State of Emergency Update

New Year Update: January 13, 2021

Welcome to 2021 everyone…………………

Hopefully, the new year finds you all well.

December Activities:

First order of business is to thank everyone who participated in our Car Rally and photo contest.

Photo Challenge winners are: Richard Plant, Ina Henry, and Denis Charron.

The Car Rally winners are: Ross Revine, Michel Corbeil, and Mike Fostner.

I also compiled a list of members comments about these activities:

“I can't thank you enough for this event. It was a great way to enjoy our little corner of the world. Thank you.”

“First and foremost, let me thank the organizer of this wonderful event. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time out together today, looking for the ‘magic words’.”

“A wonderful day out with my wife”.

“We had lots of fun and bought treats along the way!”

It was great fun. Thanks again for participating.

The Lockdown

All of Ontario is now in a state of emergency. As of Thursday, at 12:01am, new lockdown orders are in place.

· The government states that nonessential travel will not be tolerated. Persons should only grocery shop, visit pharmacies, exercise (walking around the block or walking the dog etc.) and attend medical appointments. Ford’s announcement at 2:00 today, Jan 13, 21 indicates that police are authorized to stop and/or ticket anyone who is away from their residence for any reason other than those essential purposes listed above. So, if you are stopped, be prepared to state which essential service you’re seeking.

Link to Ford’s announcement today, scroll to the bottom to watch the video and continue until you hear the Ontario Solicitor General Sylvie Jones, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-stay-at-home-order-1.5871090

· As stated in the December 26 lockdown guidelines, if you are alone, a single person in your residence, you continue to be allowed to “merge” or visit with one other household.

· Today, the EOHU clarified for Elisabeth that required caregivers or other service providers such as physio can enter your home to support your essential needs.

Nonessential stores will close except for curbside pick up and many stores including the Beer Store and LCBO will be expected to reduce their hours.

For a full list of the closures and what the state of emergency means for all of us please visit this link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-restrictions-state-of-emergency-rules-jan-12-1.5870215

Please see the attached link https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/ontario-invokes-state-of-emergency-stay-home-except-for-essentials this article deals with many questions about the new lockdown. There is much confusion, and the article addresses many issues including people living alone and elderly people that may need help with things.

As of today, Ottawa reported 68 cases, and the Eastern Ontario Health unit reported only 18 cases. This is a decrease in the last few days. Please check the message from the mayor on the township website. There are currently 52 active cases in Russell Township (comprising Embrun, Russell, part of Limoges, and Marionville) recovering from COVID.

We must all do our part. If anyone requires help with anything please feel free to reach out at our email, or to phone at 613 975 9997.

Do not forget to visit our website, for updates and information. We are currently updating our site to include classes, and coffee time chats as well as events and pictures. Please check back https://www.russell55plusclub.com/

There will be classes in writing and coffee chats available in the next month. Please check your inbox for emails. Please drop me or Don an email if you are interested in either.

Elisabeth King, President

Russell 55+ Club

Email: russell55plusclub@gmail.com

Phone: Elisabeth King @ 613-975-9997

Website: https://www.russell55plusclub.com/

Christmas Wishes

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year

This year has been awful in many ways. It was difficult to go anywhere and many of us found ourselves alone. It has been a challenge to keep informed and to understand what and how things affect us. Our group has had to change how we look and how we moved forward.

Our team and its members have all pitched in to make sure we are all up to date with information as it becomes available. Individuals have been helpful in keeping in touch and trying to do things outside the box. Thank you to the executive for always working hard to ensure everyone is up to date and safe. Thanks to the many callers who take the time to call the people that do not have internet. It is important to keep everyone in the group informed. Out coffee chats have continued, and individuals have also had personal phone calls.

This is an important time for all of us to help each other and those around us. Phone calls are an important way to remind people we are there. A friendly word goes a long way. Again, I remind people to keep in touch, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the car rally and the photo challenge.

We are now moving into a lockdown as of December 26, I am attaching a link that you can click on to understand what is closed or open. https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/what-s-open-and-closed-under-ontario-s-covid-19-lockdown-1.5240344

If you have any questions or need help during this time contact me by email or phone. We have volunteers standing by. I will personally keep up to date with the information and any updates.

WISHING EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

All the best, I miss you all and am sending a virtual hug and kiss to every one of you.

Elisabetta King

November Covid Update

Seniors Update November 30, 2020

From the desk of the President: Elisabetta King

Hello,

Before I begin, I would like to remind people of our email: russell55plusclub@gmail.com, our new club phone number is 613-975-9997. We can also be found on our website at russell55plusclub.com, and on Facebook.

I hope this update finds everyone well. The ride continues as our status seemingly changes from week to week. As of this writing, we are currently in a yellow zone. The numbers are low, and we are urged to continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. Please continue to monitor the Eastern Ontario Health unit website. They have set out the recommendations for Christmas and New Years'.

My immediate family and I will be sharing Christmas lunch, and New Year's Eve together. I am looking forward to a happy New Year that will see the end of this pandemic.

Currently, there are no major changes to the available services. If people require a volunteer to help with anything please feel free to contact us as we have volunteers available to help with driving, delivery and just to talk.

We are also able to provide masks to members if they are required.

We are now meeting for coffee zoom Wed. mornings. The first meeting was fun. It was nice to see all the people who showed up and participated.

We were able to touch base with all the members and there are a strong number of individuals who would like to meet at the arena under safe conditions for activities.

At this time, the decision was made to begin activities the third week of January, once the holidays are over and if we remain in a safe zone. More updates and a schedule will follow later this month or early next month.

We are also hosting some other activities. You will be receiving information as we prepare these events. It would great to see everyone participate, as we have chosen events that are virtually contactless.

Once again, stay safe……………….Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us on the executive.

Elisabetta King