Seniors symposium offered valuable insights

I spent a very interesting day yesterday moderating a symposium on behalf of the Seniors Information, Referral, and Resources Society. Two topics were discussed: Breaking Down the Barriers to Independent Living, and Advocating for the Competent Vulnerable Victim of Elder Abuse.

SIRRS is developing pilot-project plans in these two areas, and the presenters provided valuable information on what’s happening in other areas. Rick Kanic, manager of the Seniors Services Division, Community and Neighborhood Services in Calgary, gave an overview of the comprehensive nature of seniors services in that city.

For example, Calgary has a great MOW/SNOW program, because yard and home maintenance is one of the biggest challenges seniors face staying in their own homes. Under the “Snow Angels” program, neighbours plough driveways and sidewalks for seniors in their neighbourhood, and receive recognition with a special pin and a thank-you letter from the mayor.

A gamut of programs provides services free for eligible low-income seniors, and at reasonable cost to those who can afford them. Kamloops certainly does a lot for seniors, but Kanik’s presentation showed we can do much more.

Another presenter was Linda Meyers, clinical specialist for vulnerable or incapable adults at IHA in Kelowna. She spoke of the need for greater awareness of elder abuse, whether it be through neglect or intention, and whether it be financial, physical or emotional.

Mary Polak, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport, gave a keynote address on what her minister is doing on seniors issues. MLA Claude Richmond, MP Cathy McLeod, and June Phillips of MLA Kevin Krueger’s office were there for most of day, along with an impressive list of others who work on seniors issues.

Thanks to Brenda Prevost and Brent Ekelund for inviting me — it was a great session.

And it was a busy weekend, too. It began Friday night when I had the pleasure of being one of the roasters at the Claude Richmond bun toss. The Colombo Lodge was packed, and a good time was had by all.

Claude was at the top of his game in his rebuttal to the roasters, and never fails to make people laugh.

Next morning, I got a quick tour of the new airport runway before the official opening. Then, it was off to the annual Daily News Regional Final of the Canwest Canspell Spelling Bee, where I played host.

This was one of the most exciting bees I’ve seen, as the two finalists battled round after round until young Jonathan Donas finally prevailed. He’ll make a great representative at the national finals in April.