They spent their lives working to build the community as we know it today. Now, it's time for them to have a little fun.
June 3 to 10 marks Seniors' Week in Alberta. Held the first week in June each year, events are hosted across the province to show appreciation for all of the contributions that those in their golden years have made.
“They're the foundation of the community,” said Germaine Prybysh, chair of the local Seniors' Week events. “They have experience and they have stories to tell. It's important to recognize their hard work. It wasn't just snap your fingers and here we are. It took a lot of fundraising, knocking on doors, and lobbying governments.”
Locally, there is a weeklong line up of activities for seniors to take part in. It all kicks-off with at pancake breakfast at the Bonnyville Seniors' Drop-In Centre on Sunday, June 3 at 9 a.m. Each day, there is a variety of events from bingo to floor curling to a wellness centre orientation at the C2 for participants to choose from.
Card and floor games are spread between all of the local drop-in centres in Glendon, Ardmore, La Corey, Bonnyville, and Fort Kent.
Due to a lack of interest, bocce ball was removed from the schedule this year, and made room for some new and exciting additions.
The C2 will be hosting classic movie showings on June 4 and 9 in the lecture hall. Also new this year, is Real Croteau, a local fiddler, will be providing entertainment during the Tunes & Pie event in the Bonnyville Health Centre's long term care on June 5.
“It's the first time for the movie event. I'm thankful to the C2 for offering that, and I'm anxious to see what movies they are. It's a good thing because we don't have a movie theatre here anymore and I wish we did. It's still fun to go out to a movie, going to get popcorn, just the whole atmosphere. I think the seniors will enjoy it,” said Prybysh, noting it is wheelchair accessible so all seniors can enjoy a classic film.
To cap off the week, the Bonnyville Seniors' Drop-In Centre will be holding their 19th annual fish fry on Sunday, June 10, with entertainment by WhiteRoy.
While the events correspond with the celebration of Seniors' Week, Prybysh explained the hope is it will lead to a new pastime and new friends for some of the participants.
“There's going to be more and more seniors as time progresses and they need a reason to get out. Otherwise, they get self-involved and then you start dealing with depression and forgetfulness.”
She added the theme for this year's event is “living actively,” which speaks the lifestyle many seniors have.
“Seniors are active. A good portion of them are active despite the aches and pains. It really makes them more alert and happier.”
With the exception of the fish fry and golf scramble, all of the Seniors' Week events are drop-in activities open to anyone over the age of 50. The majority are also wheelchair accessible. See the schedule (on page 15) for the full list of events and information.
