So we made it through Christmas and New Year’s and now it is time to settle down to the reality of this season. So far we have been real lucky compared to the rest of the country with continual freezing throughout Alberta and the Prairies and severe ice storms for the rest of eastern Canada and lots of snow everywhere. And while it is lightly snowing as I write this column we have had some lovely sunshiny days and spectacular sunsets.
By the way, did you try to purchase stamps in the week or two before Christmas? What a hassle that was as most of the local stores had to return their supplies back to the post office because of the price increase in January. What a rip off this was for those that still use snail mail and the quaint old custom of sending Christmas cards. Except I couldn’t. No stamps. Getting to the main post office, where they were available, was impossible. Try parking anywhere near the building in the daytime and it is doubly daunting when you have difficulty walking long distances. Too bad I wasn’t an MP as Colin Mayes’ Christmas card arrived as usual. But then again as an MP he didn’t need a stamp and to make it worse, I guess as a taxpayer I was paying for the postage on the card he sent me. Gee thanks, Colin.
Being a senior with mobility issues presents unique challenges when it is icy or snowing and many of us would rather stay indoors but that has emotional repercussions as well. Being indoors for long periods of time can lead to depression so we have to balance the situation and get out of our homes as much as we possibly can. Finding a new interest you enjoy is a great incentive to get out and makes the effort rewarding not only from a physical perspective but emotionally as well.
There is no limit to all the opportunities seniors have in and around Vernon and even just trying them is fun. I probably sound like a broken record but again check out The Morning Star Community Calendar for a variety of events, from star-gazing to singles meetings and choose one. If you don’t like it, don’t go back but at least you have the opportunity to try something new. Think of it as a winter adventure. Schubert Centre and Halina Centre both offer myriad programs and events for seniors of all ages.
Walking in the mall is good. It’s dry, it’s warm and if you like window shopping it is a bonus. You can also walk indoors at Kal Tire Place, just check out the hours it is available by calling the Rec. Centre. Speaking of which, remember there is a reduced cost for low-income seniors for many of their programs. Just ask.
The new year will bring with it the appointment of the long awaited Seniors Advocate, with any kind of luck. This position should offer seniors a true advocate that can be easily reached and who would not only investigate the system and its flaws but be able to look into any individual complaints and have the power to resolve them.
The political scene will also be heating up in the coming months as municipal elections occur in November and this time around we have the great big elephant in the room to deal with – amalgamation. Will we get to vote on this issue or not? It will be like walking on hot coals for the candidates when they have to deal with the subject and should offer some very adaptive tap dancing. Who said winter can’t be fun?
If you have any questions email: blackmail1@telus.net or call 250-542-7928.
Pat Black writes about issues of concern to seniors in the North Okanagan, appearing every other Sunday.
