The Glebe Centre

By: Julie Ireton

Deep in the basement of Abbotsford House at the Glebe Centre are some hidden works of art that have been collected over many months, only to emerge for the annual, November bazaar.

“There’s some super interesting art work,” said Ian Carter, a volunteer at the senior’s centre across from Lansdowne Park. “Occasionally we also see the odd paint by numbers.”

So they aren’t all masterpieces, but the bazaar’s volunteer art team promises a few hundred paintings and prints, many of which are originals, at the Saturday Nov 24 sale.

Carter and other volunteers will spend more time over the next few weeks sorting and pricing the donated works.

It’s a task that can lead to some animated conversations about the value of a certain work, said Carter who holds a degree in art history and experience working at the National Gallery of Canada.

Some pieces come as seniors downsize from houses to apartments other donations come from estates.

“The bottom line is that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” said Carter.

And that’s really what the annual, fundraising bazaar is all about.

The bazaar has a number of repeat customers including several collectors who’ve been known to camp out at the front door early in the morning, well before the 10 am opening.

There are a few notable paintings that require a professional eye when it comes to determining the value said Geoffrey Rider, Abbotsford member and volunteer.

This year, the highlight will be a couple of watercolour paintings, including one of the Glebe’s own Patterson Creek.

“Most of our art is original, we also get a fair number of prints, it generally runs in the amateur art category,” said Rider.

The sale will also feature some bins with cheaper art and empty frames priced at between $5 and $15.

“People buy what speaks to them,” said Rider. “People buy some of the art recognizing it’s poorly framed and if better framed will be wonderful.”

Abbotsford’s annual bazaar includes much more than art, also featured is a flea market, bake sale, jewelry, homemade crafts and teddy bears, books, stamps and much more.

Don’t miss the annual fundraising bazaar, mark Saturday November, 24 10 am – 2:30 pm on your calendar.

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+. We are the community programs of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon- Fri 9-4 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca

26 Oct 2018

News

Services for Seniors at Abbotsford at The Glebe Centre

Services for Seniors at Abbotsford

By: Julie Ireton

With the help of her talented hands, Lisa Guadamuz offers relaxation, recovery from injury and pain management.

This registered massage therapist drops by Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre a few times a week to help seniors manage shoulder and hip ailments, concussion symptoms or back issues.

Massage therapy is just one of the many services being offered at the senior’s centre across from Lansdowne Park this fall.

“Sometimes people come for relaxation, but almost always there are other issues, said Guadamuz. “People with chronic migraines, spinal issues, and degenerative diseases respond well to massages. You have to be delicate and clear how you can help and what exercises they have to do on their own.”

Guadamuz also teaches exercise classes at Abbotsford. Her advanced core class and a cardio core and stretch class are offered this fall.

The popular cardio core and stretch group meets on Thursdays at 9 am to head outside for to walk or jog outside the centre.

She said this class is a favorite with active seniors who themselves requested an outdoor class.

“People with double hip replacements or undergoing chemotherapy are in the class right now. It’s whatever they can do. It’s social, it’s outside. Then we go inside for balance and core stretching,” said Guardamuz.

New physiotherapy services are also being added to the offering this fall.

On Mondays, starting this September, Chantal Genova, Managing Partner at HealthCircle will be coordinating the services of a registered physiotherapist at Abbotsford.

Regular physiotherapy can help improve strength and balance, reduce recovery time from injuries or surgeries; and reduce symptoms of pain according to Genova.

Footcare continues to be offered on Tuesday while Reflexology has been added to the Friday schedule with reflexology therapist Jennifer Bernius. Medical transportation and the City’s SnowGo program of snow removal are also services that can be arranged through Abbotsford.

The centre provides services to seniors in the Champlain Local Healthcare Integration Network catchment area. Call Abbotsford Reception for more information at: 613-230-5730

“Even if someone is outside our catchment area, we will help the person get to the organization that will best serve him or her,” said Karen Anne Blakely, director of community programs and services.

“We use Caredove which is an online referral system that connects the client to our partner organizations to set up an appointment to meet or speak on the phone with a representative who can assist the senior or caregiver in accessing programs. “

Any city of Ottawa resident, 55 or over is welcome to become a member of Abbotsford. With a $45 annual membership fee (pro-rated to $25 until Dec 31, 2018 for new members only). Pick up your fall program guide at Abbotsford or look online on our website for the details.

07 Sep 2018

News, Uncategorized

Finding your ‘Groove’ at Abbotsford

Finding Your ‘Groove’ at Abbotsford

By: Pat Goyeche

It is time to look ahead to cooler weather and finding your groove at Abbotsford, which houses the Glebe Centre’s Community Programs and Services for Adults 55+.

Finding your fitness, artistic, intellectual and social groove are all possible at Abbotsford this fall.

Not only do we strive to help you find your groove through Abbotsford’s programs, we now have a fantastic new fall event, which is the epitome of groovy. Baby-boomers (and other generations of course) can ‘bliss out’ on Saturday, September 29 at GLEBESTOCK, in the Horticultural Building at Lansdowne. The evening boasts a live 60’s cover band as well as fun retro booths, finger food and a cash bar. Rock out with friends and neighbours while raising much-needed dollars for both the Glebe Centre’s community programs and services and the long term care home. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online or in person at Abbotsford.

Check out our sponsors and learn more about the event on our new Facebook page: @TheGlebeCentreInc.

Courtney Rock, the Glebe Centre’s Fund and Development Manager has a number of treats in store, including a special video thank you to the community which will have its premiere at the event. Many staff, volunteers, members and residents have given considerable time and enthusiasm to the making of this wonderful video. It will only premiere once, and that is at GLEBESTOCK, don’t miss out getting your ticket now by clicking through at https://glebecentre.ca/upcoming-events/.

Finding your groove in the kitchen is also front and centre at Abbotsford this fall because our main floor kitchen has been upgraded significantly over the summer. Look for cooking classes, communal dining and specialty workshops with the addition of a range, dishwasher and microwave (courtesy of the Abbotsford Members Council).

Our traditional fitness classes, favourite instructors and always-popular arts courses are returning to Abbotsford this fall, alongside new programming such as Chair Tai Chi and Finding Meaning in Song. The fall guide will be available mid-August and will list a full complement of programs for Adults 55+.

Finding your groove has never been easier than it will be this fall, so join in and participate in all that we have on offer. Abbotsford is dedicated to forging new partnerships in our community, implementing new programming through grants and fundraising and continuing to work with our governments and agencies that help keep our 55+ population active and engaged.

We are also particularly excited to share the news that we have a new white high profile van, a Dodge Ram ProMaster fitted with a mechanical lift at the back for wheelchair access. The Champlain Local Health Integration Network funded this van through the Champlain Community Transportation Collaborative led by Carefor, another community agency. Take a closer look when you see it. The three logos on the van indicate the organizations involved. The van has room to transport 7 passengers and 1 additional person in a non-collapsible wheelchair. The van seats are removable and the position of the seats are changeable to arrange depending on clients’ needs.

We are currently using the van to transport clients residing in the neighbourhood for two Adult Day Programs: dementia and frail seniors. When funding is secured for additional days in the dementia Adult Day Program, we will be able to expand use of the van. Meanwhile, you will continue to see our 2010 Lady Mary Ford bus on the road for a while for use by long term care residents as they enjoy outings to local venues, restaurants and for tours around Ottawa.

29 Aug 2018

News

Accreditation Achieved!

The Glebe Centre Inc. underwent an accreditation survey of its Long-Term Care services and programs in June as part of our ongoing commitment to quality care for our Residents. We received confirmation last week that we have received three-year accreditation from CARF International. Our letter of confirmation states: “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons you serve… Your organization should take great pride in achieving this high level of accreditation”.

This accreditation process assists us in successfully maintaining and improving our care, services, and programs and will inform our operations and strategic development over the next three years.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all staff, volunteers, Residents, family/friends, and members of our extended community who make the Glebe Centre such a wonderful place. It is the hard work and dedication of so many individuals and groups that made this milestone possible!

CARF International is an independent, not-for-profit family of organizations (including CARF, CARF Canada, and CARF-CCAC) that provides accreditation in the field of human services.

09 Aug 2018

News, Uncategorized

I’m Gardening, I’m Walking, I’m Biking, I’m Hiking…I’m Coming to Abbotsford!

By: Pat Goyeche

There are many good reasons why our regular fitness routines are disrupted. Summer weather and activities are certainly very good “excuses” for the disruption. But that does not have to mean that we give up those routines.

Instead, keep rooted in fitness and fun. Fertilize, water and grow your fitness this summer!

If anything summer gives us a chance to do more and feel better. Try to at least keep up a minimal indoor fitness routine while adding gardening, walking, biking or hiking to your outdoor activities.

Indoor exercise classes in our air-conditioned facility are one sure way to keep fit and cool at the same time. Complement an outdoor activity with indoor Zumba, Aerobic, Muscle Toning, Cardio Core, Balance and Stretch, Strength Training or Yoga classes this summer. We offer a wide variety of classes at the level that suits you best.

Are you unsure of your level of fitness or would like to see a class before ‘joining in’? Now is the time to check out The Glebe Centre Community Programs at Abbotsford while our spring classes are still running. You are most welcome to ask for advice at Reception and drop-in for a class of interest to you. This will give you a good idea as to what to expect in a summer class and to meet some of the instructors that offer those classes.

Have a look at our current summer guide on our website www.glebecentre.ca or, better yet, drop in to have a look at our daily schedules, meet the staff and pick up a copy of the summer guide.

New members will receive a discounted membership fee if they register for classes in the summer session. This is for new members only, an incentive for those who keep meaning to join but have not quite yet managed to do so. Now is your time to become that new member! Registration for classes and new memberships are available starting on Monday, June 11^th.

Summer is a time of leisure, when we relax a bit and “smell the roses’’, get caught up on our reading and fertilize our souls in the sunshine. At Abbotsford we keep the nourishment of mind and soul going with our club activities, such as fine-tuning our Bridge, Ping Pong and Tai Chi skills.

These and many other clubs run throughout the summer, offering a tremendous opportunity to connect with friends you know and friends you will get to know.

The Abbotsford book club is looking for new members. They will meet next on Friday, June 22^nd to discuss Craig Davidson’s, Precious Cargo. Please drop in and pitch your own picks.

We also continue to sell our much appreciated donations of women’s clothing, books, jewelry, crafts, cards, art and flea market items in our Fine Findz Reception area. This fundraising activity helps us to continue to deliver our programming for Adults 55+.

This summer, we look forward to helping you ‘grow’ as you see fit!

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+. We are the community programs of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long-term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon- Fri 9-4 pm, phoning us at 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca.

03 May 2018

News

New Horizon Grant

By Julie Ireton

With the help of a federal government grant program, Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre has a whole lot cooking.

The annual New Horizon grant, worth up to $25,000, helps the seniors’ activity centre across from Lansdowne Park stay vibrant and relevant, according to Karen Anne Blakely, Director of Community programs at Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre.

The grant is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

In 2018, this money will help with three different initiatives, starting with fixing up the main floor kitchen in the heritage farmhouse.

“We’re remodeling the main floor kitchen which will include a stove, microwave, vented hood fan and new cabinetry,” said Blakely. “By doing that, it will allow us to do some cooking classes, something we’ve never done before.”

Members will come together to learn some specialized culinary skills and then provide the results at various events.

Another portion of this year’s grant will go towards the Ottawa Seniors Housing Alliance, an initiative involving several Abbotsford members.

This alliance is brainstorming different options for the elderly besides retirement or long term care homes such as living in smaller spaces, community living or co-sharing care options.

Blakely says the money could be used to help set up a conference in the fall and bring in guest speakers to discuss how to solve housing issues for seniors throughout Ottawa.

“It’s really about creating common spaces to socialize together and not be lonely as they age,” said Blakely. “They want to create partnerships and tackle development of a housing plan.”

Another future project that will benefit from the New Horizons money is a friendly visit program to isolated seniors.

This special project will partner with local florists so volunteer visitors can drop off flowers and have a friendly visit with people who are just home from hospital, are socially isolated or physically frail.

In 2017, Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre was also funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program which helped bring multi-generational dance into the seniors’ centre.

“‘It allowed us to hire a belly dancer,” said Blakely. “We hired an instructor to teach many different generations to work together.”

It was a program that brought together children, adults and seniors, all participating together.

The grant also allowed Abbotsford to install a new floor in its multipurpose room that continues to get a lot of use for fitness classes, yoga, tai chi and dance.

03 Apr 2018

News, Uncategorized

Keep Fit, Keep Engaged and Come on In!

By: Pat Goyeche

Spring is coming, though winter did manage to sneak in a few extra sprays of snow. With spring comes a feeling of renewal, seeding fresh starts and more active living. It is time to put away your winter boots and break out the sneakers.

The Glebe Centre Community Programs at Abbotsford offer a wide range of programming for Adults 55+. Our programs work to challenge and engage the whole person. We offer intellectual, social, physical and artistic programs and classes for everyone at all levels of ability.

Enjoy our weekly Learn & Explore ‘Speaker’s Series’ on Wednesday afternoons or our monthly Topical Talks as listed in our guide which you can pick up at Abbotsford or view online: www.glebecentre.ca under Community Programs and Current Guide. (pages 14 & 15)

On Wednesday, April 18, Mark Mueller, an electrician, economist and author of Hugo Frank in the Maelstrom of German History will be presenting his book. We will learn how an ordinary family manages through turbulent times of German history, starting with Bismarck and ending with the Berlin Wall in 1961. This is one of many weekly lectures that are open to the general public. It is a great introduction to what Abbotsford has to offer. Please telephone Reception to reserve a seat at 613-230-5730.

Spring also brings out the cleaner in many of us; please think of Abbotsford when cleaning your basements and closets. We gladly accept gently used women’s clothing for our Boutique as well as Elegant Treasures, Art, Flea Market items, Books, and Jewellery. All of these donations are sorted, priced and resold with the aid of our many devoted volunteers. The sale of these donations helps to maintain and enhance the programming offered through Abbotsford.

Art classes are blossoming at Abbotsford this spring. We have a new roster this term including a beginner’s watercolour class on Friday morning and on Wednesday morning we have Drawing & Printing Techniques – More than Fifty Shades of Grey! This is a beginner’s level course, developing basic drawing skills, sketching and making unique mono-prints. There will be simple, fun exercises that will give you confidence in your own ability to create. We also have Calligraphy, Embroidery on Paper, Working with Wood Projects, Pottery, Stained Glass and an Art course where you work on your own painting/drawing with a knowledgeable artist/facilitator on hand with helpful hints. Don’t miss out on your artistic growth this spring!

We also have a new course this spring that combines physical and brain exercises called

Brain Shaker: a dynamic physical and mental challenge: Let’s use it, not lose it, this new physical/mental programming that stimulates through moderate physical exercise combined with fun trivia. It combines instruction with N.U.T.S (Neuron Upgrade Training Stations) that are ready to challenge and boost your knowledge. Welcome 21st Century instruction and technology for an engaging activity with a great fun factor.

Many of our popular classes and instructors are back this spring with appropriate levels for all students in Tai Chi, Aerobics, Dancing to World Music, Zumba, Yoga, Muscle Toning, Cardio/Core workouts and Balance and Strength classes. Keep fit and find what works for you. You are welcome to try a class prior to enrolling (if it isn’t already filled to the maximum amount of participants). We have drop in rates, please check in with Reception prior to trying a class.

Clubs remain popular as members “own” their community centre practicing Tai Chi sets, playing Bridge, Pool and Ping Pong multiple times during the week. Non-members are welcome to check out a club prior to taking out a membership. Members enjoy the use of the facility to hone in on skills they have learned through courses at Abbotsford. Some clubs such as Mahjong, Sing ‘N Jam, Opera, Book and Movie clubs keep members in touch with like-minded people who appreciate getting together on a regular basis.

These spring seeds: lectures, fundraising sales, classes and clubs spread and build strong roots at Abbotsford throughout the year. Keep fit and engaged, come visit Abbotsford.

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+. We are the community programs of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254-bed long-term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon- Fri 9-4 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca

01 Mar 2018

News

Search on for Photos of Historic Abbotsford House

By Julie Ireton

Geoffrey Rider is hoping that tucked away in some attic or buried deep in a basement is a collection of long, forgotten photos that might include historic shots of one of the Glebe’s most grand homes.

Rider, a volunteer and member of Abbotsford at the Glebe Centre is trying to piece together a more accurate history and more complete photo collection of Abbotsford House, built in the late 1800s, right across from Lansdowne Park.

“It’s not too late,” said Rider. “There have got to be images around of the house. 1889, was actually when Kodak introduced the box camera and people were taking amateur pictures. There are probably some around in boxes and basements.”

At ‘Doors Open’ every spring, buildings across the region welcome guests to admire the architecture and heritage. Abbotsford House has opened its doors over the years and every time, staff and volunteers seek out more information about the old house to add to the lore.

That’s where Rider, the former director of collections and research at the Canadian Science and Tech Museum, has helped out.

“Boxes needed to be sorted and I found some references to records that had been sent to the Ottawa archives,” said Rider. “I started going through the minutes from 1887 when they opened the Protestant House of Refuge.”

Rider was already aware of the home’s rich history, starting out from its construction by local pioneer and businessman, Alexander Mutchmor.

From 1889 to 1974 the house was a shelter for elderly men. Then local churches came together in the early 70’s to build a retirement home for both men and women beside the house.

This became the Glebe Centre, and Abbotsford became what it remains today, a Senior’s Active Living Centre (Programs and Services for Adults 55 +). The house was designated an official heritage sight in 1984.

Through his research, Rider discovered the house had barns, farm animals, fields and gardens.

There must have been hens too considering he’s found a “poultry and egg book” from the 1920s and 30s that shows the residents and staff at the house were selling chickens and eggs.

“People also rented the lawn to hold events including costume balls and tea parties on the premises,” said Rider. “Notable people would be in attendance, probably protestants, and members of the home’s board of directors.”

Local Protestant churches and a woman’s auxiliary helped fundraise and refer residents to the home so Rider thinks some Glebe and Old Ottawa South church archives may hold information or photographs.

“There’s a pretty wide net of people who could search for stuff,” said Rider who also hopes to clarify dates and set a more accurate historical record. “It should have been done 25 or 50 years ago, but it’s not too late.”

If you have any stories or photographs about/of Abbotsford House please contact Pat Goyeche, Coordinator of Community Programs at: 613-230-5730 or pgoyeche@glebecentre.ca.

Abbotsford is your community support centre for Adults 55+. We are the community programs of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long-term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon- Fri 9-4 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca

06 Feb 2018

News

Rexall Foundation donates $14,800 to the Glebe Centre

OTTAWA (February 1, 2018) – The Rexall Foundation has donated $14,800 to the Glebe Centre, a long-term care home that provides specialized care to 254 residents ranging in age from 40 to 105 years old. The donation will go towards a purchase of eight electric beds.

Most residents currently have manual beds which requires staff support when a resident wants to get out of bed. Residents wait for staff to position the bed and help the resident get up or adjust the bed to a comfortable position.

“The Rexall Foundation is committed to improving the health and wellness of seniors in Canada and continues to help seniors live healthy and active lifestyles,” said Brian McLaughlin, Chair, Rexall Foundation. “The electric beds will provide residents with independence, allowing them to adjust their bed to the perfect comfort of choice whether sleeping, watching TV or reading.”

“The Glebe Centre is thrilled to receive a very generous donation from the Rexall Foundation,” said Courtney Rock, Fund and Development Manager, The Glebe Centre. “We are grateful the Rexall Foundation has provided us with the funds needed to purchase critical items needed in the home.”

The Rexall Foundation has been helping build strong and vibrant communities by supporting numerous charitable organizations since 2002. Whether it’s a community or children’s hospital or a disease prevention organization, the Foundation values the role it plays in helping the delivery of numerous programs and services in Canada. In 2017, the Rexall Foundation donated over $685,000 to 55 charitable organizations that promote the health and wellness of children and seniors, including charities in Ontario, such as Hemophilia Ontario, Hospice Renfrew, Nova’s Ark, Assaulted Women’s Helpline, Sunnybrook Foundation, The Darling Home for Kids, plus many more local and national charities across Canada.

For More Information:
Julia Sutton, (w) 905.501.7900, (c) 416.458.3648, jsutton@rexall.ca

Courtney Rock, 613-238-2727 x 316, crock@glebecentre.ca

01 Feb 2018

News

Drivers Wanted!

By: Julie Ireton

New retirees, along with gerontology students, even firefighters and police officers in-training, are among those who’ve been recruited to become volunteer drivers for Ottawa seniors heading to medical appointments.

“We love our volunteer drivers,” said Jane Stallabrass, Program facilitator, Community Support Services, Abbotsford House at Glebe Centre across from Lansdowne Park. “Our volunteers are an amazing breed of people and I’d love to clone the ones I have.”

But since Stallabrass can’t clone them, she finds herself continually recruiting new volunteers to help out.

The program provides the service for seniors who need more assistance getting to an appointment or doctor’s office than might be provided by a bus or a cab and Abbotsford’s transport volunteers do more than just drive the car.

“They can be heading to any medically related appointment, doctor, dentist, eye appointment, hospital, hearing aids, glasses, anything they need for their medical requirements,” said Stallabrass.

Thanks to the program, subsidized by government grants and fundraising, the rides are more affordable for clients, usually costing $12, but as high as $25 to get to the outskirts of the city.

“For most of our clients, most other services don’t work for them. Taxis work in some cases for some people, but the cost can be prohibitive,” said Stallabrass. “And knowing you have a driver who has experience with seniors, has had a police record check and is screened is important.”

The drivers are trained and while their cars aren’t wheelchair accessible, drivers do what they can to help seniors who have some mobility issues and use walkers.

Martha Hynna, a retired senior public servant, has been a volunteer for about a year and a half.

“I like to drive, I’ve got a car and I’ve got the time,” said Hynna. “What I like most is that I meet a whole bunch of interesting people I otherwise wouldn’t meet and get to have a little conversation with them.”

Hynna, like many of the volunteer drivers helps get seniors to their appointments once a week.

Stallabrass said many of their clients live in the Glebe and Ottawa South, but the pick-up area extends to Billings Bridge and all the way to Hunt Club.

One of the drivers, a federal government employee has worked out a flexible work schedule so he can volunteer as a driver for a few hours a week.

“Which is amazing. Even one drive a week is huge,” said Stallabrass.

Hynna said she would encourage others to volunteer.

“For me it’s so easy, I’m quite comfortable driving and it’s an easy thing to do and I get to meet people from all kinds of different backgrounds.”