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Column: This and that for seniors in Quesnel

Regular columnist Ruth Scoullar on some of December’s great events for seniors
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Observer columnist Ruth Scoullar. File photo

A seniors’ Christmas dinner was held at the Seniors Centre Dec. 6, with almost a full house enjoying a turkey dinner and all the trimmings. Twenty-four of the poinsettias were donated by Save-On Foods, four from Extra Foods, and four from Safeway. The colourful plants graced each table and in turn were donated to guests who had a birthday closest to the event. The beautiful plants on the stage were raffled off.

As well as wide range of foods offered by Jean’s Side Door Catering and wine, the social aspect of friends getting together for a night out meant it was a terrific evening. Entertainment was provided by the Correlieu Jazz Band. The students did a great job and those who know music realize some of their pieces were not that easy to play. Well done!

OAPO Branch 77 in the Golden Centre held its Christmas dinner on Dec. 15, and it is always well attended.

The Fraser Village Home Society held its Christmas get together in the Common Room of Fraser Village on Dec. 8.

Better At Home’s annual Christmas Party was held Dec. 7 in the Anglican Church hall for those who use the program and volunteers. Rides were supplied for those in need. Using the Nutcracker as a theme, project coordinator Brenda Gardiner and volunteers went all out to make sure this would be a most memorable experience for guests. Colourful table centrepieces on black satin table cloths made such an impact. The arrangements were given to departing guests. The gift exchange caused much joy and anticipation. For some of these seniors this will be the only turkey dinner they will get. Fourteen shut-in seniors received a turkey dinner delivered to them. Music was supplied by John Goodwin and his wife Dorothy, Crosby Wolfe entertained on the keyboard, and Cathy Walsh played familiar Christmas tunes.

Gardiner acknowledged the tremendous work done by volunteers and managing on a small budget. She has just entered service delivery work order #9648 into the data base system and has just completed the 392nd intake for help. Shortage for help seems to be primarily for housecleaning services, with six clients on the wait list, for which fundraising efforts are forthcoming in 2019 to accommodate the shortages.

Lunch ‘n’ Learn with B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie was held at the Legion on Dec. 11, with more than 38 people attending. Some of the many topics covered were the Poverty Reduction Strategy, seniors at home and in long term care and property tax deferment. There was an opportunity to answer questions from floor by both Isobel and local seniors advocate Susan MacNeill. Around our table over lunch we could appreciate our smaller community of Quesnel, where we have an opportunity to help one another for those in need – something not always possible in larger communities.

If you were unable to attend, information is available at the Seniors Advocacy Service office in West Park Mall. You can also go to www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca or call 1-877-952 3181.

READ MORE: B.C. Seniors Advocate presents in Quesnel