Bringing people together

James Bay New Horizons

By Kim Dixon

Here we are heading into the summer season already. Where does time go? This has been an interesting year so far as we celebrate our 40 anniversary at James Bay New Horizons!

Many thanks to the City of Victoria for the renovations to our facility that have already been completed, with more to come during the summer months. We are looking forward to getting a new centralized heating system, which should keep all the rooms at an even temperature during the summer and the winter!

As we reflect on our accomplishments over the past 40 years, we must give credit to the founding members who worked so hard to make community dreams become a reality. Looking through the archives and reading about the trials and tribulations of building and fundraising to enlarge the facility makes one wonder why they did not give up. We are forever grateful to them for all their hard work and dedication.

Programs and activities are still the main focus of the society. Bringing people together, perhaps learning a new skill, communicating and socializing to give them a sense of belonging - are important cornerstones here. I often hear, "I don't know what I would do without New Horizons. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning!" Remarks like that tell us we are fulfilling our mandate.

While we reflect on the past, we must not forget to look to the future. The role of the senior centre is changing. I applaud the staff and board of directors at James Bay New Horizons Society as we are meeting the changes and challenges of an aging population. What we do today will help the seniors of tomorrow. We are presently working on a project to help identify gaps in services for seniors. What programs are there between living independently and moving into facility care? What can be done to keep people in their own homes longer? What support is needed to aid a person to maintain independence? We hear so much about social isolation, but is there an answer to getting people involved so they are less isolated? Is it a choice made consciously or do people fall into a rut where they do not want to go out? Lots of questions, and we will look for answers.

During the summer season we will continue with our drop-in programs, the ASEL exercise program, card games (including Euchre, Bridge, Crib, Poker), Zumba, our movie-and-popcorn afternoons, walking group, foot care appointments, men's group, current events group, and so much more.

We will be hosting "Tribute to Red Skelton" on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer and invite you to drop in for an evening of great entertainment. Tickets are $20.

We also have special events planned, so drop by and pick up a calendar and see what you can do to keep yourself occupied. You are invited to attend our friendship tea, held Monday, July 7 and August 11 at 2 pm. This will give you an opportunity to meet new friends, socialize and hear about some of the programs and activities you can be part of.

Special celebrations will be held in the fall to help us celebrate our accomplishments over the past four decades. Hope you will join us.

Have a great summer and enjoy the sunshine!