INNISFAIL – It was a day at the Innisfail and District Historical Village when this spring’s prolonged temperamental bleak grey skies gave over to sunshine and smiles.
And it was also a day on June 4 when seniors - Innisfail’s most revered citizens – were honoured for their past and current accomplishments for the community.
“What this week and today is about is you. It's about saying thank you to you for everything you've done for the community and everything you continue to do,” said Mayor Jean Barclay to an audience of up to 150 seniors, including residents from Rosefield Centre, and their family members and friends during the 46th annual Mayor’s Garden Party to mark Seniors’ Week across Alberta.
It is an annual event that was first held in the backyard of former mayor and councillor Doug Fee in 1978, a point that was emphasized by Barclay.
“The community was likely a third of the size it is today,” said the mayor. “He graciously hosted the event and that got things underway and here we are 46 years later still doing the garden party in a different location.
“They are just so much fun to be around listen to their stories,” added Barclay. “I just love this event. It is certainly one of my favourite events of the year.”
Coun. Dale Dunham went even further by emphasizing that local seniors are the town’s history and must be acknowledged in the highest regard.
“It's acknowledging our parents or grandparents or aunts or uncles or friends,” said Dunham. “And as I mentioned, it's celebrating the people that have really built this community and kept it together. They are our history.”
The event from 1 to 3 p.m. offered tea and coffee with pie and ice cream, along with fine entertainment from Calgary band Silence in B’tween, and of course, plenty of smiles.
The refreshments were served to seniors by members of Innisfail town council, including Barclay and councillors Cindy Messaros, Janice Wing, Gavin Bates, Jason Heistad and Dale Dunham.
“The historical village has a special place in my heart. I love places that truly represent where our roots are, where we've come from,” said Wing, adding there is not enough provincial support for seniors, noting their programs have been relegated into a small portfolio known as social services.
“I think they deserve a portfolio of their own. I believe healthcare is not accessible to seniors in a way that it should be. Certainly benefits are not accessible in an affordable way for seniors. I think we can do a much better job.”
