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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-03-25, Page 8Joining in (Servicing The County) • Homemaking • Nursing • Foot Care • Lifeline Emergency Response System CALL 524-5346 or 1-800-463-3158 50 South St., Goderich para-med HEALTH SERVICES 16111111 Gathering with frtends Blyth and area residents enjoy listening to a guest speaker after a hot meal supplied by the Town and Country Support Services Dining Out for Seniors program. 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AoreIipe bealibco ,N, 23 Victoria St. Clinton "In The Heart Of Huron County" • Ask For Us • Sales • Rentals • Repairs (519) 482-3046 or 1-888-233-7038 Hours: Open 5 days a week "Call ahead for special appointments" 1..takin g leo v "'here you t go , mi elk MONIKA PENNER Chauffeur - `A Commitment to quality of life_" PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1998. CSe YZ Z (1) Seniors socialize with Dining Out program By Janice Becker Citizen staff It is far more than just lunch out at a local establishment. It is socializing with friends and neighbours, enjoying some entertainment and maybe even learning a little. "It" is the Dining Out for Seniors program offered in Blyth and Brussels by Town and Country Support Services and run, to a large degree, by volunteers. The noon-hour, full-course, hot meal, available to anyone over 55, is served at Blyth Trinity Anglican Church every second Friday of the month and the second and fourth Fridays at Brussels United Church. "The program is going quite well and is really enjoyed," says Lenora Davidson of Blyth, who volunteers to call participants ahead of time to remind them of the event. The Blyth program, which has been running since November, 1996, draws approximately 25-30 seniors each weeks.. While Davidson says the turnout is good, it is often the same group of people. "There are others in the community who could take advantage of it." There is transportation provided for those who are still able to get in and out of a car. The church is wheelchair accessible. Meals can be delivered to the home for those unable to get out. "The participants just love getting out. They love coming to socialize," says Davidson. Nelva Scott, a volunteer with the Brussels program definitely agrees with the social benefits. "We regularly get residents from the Highland Apartments and Huronlea coming in to interact. We can give something back to them through talking with them. They enjoy it immensely." For Scott, there is a very personal reason why she first became involved with Dining Out. "It has been a privilege for me to be involved since the beginning. At the time it started, half my family could have benefitted from the program. I could give something back to the community by volunteering. We really needed something like this in the village." Such an endeavour is not just a benefit to the participants, but also. to the volunteers, she says. "It gives us a chance to interact with them and learn." Scott agreed though with a point made by Davidson about the Blyth program. "I feel bad because there are others who could come out. We have to get more out to come and share. They should not be staying at home for lack of transportation because we have people who do that," she says. The church is wheelchair accessible though, as in Blyth, they are only able to transport those who are able to maneuver in and out of a car. Brussels also delivers meals. "It is a great complement to Meals on Wheels," says Joan Vandermeer, co-ordinator with Town and Country Support Services. The price is relatively reasonable at $7, says Scott, for the meal, entertainment and a door prize. Both outings provide entertainment or guest speakers after lunch has been completed. One of the most recent speakers in Blyth was an OPP officer discussing telephone and mail scams with the seniors. These types of speakers are very helpful to the seniors, says Scott as she hopes the officer will soon speak in Brussels as well. "It is important they enjoy and learn as well." The Brussels group has also invited Rev. Cathrine Campbell to relate a few humorous tales and Adrian Vos of Blyth to speak on birds. With the Brussels program now in its fifth year, several other aspects have developed over time. Senior students from Brussels Public School have been volunteering over those years, to help set up, serve and clean up. Not only do they get to help out., give something back to the community and have some volunteer work for their resume, it is a chance for the seniors to get to know the youths, says Amy Crawford, a graduate of the volunteer program. "We got to talk to the seniors and hear their stories. They also got to know us. If they heard about something we had done or accomplished, they felt a connection." Scott agrees that it is wonderful when the children come to help. "If the seniors know no one in elementary school, they lose touch. This gives them a chance to get acquainted." "They get really puffed up when a grandchild volunteers for the event," she says, "Even if it's a neighbour's child, they still feel a connection." Aside from helping out at the bi-weekly meal, the class gathers with the seniors twice a year for games, songs and individual conversations. "They are there for an hour and it helps keep the seniors young," Scott laughs. In her many years of watching the youngsters volunteer for the program, she says they have been very positive. "They are given the option to participate and we see several back time after time. That speaks highly of the program." Another benefit ranked highly by Scott is the cooking skills .of Millie Hoggarth of Hensall, who cooks for both local meals. "She is fabulous with the youngsters," says Scott. "She really gets them involved." She also attributes the success of Dining Out to Town and Country co-ordinators Vandermeer and Leah Vollrath. They take an interest in everyone involved, she says. "They show real concern. It is not just a job." Scott says the 100 per cent commitment by the volunteers can not be forgotten as they are the ones who make the meals run smoothly. "That dedication says a lot about the community." While both programs have loyal volunteers, there is always a need for more hands, particularly when it comes clean-up time. Anyone wishing to contribute a few hours a month to a social activity which is benficial to all participants, a call to Town and Country Support Services at 357- 3222 or community volunteers would be appreciated.