By Barb Sinclair
The local Senior Citizens Association of B.C. Branch #46, is the host city for this annual conference, June 13-15, 2013. There are two full days planned for the many senior guests coming from all over the province. Next week’s conference, which will be the second one in ten years for Castlegar, is a favourite destination for fabulous scenery, agreeable climate, unlimited activities indoors and out and the friendly local reception.
Mac Gregory, the local B.C. Seniors President says “There are 60 guests confirmed so far,” and they are hoping for up to twice that number to attend. The roster of speakers addresses all aspects of living the senior life in the 21st century.
The two-day agenda includes a great group of speakers including: Valay Rajgor, Pharmacist from Shoppers Simply Pharmacy, speaking on the wise use of prescription drugs; Katrina Conroy, local MLA, on issues specific to seniors in this day and age; Julie Leffelaar, Social Worker and local Alzheimer Assn. of B.C. rep, on brain health; Jenny Wallace, Community Coordinator will be speaking on Castlegar Bear Aware (undergoing new title and website); and Susan Carpenter will round out the conference topics expounding on exercise and fitness for your senior years.
It’s not all work and no play though – a bus tour is arranged to inform and entertain local seniors and guests alike. The plan is to go all around the immediate area, says Mac.”We plan on going to the foot bridge at Brilliant, Verigin’s Tomb, Keenleyside Dam, Twin Rivers Millennium Park, and the Station Museum. While in the downtown area, there will be a walking tour of the newly installed sculptures.” This is a packed two-hour tour. Continues President Gregory along with his wife Kathy, a director, “If there’s time we’ll get to some more local sights.”
So if you’re not too tired yet, there’s still the great entertainment, which includes poetry reading, special dance groups, and lots of music and dancing.
With a pair of active days like these, you will likely work up a great appetite. That’s where Chef Brian deVooght comes in - a local favourite from Castlegar Golf Club & RV Park, Chef Brian will look after all the culinary delights.
Behind the scenes the Castlegar Senior Ladies Craft Group has been busy making goodie bags for the guests (a sample is shown on the table in the photo) and many more hands have had a part in decorating for this fun event.
There’s still time to make your reservation by calling the Seniors Branch #46 at 250-365-3386, local #4112, or go to the Castlegar Complex and register next Thursday, June 13 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. There are several choices you can opt in to - the whole conference or just the dinner and dance on the Saturday night.