Area seniors were given recognition for the role they’ve played in building the community, during a number of events held during Seniors Week.
Town and County of St. Paul FCSS hosted the get-togethers, open to any interested seniors, in community halls across the St. Paul area.
Seniors Rock kicked off the week at the St. Paul Rec Centre on June 2. It featured trivia, prizes, music, food, and refreshments for seniors.
The event was hosted by the Town of St. Paul FCSS, in conjunction with Alberta Health, Addiction Services, and a number of students and teachers from Glen Avon School.
“I think it’s quite okay. It’s nice to have things like this for us,” said Estelle Selmaschuk, a guest at the event.
Seniors were encouraged to relax while students from Glen Avon served them refreshments, and local musicians Maurice Dubeau, Ed Noel, and Roger Malo entertained the crowd with classic rock music.
“We honour and respect you as mentors, teachers, and pillars of the community,” said Town of St. Paul Coun. and Deputy Mayor Judy Bogdan in a brief speech to guests at Monday’s event.
“We’re celebrating with seniors, they shaped St. Paul and we want to thank them for all the ways they’ve contributed,” said Janelle Mahe, a program assistant with Town of St. Paul FCSS.
She added, “We’re giving back to them, and doing some trivia with questions from 1940s to 1960s. There are some modern questions the students need to help them with. We wanted to have some old time music playing as well, to get everyone dancing.”
The County of St. Paul FCSS also hosted Seniors Week celebrations in Heinsburg, Ashmont and Mallaig throughout the week.
“We bring out hot dogs, coleslaw, beans, and ice cream every year for seniors, to celebrate what they’ve done for us,” said Janice Fodchuk, director for the County of St. Paul FCSS.
The county events, though more low-key than Seniors Rock, got just as much praise and positive reception from the seniors involved.
“I love it, everyone does. Who doesn’t like a free hotdog and ice cream?” said Marie Bindz, a guest at the Senior’s Day event in Ashmont.
“I like it. There are a lot more seniors out there who could and should come to these. It’s a good time and a beautiful day,” said guest Olga Durec.
The Ashmont event was held at the Seniors’ Drop-in Centre, which Peter Kossey, now 90 years old, once helped operate. Kossey was in attendance on Tuesday and said it was nice to be “enjoying someone else’s labour.”
