Every year on Oct. 1, Canadians pay tribute to seniors, and this year, the Langley Senior Resource Society is joining in on the celebration by hosting an open house the day before.
“We felt we needed to honour our seniors by giving them an opportunity to try new things and see what we’re all about,” said director of recreation Sandy Lucas.
On Friday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the resource centre – located at 20605 51B Ave. – will hold their Active Living for 50+open house offering free tai chi tryouts, a make-and-take colouring project, free facial reflexology, hand braided rug demonstrations, tours of the centre, and viewing of classes in session (including cooking, acrylic and oil painting, and choir rehearsal).
There will also be free coffee and tea, a sale in the centre’s Tuk thrift store, door prizes, and discounts on new memberships.
While the centre currently has more than 1,000 members, this event is aimed at letting more people in the community – including many new residents – know what’s offered at the centre, Lucas said.
“We want to create an opportunity for seniors to engage in our programing and meet the team of staff and volunteers on a personal basis. Our goal is to connect and celebrate our members and all 50+ seniors in the community,” she added.
But moreover, Lucas said, the day’s festivities are about honouring seniors.
Along the same vein, the centre plans to host a week-long Refresh, Renew, Reboot open house during the second week of January, where seniors can come and try out a number of free programs.
“Every day, there will be new things,” Lucas said.
The Langley Senior Resources Society is an independent, non- profit, charitable organization that has been providing health, recreational, and food services to seniors and adults of all abilities since 1982.
The society is led by a voluntary board of directors that works or lives in the Langley community. This board is a governing body, with the day-to-day operations being managed through the executive director, staff, and volunteers.
The Society employs more than 30 staff and utilizes the time and talent of more than 200 volunteers.
Why celebrate seniors?
• Seniors have made – and continue to make – a profound contribution to Canada: at home, in the community and as part of the workforce. They represent a large and growing proportion of the population.
• Everyone can think of a senior who has made a difference in their life. They are our mentors, teachers, grandparents and loved ones. They are volunteers and role models. They have contributed generously, building families, communities, workplaces, and country.
Why get involved?
National Seniors Day is an opportunity to recognize the important role these seniors play in society.
It’s also a great way to connect with the community, network with contacts and raise awareness of issues that matter to seniors.
Oct. 1 is the day Canadians come together as a country to celebrate seniors.
Ideas to consider to help recognize seniors
• Families, get creative. Make a video, online photo album, or traditional photo album with pictures of the important seniors in your life. You could also think about sending a video message or an electronic postcard.
• Get together. Hold a family game night or dinner with the seniors in your family. Watch old family videos. Put on a slide show, or take out old photo albums. You could even plan a family reunion.
• Reach out. Celebrating National Seniors Day doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as phoning a grandparent or sending a letter.
• Businesses could show their gratitude by offer a discount. Show local seniors you care with a special deal, coupon or prize on National Seniors Day.
• Shops could also put up a display. Create a National Seniors Day display in your storefront or lobby for patrons to see. You could mount a photo wall and invite the public to add pictures or notes of thanks to celebrate the seniors in their lives.
• Companies could also showcase senior employees. Shine a spotlight on the seniors in your organization with an awards ceremony, certificate of appreciation, luncheon, or other workplace special event. You could also hold an open house and share information about any seniors programs or services you offer.
• For groups in the community, they could think of planning a meal. Hold a community breakfast, barbecue, potluck or social. and invite the seniors in your neighbourhood. You could include a food or clothing drive as part of the event.
• Organizations could encourage getting active: Organize a community swim, skate, walk or hike for seniors. Plant a community garden. Hold a seniors bowling night at a local alley, or plan a special event at the zoo, museum or movie theatre with free admission for seniors.
• Schools could consider putting on a production. Host an improv night or talent show to celebrate National Seniors Day.
• Or children’s groups or classes could go where seniors are. Plan a class visit to a seniors’ home. You could put on a play, have a sing-along, or play games.