This is the time of the year when new residents begin more than ever setting their sights on our friendly shores to make sure they are successful in finding their special place in the sun within the Nakusp region.
Following retirement from a busy and presumably satisfying career these individuals had frequently experienced a useful and varied life, often with one’s home and workplace situated central to a large urban community.
It’s interesting to note, according to government statisticians, Canada was called home to the largest wave of baby boomers of any western country. In fact, we are told those born between the years of 1946 and 1964 can be characterized as having multiple cultural mosaics which range between family, religion, lifestyle preferences and other segments of society.
As a result of experiencing often challenging and highly satisfying new skills throughout their careers within the workplace, school or numerous other environments, these new residents are sometimes heard to express an interest in sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with members of their new community on a volunteer basis once they have settled in. In this way, they can connect with new friends and interest groups, or even initiate new undertakings.
Reaching out to become a volunteer for a cause close to one’s heart opens the door to many of us who wish to make a meaningful contribution to our general or select community groups, individuals and organizations.
Examples of non-profit organizations which are open to welcoming new residents to the fold, include the Better at Home program which functions under the overall supervision of the Arrow and Slocan Lakes Community Services. The purpose of this fairly recent seniors’ support program in our own area, is to recruit and match volunteers who are willing to provide friendship and also transportation to older or disadvantaged citizens.
The goal is to help ensure that these individuals can remain connected with numerous services and resources such as shopping, medical appointments and various sporting, church, social and recreational opportunities which serve to make one’s life more fulfilling throughout one’s retirement years.
This is especially important for someone who feels they are lonely, housebound or isolated if no family member lives nearby.
Other examples of how the Better at Home Program serves us, including a potentially subsidized aspect which reduces the cost of acquiring help to undertake simple repairs, housekeeping and much more, will be covered in future editions of the Seniors’ Column carried weekly in the Arrow Lakes News.
Another example is the reopening for the summer months of our outstanding museum which is located beside the library and on the ground floor of the building. It has now reopened for the summer months.
A visit to the museum is well worth scheduling as part of our current plans to learn more about how this area has developed over the past century, and also to learn more about how to become a volunteer for this amazing historical and cultural resource.
It’s a wonderful place to learn more about the area’s historical past, and to update ourselves and family members as well as visitors, with details concerning all parts of life within the beautiful Nakusp region.
