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CONTACT US
DEPARTMENT/POSITION STAFF EXTENSION

Executive Director Sujata Ganguli 205

2562 Eglinton Avenue West
Manager of Community Development Nico Cassidy 238
2nd Floor, Suite 202
Toronto, ON M6M 1T4 Manager of Public Relations and Lise Dubé 240
Development
Phone: 416-787-2114
Fax: 416-787-8552 Intake Kamal Singh 214
S T. C L A I R W E S T S E RV I C E S F O R S E N I O R S
Email:
info@servicesforseniors.ca
Adult Day Services Coordinator

Case Workers
Abina Beckles

Katharine Spears
218

219
I N TO U C H
Website: Linna Tran 241 Embracing Diversity, Encouraging Independence, Ensuring Dignity
www.servicesforseniors.ca Nancy Lourenco 258
Nicole Best 245 YOUR GIVING MATTERS
Roxana Guerreno 211
Be kind to the environment.
Sidrah Malik 239 You may wonder why St. Clair West Services for Seniors asks it clients, participants,
Please request In Touch volunteers, supporters, suppliers and partners for donations. Perhaps you think the
electronically. Our e-mail: Coordinator of Volunteers Cheryl Browne 207 income from funders and payments from clients should be sufficient to operate the
info@servicesforseniors.ca Agency. These sources do pay for the majority of the costs to run our programs and FEBRUARY 2011
Health and Wellness Coordinator Wendy Robertson 237
services; however, they do not support our client subsidy program nor do they pay for
Home Support Coordinator Mohammed Patel 222 certain items that are essential to providing our services. Inside this issue:

Meals on Wheels Coordinator Trinh Pham Do 203 Central to the core values of our Agency is our client subsidy program. We believe Our Volunteers 2
Transportation Coordinator Margaret Stewart 202 that every person deserves to receive our support services and have access to our
community programs, regardless of economic status. This past year, we provided Our Community
3
subsidies to 60 people living in our community. The value of these subsidies is Programs
OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE – ANNUAL CAMPAIGN almost $45,000.00. By receiving a subsidy, these older adults no longer have to
worry about paying for their next meal or for transportation to their next medical Community Programs
4
appointment. With a subsidy, caregivers struggling to make ends meet have access to and Services Calendar
our Respite Care and are able to have a loved one attend our Adult Day Program.
Your generosity ensures dignity, February’s Topics of
your gift encourages independence and Donations are required to support Agency services. For instance, two of the cars 6
Interest
your support makes program improvements possible. currently used to transport clients and participants to and from appointments and
Please give to our Annual Campaign. activities are aging and need to be replaced. The Agency must raise funds to replace Briefs 7
these vehicles. Also, we must raise funds to replace obsolete computers and out-of-
date computer software. So when our Annual Campaign letter arrives at your door Contact Us 8
My donation is in the amount of: $25.00 $50.00 $75.00 $100.00 Other: $_______ this February we ask you to please donate and to remember,
Opportunities to Give 8
Name: ______________________________________________________________ Your generosity ensures dignity,
your gift encourages independence and
Address: _________________________________________________________ your support makes program improvements possible.
Postal Code: _______________ Telephone: _______________

Please make cheques payable to: St. Clair West Services for Seniors
Mail to: 2562 Eglinton Avenue West, 2nd Floor, Suite 202, Toronto ON M6M 1T4
A tax receipt will be issued for donations over $10
Registered Charitable Number 12982 9115 RR0001
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OUR VOLUNTEERS
Each of St. Clair West Services for Seniors’ volunteers brings important skills and talents which contribute to our
delivery of programs and services, and help to promote program expansion. Periodically, in this section, we will
be profiling Agency volunteers who are making a difference in our community.
VOLUNTEER PROFILE: CORA PRICOP
When Cora joined our Agency as a volunteer on October 8, 2010, she was looking for
something meaningful to do, while utilizing her technical skills in computers. It
quickly became evident that she would be well suited to volunteering in our computer
lab which was set up to help seniors practise their newly acquired computer skills.
Cora jumped in, with both feet, volunteering twice per week. Her friendly and
enthusiastic nature soon became evident to her new pupils as well as the Community
Development Team. Cora offered her services to help with the creation of a meeting
room booking system (needed with our expansion). Cora also is adept at playing the
piano. She volunteered to lead a “Glee Club” which performed at a number of Agency
events including the Volunteer Holiday Party. She graciously stepped in and took on
the role of Trainer when we were suddenly without an instructor for our computer classes. This meant that for a
4-week period Cora delivered computer training to seniors at four partner agencies, moving from one location to
another all in the same day. When she comes in to volunteer, Cora’s “can do” attitude and commitment are truly
appreciated.
We received Cora’s valuable feedback about her volunteer experience.
How did you choose volunteering at St. Clair West Services for Seniors (SCWSS)?
“I was specifically looking for community centres involving seniors. I was brought up to believe that great
privilege brings great responsibility. I consider it a great privilege to learn from our seniors’ life experience, and
to share special moments with them. I sent an email to SCWSS, as a result of researching for volunteer
opportunities on the internet. I was impressed with the prompt response and the interview arrangement. Those
actions reflected professionalism as part of SCWSS’s culture.”
Why do you like volunteering here?
“All the people I met here are passionate about helping seniors and having a positive impact on their lives. I
appreciate the cultural diversity of this community and I feel happy to be involved in their activities. Every day
spent here gives me more understanding of our seniors’ needs, and on top of everything, sharing stories and
laughs is a great bonus.”
How has volunteering impacted your life?
“Volunteering has provided me with an excellent way to develop my interpersonal skills. I have learned about
people from all walks of life and environments. I have become more open and compassionate, and this has had a
positive impact in my personal life.”
At SCWSS we are always on the lookout for volunteers with skills that can benefit the Agency and create a
meaningful volunteer experience. If you are such an individual we would love to hear from you.
VOLUNTEER ANNIVERSARIES
Linessa Toby 2 years Marcel Jonker 1 year
Celia Guevara 2 years Kathleen Gordon 1 year
Embracing Diversity, Encouraging Independence, Ensuring Dignity
Page 7 IN TOUCH
BRIEFS
DEMENTIA CARE TRAINING FOR PRIVATE CAREGIVERS
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) has developed a 12-hour dementia-specific certificate training
program for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. The program will be split into four
sessions of 3 hours each, starting Tuesday February 22. The cost is $100. To register or for more information
contact Indra at the AST, 416-322-6560. It is recommended to book early as spaces are limited.
HOME LIBRARY SERVICE
Did you know that the library can come to you? If you have an illness or mobility issue that prevents you from
getting to your local library you are eligible for the home library program in which you can get books, books
on tape, CDs and DVDs delivered straight to your door. Call the Toronto Public Library’s Home Library
Service for more information, 416-395-5557.
INFLUENZA PREVENTION TIPS
This flu and cold season has been particularly unpleasant. Everyone should take the proper measures to
prevent getting sick. Wearing warm clothes, drinking lots of fluids and eating well are the most basic steps to
stay healthy and away from the many human influenza viruses. However, it’s very important to follow some
other easy ways to prevent catching a cold or flu. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes,
nostrils or mouth unless your hands are clean. Nowadays you can find hand sanitizer almost everywhere you
go so make the best use of it. If you are already sick, please be considerate of others so the virus doesn’t
spread. Cover your cough, sneeze in your sleeve, and get the rest required at home for a fast recovery.
UNITED WAY’S REPORT ON VERTICAL POVERTY
As part of United Way’s (UW) Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy and the organization’s continuous
effort to understand the root causes and challenges of the city through research, the report on ‘Poverty by
Postal Code 2: Vertical Poverty’ was released on January 12th by its President and CEO, Susan McIsaac.
Ms. McIsaac pointed out that the trend to poverty is being geographically concentrated in Toronto’s inner
suburbs, and that the number of neighbourhoods where there is significant poverty has grown substantially.
Additionally, poverty has become not only geographic but vertical, as it is now (2006) highly concentrated in
private high-rise rental buildings, compared to Statistics Canada data from 30 years ago. For more information
on this report, visit www.unitedwaytoronto.com/verticalpoverty.
WARM WINTER RECIPE: MICROWAVE HOT MULLED CIDER
(source: www.cooks.com)
1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice
1 liter apple cider
1 stick cinnamon
In a 2-liter microwave-safe casserole combine all ingredients. Cover.
Microwave on high for 5-8 minutes or until hot. Strain and serve.
Embracing Diversity, Encouraging Independence, Ensuring Dignity
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FEBRUARY’S TOPICS OF INTEREST OUR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

LUNAR NEW YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERS LET THEIR TRUE COLOURS SHINE
Traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan and Mongolian populations across
On Friday January 14, Community
the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, their most important holiday. It is based on
Development volunteers came to the
the lunar and solar movements (lunisolar calendar). The Lunar New Year begins with
Eglinton Hill Centre to participate in a
the new moon on the first day of the New Year, and its ending varies from culture to
team-building workshop. The workshop
culture. For example, the Chinese New Year festivities end at the full moon 15 days
was developed by the Coordinator of
later with a Lantern Festival; the Vietnamese ‘Tết’ lasts seven days; and the Korean ‘Seolnal’ lasts three days.
Volunteers, Cheryl Browne, along with
The following are some highlights of the Chinese and Vietnamese New Years.
student Laura Hurst, and Community
Chinese New Year (2011, year of the Rabbit) Development Manager, Nico Cassidy.
The Chinese New Year festivities date back to the ‘Spring Festival’ celebrations which took place at the end of The morning was filled with laughter,
the harvest, when the Chinese offered gratitude to the gods for their fruitful harvests learning and a delicious breakfast.
and pleaded with them for a good crop the following year. Such customs were Volunteers explored the components of
formalized as the ‘New Year’ under the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 25 AD). The their job descriptions as well as the
Chinese observe both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day as a family gathering qualities and skills Community
time when they give thanks, share gifts and remember with great respect their Development volunteers bring to the
departed relatives as these were responsible for laying the foundations for the good programs and services they attend. The
fortune and glory of the living family. This celebration also incorporates a Chinese morning finished with the team-building exercise based on ‘True Colours’. The exercise allowed volunteers
feast, traditional performances, and parades with lion dances and firecrackers, to mention some examples. to explore key aspects of their personalities and discover how different personalities interact in a team setting.
Vietnamese New Year (2011, year of the Cat) Each volunteer was given a coloured feather representing their ‘True Colour’; by the end of the exercise, it
‘Tết’, a family-oriented celebration, marks the arrival of the spring, and begins on the same day as the Chinese was apparent that our Community Development volunteers make a rainbow!
New Year. The Vietnamese believe in the importance of cleaning and sweeping away the bad luck prior to the
New Year. They engage in gift giving and sharing with others on New Year’s Eve and its following days as a
symbol of the prosperity, health and wealth to come in the upcoming year. Some Vietnamese traditions include GET IN THE PICTURE - PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE
ancestor worshipping, offerings to the Kitchen God, the giving of lucky money, packed in red envelopes, to
unmarried people and elders, visiting temples, relatives and friends, and preparing holiday dishes. Want to learn or improve your photography skills? Monday evenings starting February 7, St. Clair West
Services for Seniors in collaboration with two professional photographers will be offering a 6-part series on
We wish everyone a Happy New Lunar Year. photography, taking place at the Eglinton Hill Centre from 4:30 P.M. to 6 P.M. Do not
worry if you don’t have a camera as we can lend you one. Not having experience isn’t a
BED BUGS: A NEWSWORTHY CONCERN concern either; we will have youth volunteers to help out too. Light refreshments will be
served and transportation will be arranged. For more information please contact Prisilla
Mike Colle, MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence, held a press conference at St. Clair West Services for Seniors to at 416-787-2114 x 261.
announce provincial funding to address the challenging bed bug issue. Sujata Ganguli, Executive Director of St.
Clair West Services for Seniors, lauded the announcement, acknowledging that bed bugs are a problem in certain
buildings where the Agency provides services. The Ontario government has committed 5 million dollars to SENIORS’ COMMUNITY KITCHEN DROP-IN AT The STOP
support applications from the province's 36 public health units for bed bug focused programs. Also, a new public
education website, www.bedbugsinfo.ca, has been launched and a guide, “An Integrated Pest Management Here’s your chance to learn new recipes, try new foods and meet new friends. The STOP Community Food
Program for Managing Bed Bugs” is available. Centre is hosting a monthly seniors’ community kitchen drop-in at its gorgeous Wychwood Barn location at
Christie and St. Clair. The program is free of charge and is held on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 1
P.M. to 3 P.M. Upcoming kitchen dates are February 22, March 22, April 26, May 24, and
June 28. For more information you can call Wei at The STOP, 416-651-7867 x 23. If you
need assistance with transportation contact St. Clair West Services for Seniors, 416-787-2114
x 202.

Embracing Diversity, Encouraging Independence, Ensuring Dignity Embracing Diversity, Encouraging Independence, Ensuring Dignity
 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5
Dufferin Mall, Group Shopping: Dufferin Mall, Group Shopping: Eglinton Hill Centre: Art class Eglinton Hill Centre: Beginners Eglinton Hill Centre
From 989 Eglinton Avenue West and From 31 Tichester Road Computer class Saturday Spanish Social
2353 Dufferin Street Eglinton Hill Centre: Stretch, Balance & Recreational Program
Eglinton Hill Centre: Conversational and Strength Exercises/
English class Sewing/Craft club
Frozen Meal Delivery Gooch: MAPP for Muslim Seniors
Gooch: MAPP for Caribbean Seniors

7 8
Eglinton Hill Centre:
Latin Dance class/
Photography club
14
Eglinton Hill Centre:
Latin Dance class/
Photography club
9 10 11 12
Doug Saunders: “Feet to Keep” (clinic) Eagle Manor: MAPP for Muslim Eglinton Hill Centre: Art class Eglinton Hill Centre: Beginners Eglinton Hill Centre
Eagle Manor: MAPP for Caribbean Seniors Fruit & Vegetable Basket Delivery Computer class Saturday Spanish Social
Seniors Eglinton Hill Centre: Stretch, Balance & Recreational Program
Eglinton Hill Centre: Conversational and Strength Exercises/
English class Sewing/Craft club
Frozen Meal Delivery
Outlook Manor: “Feet to Keep” (clinic)
SCWSS: “Feet to Keep” (clinic)
15 16 17 18 19
Eglinton Hill Centre: Conversational Dufferin Mall, Group Shopping: Eglinton Hill Centre: Art class Eglinton Hill Centre: Beginners Eglinton Hill Centre
English class From 31 Tichester Road Roselawn/Marlee: “Feet to Keep” Computer class Saturday Spanish Social
Frozen Meal Delivery Eglinton Hill Centre: Stretch, Balance (clinic) & Recreational Program
Louise Towers: “Feet to Keep” (clinic) and Strength Exercises/
Outlook Manor: MAPP for Caribbean Sewing/Craft club
Seniors Outlook Manor: MAPP for Muslim
Seniors

21 22 23 24 25 26
Doug Saunders: MAPP for Caribbean Doug Saunders: MAPP for Muslim Eglinton Hill Centre: Art class Eglinton Hill Centre: Beginners Eglinton Hill Centre
FAMILY DAY Seniors Seniors Fruit & Vegetable Basket Delivery Computer class Saturday Spanish Social
(Agency closed) Eglinton Hill Centre: Conversational Eglinton Hill Centre: Stretch, Balance & Recreational Program
English class and Strength Exercises/
Frozen Meal Delivery Sewing/Craft club

28
Eglinton Hill Centre:
Latin Dance class/
Photography club

REMEMBER: ADDRESSES FOR THE COMMUNITY PROGRAM LOCATIONS:

• By Wednesday, every week, order frozen meals at 416-787-2114 x 203. • Doug Saunders: 1775 Eglinton Avenue West
• Please order your fruit and vegetable baskets at 416-787-2114 x 203, at least eight days before delivery. • Eagle Manor: 1901 Weston Road
• Call 416-787-2114 x 202 to book a seat on the bus for the shopping trips. • Eglinton Hill Centre: 2562 Eglinton Avenue West, Ground Floor
• Please book your appointment for the “Feet to Keep” Foot Clinics at 416-787-2114. The cost is $15. • Gooch: 3725 Dundas Street West
• The Adult Day Centre is open 7 days a week. • Louise Towers: 130 Vaughan Road
• Please refer to the detailed calendar posted in your building, to obtain further information about the Community • Outlook Manor: 55 Outlook Avenue
Programs taking place at your site. • Roselawn/Marlee: 855 Roselawn Avenue
• For the Community Programs’ hours, or if you’re interested in joining activities, please contact 416-787-2114. • SCWSS: 2562 Eglinton Avenue West, 2nd Floor, Suite 202
• Vila Gaspar: 33 Gabian Way