Like the old saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.”
It is time for me to retire from my relationship with the Crier as a contributing writer.
Over the years I covered the foundation and creation of the Seymour Local Plan, interviewed local shopkeepers and wrote feature stories, but it was the Seniors Connection column that was my constant.
Ironically, in 1996, it was my teenaged daughter who was the catalyst for my involvement with all things senior in the Seymour area. She was asked to help facilitate a seniors’ forum. It felt intimidating so I went along for moral support, although I was not yet a senior myself.
I was soon drawn out of my role as observer and into the heart of the discussion of the realities of facing life as an older adult. There was brainstorming for solutions to their present and future needs – transportation, housing, wellness, etc. The biggest objective was to secure a designated seniors’ centre. Out of that came a need for a newsletter to keep them connected.
And so began the early stages of my column.
The next thing I knew, I was involved with the Seycove Seniors’ Advisory Council, helping plan strategies for presentations to district council, designing posters and celebrating birthdays.
I covered it all in the Crier and enjoyed adding short personal profiles to share the unique life stories of Cove “pioneers.” My column provided a voice for the seniors whose voices were loud enough to spur a district-wide referendum which resulted (among other projects) in the building of Parkgate Community Centre to house a designated Seniors’ Centre.
It has been my proud commitment to keep you all informed.
Be well and stay active.
Shelley
Editor’s note: We thank Shelley Harrison Rae for her contributions to the Crier, providing a voice to seniors in the Seymour area and encouraging them to keep active in the community.
