Aloha! I'm back! One of the many nice things about having reached that retired/senior stage of life is, if the financial capabilities are possible, the chance to travel to sunny climes during our wintertime.This time last week I sat on a white beach in the Fanning Islands under swaying palm trees looking out across brilliant turquoise waters to hills separated by misty clouds and I was reminded of times I have stood in my own part of the world looking up at similarly shaped mountains with clouds drifting into valleys and giving definition to the myriad of actual slopes and crevices. Along with so many contrasts throughout the world there are also many comparisons to remind one of home.News of the walking groups is upcoming, but first I must just give credit to the amount of walking done while away for my losing two pounds weight in spite of the possibly five times amount of food consumed. When cruising, our family has a rule: no use of the elevators!
The Legion will open its doors at 5:30 p.m. on Monday (Jan 16) for Bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. Contact Edith at 604-898-3048 or Nancy at 604-892-8422.
The Over the Hill Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (Jan 17) at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre for a Smoke Bluffs and Valleycliffe walk. These walks offer a little bit of a challenge. Contact Ray at 604-898-4316.
The members of the Healthy Brain Program for Early Dementia will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (Jan 17) at the Tantalus Seniors' Centre. Contact Donna or Patricia about becoming a new member at 604-892-2293.
Branch 70 members will again meet for a potluck lunch at noon in the Seniors' Cedman Lounge on Tuesday (Jan 17); a meeting will follow at 1 p.m. These events are held every third Tuesday of each month, except in December. It seems to be mainly the older members who attend these luncheons. As their number inevitably dwindles, new members are warmly welcomed. Did you know that a $5 membership in Branch 70 entitles you to a reduced rate for the bus trips they sponsor? See Elaine's item for details of those. Contact June at 604-898-1535.
The line dancers, who will meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesday (Jan 18) at the Tantalus Seniors' Centre, should know that the theme for the next few weeks will be swing music. If enough interest can be generated, this will be followed by some Hawaiian line dancing! While away I took a set of Hawaiian line dancing lessons and in addition to having performed live in concert as well as been filmed for TV, I now have a masters diploma and permission to teach others how to "shake those Hula hips!" (Never fear, I also bought the music and the taped instructions) The Hula is very good for slimming the waist and flattening the tummy. That was all I needed to hear. Contact Barbara at 604-898-5029.
The Tantalus Walking Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday (Jan 19) at Extra Foods parking lot for a walk along Coho Trail. The group welcomes anyone, especially seniors; refreshments at a local coffee shop usually follow the hour-long walks. The schedule of walks for January and February can be accessed at Contact Joyce at 604-898-5594.
Elaine (at 604-898-5463) reports the following bus trips sponsored by Branch 70. Others will undoubtedly be added over time. She has come up with a shorter way to indicate the cut off dates, which I will use from now on: c/o. The c/o for signing up for trips is one week prior to each trip. However, some shows do sell out quickly, sometimes up to two months in advance of performances so the secret is to book early. Regrettably, the trip prices have increased somewhat due to a fuel surcharge imposed by the bus company to reflect the higher cost of fuel, but by being a Branch 70 member you get the cost of membership deducted from every trip you take!
Wednesday (Jan 25): New Westminster Riverboat Casino (close by is the Quay, antique shops, downtown New West and the riverside boardwalk); c/o Jan 18.
Thursday (Feb 16): Granville Island shopping; c/o Feb 9.
Saturday (Mar 18): Fraser Downs Sulky Horse Racing/Casino and sumptuous Buffet Lunch; c/o Mar 1.Sunday May 7): Stars on Ice; c/o Apr 24.
Monday (Oct 23): Andre Rieu; c/o June 30.
Cindy passes on the news that Jan Post is now in residence and can be visited at Hilltop House.
This is good time of year for seniors, as well as others, to determine to do something to improve balance, stamina, flexibility, posture, and to find a way to do this in the company of others who encourage fun and laughter. I learned a long time ago that the best, most long-term learning takes place when accompanied by humour.
Last week, in her column, About Town, Maureen Gilmour took up the slack for me while I was away and mentioned the "new upbeat Keep Well program for Seniors" at Brennan Park which started yesterday and will continue every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. until March 30.
At $12 for 12 one-hour sessions it 's a real bargain. Find many additional details, including how to access bus transportation arrangements, on page 9 of the newly released Winter 2006 Recreational Program Guide for Brennan Park.
Carpet Bowling and the seniors' bus trips are also mentioned on page 9 of the guide.
