LAC LA BICHE - On June 5, the Lac La Biche Heritage Society hosted a luncheon event as part of local activities for Alberta Seniors Week, which runs until June 9.
The lunch consisted of a full course meal sponsored by Lac La Biche IGA that included roast beef, vegetables, rolls, and dessert. Prior to the start of the meal, there were short speeches by Lac La Biche County’s Deputy Mayor John Mondal and Les Diachinsky, the president of the Lac La Biche Heritage Society.
Mondal said Senior’s Week in Alberta is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions seniors make to Alberta communities-including Lac La Biche County.
“We must recognize and honour the years of experience and wisdom held by our seniors,” he stated as he addressed those gathered at tables inside the Lac La Biche Heritage Society building. “When we do not, we risk losing our best traditions and forgetting our history: we repeat past mistakes and cannot move forward.”
Seniors, Mondal said, are not just the link to traditions, but are also the volunteers who animate the present. This is done by filling the boards of local community groups, planning public events, and making the municipality a great place to live.
“Many of you here today are responsible for the excellent events and special services that our community offers – we truly appreciate your hard work and effort,” he said.
But this appreciation goes beyond just words, Mondal continued, stating that Lac La Biche County gives back to seniors in the community.
Lac La Biche County Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) staff, he explained, help hundreds of seniors file their income taxes and apply for assistance programs each year. FCSS staff also hold senior-friendly events like the annual Seniors’ Holiday Social, plan out-of-town trips to help seniors experience the province, and run the Paratransit and Community Access Bus services to provide transportation options and improve elders’ access to the community.
Lac La Biche County, Mondal said, is actively working on projects that will benefit all residents, especially members of the senior community. This includes the upcoming transformation of McArthur Park and the new aquatics facility. Additionally, he said, there is continual investment in senior’s centres and events through grant funding programs.
“Lac La Biche County makes seniors’ services and programs a priority not only during Seniors’ Week, but every day of the year,” he said.
Diachinsky said the Seniors’ Week luncheon serves as a thank you to all the local groups that support the society, including the County. He said it also brings awareness to the seniors who continue to play active roles in the community.
“We want to give some thank yous back to the community and the County for supporting the seniors centre,” he told Lakeland This Week.
Alberta Seniors Week is a province-wide initiative that was started in 1986 to celebrate and recognize the contributions made by seniors. Customarily, it takes place during the first week of June.
Diachinsky said the community organization puts on activities every year in recognition of Alberta Seniors Week. A pancake breakfast that took place at the Lac La Biche Heritage Society on Sunday, June 2 kicked off this year’s events, which-in addition to the midweek lunch-also included a community barbeque and garage sale on June 8.
“We acknowledge Seniors Week as seniors,” he said, explaining that the special events held during the awareness week add to activities offered throughout the year to local seniors. It is those activities, he said, which help to keep seniors strong.
“Socialization is key to senior people,” he stated.
