Today I had lunch with some ladies from the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS) who prepare and share lunch before they head out to do their grocery shopping with our drivers. The topics ranged from the U.S. presidential election to the Krafty Kronys’ craft sale this weekend. These ladies are more mature seniors and all are bright, aware and involved. They are concerned about their friends, have opinions about politics and have suggestions for improving many things.
While we were eating, Richard, the HandyDart bus driver came in. He is our hero! Richard and Bridget, the TAPS program manager, have managed to co-ordinate drives for seniors who live outside Creston to come to TAPS. Richard works for Creston Valley Transit, part of BC Transit. The expansion of transportation services by Creston Valley Transit makes it possible for persons who need a little help getting on and off a bus to have access to services outside their homes by taking advantage of the HandyDart. Another service change offers options for those who find it hard to get to the fixed-route by arranging for by request service. TAPS staff know that our seniors enjoy shopping for themselves and that it increases their independence. Hopefully, this enhanced service from BC Transit will give others the same opportunity.
Last month, we thanked the community greenhouse, now called the Know and Grow Farm, and Harvest Share for their continuous donations of produce to TAPS. We would like to thank the generous people at Lighthouse Lighting who also donate food products to us. We never know what might arrive next but we appreciate all of your donations.
Each month, our seniors host a lunch to thank those who have contributed to our program. November’s guest is Kootenay-Columbia member of Parliament David Wilks, who will have lunch with TAPS seniors on Nov. 15. Programs like TAPS require a great deal of financial support and the government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program has provided us with grants for programs and capital assets for several years. Our seniors will have the opportunity to let their MP know how the grants have been used and what the needs of seniors in our community are. Wilks will have the opportunity to see how well the Creston community supports its seniors and how many groups work together to the benefit of all.
Another busy week for TAPS!
Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with Creston’s Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.
