June 1st marks the beginning of Seniors’ Week across Alberta.
Here in Lacombe, Seniors’ Week will once again be marked by a number of events, organized by Lacombe Family and Community Services running June 2nd-7th all around Lacombe.
“It’s a celebration of seniors,” said Ruth Riffin, senior’s program coordinator at Lacombe FCSS. She added it is important for Lacombe to recognize its seniors, because they are responsible for many of the things Lacombians have to enjoy today.
“They’ve laid the foundation for our next generation,” said Riffin. She added that seniors were the forerunners of many programs, organizations and initiatives that exist in the community today.
To kick off their Seniors’ Week celebrations, FCSS is hosting a seniors’ fair at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. About 30 booths will be set up at the fair with information and products targeting seniors.
For example, Lacombe FCSS will be at the fair offering information on what programs it has available to seniors like Meals on Wheels and Connex transport. She said the fair is a good way for seniors to learn what products and services are available to them.
Having fun is important at any age, so there will be some entertainment at the fair as well.
Riffin said there will be a fashion show by local ladies from the Lacombe Seniors Lodge and a performance from a local belly-dancing group.
Also performing at the fair will be a seniors’ gymnastics team. Riffin said the team, made up by members aged 55 and over, is actually gearing up to compete at an upcoming nationals tournament.
“It’s a full day of activities,” said Riffin. She added that in the past, the fair has seen between 100 and 200 attendees but this year organizers are hoping to boost numbers.
“It’s been okay but I’d like it to be better.”
But the fair is just the start of Lacombe’s Seniors’ Week celebrations.
There are a number of social events held throughout the week including the ice cream social on Tuesday at the dining room in the Lacombe Hospital Long Term Care Facility, the Strawberry Tea at Kozy Korner on Wednesday, the Come and Go Tea at Mary C. Moore Public Library on Thursday (with readings by the Lacombe Writers Group) and the Seniors Garden Party at the Lacombe Seniors Lodge on Friday afternoon.
In addition to the socials, there are also a few events targeted at getting seniors out and about in the community and seeing what Lacombe has to offer them.
On Tuesday morning there will be a Health and Fitness class at the CUC gym, a nature walk around Cranna Lake on Wednesday and a tour of Lacombe’s downtown murals on Saturday.
Riffin said the nature walk is a new event aimed at promoting fitness for seniors and will offer explanations on how to use the fitness equipment that was installed around Cranna Lake last year.
She added it is important for seniors to remain active and think about their physical health as they enter their golden years.
While all the activities taking place during Seniors’ Week are aimed at seniors, anyone is welcome. Riffin said in the past, it has been common for some younger members of the community to participate in events along with their parents or grandparents.
For more information on Lacombe’s Seniors’ Week activities, contact Lacombe & District FCSS at 403-782-6637.
Free Connex transportation is available to and from the events but appointments must be made by calling 403-786-9000.