Submitted by: Swan River & District Community Resource Council Inc. – Service to Seniors
Hello to all, 58 people attended the three days of Coffee and a Chat this month. It was great to see you all again and meet the new people who came.
Donna Martin had a chat with us about the Community Foundation of Swan Valley, who they are, what they do and the services they provide to our community. Community Foundation of Swan Valley Inc. P.O. Box 1509 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 ph: 204-734-9129 They have a very good website that is easy to follow at: https://cfsv.ca
Their tag line is “Leave a lasting Legacy for the Swan Valley”. It is true, they have received donations from all areas of the valley in denominations as small as $20, and they provide financial support to Charities, qualified donees and non profit groups through a twice a year grant intake. Special Event! Every gift made to a Manitoba community foundation’s unrestricted fund during the Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge is stretched by The Winnipeg Foundation and the Manitoba government this year is Nov 10-15, 2025.
Deb Schulz led us through a presentation on Breast Cancer Awareness
Screening starts at age 50, you can have a mammogram every two years. Yes, even men can have breast cancer. If you regularly check for lumps or unusual shapes on your breast and find something different, have it checked, have a second opinion if you feel you have been misdiagnosed. Having a biopsy or an xray or CT scan does not make your cancer spread, but will be a help to your medical professional. A good resource is Cancer Care or the government of Manitoba web sites. If you need a Doctor and can not access one when needed, you can use the following Virtual healthcare professional for Canadian residents with a provincial health card. https://qdoc.ca or https://gotodoctor.ca
Amy Currie with Emergency Management Organization of Manitoba explains why we as individuals should have an emergency plan. Our Municipal Governments have a plan for us and the area in which we live, but we should also be aware of our place in this plan. Where, do we go if we need to evacuate, how do we communicate, do we have a working phone if the power goes out, do we have a plan if the power goes out for an extended period of time, do we have enough drinking water, food, can opener or a heat source? Some very important questions to ask ourselves. The website: Manitoba.ca/EMO is easy to navigate and has some straightforward suggestions such as:
• Emergency Go Kits
• Home Emergency Supplies
• Emergency Vehicle Kit
• Residential Checklist
• Smart phones are a handy item to have but only if they are charged and the cellular tower isn’t damaged.
The purchase of a solar power bank/back up charger is a handy item to purchase to ensure your phone and small technological items are charged. Some may even come with flashlights and plugs for small heaters.
Geoff VanMackelberg led us in some very interesting facts about Understanding Dementia and Brain Health. First and foremost, lets not get the disease! If you have been diagnosed, don’t let this diagnosis ruin the rest of your life. Live well, Eat responsibly, stay away from processed food, cook at home that’s where the healthy food starts, exercise daily, keep socially active.
What is dementia? Dementia is an overall term for a set of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. Symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving and language that are severe enough to impair a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Symptoms may also include changes in mood or behaviour. All types of dementia are progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time. The most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia.
Brain Health & Risk Reduction
• While some risk factors are out of your control, like age and genetics, there are many other ways to take action and reduce your overall risk of developing dementia. Learn more at alzheimer.mb.ca/riskreduction. If you do have the diagnosis do not hesitate to join a peer support group, stay active and live life as it comes.
Community can welcome people by physical environmental systems that includes:
• Open areas for activity and rest
• Clear signage at eye level
• Flat, wide and unobstructed sidewalks and walkways
• Clearly marked accessible washrooms in public spaces
• Distinctive structures that can act as landmarks
Painting with Carla in Benito was a grand success with first time painters having fun and finding they did have an artistic talents. 8 participants went home with their creations. Lovely, thanks to all that tried a new “thing”!
We will end the Coffee and a Chat year with a Potluck lunch. Bring the recipe for the dish you will be bringing for the potluck and Services to Seniors will make a little booklet of recipes for distribution in January.
November sessions in Birch River will be with Dave Forbes Fire Chief on winter fire hazards, and a potluck.
Benito will be Laurie Evans RD Clinical Dietitian PMH , a sing-a-long and a potluck.
Swan River will be musical entertainment, a few words by Pastor Reg and a potluck.