MEMO: TV and WiFi Upgrade for Menno Apartment Residents

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Date:               March 12, 2025
To:                   All Residents of Menno Place
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Menno Apartment Residents,

I am writing to inform you all of an upgrade coming to our TV and Wi-Fi system at MENNO Apartments. This upgrade is needed in order to ensure our system functions well.

What does this mean for you?

Over the coming weeks, a TELUS representative will enter each of your suites and replace some of the equipment. You will be getting a new TV cable box and a new remote.

We will also be changing our wireless network and be giving each of you your own password. This will improve the system so we can better connect your devices that require Internet connection.

Unfortunately, any of the recordings you have saved on your current PVR will be lost. The new boxes are also PVR enabled and so we hope you can re-record shows that you want to watch.

Some of you have added channels and/or a second TV box through TELUS top up program. We are waiting for final details on how this may transfer. If this situation applies to you, please let one of the LEA team members know.

Thank you. I appreciate your flexibility as we don’t have complete firm dates for all the installs. We will keep you updated as best we can via daily announcements.

Leonard Klassen, Manager of Community Enrichment

You can contact the Life Enrichment Team at 604-851-4004

A Prayer for Pandemic Observance Day – March 11

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March 11 is Pandemic Observance Day in Canada. For all of us who lived through the pandemic alongside seniors is it a tender time to remember. There was so much loss – lost loved ones, lost time, lost community. And now, years past that first fateful day, some things have gone back to normal and some things never will. In light of all of that we asked Kerry Dyck, one of our Chaplains, to write a prayer for the day. May these words bring you comfort.

Our Loving God,

On this day while taking time to look back and remember our experience during the Pandemic we admit that we’d rather not.

Those were hard days filled with long, difficult hours. But as we cast our gaze behind, we know that you are with us giving us strength, even as you were during the pandemic months of loss, disorientation and discouragement.

Lord, we lament what was lost.

Even though we had lots of time on our hands we lament the time we lost. We lament the missed opportunities caused by the pandemic. We grieve the relationships that suffered under the weight of strain whether due to physical separation or the separation that comes from seeing things differently.

Most of all, loving God, we are sad because we lost dear people to Covid. Oh, how we miss them! Our hearts are heavy. And yet even there you meet us and are with us.

Open our eyes and hearts to your comfort this day. Remind us that you were with us then and that you still are today. May your hope and love fill our minds and hearts with peace for you are the God of all comfort. Lord, we don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we know that you hold tomorrow in your loving and gentle hands.

This we pray by faith, even if its only a tiny bit,
in the name of Jesus,
Amen.

Seminar: Vital Conversations About Aging

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You’re invited to a seminar happening at Clearbrook MB Church in Abbotsford.

What: Vital Conversations About Aging presented by Lorraine Dick
Where: Clearbrook MB Church 2719 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford
When: Thursday, March 20. Doors open at 9:30. Seminar begins at 10:00
Cost: Donations Optional

This seminar is about the hard conversations that come with aging. It is designed for seniors and their families.

Some of the topics that will be covered are:

  • How to make decisions about driving, moving, and downsizing
  • Taking care of relationships – with family and God
  • How do I want to be cared for when I am no longer able to care for myself?
  • Organizing and collecting important documents
  • End of life decisions

 

Daylight Savings Time Begins March 9th

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Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 9th at 2AM. Please adjust your clocks accordingly.

The transition to Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the spring, commonly known as “springing forward,” involves setting clocks ahead by one hour. This change can disrupt our internal body clocks, leading to various health and safety concerns. In consideration of your well-being, we would like you to be aware of the following risks of Daylight Savings Time.

Risks Associated with Spring Daylight Saving Time:

  1. Sleep Disruption: Losing an hour of sleep can disturb circadian rhythms, resulting in fatigue, reduced alertness, and decreased cognitive performance.
  2. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Studies have observed a rise in heart attacks and strokes following the spring DST transition, potentially due to sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment.
  3. Higher Accident Rates: The shift has been linked to a 6% increase in fatal traffic accidents, particularly during morning commutes when drivers are adjusting to the time change.
  4. Mood Disturbances: Disrupted sleep patterns can exacerbate mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Strategies to Mitigate These Challenges:

  1. Gradual Schedule Adjustment: In the days leading up to DST, go to bed 15–20 minutes earlier each night to help your body acclimate to the upcoming time change.
  2. Morning Light Exposure: Seek natural sunlight in the morning to help realign your circadian rhythm. Light exposure plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles.
  3. Maintain Consistent Sleep Hygiene: Establish a calming bedtime routine, avoid caffeine and electronic devices before bed, and create a restful sleep environment to enhance sleep quality.
  4. Prioritize Safety: Be extra cautious during activities that require full alertness, such as driving, especially in the days immediately following the time change.

Staff Appreciation Tea – Honouring Staff Achievements in 2024

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From awards that marked 645 years of service to the nominations that poured in for outstanding achievements there was plenty to celebrate at this year’s Staff Appreciation Tea.

Read more

February is Therapeutic Recreation Month in Canada

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This month, we celebrate and recognize the amazing work of Recreation Team who make a lasting impact on individual’s lives. Through their passion, creativity, and commitment, they help people of all ages and abilities enhance their well-being and achieve their fullest potential.

Recreation Therapy isn’t just about fun and games; it’s about healing, empowerment, and improving quality of life. Here on campus, whether through physical, mental, or social activities, recreation therapists are at the forefront of promoting holistic health and inspiring positive change.

To the Recreation Team – thank you for your dedication, compassion, and tireless work. Your ability to bring joy, healing, and connection is a true gift, and we are so grateful for all you do! 💙

As a manager, I am incredibly proud to work alongside such an inspirational Recreation Therapy team. Their unwavering commitment to our residents, ability to bring joy, and create meaningful personal connections each day is truly remarkable, and it’s an honor to witness the positive impact they have on lives. ~ Linda Weatherly, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services

Did you know you can access the full recreation calendar for each apartment building or LTC Unit right here on the MennoPlaceLife site? Just click the RECREATION CALENDARS link at the top of the site and you can select the area where your loved one lives.

New Meal and Snack Options at Fireside Cafe

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What do ice cream, chicken biryani and fresh pizza have in common? You can get any (or all) of them anytime in the Fireside Café.

If you’ve been in Menno Hospital recently you might have noticed a few shiny, new machines located right across from the Fireside Café. We are trialing new vending machines – like NOTHING you’ve ever seen before! Come and try them out and let us know what you think.

You can select from:

  • Hot meals like chicken ginger gyoza, vegetable stir fry, butter chicken with rice and steamed pork buns ($7-$10)
  • Soft serve ice cream – choose your syrup and toppings
  • Fresh baked pizza (available soon)
  • Soft drinks and snacks

The machines are credit card only can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are available to staff, residents, families and visitors. There will be an official launch later in the year.

YUMM! One staff member tried the pork steam bun (bao) last week and said it was DELICIOUS – really great flavor, nice and hot.

Where’s the coffee?
Don’t worry caffeine lovers, we have not forgotten you. In March we’ll be adding a Smart Café in a Box machine that will serve fresh, customizable hot or iced coffees, lattes, and teas, along with a wide selection of pop and fruit juices.

What will you try first?

Snow for Abbotsford: Special Weather Statement

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We have received a Special Weather Statement from the Meteorological Service of Canada. This alert is issued for weather events that are unusual or cause general inconvenience or public concern.

Details of the Alert:

  • Type of Weather Event: Snowfall of 2 to 4 cm is expected, with local amounts exceeding 5 cm possible.  High Winds with accumulated snow drifts.
  • Expected Duration: Anticipate the inclement weather to persist through the weekend
  • Areas Affected:  Abbotsford and surrounding regions

Precautionary Measures:

  • Ensure you have adequate supplies at home.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel during the alert period.
  • Stay updated with the latest weather information through reliable sources.

Your safety is our priority. Please take the necessary precautions and stay safe. If you have any concerns or need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Feb 3: Time Limits Coming to Parking on Primrose St. and Brundige Ave.

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Thank you for your patience as we worked with the City of Abbotsford toward a better solution to the street parking on Primrose Street and Brundige Avenue. Current construction has highlighted the difficulty with street parking in these locations.

Starting February 3, 2025 the city will be rezoning the parking along Primrose Street (west side) and Brundige Avenue (north and south sides). These areas are marked in orange on the map below.

Effective February 3, 2025:

  1. No more parking passes: Menno Place paper parking passes will no longer be recognized as permission to park on the street
  2. Maximum 1- OR 2-hour parking: Signs will be installed by the City of Abbotsford
  3. Time-limits enforced by the city: By-laws officers will monitor and enforce the maximum parking time by ticketing violators

This solution will address current concerns and create parking opportunities for families and visitors of Primrose Gardens and Terrace East.

After February 3, please report any violators of the time-limit to Abbotsford By-Laws: 604-864-5512

Snow Advisory Warning: Jan 30 – Feb 2, 2025

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Heavy snowfall is expected in Abbotsford over the next few days. The forecast predicts significant snow accumulation, which may impact travel and daily operations.

Key Points to Note:

  • Expected Snowfall: More than 25 centimeters in the Fraser Valley
  • Snowfall Duration: Thursday night to Sunday overnight
  • Peak Snowfall: Saturday and Sunday
  • Expected Conditions: Heavy snow, potential for icy roads and reduced visibility

Action Required:

  • Ensure all necessary preparations are made for snow removal and safety.
  • Plan for potential delays in travel and adjust schedules accordingly.
  • Stay updated with local weather reports and advisories.

Tips and Reminders for Residents and Families:

  • Take extra care when walking on sidewalks and other surfaces that may be slippery. We will be working to clear parking lots and sidewalks. Please take extra precautions as conditions can change rapidly. Mobility aids may move differently over icy or uneven surfaces. Considering staying indoors if you can.
  • In the apartments, if you notice that your suite is cold, check to make sure all windows are fully closed. Each apartment has a thermostat that can be adjusted for your comfort. If you need assistance please contact the Life Enrichment Team – 604-851-4004.
  • If you go outside, dress warmly. Make sure you hands and head are covered. Choose footwear with good grip.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, as necessary. Your safety is our top priority, so please take all necessary precautions.

Stay safe and warm!