L
ong overdue is a very big thank-you to all of you who helped at the Canada Day Tea sponsored by the City of Quesnel and Seniors Advocacy Service.
After a brief summer hiatus from submitting this column I’ll try to recall volunteers who made the event such a success.
Susan MacNeill and I want to thank Sandy Brunt, the Miss Quesnel Royalty and Candidates, E. Honey Affleck, Val Butler, Frances Lepine, Betty and Ron Campbell, Eleanor Christensen, Rose Gaetz, Marion Gordon, Maurine Goodenough, Lillian Stenaker, Bernice Heinzelman, Gloria Kolenchuk, Jean Veer, Rosina Wood, Wendy Quail, Lyle Orchison, Audrey Long, Eileen Sideman, Linda Rennhoffer and Doreen Kuyper. Because registration was down somewhat not all aforementioned were required as hosts/hostesses but they had let their names stand as backup. Thanks too for the use of tea pots from OAPO Golden Centre, Quesnel & District Seniors Centre, St. John’s Anglican Church and carafes from North Star Baptist Church.
We appreciated the city providing shelter under tents and crew for chairs and tables, and Lori Ann Roodenburg on behalf of the City of Quesnel for publicity.
When seating was arranged it was not taken into consideration that extra space should be taken into consideration for walkers.
But seniors are accustomed to having to be flexible and seem to take this all in stride. Thanks to all of you for making the event such a success.
It was great to see such a good turnout of seniors for the annual Billy Barker Seniors Day, July 14, in LeBourdais Park to enjoy entertainment on stage beginning about 11 a.m.
Seating and lunch was provided under shelter from rain or sun thanks to BB Days committee and the City of Quesnel. It was another great opportunity to join friends, make new ones, and celebrate Billy Barker Days. We have so much to celebrate and be grateful for.
This year we have not been affected by smoke from forest fires and most of us have escaped damage from flooding.
Good neighbours
Have you thought how important it is
to have a good
neighbour?
One who looks out for us even one step further to Block Watch where we keep an eye out for suspicious activity, a sort of Gate Keeper for one another, shows respect no matter our ethnic background and overlooks our idiosyncrasies.
Our basic needs are all the same. This is especially evident in a tight community such as those living in assisted living facilities, apartments and condominiums.
One prime example of going above and beyond normal neighbourliness is Norma Malic in Fraser Village. She and others check on one another in some areas and have a distress code when necessary.
They do errands for those who find it difficult to get about and in general have a caring attitude. Just as important are those who are not so nimble but have time to listen to work out their own problems, show concern, and bring a bit of happiness to someone each day.
Somehow we often fail to take time to listen. Even in a tight community people suffer from loneliness when away from family and familiar living conditions.
They must take the initiative to reach out to another and break down barriers that make them feel safe. It is not healthy and there is so much beauty in the world if we take the time to look for it.
Heads up
Early September many programs scheduled at either senior centres will resume although some activities has continued throughout the summer. More information about the line up later or check in to Golden Centre and Seniors.
Ruth Scoullar is a seniors’ advocate and Observer columnist.