SUNSHINE SENIOR CLUB

The Sunshine Citizens' Club was organized at a meeting held at the O’Leary Regional High School in November, 1973. The following slate of officers was chosen at this meeting:

Bruce MacDougall president, Arnold Wood vice-president, Dorothy Bernard secretary, Irma Webb treasurer, John Matthews director, Lawrence Peters director.

The purpose of organizing the club was to provide fellowship and entertainment for seniors in this area.

The first regular meeting was held at the fire hall. For a time members met at Maple House. Since 1974 all meetings have been held in the recreation room of the Seniors’ Complex on Parkview Drive.

Seniors meet semi-monthly on Saturday afternoons. Following a short business meeting members participate in a lively sing-song, crokinole, and card games. Often humorous readings, contests, or story telling add hilarity to the occasion and lighten the mood of the gathering. Delicious refreshments are served by committees in charge, occasionally a pot-luck supper is on the menu. Special music ‘ often provided by the Leard Group and other local talent is much enjoyed and much appreciated.

A New Horizon grant in 1973 and a second in 1980 enabled members to furnish the “rec” room. Many articles, including tables and chairs, stove, piano, stereo, sewing machine, china cabinet, refrigerator and dishes were purchased.

Money is set aside for travelling expenses. Seniors have enjoyed bus trips to various points of interest such as Confederation Centre, Souris, Montague, to attend Provincial and Federation meetings, Planetarium, picnics at Green Park and other places. Members also travel to Maplewood Manor in Alberton to entertain the seniors, usu- ally twice a year, and to enjoy a social evening. From time to time members exchange visits with other groups of seniors.

Unfortunately exhaustion of grant money (1984) and escalating costs of hiring a bus and driver have made trips almost prohibitive. Only one excursion was made in 1989.

Over the years club members have raised money by making quilts and mittens for sale, and by having bake sales. They have also done volunteer work — for example, mending hospital bedding. Some members participate in Carleton Day celebrations. In 1976 the Club hosted the Federation meeting.

The Club has made many donations to various worthy causes, such as Ethiopian Relief, Westisle Piano Fund, Queen Elizabeth

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