The first item this week has to be the news that Kay Wirachowsky, the original writer of this column, has been transferred from the Squamish General Hospital to the West Vancouver Care Center at 1625 27th Avenue; the phone number is 604-925-1247.
This is a temporary move, as she awaits a placement in a care facility in Vernon.
After living for many years and raising their family in Woodfibre, then living for a time in the Estates area of Squamish, Ed and Kay finally settled in Brackendale.
Twenty-seven years later they have decided to move to Vernon, close to where their son lives, though it wasn't expected that Kay would need a care facility.
Kay was sorry to leave Squamish and her family had hoped for a spot at Hilltop House to become available while they waited for the transfer to Vernon, but we know just how overloaded such systems are these days.
All good wishes from their family and friends in Squamish go with Kay and Ed as they start this new chapter in their lives.
Is there anyone out there who isn't aware of the hurricane disaster in the American South? This horrendous event must surely serve as a heads up for the rest of the world to not just be aware of what steps should be taken in the case of a major disaster but to have the infrastructure in place ahead of time, the policy books in the hands of those who would need to impliment the steps for rescue and feeding and housing, and the training done by the personnel who would be involved, including the procedures to be taken by the rescue workers families while they go to the aid of others.
Because of a "senior moment" last week, Branch 70's Bus Trips (contact person: Elaine at 604-898-5463) are going to be the first of the activities mentioned this week (note that some are no longer available and some are new listings so, if interested, book as soon as possible):
Wednesday, Sept. 21- Storyeum.
Wednesday, Oct. 5 - Burnaby Casino (Replacing the Richmond Casino due to poor response).
Monday, Oct. 17 - Celtic Tiger with Michael Flatley.
Thursday, Oct. 20 - Evening Sulky Races at Fraser Downs with buffet supper.
Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Christmas Shopping at Coquitlam Center.
Thursday, Dec. 22 - An evening performance of the VSO's Traditional Christmas Concert in North Vancouver.
Local activities this week are: Women on Wheels (WOW) will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Monday (Sept. 12) at Canadian Tire for a local ride, to be lead by Thea. Contact person: Shirley at 604-898-5715.
Members of the Caregivers Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 14) at the Tantalus Senior Center. For an assessment to join this group call contact person: Donna Howard at 604-892-2293.
The Tantalus Walking Club will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday (Sept. 15) at the main Brohm Lake parking lot for a walk down to and over the bridge then uphill at the end of the walk. Contact person: Joyce at 604-898-5594.
The members of the Hearts in Motion Walking Club are asked to check in the About Town column for the information about their walks. Maureen Gilmour has traditionally had this news in her column and I shouldn't be double dipping!
If you are a crafty or baking person and would like to donate to the Hilltop House Support Society's Fall Harvest Tea, keep Saturday, Oct. 15 in mind! Contact person: Ruth Fenton at 604-898-3368.
Remember, too, that Legion Bingo will be held on Monday (Sept. 19) at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Contact person: Edith Moule at 604-898- 3048.
Activities up and running so far at the Tantalus Senior Center are:
Arts and Crafts: Mondays at 1 p.m.
Duplicate Bridge: Mondays at 7 p.m.
Crib: Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Bridge: Fridays at 1 p.m.
Whist: Fridays at 7:30.
Cards: Every day at 1 p.m. for the Sikh men of our community.
Congratulations to all four Squamish Citizens who took part in the B.C. Seniors Games held recently in Cowichan on Vancouver Island.
A special congratulations to Margaret Tait who entering the swimming events in the 80 to 84 year old category, and brought home not only three Gold medals but also one Silver and three Bronze.
Tait exemplifies what this column is all about: retirement or reaching senior years does not mean one needs disappear into the woodwork.
By keeping active and alert, that third portion of life can be very rewarding and satisfying.
Well done, Margaret, for raising the bar for the rest of us just that little bit higher!
