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w w w .insidehalton.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 | 8 Oakville YMCA builds intergenerational connections by Marta Marychuk Oakville Beaver Staff "Every time I see the children, I always give them hugs and tell them that I love them," says 60-year-old Cecelia Burke. "I love the kids and they love me back." Burke is one of the seniors living at the Waterford Long Term Care Facility in Oakville. The facility takes part in a unique program that bridges the generation gap for seniors and children at the Waterford YMCA Child Care, creating health and wellness benefits for young and old. The Waterford YMCA Child Care recently held a special Zumba party for senior June 27 as part of Seniors' Month, with a group of zealous toddlers doing most of the dancing and the seniors enjoying the moment. "It' s really need to see the children and older adults interact together," said Lisa Rankin, vice-president of childcare at the Oakville YMCA. The event is just one of the YMCA child care participants hosted a special Zumba party for seniors at the Waterford Long Term Care Facility. Pictured, Declan Stinson and Keelin Geldenhuys have fun. | Riziero Vertolli/Metroland intergenerational programming activities incorporated into the childcare curriculum at the Waterford, also located in the facility. Some of the other activities offered at the Waterford Long Term Care Facility include games and reading stories. Activities run between 30 minutes to an hour. Burke, who uses a wheelchair to get around, works with children every day, doing arts and crafts and other activities. The children enjoy it a lot -- as well as the residents who can get out of their rooms. "It' s a fun place to be," Burke adds. There is a strong connection between isolation and health in older adults, says Rankin, adding the intergenerational activities help keep the older adults healthy. And the children develop compassion and respect for the seniors, says Rankin. The YMCA cares for approximately 3,500 children in 43 childcare locations throughout Oakville. Waterford Child Care is the only centre that offers intergenerational programming. Not only do the children benefit from the guidance and friendship with their senior friends, but these seniors may also find they are laughing more and getting a bit more exercise just by being around young people, says Alero Eyewuoma, program Manager at Chartwell Waterford Long Term Care Facility. Waterford Long Term Care has been offering intergenerational programming since it opened in 2004. Many studies have reported there are health benefits that come with looking after young people as well, says Eyewuoma. Older adults, who regularly spend time with children, burn 20 per cent more calories than those who don' t, and this can even lead to improve mobility and fewer falls. Seniors spending time with children also perform better on cognitive tests, including individuals experiencing memory loss, she adds. "Young people stand to gain a lot from intergenerational programs and activities as well," adds Eyewuoma. "Conversing with adults of different ages and with different backgrounds challenges children to work on their communication skills and ability to be an effective friend." I a> O A K V I LLE oakville.ca Bike M a in te n a n c e and R epair W orkshop With support from the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, the Town of Oakville is excited to offer Bike Maintenance and Repair Workshops for youth ages 11 to 18 at a reduced fee. Workshop includes learning howto fix a flat tire, fix your chain, adjust brakes and gears. V isit oakville.ca fo r m o re in fo rm a tio n and h o w to register. YOUR MO E O a k V i e Ontario N otice o f Public M e e tin g fo r th e B ro w n fie ld S tra te g y and C o m m u n ity Im p ro v e m e n t Plan (CIP) Project Monday, July 24, 2017 at 6 p.m. Town Hall, Bronte and Palermo Rooms 1225 Trafalgar Road You are invited to attend and provide input at this public meeting hosted by the Economic Development department. TheTown of Oakville hasinitiated work on a Brownfield Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to help stimulate the environmental remediation and redevelopment of brownfield sites throughout Oakville. Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination asaresultofhistorical land usepractices. Many communities have implemented Brownfield programs in an effort to address contamination issues and bring these lands back into productive use. The Brownfields CIP will enable the town to offer financial incentive programs to promote brownfield redevelopment. The information session will include a presentation on the project to date followed by a question and answer period. Questions a b o u t th e project: Dorothy St. George Director, Economic Development 905-845-6601, ext. 4240 dorothy.stgeorge@oakville.ca Do you have accessibility needs? If you would like to attend this meeting and have any accessibility needs, please let us know by Monday, July 17 by contacting Dorothy St. George at 905-845-6601 ext. 4240 (TTY: 905-338-4200), dorothy.stgeorge@oakville.ca or by filling out the accessible online feedback form at oakville.ca. S kate and h e lm e t rentals Now available at Joshua's Creek Arenas! $3 - Helmet | $6 - Skates | $7 - Combo (skates and helmet) Identification required to rent skates and/or helmets. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, birth certificate or citizenship. Quantities are limited, and will be rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Skate and helmet rentals are also available at River Oaks Community Centre and Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. MAKE YOUR MOE O a k v i l l e Ontario