411 Seniors Centre Society
704-333 Terminal Avenue V6A 2L7 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Our Powered by Age Podcast now has its own website: www.poweredbyage.com Check out the SPINS section: Stories, Poems, Interviews, NoveltieS A good listen on a rainy day. Powered by Age is coordinated and hosted by Charlotte Sista C Ferrell

We had a great working week at 411. Thank you to all our volunteers!

Update from the Federal Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte sent to 411 Seniors today: Good day, Fall is upon us, and with it comes cooler temperatures and the start of the annual flu season. This year, more than ever, it is important to get your flu shot. ...Continue reading

The "Old Timers' Rag" for October is now up! https://www.411seniors.bc.ca//411_newsletter_issue5_2020Oc

Hard at work at the centre getting the next edition of the newsletter out. Thanks Jeannie and the committee for all your work!

Today, October 1, is UN Day of the Older Person, Canada’s Seniors Day. We have a lot to celebrate even in these difficult times. We have each other. 411 Seniors is a senior-led organization . Today we thank each and every 411 member and supporter for your contribution to our community.... We are who we are because of you.

https://www.411seniors.bc.ca/donate/ You, your friends and family can support 411 Seniors or your local seniors group this October 1st - Canada's Seniors Day & UN Day of the Older Person.

Be sure to check out this weeks "Powered by Age" podcast episode which celebrated PRIDE with a number of great stories and discussions!

National Seniors Day is October 1 "This is an occasion for all Canadians to join in celebrating older adults across Canadawhether a parent, a co-worker, a neighbour or a friend. In these trying times during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is proud to acknowledge the lifelong contributions our nation’s seniors have made and continue to make to their families, communities and society." Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca//employment-social-development/campa There are many ways to thank seniors for their contributions and to show them just how much they are appreciated. How will you show your appreciation?

Be sure to check out this week's "Powered by Age" podcast episode which celebrated PRIDE with a number of great stories and discussions!

Great work from the Powered by Age podcast crew! Be sure to reach out if youd like to be involved in future episodes!

411 Seniors Centre Society's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) will continue throughout the month of October. Drop off 2019 Income tax filing at 333 Terminal Ave. Main Lobby Monday to Thursday (except Statutory holiday) 10am-2pm... 333 Terminal Ave Lobby We continue to see seniors who need to file their 2019 income tax returns. The CRA extension deadline for filing taxes is October 1, 2020. However, 411 will continue to operate our volunteer service throughout the month of October. You will find a table set up in the lobby of 333 Terminal Ave. Mondays to Thursdays from 10am-2pm. Staff/volunteers will check identification, collect your tax slips, phone number and other pertinent information. Our tax filing volunteers are working from their homes. You will receive a phone call or email from us when your taxes are filed and ready for pick-up. Our volunteers are also available for Information & Referral services. You can phone and leave a message at- 604-684-8171, email [email protected] or come by 333 Terminal Ave. Monday to Thursday 10am- 2pm (except statutory holidays). Our group page 411:Informed & Connected is also a good place to seek information and connect with the real "experts": 411 members. We are currently reviewing our operational plan for the autumn/winter months and will have an update in the near future.

Great work from the Powered by Age podcast crew! Be sure to reach out if you'd like to be involved in future episodes!

From the 411 Seniors Centre board President MArion Pollack Pleas join our group page 411: Informed & Connected for the most up to date conversation

The "Old Timers' Rag" for August is now up! Have a read! https://www.411seniors.bc.ca//411_newsletter_issue4_2020Au

Update: July GIS payments and 2019 income tax filing We have been on the phones all day. We have spoken with the Federal Minister for Seniors Office, our local MP Jenny Kwan, Service Canada regional representatives and the BC Seniors Advocate Office. Full GIS payments based on your June 2020 amount will be deposited into your account tomorrow. ... The deadline to file your 2019 income tax is October 1, 2020. Very important!! 411 Seniors' volunteer income tax drop off clinic operates Monday to Thursday 10am-2pm (except Statutory holidays) @ 333 Terminal Ave. in the Lobby. If you have any concerns please contact us.

We are receiving information from seniors, who have not yet filed their 2019 income tax, that they did not received full GIS/OAS pension funds today- despite the extended tax filing date of October 1, 2020. We are urgently working to resolve this. If this is the case for you or someone you know, please advise us. You can call 604-684-8171 and leave your name and phone number or email us at [email protected]

Join Stuart Alcock and the rest of us...

COVID SCAM ALERT

It is time to celebrate Aging with Pride! Join us for an afternoon of celebration and meeting with peers.

411 Seniors Centre Societys partial re-opening for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Drop off 2019 Income tax filing starting Monday June 22nd 2020 333 Terminal Ave. Main Lobby Monday to Thursday (except Statutory holiday) 10am-2pm... 333 Terminal Ave Lobby Beginning Monday June 22, 2020 the 411 Seniors volunteers will be restarting the income tax filing program for seniors with simple tax situations. Due to COVID-19 we will be operating the program on a drop off/pick up basis under the guidelines provided by the Canada Revenue Agency. You will find a table set up in the lobby of 333 Terminal Ave. Mondays to Thursdays from 10am-2pm. Staff/volunteers will check identification, collect your tax slips, phone number and other pertinent information. Our tax filing volunteers are working from their homes. You will receive a phone call or email from us when your taxes are filed and ready for pick-up. 411 Seniors Centre on the 7th floor remains closed to the public at this time. Eligibility criteria Seniors - 55 years + Persons with disability: receiving disability benefits Has a total amount of income LESS than: $35 000 per individual $45 000 for a couple $45 000 per individual with a dependent + $2500 for each dependent Interest income LESS than $1, 000 Simple Tax Situations only We DO NOT do taxes for those who: Have self-employment income Have business or rental income and expenses Have capital gains or losses Have employment expenses Filed for bankruptcy Are deceased in the year

411 Seniors Centre Society's partial re-opening for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Drop off 2019 Income tax filing starting Monday June 22nd 2020 333 Terminal Ave. Main Lobby Monday to Thursday (except Statutory holiday) 10am-2pm... 333 Terminal Ave Lobby Beginning Monday June 22, 2020 the 411 Seniors volunteers will be restarting the income tax filing program for seniors with simple tax situations. Due to COVID-19 we will be operating the program on a drop off/pick up basis under the guidelines provided by the Canada Revenue Agency. You will find a table set up in the lobby of 333 Terminal Ave. Mondays to Thursdays from 10am-2pm. Staff/volunteers will check identification, collect your tax slips, phone number and other pertinent information. Our tax filing volunteers are working from their homes. You will receive a phone call or email from us when your taxes are filed and ready for pick-up. 411 Seniors Centre on the 7th floor remains closed to the public at this time. Eligibility criteria Seniors - 55 years + Persons with disability: receiving disability benefits Has a total amount of income LESS than: $35 000 per individual $45 000 for a couple $45 000 per individual with a dependent + $2500 for each dependent Interest income LESS than $1, 000 Simple Tax Situations only We DO NOT do taxes for those who: Have self-employment income Have business or rental income and expenses Have capital gains or losses Have employment expenses Filed for bankruptcy Are deceased in the year

411 Seniors Centre Society Statement on Racism June 09, 2020 President, Marion Pollack Anti-Indigenous and Anti-Asian racism has increased in our community and so has racism increased against members of the Black community in B.C. The 411 Seniors Centre is expressing our solidarity with these communities and opposes racism wherever it exists.... Our members come from a variety of different communities and we are distressed when Black seniors recount stories of racism and discrimination. Sadly, these stories span decades, and include 2020. We know that when any senior faces racism and discrimination we are all weakened. The 411 Seniors Centre knows that the fight against anti-Black racism and police brutality is based in the in history of slavery, oppression and colonization of Indigenous communities and Black people in North America. The 411 Seniors Centre is a few blocks away from Hogans Alley. Hogans Alley was home to Vancouvers Black population for many years. It was a safe, strong and vibrant community. Unfortunately, the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts displaced this community. We know the history of Hogans Alley and we dont want it to be repeated. Anti-Black racism is a destructive force in our society that negatively affects seniors, their families and our communities. We need to ensure that Black seniors are safe coming to and from our Centre, while participating in activities or receiving assistance from our Centre, and in all aspects of their lives. In the past months, the 411 Seniors Centre has been appalled by the increase in anti Asian racism. The 411 Seniors Centre is committed to ensuring that all people including Indigenous, Visible Minority, and Black seniors are treated with dignity and respect. We know that racism hurts us all. The 411 Seniors Centre wants to build a world where fairness and justice rule. Racism anywhere is unacceptable. 411 Seniors work takes place on unceded homelands of the xmkwym (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and selílwitulh (Tsleil-waututh) Nations.

411 Seniors Old Timers Rag issue #2. https://www.411seniors.bc.ca//411newsletter_Issue2_2020May

Dearest members, supporters and friends, We sure hope that this package finds you managing through these difficult times and that the new 411 Seniors Old Timers RAG brightens your day even just a little. Thanks to the 411 Seniors members who kicked-off the newsletter during our closure. When we closed the centre on March 16th our focus was to ensure that we had people and systems set up remotely so we could respond to the urgent needs of our membership and to the senior...Continue reading

Mothers Day. Its a day when we celebrate all the moms and women of influence in our lives. Taking a moment to congratulate and honor you on mothers day!

Many thanks to MP Jenny Kwan for adding her voice to our concerns!

PRESS RELEASE: Seniors groups ask the Federal Government to protect vulnerable seniors Low income seniors are very worried about their financial security said Marion Pollack, Board President of the 411 Seniors Centre, which is part of the Alliance of Seniors Centres of BC (ASC-BC), a group of community-based senior-serving organizations.... Low income seniors rely on the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in order to be able to buy groceries, purchase medications and pay rent said Jane Goodridge, ASC-BC President and Board member with the West End Seniors Network, another member agency of ASC-BC. In order to receive the GIS a senior must file their income taxes by the May 31, 2020 deadline stated Les Blond, Board President of the South Granville Seniors Centre, another member agency of ASC-BC. The problem is that many seniors rely on community-based income tax clinics to file their income tax. These clinics are closed due to COVID-19. Even if some income tax clinics get set up and begin operating remotely, they wont be able to handle the volume of seniors needing assistance by May 31 Pollack continued. If they dont or cant file their income tax, they will lose their GIS. This means they will be forced into deep poverty. This is unacceptable. This is why the member agencies of ASC-BC are calling on the Federal Government to protect vulnerable seniors by taking the following actions: Extending the income tax deadline for seniors 65 years of age and older until the end of December 2020. Maintaining seniors GIS at their 2019 rate, and ensuring that the quarterly cost of living increases continue to apply. For more information, call Marion Pollack Board President 411 Seniors Centre 778-879-4522

Friends, Many of you have reached out to us with questions and concerns about your income taxes and benefits amidst the COVID-19 crisis. We've heard you loud and clear, and are making sure your voices are heard in Ottawa. Click on the link below to read our letter to our federal Ministers (Ahmed Hussen, Diane Lebouthillier, Bill Morneau, Deb Schulte) and local Members of Parliament (Dr. Hedy Fry, Jenny Kwan, Jody Wilson-Raybould).... https://www.411seniors.bc.ca//2020Apri23_AllianceOfSeniorC 411 Seniors Centre Society, in partnership with the West End Seniors' Network and the South Granville Seniors Centre.

heres an update from us at 411 Seniors - were working!

Were nationally celebrating the volunteer week. At 411 Seniors Centre weve seeing volunteers become the teacher they never knew they were, broaden their horizons by interacting with people & other volunteers, and also strengthen their compassion for others. Thank you for giving yourself the opportunity to do good for others and have chosen 411 Seniors Centre to volunteer. https://www.411seniors.bc.ca/n/a-tribute-to-our-volunteers/

here's an update from us at 411 Seniors - we're working!

Tax deadline extended until June 1st.

Dear 411 members, volunteers, and friends, We have made the difficult decision to temporarily cease operations at the 411 Seniors Centre, #704 - 333 Terminal Ave. We are unable to secure enough hand sanitizers, cleaning products, and medical supplies to ensure that we are following the Vancouver Coastal Health recommendations and maintaining a safe environment. As the number of COVID-19 infections increases in our region, it is imperative that we all try to follow these guide...lines: - Wash your hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizers; - Maintain adequate social distancing and stay at home if possible; - If you are feeling sick or ill and you are concerned about COVID-19, please call our Provincial HealthLink at 8-1-1; - Get up-to-date information on COVID-19 in our region on the Vancouver Coastal Health website: http://www.vch.ca//vancouver-coastal-health-statement-on-c The staff and I are working on ways to be able to keep us all connected and ways in which we can help each other and respond to urgent needs over these coming weeks. We are looking for ways that we can communicate and support each other both online and by telephone during our closure. I ask that you contact Monica, our Membership & Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected] or leave a message at 604-684-8171 if you are willing to help out remotely. Help may look like friendly phone calls and check-ins for people isolated at home, remote I&R support, and other activities as we develop the tools and the capacity. I am working with the City of Vancouver and other local Executive Directors on a City-wide response to seniors needing help during the COVID-19 pandemic. 411 Seniors will be using our social media Facebook account to communicate up-to-date activities and information. You do not need a personal Facebook account to access the 411 Seniors Facebook. Please follow the recommended health guidelines and stay safe. We will be in future contact. Sincerely, Leslie Remund Executive Director

For up to date information on COVID-19 we are in contact with health officials and we are monitoring the Vancouver Coastal Health website. Here is the link for your easy reference: http://www.vch.ca//vancouver-coastal-health-statement-on-c

Job Posting - Centre Program Assistant Temporary (5 months) Full time Please share

A message from our Executive Director, Leslie Remund, on 411 Seniors operations and the COVID-19 coronavirus

Every day is a good day to join 411 Seniors! Our annual membership fee is $10. Support us in raising your voice and the voices of lower mainland seniors. Contact Monica by calling 694-684-8171 or by email [email protected]

Starting Monday March 2 and until April 30th seniors can get their 2019 income tax filed at our annual Community Volunteer Income Tax Program 411 seniors centre. Details on the poster. Pass the word.

Reminder: The 411 Seniors Centre is closed Monday February 24th all day for a board of directors/staff strategic plan workshop. We reopen Tuesday February 25th.

Members of the audience at our town hall have lots of questions and comments on healthcare and housing. What is the definition of affordable housing? What happened to rent geared to income in government funded, government supported housing?

411 Seniors town hall on issues facing Vancouver seniors with our MP Jenny Kwan, MOSAIC, COSCO and A representative from Service Canada is starting now.

From the City of Vancouver to the 411 Seniors community: "We would like to ask for your help in distributing a survey to residents who participate in the programs and services offered by your organization. The topic of the survey is the "random order ballot" used in the 2018 municipal election in the City of Vancouver. The survey can be filled out by all residents, even if they did not vote in the 2018 municipal election. The results will be used to provide feedback to Vancou...ver City Council in June 2020 on which type of ballot people think is the most fair and easy to use." Here is the survey link: https://survey.vancouver.ca/s3/Random-Order-Ballot-Survey

GONG XI FA CAI! HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!

411 Seniors Centre is hosting a town hall on seniors issues. Join us on February 10th (@ 1:00 PM) and share your ideas on how to make things better.

411 Seniors Centre is hosting a town hall on seniors' issues. Join us on February 10th (@ 1:00 PM) and share your ideas on how to make things better.

Our scheduled programs are cancelled this week due to the snow and unsafe walking conditions. Oral Health Care Clinic rescheduled for Wed. Jan. 22 9am-3pm Powered by Age Organizing meeting rescheduled for Thursday January 23 1-3pm All other programs and activities will resume at regularly scheduled times next week.

The Powered by Age Podcast organizing meeting is postponed until Thursday January 23rd 1-3pm due to weather conditions. You can contact the coordinators for more information on the project: Charlotte Ferrell [email protected] 778-512-0664 Mayumi Spry [email protected] 604-738-8412

Celebrating 2020 with our annual multicultural potluck. Thanks everyone for bringing such delicious dishes and sharing. Happy New Year!

Are you interested in learning about podcasting and participating in our next city wide "Powered By Age: Exploring An Age Friendly City" podcast series? - thanks to funding from the City of Vancouver. Join us for an information meeting Thursday January 16th at 1pm at 411 Seniors Centre. No knowledge or experience necessary, just enthusiasm and curiosity! You can contact the coordinators for more info: Mayumi Spry [email protected] or Charlotte Ferrell [email protected]... Please share with Vancouver seniors in your network. Thanks.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!