For the last 30 years, Seniors’ Week has been celebrating elders and seniors and in Ponoka it was no different with a day of festivities at the drop-in centre.
Among the many activities held Tuesday, June 7 was a senior gymnasts’ presentation by a group called the Dynamos, a drum circle and Tai Chi presentation. It was a time to celebrate seniors and 30 years of the drop-in centre being built, said Glenda Johnson, one of the drop-in centre board members.
To help make the day work, the centre teamed up with Ponoka Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
“We’re hoping to increase exposure to both the programs that FCSS offers and the programs that the Ponoka Drop-in Centre offers for seniors,” she explained.
As long as someone wants to bring programs into the centre, the board is open to seeing them held, explained Johnson. She said for people aged 55 years and older there are many different events occurring at the centre. “It’s pretty easy for people to participate in activities here.”
“I hope to see it grow a little bit,” she added.
FCSS program co-ordinator Shelly Van Eaton enjoys being able to work with other community groups on events that benefit residents. “I think FCSS is a huge resource/link to bringing everybody together.”
This year happens to be the 50th anniversary for FCSS in Alberta (42 for Ponoka’s FCSS).
She is pleased with the turnout and says Ponoka’s FCSS has several programs planned for in the near future.
Mayor Rick Bonnett took some time to meet with attendees. He thanked all seniors for paving the way. “You guys have done your job and made this country great.”