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30 The Independent, Canadian Statesman Weekender, Bowmanville, Saturday, April 23,1994 New Emphasis on Activities for Seniors by Laura J. Richards Senior citizens' activities will be getting a higher profile over the next few months as plans for establishing a seniors' centre get underway. A special section in the Claring- ton Community Services Activity Guide will be dedicated to seniors in the fall edition, said a representative of the Seniors' Community Action Team on Wednesday. This is one step, among many, towards creating the seniors' centre. Special section dedicated to seniors "This is just one of the many plans we have for seniors in Clar- ington," said Roxy Barnes prior to the Seniors' Community Action Team Kick-Off Luncheon at the Bowmanville Legion. The luncheon was held Wednesday, Wednesday, April 20. Other details being looked at are a seniors' column in The Canadian Statesman, and a Seniors' Day on which special activities will occur. "This weekly program will take place on a regularly-scheduled day at a set location, as yet to be determined, determined, so that people will know that they can always depend on there being being some activities going on at that location on that scheduled day." , Some to the activities would include include crafts, speakers, lessons, dancing, dancing, fitness, cards and carpet bowling bowling to name a few. It is also hoped that the Memorial Hospital's dietary department will be able to provide, if feasible, a meal program at the location of Seniors' Seniors' Day events. Barnes also mentioned "Maybe we can get more people from our area to participate , in the Seniors' Games if they have a place to practice practice regularly." At the luncheon, she told over 140 people: "In June we are hoping to send out a newsletter to all homes in Clarington to inform everyone that there is a committee working on a Seniors' Centre and to give highlights highlights on groups and activities available." available." Whatever the activities that arise, Barnes and the Community Action Team members want to establish "the nucleus of a seniors' centre." In this way, when a building becomes available, there will be an active group ready to move in. "I feel that the potential is endless endless in this community," Barnes noted. noted. That particular idea was also echoed by guest speaker Stephanie Brooks with the Ontario Community Community Active Living Program (Partici- paction). Brooks noted that, when speaking speaking to different groups in Ontario, she uses the seniors' groups in Clarington Clarington as examples of what older adults can do. "I feel that the potential is endless In this community. " "I encourage you to support others others as they get into fitting physical activity into their lives. "I find that seniors are more physically active than people in ; their 20s and 30s when they are busy raising their families," Brooks said. She also noted that physical fitness fitness is not what her area of the Par- ticipaction program is all about. "Not everyone feels comfortable with going to a gym to work out. What we're talking about is going for a 10-minute walk a couple of times a day. "This can be just as beneficial as a work-out." Working activity into one's lifestyle lifestyle is what Participaction wants people to do. Statistics show that 70 per cent of the population is uncomfortable with going into gyms. Instead, activities activities like gardening, walking, and swimming that are done throughout one's life make for a better lifestyle, Brooks said. "This promotes an optimum quality of life and helps to preserve independence in our lives," said Brooks. While the seniors in this community community do not have their own centre at this time, Clarington Mayor Diane Hamre assured the group the centre is a possibility in the future. The Community Services Department Department is now looking at converting the present Bowmanville Fire Station Station into a seniors' centre. If funding is made available through the federal-provincial federal-provincial infrastructure program, the seniors centre could become a reality. It is still up to Clarington council to make a final decision, once it is known what projects will be eligible for funding under the program. Carson Elliott to be Sworn In as Regional Councillor From Page 2 cal Councillor O'Toole should be appointed because of his interest in assuming the role. She noted that there is little time between now and the next election. She said, "Councillor O'Toole can do the job. He is willing to take the work on. Personally, without bias, he deserves the opportunity." Later, she added: "I don't feel the public would be faulting us, since they are looking for the best person possible to fill the seat" Councillor Hannah noted, the "accummulated experience of almost almost three years" should amount for something in favor of Councillor O'Toole. Carson Elliott Precedents were pointed out from other municipalities. For instance, when Allan Pilkey, the former Oshawa Mayor, became an MPP, Alan Mason was appointed Acting Mayor and Maryanne Sholdra was appointed regional councillor, said Councillor O'Toole. But, following discussion, Councillor Councillor O'Toole asked permission to withdraw a letter he gave Mayor Hamre asking to be considered for the regional post. In doing so, he noted he did not think by submitting his name there would be such a division amongst the ranks. "After listening, I really can't see why there is such division. I hold no malice towards those who did not support me," Councillor O'Toole stated. After that, it was decided, with help of the municipal solicitor Dennis Dennis Hefferon, to look at the other possible candidate for the regional seat. Councillor David Scott had a motion motion in hand to place Carson Elliott, of Bowmanville, into the Ward Two Regional position. With a recorded vote, Elliott became became the appointed regional council by a unanimous decision. Commenting after the meeting, Councillor Scott said the process "was more painful than it needed to be." Councillor Drcslinski and Mayor Hamre said they were looking forward forward to working with Elliott. GREENER GRASS MYSTERY SOIVED! The secret is out! Lawn care experts agree that grass clippings fertilize your lawn. Just leave them be - nature will do the rest. They call it grasscycling... it makes your lawn greener... without without raking or bagging, Here's how: Any mower can do the job. Make sure the blades are sharp. Cut only 1/3 of the grass height with each mowing. Cut grass to its ideal height of 2 to 3 inches. This encourages encourages deeper roots and reduces evaporation. Cut when the grass is dry. Water your lawn 1 inch per week, early in the day. Dethatch your lawn in spring or fall and compost the thatch. You can also use modest amounts of clippings in flower beds and vegetable gardens as a fertilizer. Compost small quantities of excess clippings. ■ - 4(„ .% tr y»,V. * Yr tr/ly y}!;': x w:jw„. ^ Grass flippings -- nature's fertilizer For more Information on Grasscycling please contact your municipal office at: Pickering Ajax m ! tSi* Whitby Oshawa Clarington Uxbridge Scugog JSkSkL Brock , « ' „ ir (905)668-/721 420-4630 683-2951 668-3437 725-7351 623-3379 852-9181 985-7393 (705) 426-7723 or (416) 869-3751 or 432-2920 I I I I I I 1 I I I I J