VIDEO: Seniors celebrated in Maple Ridge for B.C. Seniors’ Week

A week dedicated to seniors was kicked off by the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society at the activity centre in Maple Ridge on Tuesday.

More than 50 seniors gathered in the main hall at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, in addition to guests of honour, to celebrate B.C. Seniors’ Week, a week celebrated right across the province this year from June 5 - 11.

City of Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy said he was grateful for the contributions of seniors to the community.

“We’re here today to celebrate. To celebrate you and what you bring to the community. Your talent, skills, and passion for this community is evident every single day,” said Ruimy.

Former Maple Ridge councillor, Chelsa Meadus, who now works for MP Marc Dalton, spoke on his behalf at the event. She said that in her work with the MP, she speaks with many people who want to immigrate to Canada because this country respects all cultures and religions.

“And this is a direct acknowledgement to the country that you all built,” she said, addressing the seniors in the room.

Multiple groups were at the event, providing information about things like how to keep safe from the hot weather, the Community Response Network, Maple Ridge - Mission MLA Bob D’Eith had a table handing out seniors resource guides. There were refreshments like coffee, tea, and baked goods available, and live entertainment.

Students at St. Patrick’s Catholic School made cards for the seniors wishing them a great week and telling them how much they are appreciated. Each senior was invited to pick a card and they were also given a carnation in appreciation for all they do.

In addition each senior was asked three questions, the answers of which they were asked to write on their name tags. The questions included: what is their proudest moment; greatest achievement; and something from their bucket list. This was to encourage all the guests to mix and mingle and have something to talk about.

Door prizes were also handed out. And there was also a photo booth decorated in peach and white balloons.

D’Eith also addressed the group, noting how wonderful it is to be able to gather together, in-person again following the COVID-19 pandemic and the flooding that closed the centre, previous to the pandemic. He also highlighted some of the programs his government is working on for seniors like age-friendly grants to be able to live independent and active lives; expanding supports to seniors for independent living; and expanding the role of pharmacists to prescribe treatments for minor ailments.

Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, said the government is honoured to celebrate the great contributions seniors make to communities across B.C..

“Seniors devoted their lives to building the British Columbia we are proud of today. They continue to be an asset in B.C., engaged and actively supporting our province in many ways through volunteering, caring for their families and friends, supporting their communities and continuing to work and contribute every day in B.C.,” said the parliamentary secretary, noting that almost 20 per cent of adults in B.C. are 65 years or older, and that number is increasing.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with seniors, care providers and organizations this week and into the future to ensure we listen to and support seniors throughout the province,”she said.

Celebrations will be continuing for the rest of the week.

On Wednesday, June 7, the Maple Ridge Library and seniors network are teaming up to host a free Seniors High Tea, featuring the Silvertones Choir, from 1-2:30 p.m. at 22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd..

Two authors from the Greystone Manor Writers Club will also be reading their original stories.

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T’s Once Upon a Tea Leaf is sponsoring the tea and will have their collection of fascinators at 20 per cent off the week prior. Door prizes will also be handed out. Registration is required at CelebrateSeniorsTea.eventbrite.ca or call 604-786-7404.

With the help of Bean Around Books and Chances Casino, the seniors network is bringing back the Seniors Drive Thru Coffee event from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, June 8. Seniors will be invited to drive through the auxiliary parking lot at the casino, 22710 Lougheed Hwy., and receive a free coffee, or tea, or iced coffee – and a treat. For more info email: seniorsnetworkmpk@gmail.com or call 604-786-7404.

On the same day the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society will be hosting a Celebrating Seniors party at the activity centre in Pitt Meadows from 2-3:30 p.m. at 19065 119B Ave..

On Friday, June 9, the Downtown Maple Ridge BIA will also be joining in the fun offering free tea, a treat from Hansel & Gretel Bakery, and a gift to seniors who visit Tea’s Once Upon a Tea Leaf, 11970 224 St., between noon and 3 p.m..

MP Marc Dalton’s office will be hosting an in-service day certifying documents and checking passport applications from 1-3 p.m. at 22369 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge.

Those who wish can bring in their birth certificate, drivers licence or BC CareCard and receive free certified copies so they can keep their originals safe. Staff will also be checking passport applications and will submit them on behalf of the individual. For more information call 604-466-2761 or email: marc.dalton@parl.gc.ca.

The week will be rounded out on Saturday, June 10, with the first ever of its kind in Canada Dementia Friendly Community Celebration hosted by and for people living with memory loss.

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The event will take place from 10-2 p.m. in Memorial Peace Park, downtown Maple Ridge, along 224 Street between Dewdney Trunk Road and Lougheed Highway.

It will be reminiscent of an old-fashioned picnic in the park with: entertainment, art making, lawn games, information and resources, and finally a photo booth sponsored by Chartwell Willow Manor. Activities will be offered by donation to the Purple Angels Support Group who are hosting the event with the support of the seniors network’s Dementia Friendly Community Task Group. There will also be a silent auction and 50/50 draw in support of the group as well.

Guests of honour will be piped in at 10 a.m. followed by speeches and the free entertainment.

The CEED Centre will also be hosting its second annual Family Block Party on Saturday, June 10, from 10 – 2 p.m. at 11739 223 St., in Maple Ridge, at Beckett Park, with entertainment and activities for children, youth, and those who are children at heart. There will be: drum circles and storytelling; musical performances by Bruce Coghlan and Paula Justus; youth improv; children’s activities; a food truck; The Banana Bike; a seed bomb making table; and a healing tent.

For more information go to ceedcentre.com.