Page 25 - October 14, 2019
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THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 12 MONDAY OCTOBER 7, 2019

THE WEEKLY ANCHOR MONDAY OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 25

Senior Abuse: It's Just Not Right



Deanna Mitchener because they are afraid of being humiliated, hurt,
left alone or afraid the relationship will come to
On October 7, Charlene Sitar Regional Elder an end. Abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional,
Abuse Prevention Coordinator gave two financial, sexual, spiritual or neglect. Abuse of
presentations on How You Can Identify Abuse older adults often occurs within the family by
and Help Older Adults at Risk. adult children or grandchildren, other relatives,
The first session was held in the hospitality friends, neighbours, paid or unpaid caregivers,
room at Repsol Place at noon, and the second landlords, financial advisors or any individual in
was held at Galloway Station Museum and a position of power.
Travel Centre in the evening. Both sessions were What can we do as neighbours, friends or a
open to anyone wishing to learn more on the family member to help? Recognize the warning
topic. signs of abuse. Talk to the older adult and name
Information was presented on the issues of your concern. Check with professionals and
older adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect in check for danger and help them with a safety
communities. The presentation is designed to plan, said Charlene.
help equip participants with tips on how to "Be patient and listen carefully, don't judge or
initiate a conversation with those they are jump to conclusions. Encourage the person to be
concerned about. The presentation was joint their own advocate, people of any age are much
partnership between the Town of Edson more likely to take action if they make their own
Community Services, FCSS Family and plan. Ask what you can do, respect their
Community Support Services . decisions even when you don't agree. Don't
Those who attended the session learned confront or accuse the abusive person as they
everyone has the responsibility to promote may take it out on the older adult after you leave.
respect for all members of society; everyone has Learn about safety planning and find out what
a role to play. Neighbours, friends or family local services are available," said Charlene.
members can all help make a positive difference Dial 911 for immediate assistance. Dial 211 for
in the life of an older adult experiencing abuse more information or to report abuse. Dial 811 for
by learn to recognize the warning signs. Alberta Health Services Dementia Care Support. Charlene Sitar Regional Elder Abuse Prevention
Abuse can take many forms including putting But don't be someone that does nothing. It's Not Coordinator talking with individuals who attended
the older adult in a situation where they no Right —be that person who is willing to help. the It's Not Right lunch and learn at Repsol Place
longer are free to make their own choices on October 7. photo Deanna Mitchener
nd
Rotary Club of Edson hosts 22 Anniversary Night


submitted contributions and involvement in youth, who is interested in learning more about the
community and international projects, as well as Rotary Club of Edson and the global initiatives
nd
The Rotary Club of Edson hosted its 22 offer fellowship to guests of the Club. of Rotary International. Please contact a Rotarian

Anniversary Night on September 26in the Rotarians meets every Tuesday for lunch at the for more information or the website page at
Galloway Station Museum. The event was a Galloway Station Museum, and welcome anyone www.clubrunner.ca/edson
potluck supper with a Pulled Pork Challenge.
Guest judges were Bonnie Pillage, Elma
Verolson, Glenna Vezeau, and Gerald Soroka.
Earlier in September the Rotary Club had
scheduled a Charity Fun Golf Tournament, which
had to be cancelled due to weather and course
conditions. The proceeds were intended for the
Parkland Lodge Furniture Fund. Even though
the event was cancelled, hole sponsors still
wished their donations be forwarded to
Evergreens Foundation for the Furniture Fund.
Rotary Community Chairperson Bob Patterson
presented a cheque in the amount of $3500.00
with the hole sponsor proceeds. The generosity
of these local donors is very much appreciated.
Patterson also presented a donation from the
Rotary Club in the amount of $5000.
Outgoing President Neil Rieger was honoured
for his service, and awards were presented to
Michael Lambregts for Rookie of the Year, and
jointly to Lorraine Symes, and Danielle Taylor
for Rotarian of the Year. Glenn Eaton, winner of the pulled pork cookoff, Danielle Taylor, Kirsten MacDonald and Vivian Williams.
During the 2019 to 2020 year, the Rotary Club
of Edson is very pleased to be involved in the
Rotary Youth Exchange Programme. The
Outbound Student, Kaelen Tait of Edson,
travelled to Switzerland in August, and Rotarians
welcomed their Inbound Student from
Switzerland, Bettina Hasse. One of the
responsibilities of a Rotary Exchange student is
to prepare a presentation detailing his or her
background, education, culture and life
experiences. Guests were able to meet and learn
about Bettina through her presentation, and to
discover her first impressions of Edson, Alberta,
Canada.
The evening came to a close with the 2019
“Highway to Mexico” video and update by the
two Rotarian volunteer drivers, Shari McDowell
and Danielle Taylor. The 2019 convoy included
th
the 100 vehicle delivered to Mazatlan, Sinalo,
Mexico by Rotary Clubs and Rotarians from
Grande Prairie, Peace River and Edson.
During the course of the evening Rotarians of Outgoing Edson Rotary President Neil Rieger (right) was honoured for his service during Rotary's 22
nd
Edson were pleased to showcase the Club's Anniversary Night on September 26.
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