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From the Centre - Seniors back into the swing of things as Centre reopens

The monthly report of news and events from the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Seniors Association.

The Seniors’ Centre opened up for the Fall in a lively manner on Sept. 8, with a good turnout for Carpet Bowling and cards, and continued into the next week in the same way.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel Bingo on Sept. 12 as there would have been too much activity around the Arena! Volunteers were setting up for the Fall Fair, and several of our members were busy setting up for their presentation, not to mention the difficulty of parking in the area when a big event is happening. We hope to see everyone out when our regular order of things falls into place again!

On Sept. 15 we had an exciting peek into Zumba when Karen Savage came and led us in a 15 minute presentation. It was an energizing and giggly time, so much so that we are hoping to arrange her return with the music, fun and laughter she brought us. We will let you know as soon as we can just when that might be.

We had our first business meeting for the Fall on Sept. 17. All our regular reports were made and everyone was happy to say that we are carrying on nicely, especially since several new members signed up during the Fall Fair, one of whom has attended our bowling and is showing geat promise!

The Senior Games in N. Vancouver was successful for us, but the number of competitors seemed to be somewhat lower than previous years. Perhaps people thought it was too far out of the way to attend. By the time you read this, our first bingo for the season will be behind us, and I hope we had as good a turnout as we usually do.

The important decision made at the business meeting was that the luncheon for all our members aged 80 and over will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8 at noon. Doors will be open at 11:30 am and we will have a group photo taken at 11:45 am, so it would be good if all those honorees are present for that. All our other members are urged to come out and recognise our “oldies”! as this is an event that comes around only once a year for our group. Admission is free for the Honorees, but for everyone else we ask for $5 per person. For that you will get soup, sandwiches and cake and tea or coffee, so it sounds a good deal!

Another matter was raised, and that is the closing of the center for one day on Tuesday, Sept. 29 because of a Carpet Bowling Tournament on in Lillooet that day. As our Carpet Bowlers will be attending, and that is a bowling afternoon here, there is no reason to keep it open! Regular opening will resume on Thursday, Oct. 1 for bowling and cards and perhaps something else!

There will be a flu clinic in Ashcroft on Nov. 5 from 9am to 3pm, and in Cache Creek on Nov. 6 from 9am - 1:30pm. This is a good preventive step to take and everyone is encouraged to make use of it.

Have you ever heard of a “mandala”? When we were in the UK earlier this year we saw a young lady who was in her 20s and studying medicine. She was finding the intense pressure difficult and it had been recommended to her that she try to use this as a way of helping her to relax and steady herself.  She worked away at constructing some beautiful creations and seemed to be happier for it. After we returned home, I saw many references to this same sort of theory in newspapers and on the radio, with very good reports on the results obtained by people who were somewhat nervous and/or disturbed.  After the meeting on Thursday, I introduced those who were present to the theory. I believe it is customary to draw your own Mandala but we had a thick book of patterns to use and help us to get started, and lots of pens, pencil crayons and wax crayons. There are no limits to how you work - one medium or mixed media. There is no right or wrong way to work at them, there is no better or worse than anyone else - just a feeling of composure that creeps up on you as you work. For that feeling alone, this is something worth trying. Members are invited to  come and try it out when they need some calming occupation and the tools are at hand any time the Centre  is open.

We hope that now the long hazy, crazy days of summer are gone - more or less! - that we are all happy to get back into a routine of meeting and greeting each other in a welcoming place, with a cup of tea or coffee in hand. See you at the Seniors Centre!

Joyce West