CODES AND SEARCHLIGHTS
REMEMBRANCE DAY AROUND SILVERA
CHRISTMAS AT SILVERA
(MORE ON PAGE 2)
Shawnessy Community resident Marguerite Dimmer from her time serving in the British Army and now. Sitting at a desk in England during the Second World War, Marguerite Dimmer did her part to help keep England safe from Nazi Germany, whether helping guide searchlights to spot enemy planes or coding and decoding secret messages, not unlike Keira Knightley’s character in the hit film The Imitation Game. With 2015 marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the War, the Shawnessy Community resident looks back on her time in the British Army with fondness and pride. “I was a nanny,” London-born Dimmer recalls. She turned 18 just after war broke out in September 1939 and volunteered right away. “I was one of the younger ones to join up.” After attending boot camp similar to that of male soldiers (“They marched us all over – they wanted to make us really tough,” she says), Dimmer was assigned switchboard duties with a searchlight unit on the English coast. Her task: relaying the directions of Nazi and Allied planes and becoming an expert in gauging degrees of cloud cover. “They didn’t have the equipment they do now,” she says. “There was always this big map and we had to
know which way the planes were going. It was exciting, but also scary – were they going to drop bombs where you were?” Dimmer – who met her husband, Cecil, in the service – also worked with the Royal Artillery and later moved into what she calls “the secret part,” where her job was to code and decode secret messages with important information. “It all came through a secret office on the telephone and I really needed to know shorthand!” she says. Dimmer says she had her share of close calls during the war. “My husband and I were out for a walk and he was taking me along the edge of the beach,” she recalls. “We were saying goodnight and suddenly he pushed me (down) and jumped in after me – not very far away a bomb exploded. He must have heard the plane coming.” Dimmer, who volunteered to go overseas, but was denied because she was married, says the contributions of those who provided support to fighting forces is not always recognized as much as it should be. “I’m proud of being a veteran,” she says.
DID YOU KNOW…? Silvera’s Community Resident Assistant Managers are currently completing an Alberta Senior Citizens Housing Association (ASCHA) Site Manager certificate program, running from June 2015 to April 2016. The course focus is on the effective management of seniors’ housing. It is a great learning opportunity for the Assistant Managers that will benefit residents and Silvera and
demonstrates Silvera’s commitment to continuous learning. The course is delivered both in a classroom setting and online, which means you may see the Assistant Manager taking the course on the computer in his or her office. If you see that the office door is closed or the Assistant Manager is working with a headset on, it would be appreciated if you could return at another time to speak to them.
SILVERA’S VALUES OUR PURPOSE To give seniors the respect they deserve and make it great to be a senior in Calgary.
OUR VALUES Service: Supporting residents’ wellbeing and quality of life. Respect: Honouring each other. Teamwork: Working proudly to OUR VISION Silvera will be the leading advocate become better together. and caring provider of affordable Safety: Committing to the safety of homes and services for seniors to our residents and colleagues. live in place with dignity. Creating Homes… By helping residents feel welcomed and connected. Follow us on: Making a Difference… In a caring way.
At Shawnessy Community’s Remembrance Day ceremony, veteran David Davidson stands proudly next to the Canadian flag with his two medals: the Victory and Service Medal.
SILVERA TIMES Silvera’s Community Newsletter - Winter 2015
A Year-End Message from the CEO
Second World War veteran and Westview resident, Bert Turner, stands tall next to his grandson who served in Afghanistan.
This is the time of year when we think back on the last 12 months, and remember the highs and the lows. As a charitable organization, Silvera is affected by what is happening in the world around us. This past year brought with it falling oil prices, historical shifts in provincial and federal governments, and increased food and living costs. For Silvera, this has meant lower corporate donations, lots of meetings with newly elected officials, and finding new ways to manage our budgets without high rental increases. Cherie Parry and Ann Traub visit the Field of Crosses along Memorial Drive.
Veterans Doreen Kamis, Arthur Antaya, and Robert Kok are recognized at Aspen Community’s Remembrance Day ceremony.
SILVERA VISITORS Silvera opens its doors to visitors of all shapes and sizes. From volunteers who donate their time and resources to prospective residents going on a tour of your community, thank you for making them feel welcome. Marian Churchill helps Grade 4 students from Janet Johnstone Elementary School with a science project at Shawnessy Community. “Where do I sign in?” JJ the donkey comes to visit Spruce Community.
Inside our organization, we experienced the terrible loss of a colleague and friend. Maintenance Supervisor Randy Adrian was a proud Silvera employee, a true champion for our work and for you, our residents. At the same time, we realize that, within our communities, you also lost fellow residents and friends this past year, as they moved to a higher level of care or passed away. These sad events remind us that life is precious and short. Yet, while we share in these losses, Silvera has many reasons to celebrate 2015. Let’s highlight a few. For the fourth consecutive year, thanks to the generous spirit of Calgary philanthropist Sam Switzer, more than 300 residents were able to attend the Annual Resident Event, enjoying each other’s company over lunch at the BMO Centre. Not only was it an opportunity to form new friendships, but the lively entertainment by the Dueling Pianos inspired an afternoon of singing and dancing. Silvera’s own version of the Olympic Games — the Silvera Games — marked its third anniversary in 2015. More residents than ever spent a day competing for top honours in a variety of activities that promoted active aging. At the community level, there was a focus on art shows, virtual treks across Alberta, planting community gardens, and staff from numerous Calgary companies came to Silvera to offer their helping hands. Birthday parties are always a big deal at Silvera. In 2015, there are no fewer than four residents who now call themselves centenarians. This exclusive club includes:
H 100: Mildred Johnson, Shouldice Community H 101: Sarah Ann Payne, Shawnessy Community H 101: Cleo Bilton, Aspen Community H 101: Anny Fransen, Shawnessy Community
Of course, none of these events, let alone the day-to-day operations of Silvera, would be possible without the hard work of our team. Whether it’s fixing your water faucet, cleaning your room, serving you a meal, or connecting you with a community resource, our employees and volunteers are the heart of Silvera. We know you appreciate their efforts and understand they are doing their best to make a difference. Looking back at 2015 would not be complete without acknowledging Silvera’s Board of Directors. You might not know their names or faces, but their thoughtful oversight and direction are reasons why Silvera is so well-respected in Alberta. We are proud of our 53-year history of providing 1,500 residents each year with safe and affordable homes. We hope, too, that you will encourage your friends to come and live with Silvera. Looking ahead to 2016, there will be more challenges to face and tough decisions to make. The smoke-free initiative we are introducing on May 1, 2016, is an example of the direction we are needing to take next year for the health and safety of our residents and employees, as well as managing risk in our buildings. Please remember your comments are always welcome and Comment Cards are one way for you to provide feedback.
Editor: Silvana Saccomani #804, 7015 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2K6 (t) 403.276.5541 • (f) 403.276.9152 contact@silvera.ca • www.silvera.ca
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On behalf of everyone who works behind the scenes at Silvera, I would like to wish you all a happy and joyful New Year.
Arlene Adamson, CEO silvera.ca | 403.276.5541
SILVERA’S GOT TALENT: ALLAN BRADEN
Create a Holiday Connection The holiday season is a great time of year to connect with others and add to the spirit of the holidays. Here are a few ideas to create a connection: • Meet someone new. Introduce yourself to a new member of your community. This will help a new resident feel more at home and gives you the opportunity to meet a new friend. • Start a conversation. Sit with someone you don’t usually sit with at breakfast or coffee time or join a holiday party in your community.
Harlene and Allan Braden
• Spread the cheer. Give someone in your community a holiday card. This could brighten a person’s day!
At Silvera’s Willow Park on the Bow Community, the community Christmas dinner gets a special visit by their very own Santa Claus. Allan Braden has been doubling as Santa each year since 2010, and has become a popular feature of the Christmas dinner. For Allan, it was a natural transition into the role of Santa. “I fit the description right to the T,” he laughs.
There are many ways to create new connections that can benefit both yourself and others in your community. Happy holidays!
Santa while Harlene, who describes herself as “Santa’s elf,” hands out oranges to everyone. To Allan and Harlene, it’s all about spreading Christmas cheer in the community and helping to bring back Christmas memories for the other residents. “It’s just fun, that’s all it is,” Allan says. “It brings them back to where they originally were and they enjoy it. Why would you give up on having a Santa Claus?”
Allan and his wife, Harlene, spend the time leading up to the community Christmas dinner preparing small gifts for the residents: colourfully wrapped chocolates in mini cups from
At any time of the year, Silvera’s Community Resource Coordinators (CRCs) are here to help! We can help by connecting you with government programs and services and social/recreational activities. Call a CRC for more information: 403.390.3988.
BUILDING CARING COMMUNITIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON One of the most important facets of living in a Silvera Community is how at this time of year — and at any time of year — we create a true community. Whether it’s enjoying a special event like a community Christmas party, Annual Resident Event, or Silvera Games, or just having a quiet place to have a chat with a neighbour — the gift of company is one of the most valuable that anyone can give or receive. Marilyn James knows the value of having someone to talk to. Before coming to Shouldice Community, she
spent 15 months living alone in a trailer park on the outskirts of Calgary after she lost her husband of 56 years. “I tried talking to the walls,” she confides. But it didn’t help. Fortunately, her brother helped her find Silvera and now she describes her life here as “a different world,” and is looking forward to a Christmas reunion with her sisters in Ottawa — their first holiday get-together in years. But, Marilyn says, having company, whether at Christmas or at any time of
COMMENT 1. ACTIONS A resident fills in a CARDS Comment Card
and leaves it in the Comment Card box.
Your input is important to Silvera. You can use the Comment Cards in your community to tell us what you think works well, what could be better, or even ask a question. Include your name, phone number and the name of your community on the Comment Card, so we can have a conversation with you to better understand how we can meet your needs.
4.
the year, means so much to her and her neighbours. “Everyone says hello, how are you doing today? I’m not alone,” she says. “My life is 100-per cent better now. This is my home.”
It doesn’t take much to make a difference at this time of year. Together, we can help make it great to be a senior in Calgary.
and sent to the appropriate department, e.g. Dining Services or community management.
The department fills out the back side of the Comment Card and files the card in Silvera’s records. That way, we know your feedback has been received and acted upon.
5.
Influenza (flu) is a serious disease, especially for those 65 years and older, and will feel much worse than a cold. The flu can hit you suddenly, and make you feel so ill that you can’t get out of bed. Living in a communal setting increases the risk of catching an infectious disease, especially in the winter months when we tend to spend more time inside. Here are some easy steps you can take to keep yourself healthy and prevent an illness outbreak in your community:
Cover your coughs and sneezes • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve; or • Cover your mouth with a tissue and put your used tissue in a waste basket. • Remember to wash or sanitize your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Get a flu shot A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against catching influenza and spreading it to others. If you missed the flu clinic in your community, you can get a free flu shot at your local pharmacy, doctor, or at an Alberta Health Services (AHS) public health clinic.
You can help us create a real sense of community by taking time to visit with your neighbours, especially newcomers.
2. All cards are collected
ACCOUNTABILITY
Stay Clear of the Flu!
3. The department reviews the Comment Card and follows up with the sender (if contact information is provided).
Comment Card responses are also shared our Accommodation Standards inspector as evidence that we have a process for responding to resident concerns and complaints.
2 silvera.ca | If you know someone who needs a Silvera home, please contact us at 403.276.5541
WE VALUE YOU :
RESIDENTS, GUESTS AND STAFF! Sandstone Pharmacies believes it is important to offer the very best prices possible in its Tuck Shops in Silvera for residents, guests and staff. That’s why we have expanded our Loyalty Program to anyone who comes through our Tuck Shop doors. Our Loyalty Program means everyone will receive 20 per cent off Sandstone’s own brand of products called Atoma. These include items such as pain relievers, cold and flu medicine and paper products. Sandstone Tuck Shops will continue to offer its Everyday Low Prices deal on popular items such as chocolate and pop. And, as a reminder, new residents can visit the Tuck Shop to receive a welcome bag and meet our helpful staff. All the very best this holiday season from Sandstone Pharmacies.
Clean your hands • Handwashing is key to stop the spread of infectious diseases, not just the flu. • If your hands are not visibly dirty, you can also use hand sanitizer to clean your hands — make sure you use enough sanitizer to clean your hands for 15 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” • Wash or disinfect your hands before and after eating, using the washroom and sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
COMMUNITY PARAMEDICS Community Paramedics are specially trained paramedics that work in consultation with doctors to bring a broad range of medical services to your home. The program is available to all Supportive Living residents and can help respond to nonemergent illnesses, e.g. by taking a detailed medical history and physical examination, taking samples, analyzing the results, starting treatment, and
providing IV hydration if you are dehydrated. If you need urgent care or an ambulance, call 911. Call your doctor to arrange for a visit from the Community Paramedics.
GOING SMOKE-FREE Silvera for Seniors is committed to providing safe homes and creating healthy environments for residents, employees and visitors. Indeed, statistics show that smoking is both a public health risk and building safety concern. That’s why, starting on May 1, 2016, Silvera is following the lead of other housing management groups in Alberta, and using the City of Calgary bylaws to become smoke-free inside all of our buildings. After that date, smoking will only be permitted in designated areas outdoors.
For residents who want to use the opportunity to quit smoking, Silvera’s Community Resource Coordinators can connect you with resources to help you make that transition. In the new year, you will receive more information about the new non-smoking policy.
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