It has been a very busy fall and early winter season. In November, there was a workshop held by the Institute of Aging Regional Implementation Committee (on which I represent the USCO) that is part of the Canadian Institute of Health Research. The participants were researchers, health professionals, academics and seniors - yes - seniors!

We were consulted on the many facets of aging and asked what are the most important areas of aging on which research should be concentrated? It is quite amazing what research is going on now. We had many excellent and informative speakers. When the complete report comes out, I'll share it with you.

Keep the club news coming - it's so helpful to other clubs to know what is going on in other parts of the province. The board members have had many speaking engagements and I know I speak for them when I say this is the fun, interesting part of the job. We truly enjoy meeting our members, keeping you aware of USCO activities and hearing your concerns.

I was pleased to deliver a sermon on "The Sin of Ageism" in our Oshawa church. Ageism is a sin. Seniors deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. We're entitled to certain rights that we and the generation before us fought to achieve.

DON'T EVER FORGET THAT.

The sub-committee on housing met in December at the Ontario Senior Secretariat. There is a lot of activity in the housing sector and recognition of the need for affordable, accessible housing for seniors. The new housing programme addresses this and I'm confident that you will see more and more communities availing themselves of the opportunities that exist under the new programme.

The regular liaison group also met in December and several issues were raised by the group and responded to by the presenters. When I receive the minutes, I'll let you know what transpired.

You have been seeing and sharing the information about the need for seatbelt legislation. This is a long overdue safety issue for all of us - how can it be so vitally important in cars but not buses. Please copy and send the form letter from the December issue to your M.P.P. or Premier McGuinty.

The other item you've been reading about in The Voice is investment information - questions to ask yourself and your financial advisors. We are a trusting generation, but not stupid. You have a right to know what is happening with your money in language you understand, with full disclosure and time to do something about discrepancies or misunderstandings you may have.

Two years is certainly not long enough - push your M.P.P. to insist on a return to a six year limitation period - and don't be too polite to ask your bank or investment person very pointed questions.

In November, this years round of applications for New Horizons Grants was reviewed. The review committee sits for three days and examines the eligible applications. When a USCO club applies, I declare a conflict of interest and have no input into the application, of course. It goes to the other members and they make the decision. If your club applied, I hope you received it.

Operational funding is still a huge issue with most clubs. The gaming laws are very restrictive for senior clubs, and yet, how is it possible to raise money without raffles, draws, etc? I doubt we'll get gaming laws changed. It is both a federal and provincial responsibility.
However, I am hopeful that operating dollars will be made available at some point in time. It is an issue that has been raised repeatedly by all the senior groups, W. I.'s, etc., and there is recognition of the need - we'll keep pursuing it.

Please forward resolutions all year. With every executive meeting and general meeting, write a resolution and send it to the office - get yours in before April 10, 2006.

WE WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE RESOLUTIONS IN 2006!

Share The Voice or order an extra one for your club. So often I hear that clubs don't know what the USCO does. How can they not know if the receive The Voice? All news, activities, government initiatives that concern seniors, pension, health, housing, elder abuse, among others, are reported regularly in The Voice. It is our major communication tool. Please use a copy and share it.

Keep well and look after one another!