The United Senior Citizens of Ontario (USCO) Zone 33 rally was held recently at the Community Centre here.
Zone President Jocelyn Daunt called the meeting to order with the singing of O’Canada with piano accompaniment by Irma Eckenswiller. She welcomed over 80 seniors and opened with a humourous look into the ills of aging.
St. John’s Lutheran Church Pastor Jody Rinas’ meditation recognized the golden-agers who find they are never too old to play and stay active, serve their church and community, or pray for wisdom as noted in Job 12.
Seniors don’t seem to retire, they enjoy and engage in events and activities they couldn’t while employed, said Rinas.
Minto Mayor George Bridge noted the renovations and upgrades to the hall and reported air conditioning was on the way. He shared stories of lawn bowling exploits and his enthusiasm for the Senior Games. He praised all the seniors who contribute so much to the community.
Morning guest speaker, USCO first vice president Bernard Jordaan, was introduced by his wife Lois, who told of his life in South Africa, his work experience and his commitment to seniors in his area.
Jordaan said USCO is 300,000 members strong with 1,200 clubs in over 40 zones, which he noted on his map. Changing times require acceptance, adaptation and movement, he said. He listed the benefits of volunteering, including boosting confidence and creating opportunities for involvement. As people age, there is a higher demand on health care and affordable housing.
Jordaan said he believes the government would be better served sharing the wealth in Canada. One place to start would be to address the rise in parking fees to access health care, he said.
He encouraged seniors to stay active to cultivate a healthy mind and nurture a healthy body, and noted change allows people to become a better version of themselves. He is appreciative of the physical and financial support to keep the organization growing strong.
During business, it was decided to raise the annual zone fee to $2 per club member. Reports were given from president Joyce Daunt, secretary David Wall, treasurer Anne Laidlaw, field representative Ron Shelley, and examiners Barbara Tervit and Ilene Tomlin, along with the seven clubs from Arthur, Belmore, Clifford, Fordwich, Harriston, Maryborough and Wingham.
It was noted that Jean Sothern from Fordwich recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Harriston won the roll call challenge for having the highest percentage of attendees. Tags were placed on a tree during a time of remembrance.
Dorothy Domm offered thanks for the joys of the day and “food for strength in serving the Lord.” Jordaan shook hands with everyone as they passed along the lunch line for helpings of ham and scalloped potatoes, with cake for dessert.
Clifford president Mary Mighton welcomed guest speaker Bill Murdock, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound from 1990 to 2011.
Murdock shared the political history of running and winning the race since his high school days and stories of his tumultuous days in caucus reassuring everyone of his fearless determination to express himself.
His experience with premiers, prime ministers, and colleagues of his day led to amusing enlightening anecdotes on unions, votes, opposition, retreats, airplanes, private enterprise, cartoons, democracy, ripple effects, harness racing, conspiracy theories, and the need to challenge the government, all of which give him ample fodder for his morning radio show on CFOS. Ultimately, the welfare and best interests of his constituents, no matter the party was his ultimate goal. He lived his political life by three wisdoms – family first, riding second, and Queen’s Park third.
Dorothy Domm thanked him for his wonderful stories and faithfulness in sticking up for the people in his municipality.
I Rene Kaufman and Marion Wylie continued to draw tickets until all of the donated items from 22 sponsors were claimed.
Ann Bowen welcomed the trio Lynn Hunter, Jeff Hawkins, and May Shaver to the stage for some old time toe- tapping, sing-a-long music. In appreciation of the entertainers and their well told jokes, Ruth Anne Cummings added one of her own to close the day.
Marg Livermore applauded the Clifford Merry Makers Club #156 for their lovely and well planned program and goodie bags. God Save the Queen was sung before adjourning the meeting. The Harriston 55 Plus Club #67 will host the next rally on May 31st, 2013.
ness racing, conspiracy theories, and the need to challenge the government, all of which give him ample fodder for his morning radio show on CFOS. Ultimately, the welfare and best interests of his constituents, no matter the party was his ultimate goal. He lived his political life by three wisdoms – family first, riding second, and Queen’s Park third.
Dorothy Domm thanked him for his wonderful stories and faithfulness in sticking up for the people in his municipality.
I Rene Kaufman and Marion Wylie continued to draw tickets until all of the donated items from 22 sponsors were claimed.
Ann Bowen welcomed the trio Lynn Hunter, Jeff Hawkins, and May Shaver to the stage for some old time toe- tapping, sing-a-long music. In appreciation of the entertainers and their well told jokes, Ruth Anne Cummings added one of her own to close the day.
Marg Livermore applauded the Clifford Merry Makers Club #156 for their lovely and well planned program and goodie bags. God Save the Queen was sung before adjourning the meeting. The Harriston 55 Plus Club #67 will host the next rally on May 31st, 2013.
