A new year begins with new beginnings and that renewal of hope for good fortune that seems to be the perennial lot of humankind in January as we begin another year. To all, best wishes for good health, peace and prosperity in 2015.
I have been away for more than a month in the fleshpots of the east experiencing exotic foods and drink and being welcomed by my loving eastern family as the returned prodigal son, or in my case, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and long lost friend. And while I have enjoyed all the events and activities of my extended family’s Christmas celebrations, it is time to return to my home in the Okanagan.
They say that home is where the heart is and in my case this old axiom is true. The east is where I was born, raised and educated for my first 60 years but my heart found its home finally in Vernon. I just knew I had to be here from my first visit to the Okanagan more than 40 years ago. And I have never regretted moving here more than 20 years ago. In fact, each time I visit Toronto and environs it reaffirms my choice. I need the beauty that surrounds me here and nature’s bounty that feeds my soul.
So what is happening in town other than the big snow that I so readily missed? I understand that 40 centimeters fell over a few days and shoveling was the prime pastime for many. I hope the Snow Buddy program, operated by Nexus Senior Services, was available for all those seniors who are unable to shovel on their own.
Another new program being launched as a pilot project is the Library at Your Door, in partnership with Seniors Services and the Vernon library. This initiative will benefit seniors that are housebound and connect them with the volunteers that will pick up and deliver books to their door.
Although this project will be limited to seven participants at first, it is once again showing that our library is embracing their community partnership role and providing a vital community service. This will be an important service for those seniors who have no computer access and are physically unable to leave their homes but have the desire to read, learn and increase their quality of life. Good on you, Nexus Senior Services and our local branch of the Okanagan Regional Library.
Just a reminder that the North Okanagan Hospice series of free community workshops entitled “Living Well / Dying Well” continue for those of us who need some guidance and support to make sure we know the options available for end-of-life decisions.
The sessions are available for those who have a chronic illness, family members, health care professionals and others with the goal of enhancing quality of life. Several sessions have already taken place in Armstrong and Lumby and one other in Vernon.
Additional sessions will take place in Vernon Jan. 20, 21 and 22. These sessions will be held at Schubert Centre, and although the sessions are free you must reserve ahead as seating is limited.
The Jan. 20 session, “Changing the Way we Care: Self First,” will feature guest speaker Elizabeth Causton, a clinical counsellor who has worked in the field for more than 40 years and is currently working with research teams at the University of Victoria and Trinity Western University. You can sign up for any or all sessions. For more information and to register, call Hospice at 250-503-1800, extension 101.
If you have any comments and questions, e-mail me at blackmail1@telus.net or phone 250-542-7928.
Pat Black writes about issues of concern to seniors in the North Okanagan, appearing every other Sunday.
