OLDS — Activities to celebrate Seniors' Week in Olds are back after a two-year hiatus, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This year, Seniors' Week, a time set aside to celebrate all that seniors contribute to the community, will be held from June 6-12.
During its May 24 meeting, town council agreed to proclaim that period as Seniors' Week in in Olds.
“Seniors contribute to communities in many ways, of course. They preserve and share history by family members, provide counselling and advocate for change, among many other things," community services manager Michelle LaRoche said during a presentation to council.
Following is a list of activities planned to celebrate the week.
Monday, June 6
A free pancake breakfast was provided at the Evergreen Centre followed by an introduction to carpet bowling and floor curling, also held at the Evergreen Centre.
Meanwhile, over at the Aquatic Centre, there was also an arthritis class and shallow aquafit in the morning free of charge.
Tuesday, June 7
At the Aquatic Centre, a Latino-style aquafit class will be offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. From 10:30-11:30 a.m., a country-themed aquafit line dance will be offered.
Coffee, tea and snacks will also be available.
Once again, admission will be free.
Free, small ice cream cones will be available at Dairy Queen.
Also, a free movie, The Bucket List, will be shown at the Mayfair Cinema.
Wednesday, June 8
A free introduction to Tai Chi will be offered at the Evergreen Centre from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. to help people regain and maintain strength.
Free, drop-in pickleball will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon at the Community Learning Campus for all levels of ability.
Thursday, June 9
Aqua line dance will be offered at the Aquatic Centre from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Stretch and Flow will also be offered there from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Admission is free and once again, coffee and tea will be available.
Friday, June 10
Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon will be in town this day to present the Alberta Age Friendly Recognition Award certificate.
"My ministry staff will also facilitate acknowledgement of this achievement by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization which will include an invitation for the town of Olds and the Community Lifestyles Committee to join the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities," a letter from Pon, addressed to Mayor Judy Dahl said.
Free buddy burgers will be offered all day.
Free tours of the Olds College Botanic Gardens will be provided from 11 a.m. to noon, noon to 1 p.m. and 1-2 p.m.
However, those wishing to take in these tours must register, because spots are limited. Call 403-507-5500.
"I did look at this and I am very happy to see this come to fruition this year. Obviously we had COVID the last two (years) – couldn't really do these events,” Coun. Heather Ryan said.
"This is just a great list of some community events for our seniors to celebrate them and it’s the variety I like. I think the movie at the Mayfair Cinema is very apropos.
"I just encourage seniors to get out and to enjoy some of these activities,” she added.
Coun. Wanda Blatz wanted to make sure there are opportunities for people to volunteer to ensure the week is a success. She indicated a willingness to volunteer as well.
Mayor Judy Dahl echoed that thought, saying some seniors had approached her looking for opportunities to help out.
