Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Jasperites celebrated the contributions of older residents through a number of celebrations during Seniors鈥� Week, which ran from June 7 to 13.
Meghan Gifford, activity co-ordinator for Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge, explained how the lodge hosts events throughout the year for residents, but it鈥檚 a busier schedule when it comes to Seniors鈥� Week.
鈥淚 hope we make them feel special every day, but during Seniors鈥� Week, we鈥檙e always trying,鈥� Gifford said.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 also when the community is quite involved too, because Seniors鈥� Week is a bit more front and centre on people鈥檚 minds, but I do think there鈥檚 a lack of awareness for Seniors鈥� Week. I think a lot of people don鈥檛 even know it鈥檚 a thing, and again there鈥檚 a lot of issues right now with COVID.鈥�
The lodge has worked within health restrictions to put on events for Seniors鈥� Week.
On June 11, it hosted a Lobsterfest where Rotarians cooked up lobsters for the residents.
This was followed by Bingo in the afternoon.
Other events at the lodge included the Fancy Pantsy Seniors Week Social on June 10 and a concert from Brian Lackey on June 12.
Alpine Summit seniors were also scheduled to go rafting, but this was postponed due to the weather.
Children from the elementary school, high school and daycare went on a silly walking parade to entertain residents of Alpine Summit and Pine Grove Senior Citizens Manor.
There were bubbles, parachutes, cartwheels and more.
The Municipality of Jasper, meanwhile, offered pre-paid posters for people to share messages of hope or for businesses and organizations to offer special deals or discounts for seniors.
In a statement, Mayor Richard Ireland extended greetings and gratitude to local seniors.
鈥淚n non-COVID times we would be celebrating in person,鈥� Ireland said. 鈥淎s the pandemic has deprived us of that enjoyment, it is even more important to take a moment, from a distance, to recognize and celebrate our Jasper Seniors and to acknowledge with deep gratitude their enormous contributions to our community.
鈥淥ur Seniors have provided a lifetime of service to their families, to friends and neighbours, and to businesses and organizations, helping to build Jasper into the outstanding community we are also proud to call home.鈥�
