Seniors were honoured last week under gorgeous pre-summer skies and weather with the annual Mayor & Seniors Garden Party – the primary local event for Seniors' Week.
The event, held in the afternoon of June 4 at the Innisfail and District Historical Village, attracted more than 100 seniors – many from Autumn Glen Lodge, as well as local politicians and well-wishers throughout the community.
“This annual garden party is to recognize and thank the seniors who have made a profound contribution to the Town of Innisfail, surrounding communities and the future,” said Eileen Reid, volunteer coordinator with the town's Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) office. “Your effort helped to grow our families, communities, workplaces and this wonderful country. I'm sure we all can think of a senior who has made a difference in our lives.”
Joining Mayor Brian Spiller to salute local seniors were Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Kerry Towle; Helen Dietz, chief administrative officer for the Town of Innisfail; councillors Gavin Bates and Heather Taylor; Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, FCSS manager; Sharron Matthewman, the town's new FCSS co-ordinator; Bill Williams, executive officer and seniors liaison from Innisfail's Royal Canadian Legion; and Jean Bennett, public affairs officer from the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In.
The afternoon of celebration also witnessed performances from the grades 3 and 4 choir from Ecole John Wilson Elementary School and the Golden Music Makers from Red Deer. In the meantime, Grade 7 students from Innisfail Middle School were on hand to help serve seniors snacks and refreshments.
“They are committed to the community and this is a way for us to give back,” said Spiller. “They have a higher rate of volunteerism than young adults and children.”
Towle said the event was not only a way to properly acknowledge the many sacrifices seniors have made for a better Alberta but a time to show ongoing support and respect for their needs.
“There is tons more we can do for them,” said Towle.
She said Albertans must respect seniors right to “age where they choose to age”, including at home with supports, as well as ensuring they have adequate home care and access to continuing care beds in their communities.
“Probably the biggest one is engaging with seniors in a positive and respectful way,” said Towle.
Meanwhile, Reid said she hoped the afternoon proved in a small but humble way to seniors that their lifelong commitment to the community is always appreciated.
“I really hope seniors felt we are celebrating them,” said Reid. “It is really important to me and the town that they know that.”
