Good afternoon fellow members,
I hope you’re all managing things in your respective homes and you’re coping well. There is no doubt that these are very interesting and challenging times. The entire world is being affected by this pandemic and we here in Alberta are not immune to its reach. I know and appreciate that many of you are experiencing high levels of stress and concern about your family, your friends and yourselves. Please continue to be vigilant during these trying times.
I would like to provide you with a few updates regarding Alberta55 plus and the Canada 55 Games. As of Tuesday, March 17th, our provincial office at the Percy Page building has been temporarily closed and our Provincial Coordinator, Dayna White, has set up a “virtual” office where she can be reached through emails and phone calls. Plans will be put in place for Dayna to visit the actual office one or two days a week once we are certain as to where these workplace restrictions are headed.
As mentioned in my Presidents message from a few weeks ago, we did have our AGM planned for Monday, May 4th, 2020 in Red Deer. In adhering to the government restrictions that are now in place, we will we be cancelling the AGM and rescheduling it for a date to be determined. Most likely, it will be in the early part of September and will still be in Red Deer. If things or conditions change, I will provide everyone with an update with lots of notice.
All Alberta55 plus provincial events have been postponed indefinitely and all Alberta55 plus Zone events should be adhering to the same protocols. I strongly believe these steps are necessary to safeguard our members from the risk of contracting this coronavirus. Although our mandate refers to recreation and participation for all seniors, we need to treat this pandemic seriously and support all government policies that are in place to provide that safety.
We have been in contact with the folks from Canada 55 Games and the Kamloops 55 Games and to date, the games are still a go. With the games being planned for August 25-28 there may be a very real possibility that the games go ahead as planned. Of course, the Covid 19 coronavirus may inevitably cause the games to be postponed/canceled and I’m sure that will be a very difficult decision when it happens. Canada 55 has assured the respective provinces that should the games cancel, full refunds would be in order. Updates will be provided to everyone as they unfold and as we receive news from the Canada 55 Board of Directors. Please check our website weekly for these as well as other updates regarding Alberta55 plus and Canada 55 games. Alternatively, you could also check the Canada 55 games or Kamloops 55 games websites.
You will have noticed (hopefully) that our “new look” website is up and running and there are quite a few changes that we made. Please take the time to visit the new website and provide us with some feedback. (good or bad).
We are also very close to having our membership data base ready to go which will make our Membership Directors very happy I’m sure. Thank you for your continued support and patience throughout this “construction” period.
In closing, I would remind everyone that there is a vast amount of misinformation circulating out there on different social media platforms and I encourage you to do your own homework when it comes to this pandemic. There are several very good, trusted government websites that will provide you with all the information you need. I have included these websites and I suggest you visit them in order to stay on top of all the current information that is available to all Albertans. Please see below:
I usually sign off all my messages with the adage of “continue to beat the drum” and I will use it again here, only this time the “drum” has changed. Continue to practice social distancing, continue to self-isolate if warranted, continue to stay home if you’re sick, continue to wash your hands, and continue to be vigilant. This Covid 19 coronavirus threat is very real and your health and the health of your family and friends are paramount.
Until next time…
Dave Finn
President Alberta 55 plus
