It was a very merry unbirthday indeed, as about 100 local seniors in the SOS Seniors Are Talking program enjoyed a Mad Hatter Tea Party to celebrate SOS’ 50th anniversary on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Each month during its 50th anniversary commemoration, SOS is celebrating specific programs, and Seniors Are Talking is being highlighted in the month of February. The program provides a safe and friendly place for local seniors to have social interaction, get information about popular topics from guest speakers and go on outings.
The Mad Hatter Tea Party was organized by participants, and event-goers donned creative hats, played an Alice in Wonderland trivia game, posed for photos at a photo booth, and enjoyed snacks and cakes while listening to local musician Bruce Feltham.
“I think this is a wonderful program,” said Micheline Messner, who has been attending the program for many years. “You’d be surprised at how many people are lonely in this area. For some people, this is the only outing they have every week.”
Marnie Easton shared a couple of reasons why the Seniors Are Talking program is so important to her. “Exploring new places, places that I didn’t even know existed, and the camaraderie,” she said.
The program runs in Parksville and Qualicum Beach and currently has a wait list for those interested in joining. For more information on the program, call program co-ordinator Shelley St. Marie at 250-248-2093 ext. 224 or email her at SAT@sosd69.com.