June is a vibrant month chock a block full of celebration and collaboration. It is the month that raises awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Brain Injury, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and Stroke. It is the month we celebrate Pride, in our community and all-around Canada. For SCS, June is Seniors Month and a time when we recognize older adults and the extraordinary contributions they have made in our community.
The opportunity to celebrate came in a few different ways. In late May, two SCS staff connected with the participants of Seniors’ Centre Without Walls with porch visits and some photography. In the over two years running the program, and because it is a telephonebased program, many had never seen the faces of the facilitators of SCWW and had only heard the voices of the other participants. The photos were made into a collage, along with a beautiful poem written by one of the talented members, and mailed to each home. Now during the weekly SCWW programs, each participant can see the face that goes along with the voice on the other end of the telephone line. Connection and inclusion, both so vital to decreasing loneliness and social isolation.
On June 5, our second Photos in the Park fundraiser was held at Curry Park. This year Jill Woodley Photography took photos of young and young at heart. There was an engagement, a birthday, and an ode to the Queen’s Jubilee–just to name a few! Thanks to the generosity of The Ralph and Maureen Phillips Family Foundation, $3925 was raised for the SCS Transportation Service. Thank you to the over 60 attendees who made up 19 amazing photoshoots! The best part of the day was knowing that so many memories were captured for years to come.
On June 29, after waiting three years, the Seniors’ BBQ returned to Maplewood Park. With blue skies and sunshine, over 100 people joined us for an afternoon of music, laughter, great food and of course a dance off for our ParticipACTION minutes! Thank you to the Kemptville Lions Club for always being such wonderful chefs with the most generous hearts. They made feeding so many folks look effortless.
I had a beautiful time – meeting all the happy people and singing and dancing with them.
So nice! – SCS Client
We welcomed Mayor Nancy Peckford who gave a warm talk, and had some great dance partners during the dance off. Thank you to Councillors Debbie Wilson, Kristin Strackerjan and John Barclay for taking time to help us celebrate. Our thanks to our special guests Constable Annie and Constable Dave from the Ontario Provincial Police East Region. They are such remarkable community members, and almost stole the show with their energy and bright smiles.
The musicians were AMAZING! A beautiful Oh Canada was led by Chris Morgan and Jean Jacques, and they kept toes tapping and hands clapping the whole afternoon. Bravo! And of course, a big thank you to our volunteers who made the BBQ look seamless. They never cease to amaze us with their positivity and support.
June was a wonderful month. Our hearts are full!
