“Staying Connected” – this is a phrase which is heard frequently, and carries with it a message which is important to each of us, especially on the part of mature adults. One way to remain connected with one’s community, programs and services is to make a determined effort to find out what is actually available at a local or regional level.
Here is an answer! The first Seniors’ Resource Fair which takes place at the Nakusp Arena Auditorium on Friday, May 4 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., is a new community initiative coordinated by Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), with additional funding provided by RDCK and Arrow Lakes Health Care Auxiliary. This special event is specifically designed to provide public access to a wealth of helpful information. It will focus on such important issues as healthy aging, education and learning, advance planning for future needs as they arise, as well as the essential role we all must play in promoting safe and high-quality lifestyles to the maximum degree possible here at home.
The fair will also offer a valuable opportunity to meet in person a diverse representation of governmental, private and other service and program health and wellness providers. Members of the Burton as well as Nakusp area Senior Citizen Associations will also be in attendance to outline leisure time opportunities which are available and easily accessible.
In addition, organizers from CBAL and other non-profit groups will be on hand to address your questions with informed responses and supplying take-home educational resource information including upcoming class registrations, relevant contact and follow-up details.
It is anticipated that around 30 staffed booths will welcome visitors, all designed to inform or to demonstrate a variety of health and wellness healing and preventive approaches. At the Interior Health booth, qualified staff will be on hand to check your basic health status such as blood pressure and other vitals.
A fair highlight will be talks by special guest speakers including Karen Miller representing Trail Mental Health Services (Positive Well Being); RCMP Cpl. Ryan Fehler (Seniors Safety at Home); local pharmacists Rob Smallwood and Troy Clark representing People’s Pharmacy, who will speak on the topic of Safe Medication Use; and Interior Health Authority with Ann Weir and Suzanne McCombs (Advance Care Planning).
Also slated will be exhibitions and demonstrations of Tai Chi and Qi-Gong during the lunch hour.
All older citizens, newly retired persons, friends and family caregivers of seniors from throughout the area are welcome to attend, and a light lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase. Door prizes will also be awarded. Admission is free.
For more information about the Seniors’ Resource Fair, please contact Liz Gillis at 250-265-3538 or Ann Barrington at 250-265-4757.