Lea Smirfitt, South Cariboo AGE-FRIENDLY Initiative community co-ordinator, says the road trip to the Interlakes on June 24 was a fabulous success.
Forty-five community elders boarded the 100 Mile House Wranglers bus at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre at 10 a.m. and headed off to the Interlakes for a visit. They were joined by an additional van carrying residents from Carefree Manor.
The caravan headed down Horse Lake Road to the Interlakes Community Center where several volunteers from the Interlakes Community Association (ICA) had prepared a delicious lunch for the crowd of 70 people, which also included local residents, Smirfitt says.
They were welcome by ICA members Pam Canty and Gyl Connaty, Smirfitt adds.
“Gyl gave an overview of the centre, including a tour of the industrial kitchen where the frozen meals for seniors are prepared by a team of volunteers.”
These meals are distributed at a cost of $4 each at Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre in 100 Mile House. Call 250-395-5155 for further information.
While there, the seniors shared many stories, including one from Willy Seminoff who recalled installing a furnace in the original Roe Lake Hall 25 years ago, she adds.
Smirfitt acknowledged and thanked the Interlakes folks for their gracious hospitality. She also thanked Darrel Warman who co-ordinated the trip together with several Interlakes volunteers.
Following lunch, they hopped back on the bus and toured local resorts – Sheridan Park Resort, Loon Bay Resort and Sheridan Lake Resort. Local history and background information was provided by Mieke McIntosh of the Friends of Sheridan Lake Society about the rainbow trout egg-releasing channels at the Sheridan Park Resort, Smirfitt says.
“Several people are considering vacationing closer to home after seeing the attractions and facilities available at local resorts.”
On the way back to 100 Mile House, the bus stopped at the historic Water Tower at Lone Butte for a quick refreshment break, she explains.
Attendees included residents of Lac la Hache, 108 Mile Ranch, 100 Mile House, Horse Lake area, Lone Butte, Clinton and from across the Interlakes area.
It was a co-ordinated effort by many people and organizations to make this day, which was packed full of activities, Smirfitt says, adding she wants to give special acknowledgement to Brian Rusaw who skilfully guided the bus along the lake country roads.
“We want to give an additional thank-you to Tom Bachynski of Central GM for going the extra mile to arrange the bus, which is available for charter from the 100 Mile House Wranglers.”
She adds there was a lot of interest by the seniors who each expressed their appreciation and enjoyment of this event.
FAST bytes
• Announcements included information about several upcoming events of particular interest to seniors, including a seniors’ tent, sponsored by the Lioness Club, at the upcoming 100 Mile House 50th Anniversary celebrations.
• The South Cariboo AGE-FRIENDLY Initiative is a project of the District of 100 Mile House undertaken by the South Cariboo Community Planning Council.
• Funding includes grants from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, District of 100 Mile House, Cariboo Regional District and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 260-100 Mile House.