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What it was — and will be again

Submitted by Kay Knox
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Lynne Frizzle, coordinator for senior’s events organized by Wells Gray Country Seniors Society welcomes more than 40 seniors to the monthly luncheon held Aug. 9, 2016, at the Clearwater Elks Hall. (File photo)

Submitted by Kay Knox

It’s no secret! Clearwater and area has a vibrant seniors’ group (ages 50+) with over 100 members that has been on the go since 2007. Unfortunately, no secret either, most activities cannot happen until COVID-19 is under control, but, look at the list of options that will be available once again for the $12.00 annual membership.

Monthly events include the following: Learn and Lunch which is free, though donations are accepted; bus trips to places of interest (some costs may be involved); a fun card game called Bunco which costs $2.00 but prizes can be won; Seniors’ Book Club is free as sets of books are ordered through the library; and, on the third Sunday of every month, those interested in a social get-together meet at Wells Gray Inn and order a beverage, snack, or lunch from the menu.

Monthly meetings occur in the Seniors’ Room on the first Wednesday of each month, except summer. Twice a month, anyone interested in writing gets together to share writing experiences. So far, six books, which include members’ photos and art work, have been compiled and another one will soon be assembled.

Right now, any senior can contribute a story for it, fitting the topic of “courage and resilience”. Writers’ Circle meetings are currently held on Zoom as is the Book Club.

Special meetings are held to assist those dealing with COPD and with Dementia. Through Phone Friends, seniors living alone can arrange for regular calls to hear the sound of a friendly voice at the other end of the line. No cost.

Gentle exercises are encouraged with some activities currently being live-streamed through the District of Clearwater’s website. Join Sharon Neufeld for “Somatika in a Chair” each Tuesday at 11:00 am. Twice a week is “Sit and Be Fit,” led by Sabine Cooperman at 10:00 am on Mondays, and by Sylvia Arduini on Wednesdays.

For the more energetic, but presently on hold like so much else, on Mondays and Thursdays there is “Slow and Easy Pickle Ball” at $2.00 for drop-ins, equipment supplied.

The conversation and sharing at all of the above are definitely freebies! Newsletters are circulated by email or through the post office once or twice each year.

Wells Gray Country Seniors Society is extremely fortunate in the support given through grants and more by the following: District of Clearwater, Wells Gray Community Forest, United Way, Federal Government’s New Horizons program, and a host of speakers who present a wide variety of topics of interest to seniors at each “Learn and Lunch.”

Contacts are: Eileen Sedgwick, President of WGCSS at 250-674-2400 and our hard-working Seniors Coordinator Lynne Frizzle, phone 250-674-8185 or email her at seniorsnetworkcoordinator@gmail.com.