Why change the name of the seniors column?
When, for example, an athlete has an astounding and lengthy career, if s/he has had a consistent jersey number during that time of accomplishment, at retirement that number, as a sign of respect and admiration, is also retired. So it is for Kay Wirachowsky; she chose the name Over The Hill and, as an expression of appreciation and respect for a job well done, the staff at The Chief wish to retire Kay's title for the column as she herself goes, yet again, into retirement.
A number of new titles were tossed around, many worthy of the job but I chose this one as it helps define seniors as the vigorous, industrious, accomplished individuals that most are in today's society. Think of Squamish without its band of senior volunteers who weave the knowledge and skills of their former jobs, careers and experiences and their newfound time into the fabric of the community. Let's remember that the term seniority carries with it a sense of pride and accomplishment.
For the most part, those persons in Squamish who are in the third trimester of their lives know themselves to be energetically belying their actual ages by continuing to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle.
This column is expected to fill out as the fall brings about a resurgence of activities that slowed down or ceased for the summer months. Those on offer for this week are:
Women On Wheels (WOW) will meet Monday (Aug. 22) at 9 a.m. at Canadian Tire where they will organize into carpools for a trip to the Planetarium in Vancouver and from there bike to Stanley Park and back. Contact person: Shirley at 604-898-5714.
The members of the Caregivers' Support Group will meet at the Tantalus Seniors' Centre on Wednesday (Aug. 24) at 2 p.m. Others wishing to become members of this group are asked to first contact Donna Howard at the Health Unit at 604-892-2293.
The Tantalus Walking Club will gather on Thursday (Aug. 25) at 10 a.m. at the dog pound parking area for a flat walk south along the Squamish River dyke. Walkers are reminded that dogs accompanying the group must be on a leash. Contact person: Joyce at 604-898-5594 or Roy Shephard at 604-898-5527.
The Hearts in Motion Walking Group will be meeting on Friday (Aug. 26) at the Tantalus Senior Center at 9:30 am. Those present will make the decision whether to then carpool to Alice Lake or to Porteau Cove for the walk. This group always walks on level ground and by September the regular pick up driver, for those without cars, should be returned from holiday. Contact person: Stephanie at 604-898-1268.
In connection with Branch 70, which is the local branch of the Senior Citizens Association of BC, Elaine Ramsay organizes bus trips throughout the lower mainland for those who wish to enjoy the company of fellow passengers as well as forgo driving and finding parking space. The buses can only be hired and the tickets for the activity booked when enough people make known their interest and as soon as possible. These trips provide great opportunities for a group of friends or a club to enjoy a relatively carefree venture out of town. The trips mostly occur in the daytime, with matinee theatre performances. Contact person: Elaine at 604-898-5463.
Bus trip schedule:
Wednesday, Sept. 21 - Storyeum. Thursday, Oct. 13 - RiverRock Casino and/or Theatre Show: Magic of the Dance, a two-hour matinee of Irish Dancing with John Corey. (Cut off date for booking is Aug. 31). Thursday, Oct. 20 - Fraser Downs Horse Racing. This time in the evening. (Cut off date for booking is Sept. 10). Saturday, Dec. 10 - Andre Rieu & His Johann Strausse Orchestra at GM Place. If you have seen him on TV, now go and see him in person! A new listing: Monday, Dec. 17 - Celtic Tiger with Michael Flatley at GM Place. Remember to book early to ensure the trip happens.
The BC Seniors Games for 2005 are being held in Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island Aug. 24 - 27. BC Ferries is one of the sponsors and is reminding BC seniors that they travel free Monday to Thursday with a BC Gold CareCard as proof of age. Call 1-888-BCFerry or visit www.bcferries.com. Those traveling by car are encouraged to make a reservation to ensure being able to board their preferred sailing.
There are still regularly reporting groups that I have not yet been able to make contact with. These and any other groups that would benefit from being mentioned in the column are asked to contact me at 604-898-5029 or e-mail to bgrudkin@telus.net.
