They say everything has a purpose. Perhaps that heavy snowfall in late October provided a wake up call to do something about winter tires, preparing flower beds, seeing to water barrels, unhooking hoses and other preparations for winter. Somehow those brochures depicting a cruise in a warmer climate seem attractive momentarily. But when I get back to reality it’s easy to get caught up in the anticipation of the flurry of events leading up to the Christmas season. But just what would we miss if we were to leave for a warmer climate? One must keep in mind this is very difficult time for those who have lost a loved one and the cheery music is not in sync with their mood.
Some of the bazaars and craft sales have already occurred and there’s a line up of things to come including special concerts and Christmas dinners. The Indoor Farmers’ Market is scheduled at the Quesnel and District Recreation Centre Dec. 1 and Dec. 8. Again a gentle reminder to think of your neighbour who may not have transportation after hours for buses.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
One of the events to keep in mind may be the Christmas Open House at Century 21. The Seniors Advocacy Service would like to thank our great community of Quesnel for all their support this past year. You are invited to attend Century 21’s office at 353 Reid Street where we are located for some hot cocoa and cookies Nov. 30, 7 – 9 p.m. while you are enjoying Midnight Madness Shopping downtown. All children with parents, please attend. Merry Christmas, Susan, Ruth and volunteer staff.
A special thank you to everyone who so generously supported our annual Musical evening at Northstar Baptist Church, Nov. 24. The public gave to both SAS and Good Cheer in record donations.
GERIATRIC TEAM
A total of 42 people turned out Nov. 15 at the Golden Centre to Dr. Larry Dian’s ‘Successful Aging’ presentation. Dr. Dian of Vancouver has been attending in Quesnel since the inception of the Geriatric Assessment Team and his presentation was brought to us by Northern Health Home and Community Care.He touched on a number of topics including diet, lifestyle, habits, our attitude, the importance of exercise and taking vitamin D. Dr. Dian answered some of the questions from the floor following a slide presentation.
He reminded us that our body changes as we age and encouraged us or have someone look up Successful Aging information on Google with respect to our own health issues that we may be concerned about.
Looking at the Second 50 Years of our Life, it states psychologist’s research is changing their attitude about what it takes to live the good and longer life.
Joe Volz, of the Monitor Staff says, “the urgency, now, has begun to shift from that of medically prolonging life to ensuring that a prolonged life is worth living.”
Thanks also to the OAPO Golden Centre for making the presentation possible free of charge.
Ruth Scoullar is a seniors’ advocate and regular Observer contributor.
