Val Griffiths Chapter IODE

So excited to welcome two new, wonderful women into our organization. Welcome Suzan Walker and Karyn Dudgeon Thuss! Thanks Marion Hearn for swearing them in. And a special thanks for all the members who stopped by or drove by to say welcome.

We have masks available in both adult and children size masks for anyone who requires them. Donations to the Val Griffiths Chapter IODE are happily accepted.

April 15 Signpost cover girls! :) <3

This Chapter of IODE warms my heart! During this difficult time of physical isolation, members have been so busy at home, making masks for nurses, the elderly and vulnerable people. To date, more than 300 masks have been delivered to these special groups of people. THIS IS WHAT IODE IS ALL ABOUT!

IODE GETS TOGETHER WHILE BEING APART During this COVID-19 outbreak, to mitigate the negative effects of social isolation, using technology can help. We realized the importance of connecting with one another, says Aileen Reid, President of the Val Griffiths Chapter of IODE in Dorchester. Reports by the Retired Teacher Organization shows that Social isolation is the number 1 emerging issue facing seniors in Canada, even before the COVID-19 hit Canada. This report shows that s...eniors who are socially isolated are have a 64% increase risk of dementia. It goes on to say that of Canadians over 65, 30% are at risk of becoming socially isolated, 10% feel isolated, while 24% wish they could participate in more social activities. Since many of our members in IODE are 65 and older, we realized the need to be social. This past Thursday, the Val Griffiths Chapter of IODE met through videoconferencing, by phone, i-pad, or on computer to conduct their Ways & Means meeting, a meeting that they would normally have done face to face. We realize that we all have heightened stress and anxiety during these uncertain times and since there was a need to both get together and get some work done, using technology seemed to be the answer. President, Aileen Reid and Treasure, Stephanie Meyer, worked together to make this happen using an app called Zoom. We really enjoy each other’s company, says Reid, and it’s a great way to see each other, work together, and practice social isolation by using technology. Seven members signed on, said hello to each other, had some laughs and completed much needed work. Members enjoyed making that social connection, since everyone has been self isolating at home in order to practice social distancing. Meyers worked hard to get everyone connected, fixing the glitches as we went along, and ran the great meeting, Reid said. Using technology is a wonderful way to remain social. Whether it is by videoconferencing, email, texting, messaging, social media or telephone, please reach out to each other. See more