It’s that time of the year for all seniors to celebrate.
The first week of June is recognized as Seniors Week in B.C., with activities and events being planned to honour the important role seniors play in shaping our communities. Across the province there will be numerous events taking place and many of them will be free of charge. Check with your local seniors centre to find out what’s going on, when and where. Then join in the fun!
A new group has been very active in Langley with a focus on affordable, accessible and appropriate housing for seniors. Called the Triple A Senior Housing Group, they recently completed a survey of housing needs and are planning two new events. The group will be holding a film showing in June and a housing summit in mid-September.
To help kick off Seniors Week, the group will be showing the film “I’d Rather Stay” on June 2 at the Fraser River presentation theatre located in the Township of Langley civic facility (203rd and 65th). It starts at 1:30 pm, followed by an open discussion with the film’s producer. The housing summit is planned for Sept. 18-19 at St. Joseph’s Church hall. For information, contact tripleaseniorhousing@gmail.com
TRIPLE CROWN ON THE LINE: the world will be watching on Saturday, June 7 as California Chrome and his 77 year old trainer Art Sherman try to make modern horse racing history by winning the illusive Triple Crown for the first time since 1978. His owners (also seniors) are from northern California.
The three year old chestnut colt has forged a rags-to-riches story for all to cheer for, and now with simulcast racing becoming so popular, people around the world will be able to bet on the race at Belmont racecourse in New York City.
Can he win? It won’t be easy as Chrome will be the 13th horse to try since Affirmed last claimed the Crown in 1978 – but he may just be good enough. He certainly looked in good shape after winning the Preakness Stakes in Maryland, just two weeks after his Kentucky Derby victory on the first Saturday in May. He just may have scared off all the legitimate competition but expect a large field of pretenders to try for the $1 million purse. His style of racing on the speed will help him on any kind of track condition. One thing for certain – he will be the people’s choice.
June 7 is also National Health and Fitness Day in Canada. Last year almost 70 cities and towns across the country celebrated the day by organizing free activities and waiving fees at recreational facilities to help get people involved. Check with your local government or Member of Parliament to find out what’s happening in your area.
THERE’S HOPE YET: it is too often that the younger generation is criticized for being uncaring. But not so in the case of three young roommates in upper state New York.
You may have already heard the recent story about the trio buying an old, beat-up couch and a chair for $55 at a Salvation Army thrift shop in March. They soon noticed some unusual lumps and bumps and then discovered they were envelopes tucked inside and found they contained a total of $40,800!
Instead of just keeping the money, they discovered a deposit slip in one of the envelopes and tracked down a 91 year old widow, who of course was overwhelmed to get the money back. Her family had donated the couch to the Salvation Army while she was having health problems.
So there are too things to reflect on from this story. First, don’t discount the younger generation just yet – and always check that old furniture!