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Rockin' and Talkin' - Health Day, Earth Day and Volunteer Week

Zee Chevalier's monthly column about the goings on of the Clinton Seniors Association.

April Magic

April blows and April snows; it also shines and showers.

April’s nature’s opening act for Spring’s big show of flowers.

April sprinkles her magic rinse upon the still cold ground

To start the “splendour in the grass” and the greening all around.

April’s not “the cruellest month,” no matter what they say;

It washes winter’s sullen face to reveal the smiles of May.

- William Bedford

Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make the Daffodil Tea a success. Thank you to everyone who came out in support of this Clinton Seniors Association fund raiser and a special thanks to the Mill Girl Follies for their invaluable help with serving and entertaining and cleaning up. Your presence was very much appreciated.

Bonnie Prill won the Door prize. Alice Crosson won the afghan and Loretta Ferguson won the basket.

Circumstances beyond our control caused the daffodils to be delivered to Clinton too early. I have spoken to the supplier and this should not happen next year. Please accept our apology for flowers that were not of the usual high quality.

April has three significant days that will be celebrated in various ways in various places:

1. World Health Day (April 7)  is a reminder that it’s time to re-evaluate our health and take positive steps to live well. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables are essential to good health at any age, but are especially important late in life. These foods have important anti-aging properties and boost our immune system with extra protection against health concerns such as heart disease and certain cancers.

Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain which keeps the mind healthy and helps maintain cognitive performance.

We all know physical activity is good for us and it’s one of the best ways to help safeguard ourselves against major health problems, such as heart disease, strokes, cancer and diabetes. We also know that being active relieves stress and promotes a better night’s sleep.

2.  National Volunteer Week (April 21-27) recognizes the importance of volunteers. Too much volunteering may negate the benefit of good nutrition and exercise. Volunteering is truly a giving of oneself. It is very easy to become involved in too many extra activities which can cause stress, burn out and other health issues. In Clinton there are about 30 organizations who issue pleas for assistance and it’s often difficult to make choices. Each group has its own merit and appeal and vies for our attention and time.

Why do people volunteer? For a number of different reasons, from a desire to learn new skills, to have fun, to meet new people and develop friendships, to make a difference or to give something back to society and for many other reasons. Some volunteers are completely devoted to the cause, while others simply wish to do their bit where they can. Many have a personal attachment to their environment and want to make it a better place for themselves and for others.

Volunteering can be fun and fulfilling, allowing one to experience many diverse opportunities not always available elsewhere.

3. Earth Day (April 22)  creates awareness of our environment and the need to protect our resources; to live responsibly and practice sustainable actions to make the earth a greener place for future generations.

Cards and Games are played every Monday at 1 pm  at the Clinton Seniors Centre on 217 Smith Ave.

Ashcroft/Cache Creek Seniors Strawberry Tea is April 27. Watch for details in the local papers. This is always a great event that deserves our support.

Next regular General meeting is April 18, following a noon lunch at the Seniors Centre. Come and join us. Annual fees are $15.

Happy Birthday to Loretta Ferguson on Apr. 20.

“Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Zee Chevalier