Seniors honoured with week-long festivities

Arnold Jones, left, and Jerry Stout provided musical entertainment at the barbecue and bocce ball tournament June 5 at Jaycee Park. Warm weather greeted seniors during the day.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

The smiles on the faces of area seniors and the thanks they extended to Seniors Week organizers said it all. From June 2-6, seniors attended many events held in High Prairie and Kinuso. Each day, many expressed their appreciation to the Big Lakes Family Community Services staff for a job well done. “It makes a big difference when you know they had a good time,” says FCS director Sharon Strang. “There were lots of smiles.” The week began with a Seniors Wellness and Information Fair June 2 at the Elks Hall in downtown High Prairie. A steady stream of seniors attended to see what services are available locally. June 3 saw a lunch followed by a Seniors Bingo, also at the Elks Hall. Chowder, soup and chili were served before an enjoyable afternoon of bingo. June 4 saw the major event shift to Kinuso. Each year, organizers shift the location of the Fancy Lunch. This year it was Kinuso who played host at the Agricultural Hall. Attendance in Joussard last year was 138, Kinuso drew 108. Numbers were down but Strang was still pleased. “But it’s farther away,” says Strang referring to Kinuso’s location from High Prairie. Still, staff at Pleasantview Lodge and J.B. Wood Extended Care Unit in High Prairie made the effort to transport seniors to Kinuso. “If at all possible, they bring them,” says Strang. “They should be commended for bringing them.” The Fancy Lunch included door prizes for each senior attending. The Faust Community League and Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen donated door prizes for the event. Organizers were pleased to see sunny skies dawn June 5 for the barbecue and bocce ball tournament at Jaycee Park. Calls for showers worried organizers, although they had a backup plan to move to the Golden Age Centre if the weather turned. “Today is really good,” says a relieved Strang. “I think everyone enjoyed themselves. “That’s what it’s all about,” she adds. “Seniors having a good time.” June 6 saw the annual barbecue at the curling rink, where councillors from the Town of High Prairie and M.D. of Big Lakes served lunch to all seniors. The week concluded with a Strawberry Tea at the High Prairie and District Municipal Library June 7. Strang credits her terrific volunteer base for a job well done during the week’s activities. High Prairie community worker Kathie Gould was busy throughout the week and looking forward to some time off. Fire chief John Gould’s secretary, Vicky Calhoon, also helped at the Fancy Lunch in Kinuso. High Prairie Church of the Nazarene Pastor Arnie Wyllie and his wife barbecued June 5. Many others too numerous to mention also helped.

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