university. "We're working on eliminating that bias." Skills Canada has been advertising the benefits of skilled trades. Suzanne Moyer, training consultant apprenticeship client services unit for MTCU, said there is a push for students to go to universities and colleges. The push comes from the misconception that trade skills aren't as good, and students are directed to colleges and universities by parents and teachers. Students have the chance to get into apprenticeship in high school. Schools offer co-op programs, which allow students to work and get Hensall library will expand By Angela Pickering Lakeshore Advance Staff Friends of the Library have been granted permission for their expansion project that will take over the old council chambers. At Bluewatcr's Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 12, a delegation presented information concerning the go-ahead to renovate the library in Hensall into the space that was previously used as council chambers. At the November, Bluewater Transition Board meeting, the board passed a resolution to recommend that Bluewater council support the Hensall Library expansion. An expenditure of $50,000 was allotted by the Hensall Council from the sale of their PUC. The Friends of the Library focussed on the positive effects it will have on the Village of Hensall. Spokeswoman Mary Lynn MacDonald asked for the approval so they can start on the project as soon as possible. Council felt that a committee should be formed to work with the Friends of the Library to work together through the tender process and construction. A motion was passed by Brad Mousseau and seconded by Diane Denomme that the Friends of the Hensall Library be given permission to proceed with the expansion and renovations to the library. It was also noted that Bluewater will pay for the costs until the money from the sale of the Hensall PUC is received. ' credit. In some case co-op hours can be banked for the hours required for apprenticeship. Students can begin apprenticeship through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Apprenticeship in construction traders can begin after . after they have graduated from Grade 10, but must complete Grade 12 for other trades. Moyer said most skilled tradespersons are in their mid -fifties and are ready to retire. This would create a huge opening for younger workers. "Employers do take a chance," said Crow adding, "It is costly but if you get someone keen you can't lose." Rick Haas, of Akromold Goderich Ltd., said his company employs 25 people and has about four of five apprentices. "We don't have skilled tool and die makers to pool from." Haas added almost all of the employees at Akromold were apprentices there. "I commend Skills Canada for promoting it [apprenticeship]. I was frowned upon, when leaving school, for taking a skilled trade." Haas added he wouldn't have known what a tool and die maker was if his father hadn't been one. George Weiker, of Pro Lift Service Inc., said he has trained three apprentices in 10 years. Two were hired by other companies and one stayed with Pro Lift. Weiker said there has to he some solution to high youth unemployment and the lack of skilled trade workers problem but he added there won't he an easy solution. Weiker said training for skilled trades has to start when people are young. "It's as good as career choice as a doctor or lawyer." Weiker said offering companies that train people tax breaks would encourage businesses to take part in apprenticeship programs. He added larger companies should have to train proportionally as many people if they want the tax breaks. Both Welker and Haas agreed it is easier to train someone than change them. Businesses wishing to take on apprentices or persons seeking apprenticeship should call Larry Ready, of the MTCU, at 1-800-265-1050 ...i4.i`,..1.t 31,41V N. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, `March 21, 2001-7 SEAFORTH INSURANCE BROKER LTD. 527-1610 Ir •• Home �j • Commerdal 'Auto • Farm • Out of Province Travel Insurance 41 Male St. S Saheb (hrista Leonhandr Lynn Ptetsch, Ken Cardno, Barb Watt and Joanne Williamson $ervices Yducae ibu*ed to attend these arm e1F air hes First Presbyterian Church Goderich St.,W. Seaforth Rev. Vandermey WORSHIP SUNDAY 11:15 AM Sunday School during Worship St. Thomas Anglican Church Jarvis St. Seaforth 482-7861 Rev. Tim O'Connor Sunday Service at 9:30 am. Parish Assistance Call . 522-0929 or 345-2023 Catholic Church Saturday - 5:15 pm St. James Parish, Seaforth Saturday - 7:15 pm St. Joseph's Parish, Clinton Sunday = 9:00 am St. Michael's Parish, Blyth Sunday - 11:00 am St. James Parish, Seaforth Father Dino Salvador I NORTHSIDE - CAVAN UNITED CHURCHES Rev. Sheila Macgregor - Minister Sunday, March 25,2001 Fourth Sunday In Lent Cavan: Sacrament of Baptism - 9:30 a.m. Cavan 11:00 a.m. Northside Winthrop • 54 Goderich St. W. 527-2635 or 527-1449 _HEALTH ON THE HILL_ A Review of activities at SEAFORTH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL "RUNNING FOR EXCELLENCE" Dr. Carolin Shepherd, Lynn Devereaux and Faye Murray are running in the 26 mile Boston Marathon April 16th. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the development of our proposed "Comprehensive Senior Assessment Centre of Excellence." You can support this worthwhile cause by sponsoring: $78.00 for all three runners; $52.00 for two runners or, $26.00 for one runner ($I.00/mile). A donor form will be arriving in the mail the first week of April, or should you prefer to drop your donation off; please do so at the "Running for Excellence" office in the Hospital. For further information, contact Selena Anderson at (519) 527-3020. MORNING OUT is a Parent Support Group for parents of newborns in the Seaforth Community Hospital catchment area. A variety of topics specific to infants ie, nutrition; breastfeeding, immunization, etc. are offered by Facilitator, Linda Van Wyk, RN each Friday morning 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Upcoming Mar. 30, "Infant Massage" with Karen Searle (please bring along a towel). Childcare at no fee can be arranged no later than Thursday noon of each week by registering with Linda at 482-5004. Please note, there will ani be a session Good Friday, April 13th. We look forward to welcoming you and your little one. INFORMATION DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES their Family and Friends, Wed. APRIL 11, 2001 8:45 - 4:00 p.m. at Mitchell Golf & Country Club. Cost: $20/person before Mar. 28; $30.00 thereafter; includes nutrition breaks and lunch. For information and to register, contact (519) 272-8210, Ext. 2549. CPR AND/OR FIRST AID CERTIFICATION being offered Saturday MAY 5, 2001 at Seaforth Manor Lower Level. For further information and to register, please contact Grace Dolmage at (519) 527-3001. "LIVING WITH STROKE: is a program developed by The Heart and Stroke Foundation for folks facing the challenges of life after a stroke. Sessions arc 90 minutes combining a small group of stroke survivors, caregivers and a trained, knowledgeable facilitator. This program does not intend to replace therapy or treatment, but will provide you with information and support to help you cope. For further information, please contact Sheila Feeney, RPN as soon as possible at (519) 527:1650. "PAINT THE TOWN YELLOW" is the theme for Can. Cancer Society's fundraiser of daffodil sales March 29 - April 1/01. Your support is encouraged; for advance orders please contact Huron Hospice at 527- 0655. Marksaa 10. W a a t h' a r P r o o f. Marksman; is the proven choice for early broadleaf weed control in corn. In wet or dry weather, Marksman controls tough, competitive weeds such as velvetleaf, ragweed, or triazine-resistant Iamb's -quarters and pigweed all season long. For more information on Marksman, call O BASF Ag$olutlons" at 1 -877 -371 -BASF (2273) or visit our website at www.agsolutions.ca ti ti Bethel Bible Church An Associated Gospel Church Egmondville 126 Main St. Seaforth Sunday Worship Hour United Church Rev. Judith Springett 11 am SUNDAY SCHOOL Adventure Club for Kids & Grades 2 to 8 -10 a.m. Youth Groups Nursery to Grade 1 - 11 a.m. Wednesdays 7 p.m. NORTHSIDE - CAVAN UNITED CHURCHES Rev. Sheila Macgregor - Minister Sunday, March 25,2001 Fourth Sunday In Lent Cavan: Sacrament of Baptism - 9:30 a.m. Cavan 11:00 a.m. Northside Winthrop • 54 Goderich St. W. 527-2635 or 527-1449 _HEALTH ON THE HILL_ A Review of activities at SEAFORTH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL "RUNNING FOR EXCELLENCE" Dr. Carolin Shepherd, Lynn Devereaux and Faye Murray are running in the 26 mile Boston Marathon April 16th. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the development of our proposed "Comprehensive Senior Assessment Centre of Excellence." You can support this worthwhile cause by sponsoring: $78.00 for all three runners; $52.00 for two runners or, $26.00 for one runner ($I.00/mile). A donor form will be arriving in the mail the first week of April, or should you prefer to drop your donation off; please do so at the "Running for Excellence" office in the Hospital. For further information, contact Selena Anderson at (519) 527-3020. MORNING OUT is a Parent Support Group for parents of newborns in the Seaforth Community Hospital catchment area. A variety of topics specific to infants ie, nutrition; breastfeeding, immunization, etc. are offered by Facilitator, Linda Van Wyk, RN each Friday morning 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Upcoming Mar. 30, "Infant Massage" with Karen Searle (please bring along a towel). Childcare at no fee can be arranged no later than Thursday noon of each week by registering with Linda at 482-5004. Please note, there will ani be a session Good Friday, April 13th. We look forward to welcoming you and your little one. INFORMATION DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES their Family and Friends, Wed. APRIL 11, 2001 8:45 - 4:00 p.m. at Mitchell Golf & Country Club. Cost: $20/person before Mar. 28; $30.00 thereafter; includes nutrition breaks and lunch. For information and to register, contact (519) 272-8210, Ext. 2549. CPR AND/OR FIRST AID CERTIFICATION being offered Saturday MAY 5, 2001 at Seaforth Manor Lower Level. For further information and to register, please contact Grace Dolmage at (519) 527-3001. "LIVING WITH STROKE: is a program developed by The Heart and Stroke Foundation for folks facing the challenges of life after a stroke. Sessions arc 90 minutes combining a small group of stroke survivors, caregivers and a trained, knowledgeable facilitator. This program does not intend to replace therapy or treatment, but will provide you with information and support to help you cope. For further information, please contact Sheila Feeney, RPN as soon as possible at (519) 527:1650. "PAINT THE TOWN YELLOW" is the theme for Can. Cancer Society's fundraiser of daffodil sales March 29 - April 1/01. Your support is encouraged; for advance orders please contact Huron Hospice at 527- 0655. Marksaa 10. W a a t h' a r P r o o f. Marksman; is the proven choice for early broadleaf weed control in corn. In wet or dry weather, Marksman controls tough, competitive weeds such as velvetleaf, ragweed, or triazine-resistant Iamb's -quarters and pigweed all season long. For more information on Marksman, call O BASF Ag$olutlons" at 1 -877 -371 -BASF (2273) or visit our website at www.agsolutions.ca ti ti