Editor: The Times
I am writing in response to Jill Hayward’s article titled “Barriere hosts C2C forum” in the Feb. 9, 2017 Times.
It is encouraging news to read about people working together throughout the valley to find solutions to issues that create more livable communities. It is a credit to Clearwater that we have a council that has identified Clearwater as an Age Friendly Community.
In this time when ageism (social discrimination because of age) is a rampant underlying negative current in our country, we can find positive evidence in our community that seniors are being honoured and supported by our local mayor and council.
Several years ago councillor Shelley Sim recognized a need to support the social and educational needs of the growing senior’s population in the Wells Gray area. With the aid of a grant, District of Clearwater began a monthly information session for seniors with lunch to follow. The program proved very popular and has continued with the Wells Gray Country Seniors Society taking over the organization of this monthly event.
The second Tuesday of the month, 40 to 50 seniors (as noted in the article) regularly gather at the Elks Hall to learn, socialize and share a meal. DOC supports the grant writing endeavours of WGCSS. It is the partnership between DOC and WGCSS that is serving 40 to 50 seniors a month in a healthy and educational way.
When the DOC developed the community centre, they had the foresight to provide a seniors’ room. This room is open for all seniors to drop in and use for meetings, regular activities and information. It includes a computer and a telephone, games and cards, coffee and tea.
WGCSS meets there at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month and all are welcome to join.
I encourage all seniors (we are a large group from 55 years to 105) to make their wishes and needs and suggestions for continuing improvements to our community known to the DOC. A representative of council attends the monthly luncheons.
The town council and its economic development committee, which looks after seniors’ initiatives, are always receptive to letters.
Sandra Holmes
Clearwater, B.C.