OLDS — The week of June 1-7 is Seniors' Week in Olds.
Council made that proclamation during its May 25 meeting.
However, celebrations will be different this year than in the past, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, community services director Doug Wagstaff said.
As a result, he said the municipality will undertake a “full-on effort virtually to, in every way we can, encourage our community to take a moment during Senior’s Week and celebrate, recognize and reach out in whatever way we can to the seniors in our community.”
“They’re highly engaged, they’re highly involved in our community, spending time volunteering, spending time supporting their families and just being a great resource as well for our community.”
Coun. Mary Jane Harper wondered if those efforts could include drive-by celebrations at local seniors’ care homes at least one evening during the week.
“Excellent idea, councillor Harper,” mayor Michael Muzychka said.
He asked if the town would be able to “action” something like that.
Wagstaff said town officials were already working on it.
Coun. Mary Anne Overwater said seniors are a key part of the community.
“If it wasn’t for a lot of our seniors, a lot of the activities that go on throughout the whole community wouldn’t happen,” she said.
“(Parents are) busy with their young families, doing sports and whatever, and a lot of seniors go out of their way to help out with that, (and) put on a lot of these other activities. So kudos to all those seniors who make our community what it is.”
“Very well spoken,” Muzychka said.
The mayor thanked town staff for creating the proclamation.
“Of course, the seniors — especially at a time like this — are first and foremost in our thoughts, and making Seniors’ Week a big part of our town is very important. So thank you to our staff,” he added.
