I had the pleasure of meeting with some clubs in Bronte, Midland Seniors Day, Brantford Zone 3 Rally, TIE Club and Kearney Seniors. Shirley Dmytruk and I were the emcees at Garfield's Day for Seniors at ODAS Park. We had between 450 - 475 seniors there with seven excellent guest speakers and 34 exhibits.

October 19th was Ontario's Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Mr. Jim Bradley M.P.P. Responsible for Seniors announced the special day in Parliament. The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse had an excellent display at Queen's Park. They displayed the art work that Seneca College students had done on elder abuse and showed the three clips that are being displayed on television. Let us know what you did in your area.

In the next three editions of The Voice, there will be some interesting articles on osteoporosis. Be sure to read them and have a member talk to your membership about them. It is one of the silent illnesses that affect many seniors and causes them pain and discomfort.

Hopefully you will have had your flu vaccine by the time you read The Voice. The first stage of the vaccine was to be in the Health Units in October to immunize persons of high-risk. The second stage of vaccine was expected by mid-November to immunize high-risk priority groups, such as health care workers, caregivers, as well as healthy persons over the age of 65 and young children. The third stage of seasonal vaccine delivery is expected in late November and will be available for the general public.

It is important that we get our flu shot. The vaccine is available free of charge to all Ontario residents six months of age and older. The program has been initiated to reduce the incidence of flu in the community and to help ease pressure in hospital emergency rooms. The clinics are scheduled at a variety of times so check with your health clinic. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care is continuing the Influenza Immunization Campaign.

On your behalf, I was invited to make a presentation to the Standing Committee on General Government concerning Bill 148. It is an act to amend the Highway Traffic Act respecting the use of seat belts. The outcome so far has been that all vehicles must have a seat belt for each passenger. They are looking at all the pros and cons of passengers in school and tour buses wearing seat belts. We are sending a mixed message to our students that they don't need seat belts on the bus but that they do when they get into a car. No wonder a lot of students are so mixed up!

I am also working on Bill 107, an act to amend the Human Rights Code; Bill 102, an act to amend the Transparent Drug System for Patients Act; and Bill 140, proposed new legislation for Long Term Care Homes. As you have gathered, the office and myself are busy keeping up with all the new literature coming out to secure legislation that most effectively meets the needs of our seniors.

Richard Kratz, a new board member, and I had a display booth at the Royal York Hotel for the Osteoporosis Bone China Tea on November 5, 2006. The booth was donated to the USCO.

It has been a busy learning month full of new challenges and I've enjoyed all the visits to each club. Thank you.

Have a very merry and blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year with all your resolutions coming true. See you next year!