By Zee Chevalier
December… .
It is a time of beauty, as the earth lies sleeping beneath a snowy blanket…
A time of joy, as the world unites once again in a celebration of love.
It is a time to reach out to one another in the spirit that is Christmas and to rejoice in the gifts of good times, good friends, family and life.
The Clinton Seniors’ Association marketplace was a great success despite the cold weather, and with fewer vendors and buyers. The door prize was won by Lawrence Pigeon, who graciously donated it back to the Association. Thank you, Lawrence! Joyce Munro won the Guessing Game; there were 108 items in the food basket.
Alfreda Westcott won the Peel ‘n’ Pay Raffle prize, and Greg Swan won the Merchant Appreciation draw. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all who helped in any way and supported this Clinton Seniors’ Association endeavour.
The Association’s AGM took place on November 16. Elections were held, and I am happy to report that Katherine Turmel is the chairperson, Joyce Witt the vice-chairperson, and Zee Chevalier is the secretary-treasurer. Directors are Mary Burrage, Alice Crosson, and Christine Stella. Villa board directors are Mary Burrage, Alice Crosson, and Katherine Turmel.
Outgoing chairperson Yvette May expressed gratitude to, and praise for, the outgoing officers and directors for their diligent efforts and co-operation, and she in turn was recognized and thanked for her contributions to, and leadership of, the Clinton Seniors’ Association.
The first person to use the new wheelchair ramp at the Clinton Seniors’ Centre was Pat Jantzen, when she attended the Foot Clinic. It is a welcome addition to our building.
The next Foot Clinic will be held on December 29 at the Seniors’ Centre at 217 Smith Avenue. To discuss your foot care needs or to book an appointment, call Colleen Thom RN, AFCN, FCNEd at 1-250-819-1632.
The Clinton Seniors’ Association Christmas dinner party was held on December 5 at the Clinton Legion.
Christmas Day is traditionally celebrated on December 25 in most countries. Christmas is both sacred and secular. To Christians it is a most special religious holiday, marking the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. To many it is a cultural observance, and increasingly a huge commercial venture. Popular customs include cards and presents, decorating Christmas trees, decorating homes inside and out, attending church services, singing carols, hanging stockings, family get-togethers, the arrival of Santa Claus, and feasting, which can include traditional Christmas cake, plum pudding, a Yule log, and special cookies like shortbread and Pfeffernuss (a German spiced cookie).
Because many people feel alone, hungry, and sad at Christmas, many cities, churches, charities, and service organizations try to help the poor and lonely by providing food and gifts for families, and Christmas parties for people who are without family or friends. The Community Resources Society (CRS) based in Ashcroft once again accepted non-perishable food items and monetary contributions to make up 135 food hampers for distribution in Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Clinton, Spences Bridge, and Walhachin.
Any excess food items will be donated to the South Cariboo Elizabeth Fry Society food bank, and any excess money will be used by CRS for community projects in the upcoming year.
To offset commercialism and costs, many people give gifts of hand-crafted items, jams, jellies, baking, and sweets. These thoughtful items are much appreciated. Oren Arnold exhorts us to consider the following gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
Merry Christmas, loyal readers, and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and satisfying New Year. New Year’s resolution? Resolve to join the Clinton Seniors’ Association! New members welcome!
Happy Birthday Joyce Witt (December 8).
Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.
W. Somerset Maugham
editorial@accjournal.ca
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