LAC LA BICHE – Throughout this year's edition of Seniors Week, which runs from June 2-8, the Lac La Biche Heritage Society will be hosting daily events for seniors from the area.
The activities range from social coffee gatherings and meals to games, an outdoor picnic, and a comedy show.
According to Stacey St. Jean, the executive director of the Lac La Biche Heritage Society, festivities to mark Seniors Week kicked off on June 2 with a men’s and women’s coffee event, along with a men’s pool tournament.
“On Tuesday, we have our regular bingo, and our jackpot is quite high,” St. Jean said, adding that those who compete in this bingo tournament have the chance to win $280. “We’re giving all the participants free cake for the day.”
The activities for June 3 get underway at 11:30 a.m. and include a hot dog lunch as well as a singles cribbage tournament in the evening.
On June 4, the local seniors’ centre will be hosting its weekly ‘Eat to Live’ program, which St. Jean said will include a roast beef lunch for $5.
While enjoying their meal, folks will be able to listen to musical entertainment performed by students from Light of Christ Catholic School, led by local musician Brian Deheer.
“After lunch, we’re having our bake auction,” she stated, adding that this event, which is a fundraiser for the Heritage Society, should get underway at about 1 p.m.
An excursion to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park for a free barbecue hot dog lunch, snacks and refreshments is on offer for June 5. St. Jean explained that for this excursion, which is being sponsored by Lac La Biche County FCSS, there will be three buses leaving the Heritage Society building.
When planning this event, St. Jean said staff with the Lac La Biche Heritage Society wanted to provide seniors with a chance to get some fresh air and enjoy a scenic trip to and from the provincial park.
Seniors who want to participate in a sporting event can make their way over to the Heritage Society on the afternoon of June 6 for a floor curling tournament.
St. Jean said the organization is hoping to put together eight teams.
Seniors Week activities in Lac La Biche wrap up on June 7 with a pancake breakfast in the morning and a supper and comedy show that evening.
“We have comedian Joel Jeffrey out of Saskatchewan coming, and he’s quite entertaining,” St. Jean said.
Celebrating Seniors Week allows for an opportunity to acknowledge seniors and all they do for the community.
“We just need to show some recognition. They participate in the community so much . . . They’re very valuable . . . We just need to pay more attention to the things they’re doing for us,” she said.
According to information from the Government of Alberta, Seniors’ Week begin in the province in 1986 and was inspired by the vision of the late Alice Modin.
