Calgary Chapter – Alberta Association on Gerontology
Financial Report – Operating Account
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001

OPENING BALANCE
As of January 1, 2001 $3,180.18

INCOME
2001 Senior’s Resource Fair 7,575.08
Account Interest 4.25
$7,579.33

DISBURSEMENTS

’00-’01 Memberships $ 542.90
2001 Seniors Resource Fair 7,640.90
2001 Workshops 55.74
Website 1,626.40
Cell Phone 80.25
Board Expenses 930.30
Account charges 51.55
Newsletters 343.43
$11,271.47

CLOSING BALANCE

As of December 31, 2001 $ (511.96)

Respectfully submitted,

Douglas M. Jarrett
Treasurer, CC-AAG

Calgary Chapter – Alberta Association on Gerontology
Financial Report – Money Market Fund - Scholarship
February 28, 2001 to December 31, 2001

OPENING BALANCE
As of February 28, 2001 $1,500.00

INCOME
Interest $ 40.69

DISBURSEMENTS
$ 0.00

CLOSING BALANCE

As of December 31, 2001 $1,540.69

Respectfully submitted,

Douglas M. Jarrett
Treasurer, CC-AAG

Calgary Chapter – Alberta Association on Gerontology
Financial Report – Money Market Fund
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001

OPENING BALANCE
As of January 1, 2001 $15,54.47

INCOME
Interest 491.72

DISBURSEMENTS
Transfer to Scholarship Fund 1,500.00

CLOSING BALANCE

As of December 31, 2001 $14,346.19

Respectfully submitted,

Douglas M. Jarrett
Treasurer, CC-AAG

SCHOLARSHIPS CHAIR REPORT
Dianne McDermid

The Calgary Chapter of the Alberta Association of Gerontology allocated monies for scholarships to pay tuition for a course in the Gerontology Studies in Aging Program at Mount Royal College. A scholarship of $500 will be available each year for three years. Student Awards and Financial Aid at the College, along with Faculty in the Gerontology Program, have been asked to administer the scholarship monies.

In the year 2001-2002, there were no applicants for the scholarship. This was related to the fact that the College system requires applications to be received by October 31st. There was inadequate time following formalizing arrangements between CC-AAG and the College, and this date to advertise in CC-AAG and Gero: Studies in Aging newsletters. It was agreed that the scholarship will be advertised in all future issues of these publications, as well as at CC-AAG Network and Nosh. Faculty and Gero program will also communicate the details to students in the program.

Because there were no applicants, the scholarship was deferred to 2002-2003, 2003-2004, and 2004-2005. The application criteria follows:

The Calgary Chapter Association on Gerontology has established a scholarship of $500 that will be available annually between the years 2002-2004. It will be awarded to a student in the Gerontology Program at Mount Royal College. A student applying for the CC-AAG Scholarship Award must meet the following criteria:

• Lives in the Calgary area
• Promotes the interests of gerontology by demonstrating efforts to enhance the lives of the aging population
• Has completed 3 courses
• GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Cannot be the recipient of another scholarship that year

Deadline for submission of applications for the Scholarship is October 31st of each year.

Application forms are available from:

Student Awards & Financial Aid
Mount Royal College
4825 Richard Road, S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T3E 6K6
Phone: 240-6223
Fax: 240-6522

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR REPORT
Jennifer McEwan

We produced 2 newsletters this year. One issue in early December and 85 were printed and 77 went out to membership. It was twenty-two pages packed with information thanks to our NAGS-Newsletter Announcement Gatherers. There was one insert for the Gero conference. The total cost was $140.93. Printing was done at Staples.

The second edition went out in mid-April, slightly shorter at 12 pages with two inserts (one for membership and one for the Seniors Resource Fair). This is a much more manageable size. Information submitted was also due to the NAGS. Again 85 newsletters were printed and were sent to current membership. The total cost was $140.96. Printing was done at Office Dept with same day service, with much better customer service.

PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR REPORT
Seth Roach

This past year has brought about new changes in the services offered by our association. CC-AAG members now have the opportunity to advertise a particular event or service on our newly designed website or in our quarterly newsletter. Your CC-AAG board has carefully selected advertising rates, which ensure that both services are affordable to our members at one low price.

In an effort to continually present a comprehensive overview of our association, changes continue to be made to update our community display kiosk. One such example is board members have been capturing pictures of their work within the community to help demonstrate the importance and role of the association.

AAG PROVINCIAL LIAISON CHAIR REPORT
Margaret Usherwood

The representative for CC-AAG, Margaret Usherwood, advised CC-AAG of the AAG Strategic Plan and Initiatives for the year. The AAG President, Corrine Schalm, attended a CC-AAG Board meeting in order to share the Provincial organizations mandate, plans, and vision. She provided an overview of other Gerontology Associations and the relationship to the Provincial and Calgary Chapter.

An outcome from the discussions were that a Chapter Development Task Force was instituted to discover synergies between the Chapters in operations, funding, membership, and education initiatives. This is a creative move in developing better relations with AAG and all the Chapters in the Province.

Both the AAG and the CC-AAG are in the process of seeking funding initiatives and new members in order to promote awareness of gerontological issues within the community.

CC-AAG BOARD MEMBERS

Retiring Board Members

We would like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment from the following retiring Board Members. We wish them well in their future endeavors and appreciate their contributions with CC-AAG.

Seth Roach

Seth is the registered Social Worker on newly established Comprehensive Community Care program (C3) operated by Carewest. Seth holds an undergraduate degree in Gerontology and Psychology from St. Thomas University, as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. He is a current member with the CC-AAG Board and acts as our public relations representative for many of our activities and events. While on the Board of CC-AAG, Seth was the Chair of the Public Relations Board position.

Jennifer McEwan

Jennifer is the Social Worker for Intercare Chinook Centre. She graduated from the University of Calgary in 1997, with a Bachelor of Social Worker. She is a member of the AARSW. She has worked with CC-AAG on the Seniors Resource Fair and was Workshop Chair, and is currently co-chair of communications working as editor of the newsletter. Jennifer has volunteered many hours towards our Chapter in a variety of capacities. Primarily she was the “Wizard” with her talents and many hours to create our Chapter newsletter.

Sandy Becker

Sandy has a diploma in Social Service Careers from Mount Royal College, Bachelor of Social Work, and her Gerontology Certificate from the University of Calgary. She works as a social worker on the Palliative Care and Transition Units at Carewest Glenmore Park. Her background includes working primarily with seniors and blind and visually impaired adults. As well, she has worked on special projects of training leaders and developing support groups in Southern Alberta and The Protection Against Family Violence Project. Sandy serves as the Chair of Calgary Society of Community Opportunities. CC-AAG would like to thank Sandy for her long commitment to CC-AAG in the capacity of Secretary, as well as volunteering on numerous committees.

Diane Osberg

Long term CC-AAG member. Diane was the past president of our Chapter. Much thanks goes to Diane for her initiatives, energy, and countless hours towards our Chapter. She was instrumental in the organization of our Chapter’s Seniors Awards of Distinction in 1999.

In the world of work, Diane is the Director of Routes to Learning Canada West, responsible for the administration and management of Elderhostel Educational programs for seniors in the four western provinces. Currently, she is a board member of the Wild Rose Foundation in Alberta. During 1998 and 1999, she was the Chair of the Alberta IYOP Steering Committee and the Provincial representative to the Canadian Coordinating Committee of the IYOP. She has been involved in adult education administration for 25 years and served on many community boards and committees. Her spare time is devoted to quilting, gardening, and grandchildren.

Doug Jarrett

Doug is an independent Financial Advisor. He has been a financial planning specialist for over five years. He previously worked for 8 years in the personal banking industry. Doug’s focus is on providing comprehensive financial planning for his varied client base. He believes that strong, long term relationships with excellent advice will provide his clients with the means to achieve their financial and family goals.

Doug will complete his Professional Financial Planning designation this year. He has also completed the Canadian Securities Course, the H & R Block Tax Course, and received the Highest Award for Achievement from the Dale Carnegie Course.

Doug’s time with CC-AAG was in the capacity of Treasurer. We have appreciated his knowledge and expertise that was conducive to his CC-AAG role.

Judi Rechner

Judi has over 25 years experience with the YMCA in Calgary for the past 13 years, where she has held positions as Pre-school Director, Program Manager, and Branch Manager. Judi was also the Seniors Director for the YMCA Calgary, and represents YMCA Canada on the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA). She has volunteered on various boards – Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition – CRHA, and Mount Royal Advisory Committee Gerontology Conference, 2002. Judi became a board member of CC-AAG three years ago, at which time she worked on the Seniors Resource Fair and held the Vice-President position of CC-AAG. Judi moved East to be closer to her family. All the best to her and we thank her for her energy and contributions.

Linda Boychuk

Linda is a branch manager for Comcare Health Services/Assisted Home Support since November, 1998. She sits on the NHA Board and is a member of the Teen Council for Okotoks. She is a member of the AARN. Linda held the position of Member at Large while serving on the CC-AAG Board.

Continuing Board Members and Open Positions

The following individuals will be continuing with their CC-AAG Board commitment:

Colette Osweiler-Fritz - President
Marg Usherwood - AAG Liaison
Anthea Hibbert - Vice-President, Volunteer Chair, Awards Chair
Vacant - Secretary
Vacant - Communication Chair
Lynn Podgurny - Member at Large
Vacant - Treasurer
Judith Fortin - Membership Chair
Lorraine Ritchie - Seniors Resource Fair, Co-Chair
Vacant - Public Relations Chair
Vacant - Workshop Chair
Dianne McDermid - Scholarship Chair
Karen Cowan - Volunteers Chair
Louise Toffoli-McLaughlin - Member at Large

Meet Your Current CC-AAG Board

Colette Osweiler-Fritz, President

Colette’s education includes Community Rehabilitation, Social Work, and Gerontology. She has worked at the Calgary SCOPE Society for 13 years and is currently the Coordinator of the Community Participation Project. In this capacity she supports developmentally delayed adults (50+) towards full social inclusion. Through this program her work includes direct clinical work, community development, conference presentations, social action, leadership, advocacy, and management.

Colette also participates in a variety of committees and Boards that focus on seniors issues, planning and activities. These include: President, Calgary Chapter, Alberta Association on Gerontology; Chair – Persons with Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board on Aging and Disability; Co-Chair – Coalition for Aging Individuals with Developmental Disabilities; and a Board Member of Inside Out Integrated Theatre Project.

Anthea Hibbert, Vice-President and Seniors Fair Co-Chair

Anthea is currently employed as an Activities Coordinator/Staff Educator with Sunny Hill Wellness Centre, as a seniors designated assisted living facility. Her previous experience includes operating an adult transition company. Anthea has also created, facilitated, and presented workshops and seminars to children and adults. She has been involved 3-4 years with the Calgary Chapter.

Judith Fortin, Membership Chair

Education – Jr. College, then B.A.; M.A. teaching certificate.
Second career – teaching – on educational television and otherwise.
Still teaching sessionally since 1980 at Mount Royal College, Career College, Bow Valley College.
Third Career – Social work for 22 years with Social Services – 16 in Licensing, which accounts for her RSW (Registration in Social Work). Specialty Seniors Housing and environments with a focus on safe, healthy environments.

Judith took the Gerontology Certificate and became focused in that area of Licensing/Consulting. Interested in doing my part to ensure that the senior’s last home is developmentally appropriate, environmentally safe and secure while offering opportunities to contribute to the community as desired in an independent a manner as possible.

Diane McDermid, Scholarships Chair

Dianne has worked in the field of Gerontology since 1981, first as an in-service coordinator with Carewest, and more recently as an instructor in Mount Royal College’s Gerontology: Studies in Aging program. Her career as a registered nurse in an acute care hospital brought her in contact with many older adults and gave me the opportunity to support and advocate for them.

She has been on many committees within her work setting, as well as outside the College. She was a membership director for AGNA for four years, and last year chaired the organizing committee that planned the annual workshop, meeting, and specializing celebratory events for their 20th anniversary. She currently sits on Kerby Centre’s Research Review Committee as well as their Partnership Initiative Task Force.

She is currently the Scholarship Chair on the CC-AAG Board.

Margaret Usherwood, Provincial Liaison

Margaret began her career as a Registered Nurse, specializing in Intensive Care, where she held positions as Team Leader and Staff Education Instructor at a major urban hospital. She completed studies in Marketing at Ryerson University, Toronto while working as a clinical researcher in the pharmaceutical industry. She has held the position as Senior Product Manager for Various Medical Capital Equipment companies (Pharmacia, Imed, Deseret, Becton Dickinson, Alcon). She has authored and has been published in medical journals. Margaret moved to Calgary in 1993, and started her own business, Vital Options, a customer lifestyle counseling service which continues to date. She completed the Gerontology Certificate Program at the University of Calgary. Margaret is currently Executive Branch Director for Central Health Services, Calgary & Edmonton locations. She is past chair of WIAS, a non-profit housing agency; Chair, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Health Care Committee (1997 – present), Permanent Member of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce Advisory Committee, Board Member; Canadian Mental Health Association, Regional Mental Health Advisory Committee, Calgary Chapter-Alberta Association for Gerontology (Provincial AAG representative and Past Education Chair), Family Caregiver Advisory Committee.

Margaret lives with her husband on a rural property just outside Calgary, where she enjoys taking care of her chickens, cattle, gardening, hiking, and riding her horses.

Lorraine Ritchie, Seniors Resource Fair, Chair

Lorraine has been a board member for 3 years. Her education includes a diploma in Health Administration and Certificates in Health Administration Acute Care, Long-Term Care and Community Health from the University of Saskatchewan. Overall, work experience includes 15 years as a health care administrator in hospitals in B.C. These operational positions encompassed acute care, long term care, and extended care. She moved to Alberta in 1995, and since that time has held positions as Project Co-ordinator and Manager in supported living and senior’s lodges. Lorraine’s interest in seniors combined with an interest in continuing education prompted her to become involved with CC-AAG. She sees this as an opportunity to gain knowledge, share information, and to contribute to the enhancement of lifestyles for seniors. Lorraine continues to take courses at Mount Royal College to enhance skills and to gain and maintain current knowledge.

Louise Toffoli McLaughlin, Member at Large

Louise joined CC-AAG in September, 2001. She is assisting with memberships, as well as keeping members updated on Board information. Louise received her Masters Degree from UBC and has worked in the health field focusing on providing creative leisure and educational opportunities for individuals with special needs. In June, 2001 she completed her certificate in the National Program in Fundraising Education at Mount Royal College.

Her interest in geriatrics began in the early 1980’s, when she became involved in management in long-term care. As a consultant for nursing home management teams, she strived for the greatest independence possible for clients. She believes that more support to family caregivers must be given to ensure that their needs are met. Louise has a passion for working with individuals affected with dementia and their families.

Louise is a dedicated volunteer in Calgary. Her strong leadership, communication/marketing, education, and client service skills have been utilized in more than 13 years of diverse management positions. She is looking at getting back into geriatrics and utilizing her administrative and fundraising knowledge.

Karen Cowan, Volunteer Chair

Karen has a BA in Sociology and Criminal Justice with a BSW from the University of Winnipeg. She is a Counsellor with Veterans Affairs Canada dealing with seniors needs both institutionally and in the community for the last 20 years. Karen is a Volunteer with the Calgary Police Service and a member of the National Employment Equity Advisory Committee for Veterans Affairs. Karen is currently the Volunteer Chair for CC-AAG.

Lynn Podgurny, Member at Large

Lynn is a graduate of the University of Calgary and has worked in the Kerby Centre Information/Advocacy Department since 1987. She is currently head of that department. In this capacity she has served on several boards and committees, including the position of President of the Information and Referral Services Association of Alberta and the Secretary of the Coordinators of Programs for Seniors. For many years she has been in charge of the editorial content in the Calgary Seniors Directory of Services, which is published each year.

NOMINEES FOR CC-AAG

Nancy Gill

Nancy moved here from Cambridge, Ontario in 1996 to further her career as a graphic designer. She has worked at the Calgary Herald since 1999 in the editorial department, and then moved to the Special Projects Department within the Herald in 2001. In this department she is a co-ordinator and designer of sections including Mature Living. Mature Living started in November, 2001 and has been very well received. For this section, she has to come up with story ideas that I think mature adults would find interesting. She has become known as the ‘seniors’ correspondent’ in my department and among her peers – which is pretty funny, since she is only 33. Her response to that is, “I am researching for my future”.

Jaryll Dunne - Public Relations Chair, Co-Chair Seniors’ Resource Fair

Jaryll Dunne came to Alberta in 1979 from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She attended the University of Saskatchewan where she completed 3 years of studies in Psychology and 1 year of Pre Med.

Jaryll has 18 years of experience in the corporate environment, finding her lifetime career as a Divisional Manager/Family Counsellor with Memorial Gardens.

Jaryll’s career moves have given her the opportunity to implement her skills and education in interpersonal communication aspects, motivational training of staff, team building practices as well as implementing unique leadership/management styles. As a Family Counsellor, she has been able to inform and educate groups and families by the way of seminars or individual sessions on the aspect of life we all eventually deal with, death.

Jaryll’s interest in seniors and CC-AAG stems from watching her mother age gracefully. During this time it was important to Jaryll to know what services and facilities were available for her mother. This prompted Jaryll’s past years of experience with CC-AAG and the Senior’s Resource Fair. She knows with the services now available and with other services becoming available, seniors can live a healthy, enhanced lifestyle, but they need information outlets to help them become aware and informed.

Jaryll’s belief in learning new things daily as well as sharing her knowledge has become one of her philosophies of life. Jaryll is a strong networker and has had the opportunity to present and inform many people she has met, new information or opportunities with the intent to enhance and simplify life. Jaryll continues to meet new people everyday as well as learn new things everyday. Her enthusiasm with life can sometimes be considered contagious.

Armela Duna-Vila

OPPORTUNITIES WAITING ……………

Do you want to be more active with CC-AAG? Why not volunteer for one or more of the following positions:

Seniors Resource Fair
- Committee Secretary
- Advertising (4 people)
- Registration
- Entertainment
- Logistics

Workshop Planning and Implementation
- 4 working committee persons

Communications/Newsletter Editor
- 4 working committee members to gather news and announcements
(NAG’s = News & Announcements Gatherers)

Membership
- Recruiting and surveying members

Thank you for your continued support with CC-AAG. Your attendance at the AGM, volunteer positions, participating and/or attending in our events, outgoing interest and/or contributions towards seniors issues, and remaining with CC-AAG is greatly appreciated. Our commitment is to continue to provide strong representation for our Calgary Chapter and attain our Chapter goals.

SENIOR’S RESOURCE FAIR, 2002

The 15th Seniors Resource Fair (SRF) was held on Saturday, June 1, 2001 and the theme was “New Beginnings”. The SRF was attended by approximately 1,300 people and were exposed to over 90 booths and representatives from various agencies.

An energetic committee consisting of Board members and volunteers were keen to make this Fair a success. We met frequently and this year aggressively sought out new booth holders and utilized some new advertising venues and articles in the local newspapers.

The SRF core Committee this year included:

Lynn Podgurny - Registration/Treasury
Heidi Reisch - Registration/Treasury
Linda MacKenzie - Marketing/Booth Set Up
Jaryll Dunne - Marketing/Media
Suzette O’Byrne - Y-MAP Volunteers
Shelley Murdoch - Entertainment
Doug Jarrett - Treasurer/Banner Coordinator
Anthea Hibbert - Co-Chairperson
Lorraine Ritchie - Co-Chairperson

Other volunteers included:

Judith Fortin - Booth Volunteer
Jennifer McEwan - Evaluations
Colette Osweiler-Fritz - 50/50 & Prizes
Sandy Becker - Loading Dock
Ken Patterson - Loading Dock
Kelly Robertson - Loading Dock

The booth rental prices for this year were:

Not for Profit - $75.00
Business or government - $125.00

These rates are seen as reasonable and attractive for the smaller organizations. There was no “early bird” reduced registration this year. However, a concerted effort by committee members to recruit a variety of booth holders was deemed a great success.

We advertised and had 2 articles in the Calgary Herald in addition to advertisements in the Kerby News and Good Morning News assisted with the increase to our traffic and community awareness. Flyers were distributed to seniors clubs and organizations. Public service announcements and banners were posted in key locations throughout the city.

The various entertainment spotted throughout the event were popular. Jennifer Buchanan’s music trio, Kathy Bennett told stories, and the Tai Chi demonstrations were well received. The 50/50 draw was very successful with ticket sales at 586.

The catering was arranged through City Hall. We hosted an exhibitor’s hospitality room, which offered coffee/tea and pastries for a small fee. This was very well attended and popular. In the cafeteria, we arranged for one hot entrée special and a soup and sandwich special. This enabled the exhibitors to enjoy a lunch in an expedient manner.

Evaluations were secured from the vendors and general public. These will be summarized and taken under advertisement for next year. Throughout the Fair, excellent ideas were given to committee volunteers. These will be looked at by the committee for next year. CC-AAG’s door prize, along with those donated by Safeway, were provided to 4 participants who completed evaluations in random draw.

The YMCA Y-MAP volunteers were just a delight once again. They are a positive, enthusiastic group and very helpful. They assisted with displays, giving directions to the general public, tracking the number of people attending, handing out maps, and helped to put smiles on many of the seniors faces who had any contact with these young people.

In summary, the SRF is a popular event and was well attended (over 1300). Many of the recommendations listed from last year’s event were taken under advisement and implemented. We will meet as a committee to summarize the successes and how we might implement changes/improvements for next year.

My sincere thanks to all the volunteers and committee members who gave their time and effort and a special THANK YOU to all the committee for their support and hard work this year – they made it happen.

Best wishes for the 2003 Senior’s Resource Fair.

Lorraine Ritchie

Anthea Hibbert