Showing appreciation to community seniors for their contributions over the years

 

From Monday, June 4 until Saturday, June 9, seniors in the community were celebrated with a week especially for them. Seniors’ Week is always full of fun activities and treats to thank seniors for the contributions they have given to the community. Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Program Co-ordinator Fay Arcand said planning the event is always a highlight for her.

“I get to have wonderful visits with all our seniors and I really enjoy that.” Some of the different events the seniors enjoyed during the week included floor curling with local youth on Wednesday. “We had junior grades from École St. Joseph School and Percy Baxter School come and curl with them. This year we had eight teams and they played a couple of games together.” After playing, the group enjoyed ice cream sundaes.

On Thursday, June 7, seniors were invited to attend the All the Pieces Together Resource Trade Fair at the Seniors’ Circle. “That’s something that’s relatively new. Last year we had the Trade Fair and it was well attended but this year we surpassed last year’s numbers. They really seemed to appreciate the one-stop shop for benefits. We had Alberta Supports, Park Memorial, Family Violence Initiative, our Scam Savvy Initiative, and Alberta Health there with chronic disease management.” Any seniors who had questions were able to speak to a professional right on site.

On the final day of the week-long celebration, Saturday, June 9, the seniors were treated to a Rotary Club sponsored barbecue followed by a crib tournament. “Seniors’ Week wouldn’t be so successful without the great partners that we have in the community. I really appreciate working with all the great groups that we have here,” said Arcand.

Thanks to a cost-sharing agreement between Woodlands County and the Town of Whitecourt, a great deal of effort was put towards making the week as full as possible. “I think it really resonates with them how much we really appreciate all the work they’ve done for our community through the years and that really is what Seniors’ Week is all about. It’s a celebration of seniors and what they’ve contributed to our community.”

Martha Mindus was one of the many seniors who enjoyed the Rotary barbecue on Saturday and said she hadn’t been able to take part in all the festivities this year due to the recent birth of a beautiful great-granddaughter, but she has fully participated in the past. “It’s a great week and you get to mix with everybody and have a lot of fun. We really enjoy it.” Martha won a door prize donated by Mama Gray’s Kitchen which was a $15 gift certificate to Tim Hortons. “This is really nice and unexpected. Thank you.”