Senior’s Appreciation Dinner

Glen Wigginton receives the Erland Lee Award from Marie Kenny

On Thursday, May 27th. Clyde River seniors, and some pre seniors, enjoyed a turkey dinner served by youth and entertainment provided by talented youth in the community. This successful event was the second activity of the New Horizons for Seniors project “Youth inspire Seniors and Seniors Inspire Youth.”

Under the leadership of Thelma Gillespie, and helped by Sandra Cameron, Jessie McCrady, and the New Horizons Committee, the meal that was enjoyed by 67 people consisted of fresh bread and biscuits, roast turkey, gravy, dressing, potatoes, turnips, carrots, parsnips, peas and a variety of home made pies.

Audrey MacPhee, a New Horizons Committee member, reviewed the basics of serving to five youth and they willingly helped serve the meal. Another community volunteer, Alex Dixon, drove seniors and delivered hot meals to two seniors who were unable to attend due to illness.

Betty Watts, CRWI president gave the official welcome and Eric MacPhail offered grace. A highlight of the evening was when Marie Kenny, past president of PEIWI Board, presented PEI’s 2010 Erland Lee Award to Glen Wigginton a senior who has helped CRWI over the years and who has served as a Councillor for Clyde River. Glen and his wife Margaret now live in Charlottetown but they continue to help Clyde River with activities such as running crokinole parties and helping with the apple pie fundraiser.

Four women, 90 yrs of age or older, were presented with a medallion with an inspiration phrase to recognize the amazing fact that they all still live independently and participate in community events. Other contributions of seniors were highlighted throughout the evening recognizing concrete ways they have helped this community thrive. For some, the joy was talking with neighbours they don‘t see often enough.

The entertainment that followed the dinner was wonderful. Mitchell Woodside played guitar and sang songs suitable for the target group. Emily Ross accompanied him on the drums and brought percussion instruments so that seniors could get involved playing percussion instruments. Renee Dahn played the violin beautifully accompanied by her violin teacher Jan Clements on keyboard. All enjoyed little Sophie MacDonald who stepdanced for the group.