Sad News

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We are sad to announce that we have lost some members and friends in the past few months.

Catherine Strome passed in February of 2022

Diane Thompson passed in November of 2022

Margaret Sugden passed in December of 2022

Glyn Smith passed in March of 2023

 

We all remember Glyn as our long time office manager/administrator.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” held in Glyn’s honor on April 15 at 2:00 PM in the Social Room of Glyn’s and Chris’s condo at 511 Queen Street, Spruce Grove.

Everyone is welcome.

 

Our condolences to the families of these individuals. May they rest in peace.

 

A POLIO STORY – LUNCH and a MOVIE SOCIAL

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On Friday, March 3 WPSS hosted a lunch and movie social at the St. Albert Legion featuring the film “Warm Springs”. The afternoon began with registration at 11:00 AM, followed by an excellent light lunch of soup and sandwiches catered by the legion kitchen.
Half way through the film we had a half hour intermission during which a dessert of fruit and baked goods was served.

After polio threatens his political career in the early 1920s, Franklin D. Roosevelt (Sir       Kenneth Branagh) desperately searches for a cure to his newly acquired disease, hoping to regain the use of his legs. He learns of a promising spa in Warm Springs, Georgia, and travels there, only to find it dilapidated. Determined to overcome polio, Roosevelt invests in the spa’s revitalization, and sets about recovering, aided by the support of his wife and his physical therapist.

This real-life story is a tremendous example of perseverance, determination and overcoming some of the obstacles which polio survivors and post polio syndrome sufferers have to deal with on a daily basis. The courage displayed by these people provides inspiration and hope for us all as we struggle with the burden of our daily challenges.

This lunch time event was attended by 30 members and guests. Hopefully you had an enjoyable time and find some inspiration in the FDR story.

Let the office know how you feel about this event and if you would like more of the same in the future!         PHOTOS                             

 

ALL-TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR

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ALL-TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR:

For those of you who are interested in wheelchairs with larger wheels, here is the ultimate, go anywhere wheelchair. For more videos and information about this amazing vehicle go to the TERRAIN HOPPER website: Videos – Welcome to TerrainHopper :: Created for Adventure (terrainhopperusa.com)

For more choices check out his site: Top Best 10 Best All-Terrain Wheelchairs For 2022 | Wheelchaired

Reimbursement Program

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Your Board of Directors has completed a review of the Reimbursement Program and has made some modifications to bring the document into full compliance with our Society By-laws. You can access the full document here. As previously noted the per member per year claim limit is now $1000.00. (This amount is reviewed in each funding cycle and may change from cycle to cycle at the discretion of the board)
  1. We have added several new categories to the list of eligible claims, notably Foot Care Therapy and Physical Fitness Facility and Coaching Fees.
2. Also, we have made available funding to reimburse members for transportation costs to WPSS events. Claims are eligible in those instances where the member cannot drive or prefers not to for the sake of safety and where DATS service is not available. Reimbursement will be made up to a maximum of 75% of the cost of the trip. This reimbursement will not be charged against the member’s $1000.00 yearly limit.

WPSS MEMBERSHIP

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It is that time of the year again – memberships were due on January 1. Membership entitles you to receiving our quarterly newsletter, Polio News; to participate in swim and therapy programs, to attend socials and to get financial assistance through the reimbursement program. We also provide educational information and about post polio and treatment generally and locally.

Memberships are still only $20.00 for an individual and $30.00 for a couple. Couples are a polio survivor and a spouse, partner or caregiver. Payment can be made by cheque to the “Wildrose Polio Support Society” or to “WPSS” or by e-transfer using the <wpss@polioalberta.ca> email address.

January 24, 2023 – SWIM PROGRAM REOPENING

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SWIM PROGRAM – ACT POOL REOPENING

At long last the pool at the ACT Centre in Rundle Park is set to open on February 14, 2023.  Our swim program will start on that day.  We will have sessions on Tuesdays from 5:00 – 6:00, and on Saturdays from 4:00 – 5:00.

Starting February 28, Bobbi-Jo Atchison and her Equality Fitness group ( Equality Fitness | Canada )will be leading aquasize exercise routines for us every Tuesday. BJ and her team are great at keeping us moving and working to our individual ability levels. This is a really great program and I encourage you to come out and enjoy the warm water at the ACT Center.

Hope to see you there!

Follow the above links to the Equality Fitness web page and to the ACT Center for address and map.

January 23, 2023

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Let’s look ahead a bit to see what’s up on the WPSS agenda.

SOCIAL EVENTS

  • There will be a movie/social held on Friday, March 3. Details will be posted here as they become available! You will also be notified by the phone call out      committee.
  • The Annual General Meeting has been set for April 21, 2023. Details will be posted as they become available.
  • Our annual PICNIC IN THE PARK event will again be happening in the summer, July or August. Stay tuned for details to be posted as they become available.
  • The CASINO FUND RAISER will occur sometime this fall, September, October or November. AGLC has not yet assigned the dates. Again, details to be posted as they become available
  • Next Board of Directors Meeting will be held on February 13, 2023

Board Meeting News – January 16, 2023

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Your Board of Directors met on January 16.

Meeting Highlights:

  • copies of our updated brochure were handed out
    • distribution was discussed
    • it was decided to design a poster which can be wall mounted or placed on a desktop and which would have a pocket to hold the brochures
    • distribution to seniors homes
  • WPSS promotion/advertising was discussed with a goal of reaching out to polio survivors who are in the area but unaware of WPSS
    • it was decided to trial advertising in the “Coffee News” with our first run in the St. Albert edition
    • there was also discussion about having our LOG/SLOGAN on shopping bags at grocery outlets.
  • the ACT Pool will be open on February 14 so our water exercise/swim program will start up again on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM and Saturdays at 4:00 PM
    • 1st day is Tuesday, February 14
    • We hope to have Equality Fitness present to lead us in exercise routines. This has not yet been confirmed
  • Planning is underway for a Social
    • Lunch and a movie on Friday, March 3
    • details to follow
    • you will be notified by the telephone call out network
  • Next meeting will be on Monday, February 13