PROJECT NEWS

ASHE - Saskatoon Branch

Members meet socially 2 or 3 times a year. The main work of the organization is carried on by the executive and the Emmie Oddie Recognition Fund Website Committee. For more information or to get involved on the committee call website chair, Millie Reynolds, 343-032. (Regina, Roberta Cox, 586-1267)

ASHE - Regina Branch

ASHE - Regina Branch meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM, except for December and January. Each meeting has an informative program with either a guest speaker or a discussion circle and a business meeting and a few good laughs. Members also judge the homecraft entries for Regina Buffalo Days Exhibition and sew graduation hoods for the University of Regina. For more information contact Regina and District Home Economics Association, President, Box 3862, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 3R8 .

Living Simply: A Handbook for Newly Single Older Adults

The Living Simply handbook project was initiated by the Saskatoon Branch of the Association of Saskatchewan Home Economists. The official launching of the handbook took place on January 30, 2003 at Shepherd Apartments in Saskatoon.

There may come a time in the life of a couple when the "couple" becomes a single unit or when one of the couple has to assume responsibility for all the household tasks. Often the individual assuming the tasks does not have the knowledge or skills to comfortably do them, putting that person in a vulnerable position.

Launch of the Living Simply handbook January 20, 2003

Discussions with and concerns for people assuming these new responsibilities made our association aware of the extent of the concerns about doing these new tasks. Meetings with staff from the Saskatoon District Health who work with older adults and representatives from the Council on Aging confirmed the need and encouraged addressing the situation. The stage was thus set for developing a vision and action plan to provide resources for those newly assuming responsibility for all household tasks.

The project partners, led by the home economists, have put together a handbook with ideas, tips and information on household tasks. Suggestions for content were provided by individuals, focus groups, the Regina Home Economics for Living Project and professionals in health care. Topics include: kitchen basics, meal planning, recipes, nutrition and wellness, cleaning, consumerism, money management, safety, vehicle maintenance and grieving. A facilitator's handbook is available for use by professionals when presenting workshops.

Copies of the handbook are available from the Saskatoon Council on Aging, 301-506 25th St. East, Saskatoon, S7K 4A7, tel. (306) 652-2255, for $10 per copy.

We hope that Living Simply: A Handbook for Newly Single Older Adults will be a comfort and offer valuable assistance to those taking on new household tasks.

Regina Home Economics for Living Project (HELP)

HELP was established in 1988 as a community resource to low income people living in Regina. They provide education and training on home economics related topics, such as basic nutrition, food shopping and preparation, money management and consumer smarts. Workshops, one-to-one counseling and development of appropriate low literacy materials have allowed HELP to serve a large number of clients. HELP depends on grants,sales of soup mixes and resources such as cookbooks and food fact sheets, and individual donations to operate. HELP is a registered non-profit charitable organization directed by a community board. For more information contact Carol Brouwer, Executive Director, email: rehelp@sasktel.net.