Rain did not dampen enthusiasm, nor wipe away spirit, from the opening event in Vernon for Seniors Week.
The Silver Citizen, a residence for seniors on Bella Vista Road, hosted lawn bowling and the popular game cornhole at the Vernon Lawn Bowling Club Monday, June 3.
Organizers were rewarded for waiting out heavy rain Monday prior to the 10 a.m. start. At around 12 p.m., four men were playing cornhole, two women and two men were trying their hands at lawn bowling, another 20 or so were watching outside the club, and a handful of people were inside the club enjoying warm coffee.
“We wanted to try and promote active living today,” said Tish Scott from the Silver Citizen, and lawn bowling participant.
Vernon Cornhole League and society president Jeff Harrison was on hand to demonstrate his sport which is similar to horseshoe pitching. But instead of throwing steel horseshoes, players throw bean bags at a hole target.
Seniors Week across the province started Sunday and runs through until Saturday, June 8. This is the second year activities have been planned for Vernon, and they will run until Friday, June 7.
Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu is the parliamentary secretary for seniors’ services and long-term care.
“B.C. Seniors’ Week is a time to recognize the vital role that seniors play in our communities and honour their wisdom,” said Sandhu. “Through cultural teachings and traditions, volunteer initiatives, caregiving and dedication to their families, seniors shape our society every day.
“Not only have seniors built the communities we are fortunate to call home, but they continue to dedicate their time to actively supporting our province. Seniors contribute greatly to improving and nurturing community morale, making a lasting impact for future generations.”
Nearly 24 per cent of B.C. adults are 65 years or older, and it’s expected the province will be home to 1.2 million seniors by 2025.
To find out more about Vernon Cornhole, go to vernoncornhole.com, and to learn more about the local lawn bowling club which has been in existence for more than a century, visit vernonlawnbowlingclub.com.
VERNON SENIORS WEEK ACTIVITIES
Tuesday, June 4: Spring market at The Hamlets (3050-29th Ave.), 1-4 p.m.;
Wednesday, June 5: Barbecue and music at Orchard Valley Retirement Residence (2829-34th St.), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Orchard Valley will host a complimentary barbecue for seniors, featuring live music and entertainment;
Thursday, June 6: NexusBC Community Resource Centre Seniors Fair, Schubert Centre (3505-30th Ave.), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Connect with more than 40 kiosks on healthy aging. Learn about housing options and downsizing, wills and estate planning, home and health support, clubs and activities. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome;
Thursday, June 6: Regency Parkwood Movie Night, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Join for a night of fun, snacks, drinks, prizes, and more. RSVP to 250-558-0232 as limited seating is available;
Friday, June 7: Design and paint your own watercolour postcard, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., drop-in, Vernon Community Arts Centre, 2704A Highway 6;
Friday, June 7: Seniors Week Final Wrap-Up. Dinner and dance with The Backyard Band at the Schubert Centre. Doors open at 5 p.m. for cocktail hour; dinner served at 6 p.m., followed by dancing the night away. Cash bar available on-site. Tickets $5 each.
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