Spring has arrived! My wish for each of you is that you have the opportunity for new beginnings and the health, strength, the will and the means to follow through on all the things you want to accomplish in the near future. First the dream, then the plan driven by hope and vision.
Some of the crazy dreams we had as a teen may not be practical or realistic as a senior but that’s when we dared to explore ideas, find role models (good and bad) which would influence our lives in years to come. Even though our interests and yet undeveloped talent may not be fully recognized when we were teens, the rhythm still remains with us in our heads and hearts into our senior years.
BOUCHIE LAKE DINNER
The annual Bouchie Lake dinner was held March 19 at the Bouchie Lake Hall, attended by 175 people with 25 helpers. Those who attended give a big collective THANK YOU to all who had a hand in making this popular dinner possible. Colourful table cloths and flowers provided a spring-like ambiance as people joined friends for an enjoyable roast beef dinner cooked and served by volunteers.
In welcoming all to their 30th annual seniors dinner Gloria Kolenchuk recounted that only 15 people attended the first dinner and the event has steadily increased, with 250 being the highest number of seniors. They began in 1982 to honour pioneers of Bouchie Lake for contributions toward their community. It began as a Christmas turkey dinner and after three years the luncheon was moved to March and is now enjoyed by upwards of 250 people. It has always been entirely hosted by volunteers. It’s founding organizers were Pat Klassen, Tony Klassen (deceased), Elnora Joaquin (deceased), and Geraldine Johnson.
Gloria Kolenchuk joined the committee in 1986, Dagmar and Dan Giesbrecht and Bill and Marita Solowoniuk joined in the fun shortly after. Some of the people are still involved and over the years many more have contributed. There has never been a fee to attend the luncheon but about 10 years ago the organization decided that if people wanted to donate non-perishable items for the Food Bank they could. Jennifer Johnson and Angela Mezzatesta did the fundraising. It has become an event which seniors from all over Quesnel now enjoy.
Entertainment was provided by harpists Vivian Russell, Mary Ann Sturdy, Heather Olson and Linda Davies of the Northern Lights Harps, music by Cary Lamarche and son Denver and the Seniors Campfire Singers.
Gloria Kolenchuk presented 30 carnations to winners of door prizes. Phil and Rosa Gamache were recognized as the couple attending who had been married the longest – 68 years.
A total of 15 boxes of non-perishable food was collected for the Food Bank. Left over food from the kitchen went to Amata Transition House. While the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission sponsored the hall, all other expenses were covered by businesses and fundraising.
KIDNEY DISEASE SCREENING
On April 25, from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch and the Quesnel Seniors’ Centre are offering a free screening opportunity for those who are at risk for kidney disease. This includes individuals with one or more of the following: diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease, cardio vascular disease, Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian, Hispanic, African heritage or those who are 55 years or more.
Testing includes urinalysis, blood pressure, waist circumference and weight, body mass index, blood glucose and two kidney function tests with stat sensor machine. To book your appointment contact Seniors’ Centre. To register phone 250-992-5122 for free confidential on-site testing.
Ruth Scoullar is a seniors’ advocate and regular Observer columnist.
