New name but same great service 

The name The Seniors Say has been is use for a number of years. The focus of the activities and services delivered through the Gravenhurst centre has changed and the board has given permission to experiment with a new name that might more adequately reflect what happens here.

Other names considered were: News from the Centre, Reflections from the Centre and Reflections from the Hub. The column is intended to inform and educate as well as bring the latest news on matters and issues that might have an impact on the membership. The centre is an important social, recreational and cultural hub where members come together and our column should always reflect that.

The board of directors met on Feb. 4 to firm up the agenda for the regular membership meeting. The budget for the coming year was discussed in detail. Computer training is an item that the board is clarifying, as training needs are rapidly changing.

Over the coming year some activities will relate to the anniversary celebrations for our parent organization, United Senior Citizens of Ontario, or USCO as it is commonly known. Both the local club and USCO have been at the forefront of improving the lifestyle for seniors. It is worthy that we celebrate those achievements and at the same time set the stage for work that is to come. One important aspect is to express gratitude to those who have helped build strong local and provincial organizations. We are thankful for the talent, skill and ability given over the years; volunteerism is the strength and the backbone of both organizations.

The speaker for the general meeting was Karen Boyer. She spoke about the available community services and how they might best accessed by a potential user. She provided handouts to facilitate access to the services.

The president advised that resolutions for consideration at the USCO conference in August must be submitted by April 11. Roy Kerr, Cliff Flavell and Gord Locklin are the resolutions committee for our club. If there are any items or issues you believe should be considered, please speak to the committee. They would also be pleased to receive written resolutions that state the matter that should be considered.

Past president Cliff Flavell is leading an intergenerational event that involves one of the classes from Muskoka Beechgrove Public School. The purpose of the students’ visit is to acquaint them with the social, cultural and recreational activities and programs of the centre. The visits are always a success and have been ongoing for a number of years. The next event will held on Feb. 29.

The Honourable Tony Clement will be a dinner guest at the club on Feb. 22. It will be an opportunity to chat informally with our Member of Parliament. He will also address the membership and bring greetings from the government of Canada.

The club is in need of volunteers to serve as hosts/hostesses for some of the activities. If you have a couple of hours per month, please contact Shirley Carson.

The square dance for the Heart and Stroke Foundation is on Feb. 15.