All ages in Strathcona
Published May 10, 2006
A strong community values all of its citizens. It is devastating to a community when seniors distrust youth or youth disrespect its seniors. At Strathcona's recent service level reviews, Commissioner Bill Sutherland was able to succinctly capture my convoluted verbose words and thoughts with "we need to focus on intergenerational opportunities". It is my fear that we see a solution to providing for the generations by building sites - youth centres and senior's drop-ins, which further separate our community.
Millennium Place and Festival Place are two facilities where young and old come together. The other evening I noticed an older gentleman teaching a preschooler how to skate on the small ice surface. Fans of all ages were cheering on young roller hockey players and a seniors men's league was occupying the ice surface at Millennium Place. It was a reflection of a great community at play.
Linking Generations is a program that pairs seniors from Silver Birch Lodge with Jean Vanier students and Clover Bar Lodge with students from OLPH. This program is only in its second year and has doubled in size. Students volunteer during their lunchtime to visit the seniors to develop relationships through structured activities. A third program has been applied for in the fall.
Many Strathcona neighborhoods host block parties. A permit is not necessary if a function takes place in a park or on private property but if a portion of a road is required so to is a permit. Permit information and an application are available on the Strathcona County web site at www.strathcona.ab.ca select the Legislative and Legal Services Department and click onto block parties on the left hand side. The Josephburg Chicken Supper has volunteers of all ages working side by side to ensure its success.
I believe that activities and county buildings such as the proposed Civic Centre need to promote integrated opportunities. Only when we work together, will we appreciate that each generation has its share of pioneers who are ready to stretch to explore new horizons and settlers who ensure the details and home fires are taken care of. It's not an age thing, it's an attitude!
Jacquie Fenske
Councillor, Ward 5
464-8147
fenske@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Thursday, March 25, 2010
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