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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-06-24, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992. Seniors’ month To honour our seniors, June has been chosen as Seniors' Month. Marie and Bill Turnbull of Brussels impart some of their feelings about being a senior in an interview with the Citizen. AVal tonThe news from Compiled by Betty McCall Phone 887-6677 WJ. enjoys court whist Couple feels respected Several guests and members were welcomed to the Walton Women's Institute meeting at the hall on Wednesday evening, June 17, by the President Ruth Axtmann, who then conducted the business portion. Marion Godkin was pianist for the opening ode. The Mary Stewart Collect was repeated in unison followed by “O Canada”. Minutes were approved as read by Marjory Humphries followed by the treasurer's report. In the correspondence a letter was read about the fall course “Decor Accents” with the training school to be held in Walton on October 27. Two leaders are to be chosen at the July meeting. The roll call was answered by a verse from your old autograph book. The meeting was turned over to Achievement Day The Walton Plus 4-H club led by Ruth Axtmann and Ruth Schade held five meetings for the sewing club with 21 girls taking part. Twenty finished the club. The fourth meeting was led by Sharon Godkin with the 4-H pledge. Loni Horst read the minutes. Ruth Axtmann showed how to do hems, demonstrating with two samples. Everyone worked on a pair of shorts. The fifth meeting was held at Boussey's Boutique in Seaforth, where members learned the difference between makeup on models and on everyday wear. A demonstration was done on Leanne Vogels, Karen Vansteelandt and Ruth Axtmann. Then the girls were shown how to walk like a model. The Achievement Day for this club and others was held recently in Clinton. Receiving awards for sixth club was Sharon Godkin, RR 1, Walton. Sherri Bennett, RR 5, Seaforth and Melanie Cronin, Seaforth received awards for the 12th club. Karen Van Steelandt, RR 2, Dublin and Janet Vanden Hoven, RR 4, Seaforth received their 18th club award. Mary Humphries, who read a poem, “Outside Plumbing”. She then distributed numbers and the lucky winner of an african violet was Berva Watson. Mary had everyone join partners for court whist. There were five tables in play. Prizes were awarded for: high count, Betty McCall; low, Gloria Love; number closest to 90, Margaret Mclnroy and Anniversary closest to date, Helen Williamson. Craig family holds 19 th family reunion On Saturday, June 20, 59 descendants of the late Robert Craig and Ada McCutcheon gathered at the Walton Women's Institute Hall to enjoy the 19th reunion. The weather cleared a little although it was very cool outside for children's games which were under the direction of Graeme and Shannon Craig. At 5 p.m. everyone sat down to a bountiful pot luck supper with Harvey Craig, the oldest member present, asking Grace. Also, there was a surprise birthday cake for Ada Craig, Stoney Creek, who will celebrate her 80th birthday in August. Marion Pollard of Elmira acted as President in the absence of Brenda Fizell of Monkton. Secretary Nancy Craig, Etobicoke, conducted the business. The committee nominated for 1993 is as follows: President, Donna Rubenstein, Waterloo; Vice- President, Nancy Craig, Etobicoke; Secretary, Richard Craig, London; Assistant Secretary, Sandra Dudley, London and Games, Mary Craig, Windemere. Relatives attended from Sarnia, London, St. Marys, Waterloo, Kitchener, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Stoney Creek, Guelph, Hamilton, Clinton, Port Sydney, Windemere, Listowel, Ethel, Blyth, Walton, Strathroy and Elmira. To honour our seniors, June has been designated Senior Citizen month. One area couple talks about what it is like aging in the 90's and what it means to them. Marie and Bill Turnbull, both 71 years old, have lived on the edge of Brussels in Morris Township for 25 years. They have three girls and six grandchildren. Originally from Grey Town­ ship, the couple lived on a home­ stead, where they raised Shorthorn cattle, Yorkshire swine, sheep, and horses. After they sold their farm, Bill worked for the Ministry of Agriculture and had a pig business, Meadowbrook Yorkshires. Marie helped with the farm. In 1984 the Turnbulls sold their swine herd as Bill's health was fail­ ing. Suffering from hip problems, arthritis, and a heart condition, Bill decided it was time to slow down. Like many seniors, the Turnbulls now spend their winters in Florida. They started out just going for a week, but they have worked their way up to five and a half months for the past few years. They own a mini-home not far from Cypress Gardens. The couple says they lead a good social life, both in Florida and in Brussels. Locally they have friends to play cards with, they are active in the United Church, and Masonic Lodge. Bill is a Shriner and a char­ ter member of the Lions Club. Marie is a Rebekah. They enjoy gardening, cutting grass and Marie does crafts. one Students of the Walton "B" Kindergarten class held a special ceremony recently in honour of their move to Grade one. Back row, form left: Jennifer McClure, Melissa Beuerman, Ashley ■ Saur, Carrie Leonhardt, Ben Bachert and Sarah McDonald. Front row: Jordan Smith, Brett Dietz, Tyler Elligson, Patrick Rushton, Jennifer Brubacher and Tina Smith. The Walton Public School Kindergarten "A" class "graduated” June 11. Back row,from left: Dona Smith, Brandon Blake, Darcy McCutcheon, Jessica Lubbers, Nathan DeWit and Heather Dietz. Front row: Allison Beuerman, David McClory, Derek Fischer, Simon Lenz, Joshua Gowan and Amanda Mitchell. c* Tea Room and I-y' i Country Story hold final draw j The fifth and final weekly draw f winner at the Walton Tea Room | and Country Store was Robert I Williamson of the village. The winning ticket for the roast of beef was drawn by Angi i Marcuccio of the village and I witnessed by her sister Dawn. Congratulations Robert and bon i appetit! [ There are lots of activities for seniors, say Marie and Bill. Unfor­ tunately they can't curl anymore, but they don't get bored at all. There are all kinds of opportunity to meet people as well. Bill walks down the street every morning to chat with the locals. On the subject of health care, the Turnbulls have much praise for Brussels. They are very apprecia­ tive of the medical centre in town, 'with a top-notch dentist, and two doctors. Since Bill had a small stroke after his heart attack, he has been on medication to keep his blood thin, and this medical care is important. For transportation the two rely on themselves and their car. They have lots of friends who would be willing to drive, but they don't want to be a nuisance. When asked how they feel about the attitude towards seniors, the Turnbulls respond positively. Marie thinks people are more inclined to be thoughtful towards seniors. Bill mentions benches that have been placed all along the streets for them to sit down and have a chat. All in all, Bill states, they are treated with respect. The Turnbulls appreciate the ball park, pool, and arena in Brussels, not necessarily for themselves, but for their grandchildren. With the arrival of old age comes many feelings of frustration. The Turnbulls say they can't go to SENIORS AND ALMOST SENIORS There may be answers to your questions or problems. Instead of worrying, call Community Information Service 482-5666 or toll-free 1-800-267-0535 dances anymore because they can't keep up. At conventions, they find they have to be back at the hotel by 10 p.m. because they get loo fatigued. Bill says he still feels good, but he can't go quite as far as fast. He is gradually getting used to it day to day. He now gets up at 7:30 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m. One complaint the Turnbulls have about being a senior citizen concerns income tax. Bill says they "tax the devil" out of seniors. Bill gets $597 a month from the Canada pension plan. Marie gets the old age pension plan, but if it weren't for previous savings, they think they would be scrimping money trying to live on their pen­ sions alone. Marie adds however, that lots of ladies in town survive on it though. Another low point to being a senior citizen is the loss of friends. It's not easy, express the couple— there are a lot of fond memories. Death is a lot easier to accept if the person led a full life, and that's why they hate seeing young kids killed on the highways. That waste frus­ trates and upsets them. Bill notes that it used to be when someone hit 70 years of age, it was said that they were living on "loaned " time. He knows an old herdsman who is now 86 and goes bowling regularly and golfs as well. He said if you're in good health, you're likely to live another 25 years.