By Connie Tabbert
Editor
COBDEN — Members of the Riverview Seniors Club in Westmeath organized a delegation of seniors from the area to speak to Whitewater Region Township council about supporting the arts when it thinks of recreation in the municipality.
Cathy Williamson of the club introduced council to the delegation members: Doreen McNair, president of Riverview; Sheila Broome representing seniors on the Queens Line and in Foresters Falls; Heather Campbell representing seniors in the Beachburg area and Joanne Schafer, who is president of the Cobden Seniors Club.
Last year, seniors in the area gathered together to put on a variety show, Ms. Williamson said. It was so successful, the group has begun practising for another show this year titled Laugh Louder, Live Longer.
The delegation had three requests for council: Broaden the notion of recreation beyond hockey rinks to include the arts; designate monies annually for the arts, monies for which any age group may apply; and contribute $2,500, for this year only, to help with the production of the Whitewater Seniors 2015 Comedy Variety Show.
Ms. Williamson provided a brief overview of concern to council. Last year, the group received a New Horizons for Seniors Grant to help with the production, which it won’t receive this year, she said.The Riverview Seniors Club has offered to help with some expenses, and it’s hoped council will also provide some financial assistance.
She noted the arts is a valuable tool to build a community among citizens, foster artistic interests in the area and develop a sense of confidence in people involved in the arts.
Ms. Broome noted the grant helped create a number of activities that encouraged the health and wellness of seniors.
“The grant project culminated in a Seniors Comedy Variety Show that was a big hit,” she said. “Over 50 seniors from across the township were involved directly in writing scripts, acting, singing, dancing, set design and construction, publicity and hostessing.”
The entire production cost $11,510.12.
More than 400 people attended the show and many of those are looking forward to a similar event his year, Ms. Broome said. However, without the grant funding, the show will be on a smaller scale with none of the extras, she added.
Ms. McNair said last year the residents in area nursing homes were transported to the show and watched it for free. She recalled one of the home directors saying it was a great experience for the residents whose spirits were lifted by the laughter and joy the show provided.
“Just to get out to such an activity allowed many seniors from different homes, who no longer see each other, to be reunited,” she said. “The energy in the hall during that matinee performance was truly amazing.”
Her club has agreed to pay part of the transportation costs for these residents to attend again this year, also for free.
The others who watched the show last year each paid $5. After expenses were paid, the show donated $1,300 to the Pembroke hospital’s MRI fund, she added.
Ms. Campbell spoke about the show’s budget, of which she provided a copy for council to review. The total is expected to be $5,330 with revenue of $3,000 projected by attendance. It’s hoped council will pay the rest.
Ms. Schafer said the financial request being made is for one time only.
“We recognize that you provide funds in each of the jurisdictions for recreation,” she said.
It’s believed the grant is $14,500 to each of the three rec associations that take care of the rink facilities, Ms. Schafer said.
Ms. Williamson said the show will be held at the Westmeath hall since it’s the largest in the area and the group is already familiar with the stage. She also noted that by moving the show to various venues in the township, there would be an additional cost.
She noted recently a practice was held at the hall and the improvement of those performing has gone up 10-fold. Last year was the first time the seniors put on this show and it was a success, Ms. Williamson said.
“Last year when we started our first practice, we were about this level (holding index finger and thumb a few inches part) in terms of confidence and all the things this year we’re here already (holding them further apart), so God knows what the show’s going to be,” she said.
However, she stressed, what this group really wants council to recognize is that recreation includes the arts, for young and old, who do not take part in things at the rink.
“We’re asking you to take some leadership in that regard, to broaden that understanding of recreation to include the arts, so that little kids might have dance classes and the old seniors might have dance classes, etc.” Ms. Williamson said.
Councillor Cathy Regier said this is another way for residents in this township to work towards being one Whitewater municipality.
“I think the movement you have going will definitely go a long ways with that,” she said.
She questioned if there was enough time if the decision to grant money was put over until the budget is passed.
While not directly answering the question, Ms. Williamson said the group will work with the idea that council will be gracious and grant them the money.
Answering a question, Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons said the only culture that is supported by council in the township is the museum in Foresters Falls.
She suggested this request be put with the other financial requests and discussed during budget deliberations.
Mayor Hal Johnson said, “Thank you for coming and making the presentation.
“I want to voice my support to your group and to the senior citizens throughout our municipality for taking a leadership in unity. I think it’s absolutely great.”
