November News and Views Social Development and Senior Services

Alberta 55+ Winter Games

Every year hundreds of seniors in one of eight zones vie for the chance to compete at the Alberta 55+ games. These games include physical sports such as bocce, floor shuffleboard, pickleball, snooker and carpet bowling as well as mentally stimulating games such as duplicate bridge, military whist, euchre, scrabble and creative arts.

This year in the South Zone, Medicine Hat Duplicate Bridge Club had two teams earn the opportunity to move forward and play at the games at the provincial level. Len Sharland and Pius Denis, and Jim Hillson and Leroy Angle outplayed their competition from Brooks, Lethbridge and across the southern part of Alberta in the June playoffs in Medicine Hat. They then competed against Alberta’s best in Drumheller, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1. Congratulations Jim Hillson and Leroy Angle for your Gold Medal Performance! Medicine Hat pickle-ballers also had a great outcome at the games. Gordon Masson and Yvan Dussault dominated the 65+ men’s doubles by winning seven of eight sets. Women’s 65+ team Jan Goodfellow and Ylonda Jordheim won gold without playing a game as they were the only females in that age category. They then competed against the younger 55+ players and snatched a silver medal as well.

Congratulations to other medalists: Tim Jacobs and Marcia Garman who won second in 65+ mixed and Ed and Nancy Dick who won second in 55+ mixed.

If you are interested in learning to play duplicate bridge come down to the Strathcona Centre on Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. Lessons are free! If you have any questions please contact LaVerne Noble at 403-504-9627.

Cyber Seniors

Are you interested in learning more about computers, Facebook, email, Youtube and Skype? Would you like to meet with a young mentor who wants to share their expertise? Contact Deidre Giesbrecht to become a part of the cyber seniors program! Cyber Seniors is an eight week course where young people share their knowledge of computers with seniors twice a week. Learn a valuable new skill and have fun doing it! Call 403-529-8384.

Wellness Wednesday Events

“The Meddler” - Nov. 2 ~ 12:30 p.m. Movie Matinee Recently widowed Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) won't leave her daughter Lori alone. Always cheerful, Marnie constantly texts, calls and visits her daughter unannounced. Lori attempts to regain control over her life by setting boundaries and unknowingly lets Marnie's mothering nature loose on Los Angeles. Marnie acts as a mother to everyone until a chance encounter with a new man signals the start of a change in her life.

Supportive Counseling Services - Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to noon

Free telephone or in-person consultations with Medicine Hat Family Service professionals on stress management, family issues, or health and age-related losses.

Call 403-504-8026 (MH Family Service) for an appointment.

Wellness Workshop: Preventing Falls to Stay Independent

Join us to hear from local professionals about the steps you can take to prevent falls and maintain your independence.

Keep Active – Lanna L. Herter , Alberta Health Services

Check Your Vision – Dr. Ravneet Grewal, ClearView EyeCare

Review Your Medications – Leigh Fehr Little, Solutions Pharmacy

Wednesday, Nov. 16 – 10 a.m. South Auditorium at Strathcona Centre

DILLS - Drop In Lifelong Learning Series Holiday Season with the Family: Uncomplicated

Dreading the Holidays? Join us for a workshop on strategies for dealing with holiday stress, worries, and complicated family situations. Nov. 23, 10 a.m. Strathcona Centre Skylight Room

Register for Wellness Wednesday Events by calling: 403-529-8307

The Bistro at Strathcona Centre

Daily Sandwich Specials: Mondays: Santa Fe Chicken (Grilled Chicken, Bacon, Guacamole and Swiss Cheese) Tuesdays: BBQ Philly Beef Wednesdays: Pizza Sub Thursdays: Turkey, Bacon, Apple and Ranch on Marble Rye