Old friends are best. King James used to call for his old shoes; they were easiest for his feet. John Shelden, Friends.
Over 80 Tea
Seniors who met for the Over 80 Tea in the OAPO Golden Centre May 18 were a prime example of old friends getting together. About 65 men and women, some with attendants, enjoyed lunch and conversation. A real plus was music by the Fraser River Band’s Rick Nelson, Dale Brown and Linda Ritter which had many of us singing and even dancing.
The hall looked elegant with centre pieces of flowering plants. These were given to the oldest person at each table to take home. Volunteers did much of the preparation the day before and were graciously attentive to the needs of guests. Many thanks to members of the OAPO executive, the volunteers and to the band for making it such a special day.
The Over 80 Tea originated in the 1970’s when Dorothy Thom was president. At that time the OAPO and Ladies of the Royal Purple worked together for this annual event. The OAPO now continues this tradition on its own.
Parkinson’s Disease
On April 20 families and caregivers were invited to the Senior Centre to explore the formation of a Quesnel Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Support Group. The purpose of the Support Group is to provide a comfortable atmosphere for PD patients, their families and caregivers to come together periodically, to know each other and share experiences, concerns and questions about how to cope with PD and quality of life issues related to their stage of disease.
At that time seven people attended to start the new PD group. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire providing how physical problems, mental/emotional problems they or a member of their family may be having and what their treatment options had been. If you know someone who may have questions about Parkinson’s Disease they should phone Bruce Engel at 778-414-6010. They will meet the second Wednesday of the month. Their next meeting will be held at Savalis Restaurant June 8 at 3 p.m.
Voice of seniors
On May 19 Peter Neilsen chaired the monthly meeting of Voice for North Cariboo Seniors in the Legion. Adele of Dunrovin Park Lodge was guest speaker.
A petition was circulated and eventually will be presented to Mayor Bob Simpson regarding real concern for shortage of senior’s affordable housing.
Keith Watkin of the Lion’s Club advised they have an agreement the designated lot on Reid Street but have been held up with the City asking for 45 parking spaces for the 30 unit proposed building. They have an agreement to purchase a lot next to the proposed building and may have a second lot which would solve parking problems.
There is also real concern over wait time for surgery in the Prince George Hospital. That facility will be closed for surgery for the month of June.
An advocate for movement Tara at Train Station Gym mentioned facilities such as the Rec Centre, Yoga program, and Keenagers to help seniors retain use of muscles. She demonstrated sitting, squats, simple stretches and weight bearing exercise to help overcome osteoporosis.
Ruth Scoullar is a seniors advocate and regular Observer contributor.
