By Val Thom and Emmie Jenkins Did summer provide you with happy memories for the fall? It was mostly the art of balancing ‘smoky hot’ with unusually cool days, and for me the cooler days were used to get the chores done……………unless you escaped to the Seniors Club and its climate-controlled rooms! Winston Parker had a very special 100th birthday late July, and quite a crowd to share in the celebrations. It was reported that birthday cake was served no less than 3 times, in 3 different places! Winston is one of the founding members of the club and has a long service record. His wit and upbeat attitude always contribute to a sunny atmosphere in our building! Soon all the program co-ordinators will be back in full swing and with them, the regularly offered programs at the club. Of course, new members and new ideas for activities will be much appreciated! We plan to continue the painting afternoons and propose every second and fourth Wednesday afternoon to be set aside for those that would like to enhance, practice, or just start painting. These afternoons will be more about sharing information and techniques than teaching sessions. Heather Peters and/or Emmie Jenkins are willing to guide along those interested to the best of their abilities. Specific subjects or projects will still be offered at times as well. You will be notified by email when we start. Do you remember Marius Oelschig’s passionate address at the May dinner? He proposed the formation of a writer’s group for the purpose of documenting moments, events or just observations in a person’s life, for their own reasons, or for the benefit of family members? Marius promised to help set up the framework and Emmie would be happy to co-ordinate this first year. To get a rough idea of the level of interest in this group, please phone Emmie at 403-995-1424. Time and space will be found and you will receive further details by email. Besides our regular programs, information sessions are also offered from time to time, usually regarding wellness issues relating to seniors. The Memory Café sessions that are presently held at the Club (first Wednesday of the month 1-2:30 pm) are an exception, because they are sponsored by the Brenda Strafford Foundation and open to the public as part of an initiative to create dementia-friendly communities. Programs on “memory and aging” will also be available this fall in Okotoks. For information contact Jennifer Mallamo (co-ordinator of pilot program) at 403-995-6809. We want to remind you of the Senior Club’s Fall Supper: come and re-connect with friends on Sept. 10 at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m.., and entertainment after dinner. Tickets are available at Okotoks & District Senior Club, 204 Community Way. It’s $20 for members and $25 for guests (members must accompany guests). Last day for tickets: Sept. 4. Hope to see you back in the swing of things, come September. Please remember that suggestions for new activities or outings are always welcome.
