A High Tea Party at the Maple Ridge Public Library on Wednesday, June 3, was a hit for Seniors Week.
Around 135 people packed a section on the second floor to enjoy tea, treats, door prize draws, and a special concert by The Silvertones Choir.
“Good Morning, Good Morning”, “Downtown”, and ”Eight Days A Week”, were some of the 12 songs the choir belted out, interspersed with with writers who read their pieces to the crowd.
Including 97-year-old Phyllis Friesen, who read a story about her adventure fishing on the Cheakamus River, north of Squamish.
The event, put on by the Maple Ridge • Pitt Meadows • Katzie Seniors Network, was in honour of B.C. Seniors Week, which took place from June 1-7.
Seniors Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of older adults to the communities they live in.
This year’s theme was “Experience Matters’.
“As our senior population continues to grow, it is more important than ever that we work together to ensure older adults feel connected, safe, and valued,” said Christina Shearme, executive director of the Seniors Network.
“Seniors Week is a celebration, but it is also a reminder that supporting seniors is a year-round commitment. Strong communities are built when people of all ages are included and supported,” she said.
One of the best parts of Seniors Week, she noted, is seeing people come together to celebrate and connect.
In addition to seeing seniors participating in activities, reconnecting with friends, trying something new, and feeling appreciated.
“By celebrating Seniors Week, we help reduce isolation, encourage community involvement, and promote awareness of the needs and strengths of older adults,” said Shearme, noting the week also gives organizations, businesses, and local governments a chance to demonstrate their support for seniors and to continue building age-friendly communities where people can remain active, respected, and supported as they age.
“The week creates opportunities for people of all ages to engage with seniors and recognize the positive impact they continue to have in our region,” said Shearme.