Old Man Winter seemed to be relentless this year, but the snow banks and icy parking lots are slowly shrinking and the robins are taking over.
Ice in the Okotoks & District Seniors Club parking lot remained on April 9, but it did not stop many members from attending the annual general meeting.
It was also a chance to join in the potluck supper, welcoming back the snowbirds and refocusing on the many activities and services provided by the club.
Club president, Elida Raynor, addressed the members with the year-in-review report, which included ongoing programs and activities, special presentations from outside resources, maintenance expenses over the past year, and new ideas for the club to pursue in the coming year.
On behalf of the board, she acknowledged program coordinators who are the “beating heart” of the club, the president and the retiring directors of the board.
Our club could not operate without the continued efforts of all those volunteer members, and for this dedication we are very grateful.
As she did in previous years, Marj Black conducted the election of new directors-at-large, because the remaining board positions were all beginning their second year of service.
The 2018/19 Okotoks & District Seniors Club Board looks as follows: Elida Raynor, president; Andy Rivey, past president; Ed Thom, vice president; Linda Bellward, secretary; Allen Jenkins, treasurer; and directors-at-large: Marj Black, Mel Knapp, Gary McNeil and Lorne Painchaud.
More information about the club is available on the new website at okotoksseniors.ca.
One of the ideas for the club to pursue, and this is an important one, is for all members to reach out to someone they know or suspect could be isolated or lonely.
This could be as easy as inviting someone who is on his/her own, who you don’t see that often at the club to club activities.
Give that person a phone call and/or offer to pick him/her up.
We could further identify the need of some folks using resources of Alberta Health Services, which is currently researching the needs of seniors in some detail.
Perhaps we can jointly put in more effort to include people that would sincerely benefit from some of our programs or activities.
The upcoming potluck dinner on Monday, May 7 would be an opportune time to do so.
Marius Oelschig will be the speaker that evening where she will share life experiences.
The Okotoks & District Seniors Club is a vibrant organization and when open to and inclusive of new ideas, or activities, we can continue to give the members an informative and/or fun visit.
We are never too old to learn or try something new.
The next Friday social is on April 20 in the afternoon.
Again, it’s a good opportunity to join your peers in games and fellowship. Feel free to invite a friend.
It just takes your participation to keep the club going strong. Don’t you agree?
Often, the hardest part is to actually get the shoes on, leave your home and get there, but once you’re there it’s great.
Who knows. Maybe those snow banks will be gone by then.
