What Is Gluu?

It’s the easiest way to get the digital skills you need. 100% free. No cost. No ads. No catch.

Gluu Society is the Canadian non-profit on a mission to help older adults learn to use technology to stay happy, healthy & connected. We make it stick

Master The Basics

You could spend a lifetime learning how to use technology. Or use our resources to figure out the essentials in a few hours.

Get Secure Online

Be online with confidence. Learn exactly how to keep your data away from cybercriminals. And, have a plan to follow if your information has been part of a data breach.

Make Smart Choices

Technology affects your whole life. Get trusted information, reviews, resources, and support. We help you learn what devices are worth you time and money, and show you how to use them to stay happy, healthy & connected.

Online Classes Begin In March.

Courses for Android and Apple mobile devices begin in January. Topics include digital security for mobile devices and computers, learn to use your device, figure out what device to buy, and get prepared for traveling with your technology. 

JOIN NOW

https://gluusociety.org/

Digital Skills in Six Easy Steps

Step 1

Get Your Free Membership

Your membership gives you free and forever access to all of our courses and other online learning resources—thanks in part to funding from the Government of Canada. Go, Canada!

Step 2

Browse For The Resources You Need

Browse our website for other online learning resources to continue your digital skills learning journey. In January, choose a course from our growing list and use any internet connected device to progress through the lessons at your own pace.

Step 3

Check Out Your Course Materials

Our courses include video lessons, step-by-step instructions & printable learning resources. We provide all the materials you need to succeed.

Step 4

High Five Your Progress

Each course remembers what you’ve learned and shows your progress to keep you motivated. Get Certificates and Badges for course completion and share what you've accomplished.

Step 5

Join Our Live Online Events

You're invited to our virtual Live Events that dive into topics from our online courses. They are a great place to ask questions, pick up new tips, and get to know the Gluu community. Live events start in January.

Step 6

Any Questions?

Have a question other members of the Gluu community might also have? Ask Gluu. We will answer the most popular questions here on our website and in our Ask Gluu Monthly Newsletter.

Fourth Dose (Second booster) Recommendations

NEW: April 6, 2022

Based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, the following individuals are eligible to receive a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine:

• residents of personal care homes and elderly persons housing congregate living sites (such as supportive housing and assisted living) with no age limit;
• individuals aged 70 or older who live in the community; and
• First Nations, Inuit and Metis people aged 50 or older, regardless of where they live.

The second booster should be Pfizer or Moderna and given at least six months after their last booster dose.

For most people, the second booster dose will be their fourth dose of vaccine. However, for immunocompromised people who received an initial series of three vaccine doses to offer stronger protection against COVID-19, the second booster would be their fifth dose. This dose should also be given six months after their first booster.

Who should get the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and which vaccine should I get?

Children aged 5 to 11 should receive the pediatric Pfizer vaccine.

All adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 29 are recommended to receive Pfizer for all doses, due to a lower risk of myocarditis/pericarditis with this vaccine as compared to Moderna in this age group.

Adults aged 30 years and older can get either mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna). It is recommended to get the same mRNA vaccine for dose 1 and dose 2, if available. However, getting a combination of mRNA vaccines is both safe and effective, and either (Pfizer or Moderna) can be offered if:

• the same mRNA vaccine is not available
• your previous dose was with a non-mRNA vaccine (e.g. AstraZeneca, Janssen)
• the last dose is unknown

Adults aged 30 years and older can get either mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for the booster dose (regardless of the COVID-19 vaccines previously given).

Recommendations for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised:

• Individuals 12 years and older with a weakened immune system are recommended to receive a total of four doses. Individuals aged 12 to 29 years are recommended to receive Pfizer.
• Adults 30 years and older should get the same mRNA vaccine for dose 1, dose 2 and dose 3, if available. The booster dose (dose 4) can be given with either mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine given previously. Talk to your doctor about which vaccine might be right for you, as some evidence suggests that Moderna (100 mcg) may produce a better immune response among people who are immunocompromised.

Who is severely Immunocompromised?

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition and/or treatment include those who:

• are receiving active chemotherapy (or immunotherapy) for cancer;
• have received a solid organ transplant and are currently receiving chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive therapy;
• were born with moderate or severe dysfunction of their immune system;
• are living with untreated or advanced HIV-AIDS; or
• are taking certain medications that severely affect the immune system.  

The following people should talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of an additional dose:

• receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis;
• on the list to receive a solid organ transplant; or
• have a ventricular assist device (VAD).   

Medical exemptions

For the vast majority of people, the COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect themselves and others against the virus. It is recommended that all eligible individuals who live, work or study in Manitoba be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, there are a very small number of people who can’t or shouldn’t be immunized, or need to delay vaccination, due to their medical history.

Only people who qualify and have had their medical situation confirmed by a specialist can receive an exemption. These are the only medical conditions or situations that are eligible to be considered:

• diagnosed with myocarditis or pericarditis within seven days of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, confirmed by a licensed cardiologist;
• diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome within 42 days of COVID-19 vaccination, confirmed by a licensed neurologist;
• experienced a serious adverse event following immunization after a dose of COVID-19 vaccine where a licensed provincial medical officer of health has recommended against further vaccination, confirmed by a licensed provincial medical officer of health;
• acute diagnosis of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia confirmed by a CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) hematologist, where another viral vector COVID-19 vaccine should not be provided but an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may be feasible, approved by a CCMB hematologist;
• CAR-T therapy for cancer within the last three months, confirmed by a CCMB hematologist or oncologist;
• stem cell transplant within the last three months, confirmed by a CCMB hematologist  or oncologist;
• solid organ transplant recipients, including those who within two weeks of transplant or one month post-transplant, confirmed by the licensed specialist supervising the transplant;
• actively receiving anti-cancer drug therapy, which may mean there is a benefit to deferring vaccination to a later date, though this should be weighed against the risks of the person being infected by COVID-19, as directed by a CCMB oncologist or hematologist;
• taking one or more of the following medications within the last six months: alemtuzumab, anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)/thymoglobulin, basiliximab, blinatumomab, obinatuzuamb, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, cyclophosphamide or rituximab which may mean there is a benefit to deferring vaccination to a later date, though this should be weighed against the risks of the person being infected by COVID-19, as directed by a CCMB oncologist or hematologist; or
• severe allergy or anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components that cannot be mitigated, confirmed by a licensed allergist at the Health Sciences Centre Allergy Clinic.

If you feel you may qualify based on this list, schedule an appointment with your health care provider and/or your specialist. They will review the exemption criteria with you to determine if you qualify. Only a medical specialist (physician) can request a medical exemption from the province. Do not contact or request a referral to a specialist unless you meet one of the criteria listed.

Exemptions can only be made by specialists who are:

• registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba; and,
• certified by and in good standing with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in the relevant specialty.

Individuals cannot submit their own requests for exemption.

Once an exemption is submitted, information about the exemption will be entered into the provincial immunization database, including whether the exemption is permanent or temporary.

You will be able to request your digital or physical Manitoba immunization card approximately seven to 14 business days after your exemption is submitted. The card and the display shown after scanning the QR code will be identical to those currently used by fully immunized people.

This will help protect your private health information, while also keeping a simple, consistent process for venues and events that must validate immunization status. For more information, visit: Province of Manitoba | For Residents.

Manitoba’s exemption process only applies within the province, for events and venues that may require proof of immunization to attend or participate. It does not apply to any immunization requirements set by the Government of Canada, including for travel on planes, trains and cruises. For Government of Canada immunization requirements, please visit COVID-19: Proof of vaccination in Canada and for international travel for Canadians - Canada.ca or COVID-19 Boarding flights and trains in Canada - Travel.gc.ca

2022 MB 55+ GAMES Selkirk, MB - PICKLEBALL

Tuesday, June 7, 8:00 AM - Women’s doubles

Wednesday, June 8, 8:00 AM – Mixed doubles 

Thursday, June 9, 8:00 AM – Men’s doubles

VENUES: Selkirk Community Church & Selkirk Rec. Complex, Selkirk, MB

FORMAT: Round robin or modified round robin, depending on the number of teams. If insufficient entries in a category, the category will be combined with a similar category for round robin play, then broken off for playoffs. Playoff formats determined by time and number of teams.

 REGISTRATION STARTS: March 21, 2022   ENDS: May 13, 2022    “EARLY BIRD PRICING”: $35.00 for the first event + $15.00 for the second event UNTIL April 29, 2022 (ADD $10.00 per event after April 29th).

CHOOSE YOUR CATEGORY(S):

Depending on your partner’s skill/age level…

• ·       You can play ABOVE your skill level but NOT below.
• ·       You can play BELOW your age level but NOT above.

1) Women’s doubles ages: 55, 60, 65, 70, & 75+ with 3 skill levels in each age group (up to 3.0, 3.5, & 4.0 +)

 2) Mixed doubles ages: 55, 60, 65, 70, & 75+ with 3 skill levels in each age group (up to 3.0, 3.5, & 4.0+)

 3) Men’s doubles ages: 55, 60, 65, 70 & 75+ with 3 skill levels in each age group (up to 3.0, 3.5, & 4.0+)

Volunteers are NEEDED.

Visit: www.activeagingmb.ca & click on 55+ Games Selkirk for more information on how to register and volunteer. 

Confirmation of events entered & schedules will be sent out.

2022 Canada 55+ Games - Pickleball Event

Teams who win Gold/Silver qualify to play in the 2022 Canada 55 + Games in Kamloops, B.C on August 23^th-26^th, 2022 (if they choose to).

I have attached a link to the Pros Know Expo website:

https://www.prosknowexpos.ca/

They have a lot of resources for seniors attached to their site.

They will be having expos at a number of senior groups as the pandemic rules are being lifted. Good Neighbours will be hosting an expo in the next few months. It will be posted on the website once finalized.

Thanks,

Bill

Bill Bees

President

Snow Days at Archwood 55 Plus

Dear Members: Archwood 55 Plus will be closed Thursday April 14, 2022 and Good Friday due to our latest storm. We will reopen on Monday. Please stay safe and pray for spring! Regards, Bill Bill Bees President

Here is a link to an article that explores the theories on why pickleball is called pickleball. Hint: It does not involve pickled cucumbers.

https://pinkpickleball.com/why-is-it-called-pickleball/

For anyone that was wondering what pickleball was all about, here is a link to a short video that covers the basics.

https://youtu.be/WLWj2LXecHU

Regards,

Bill

Did you know that you can submit an address change here for Manitoba Hydro, Winnipeg Water & Waste, BellMTS, Red River Co-op and more all in one spot: http://www.manitobaaddresschange.ca/.

Have you heard about Tetra Society?

With local volunteers, Tetra builds innovative solutions for people with physical disabilities to overcome environmental barriers, providing greater independence, quality of life, and inclusion. Tetra Society has volunteers with diverse backgrounds and skillsets who modify, adapt, or build customized devices that are either cost prohibitive or not commercially available. Learn more at https://tetrasociety.org/

What is Grief Stories?

“A health care expert hosts the Grief Stories podcast interviewing real people and other professionals about their stories of loss, the challenges of grief and what helps find hope and healing. We offer a range of resources to help grievers explore and express their own grief stories, and to connect with the stories of others, helping them feel less alone.” Check them out at https://www.griefstories.org/.

March 20 – SPRING BEGINS TODAY

It’s here! It’s really here!!! Can you solve the attached puzzle – Spring Pass it on?

March 21 is International Day of Forests

How to Survive in the Forest: Nine Survival Skills Everyone Should Know

1. Tell someone where you will be and pack an extra layer.
2. Locate a suitable campsite.
3. Build a shelter.
4. Find clean water.
5. Build a fire.
6. Identify edible plants.
7. Catch critters.
8. Navigate your way out.
9. Create a survival signal.

On This Date – March 23

1743 – Composer George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Messiah made its premiere in London. The piece remains one of the best-known choral works in Western music.

1839 - The initials OK first appeared in The Boston Morning Post.

1918 – The German Army began shelling Paris from a distance of 74 miles using three huge Paris Guns. Although they were terrifying, the Paris Guns achieved little military significance.

2001 – After 15 years in orbit, the Russian space station Mir, meaning “peace,” safely splashed down into the Pacific Ocean. First launched by the Soviet Union in 1986, the aging spacecraft had hosted 125 astronauts from 12 different nations.

100 years ago a group of explorers sponsored by the Buenos Aires Zoo traveled to Patagonia to confirm the existence of a large creature spotted in a lake in Chubut Province. Locals reported the existence of a long-necked plesiosaurus-like creature similar to Scotland’s Loch Ness monster. Still other reports described the creature as resembling two other prehistoric beasts, a glyptodon or megatherium. Unfortunately, the zoo officials never saw the beast.

Word Scramble

N F I G I F R

Mythical creature with a lion’s body and eagle’s head and wings

Buy a Vowel

C _ V _ L _ _ R

Showing a lack of proper concern

Riddle Me This

You see a boat filled with people, yet there isn’t a single person on board. How can this be?

Where Am I?

1. In 958 AD, I was called Sciryuda.
2. You may be inspired to donate to charity after you visit me.
3. I am home to an 800-year-old oak tree.
4. I have 350,000 national and international visitors a year.
5. Come with your “merry gang,” but be sure to hold your belongings close.

Scroll to the bottom for the answers!

National Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day  - March 24

Did you know…

• Nestlé Raisinets are one of the most popular candies of moviegoers. 
• The most famous of chocolate covered raisins, Raisinets, were first made by a candy store in Philadelphia in 1927.
• Nestle purchased the rights to manufacture Raisinets in 1984.
• Every single chocolate covered Raisinet is polished to make it shine.
• When boxes of chocolate covered raisins were first sold in movie theaters, the theater paid 1.25 cents per box and sold the boxes for a nickel.

https://kool1079.com/five-fun-facts-for-national-chocolate-covered-raisin-day/

March 25 is Greek Independence Day – A national celebration of Greek democracy, it is the anniversary of the beginning of the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Greece attained independence in 1829. Get out your hummus, watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding and tackle the attached All Things Greek scrabble puzzle!

March 26 marks the beginning of the Saints and Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival, an event in New Orleans that celebrates LGBTQ authors and highlights issues facing the community. Consider reading one of these for your book club this month:  https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/learning/books-by-lgbtq-authors

Answers:

Word Scramble  GRIFFIN

Buy a Vowel  CAVALIER

Riddle Me This  All the people on the boat are married

Where Am I?  Sherwood Forest

Check out our Facebook Page

“Archwood 55 Plus Inc.”

Why shouldn't you trust news from a raisin?

It's not currant

What do you call a grape that doesn’t like to compromise?

Un-raisin-able

♥ Krista

From: Bughao, Sheila <SBughao@winnipeg.ca>
Subject: City Library News

https://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/

https://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/ourservices/communitycrisisworker.asp

Thank you in advance and have a good day!

Sharing on behalf of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

From: Emily Kinnaird <EKinnaird@alzheimer.mb.ca>
Subject: Dementia Care 2022-2023 Registration Now Open!

Registration for Dementia Care 2022-2023 is now open! You, and your colleagues, can register through the following link: https://secure2.convio.net/alzmb/site/SPageNavigator/Calendar%20Events/Dementia%20Care/Dementia%20Care/DementiaCare2022Home.html

We appreciate your interest, and request your assistance in passing along this information to your colleagues.  

Take Care,

Emily