By Susan Van Noortwyk
Well, what has happened to Spring? Hopefully it will be along soon.
The Peachland Variety Singers hosted their annual spring concert at the Peachland 50 + Activity Centre Sunday April 9. Their theme was My Canada, My Home, My Love, honouring Canada’s 150th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge. The songs were beautifully presented and I especially appreciated the introduction choir leader Phyllis Papineau gave before each number.
We heard Angela Kanik’s Sing Us a Song and were reminded to listen for the everyday miracles in Ordinary Miracle just to name a couple. We were treated to some very special arrangements: Beautiful British Columbia and Oscar Peterson’s Hymn to Freedom were the highlights. Twenty-five members of this choir are off to White Rock/Surrey for the Seniors Core Fest April 18 to 20 and will be presenting these two numbers. At Core Fest, choirs from across British Columbia come together for two days of intensive workshops. The Peachland Variety Singers have been attending since 2007 and are becoming very well known for their talent, not just because they represent the smallest community there. Their leader, Papineau, reports “there is a lot of community support to assist the singers to attend this event. Participating has really boosted the confidence of the choir members and the quality of their performances, and of course, the choir is proud to represent Peachland.”
A big thanks to Fortis for the goody boxes shared with those that attended the potluck Friday event March 24. We enjoyed the Irish Dancers from West Kelowna, they certainly have beautiful costumes. Our next potluck Friday is April 28 at 6 p.m. Bryan Feagan is coming to entertain us. He is a blues, country and rock singer. Please bring a favourite food item to share along with your own dishes and cutlery.
What a special group of bingo players we have. March 30 they gave Cal and Irene, our longtime bingo callers a special send off, lots of treats were brought and shared. We wish Cal and Irene all the best and hope to see them back to play. Bingo in Peachland is open to anyone over the age of 19 years and everyone is welcome, you don’t have to be a member of the 50 + Centre to attend.
Exercise classes at the 50 + Activity Centre are in full swing now. We have a new tai chi leader, Yvonne Waines who will be taking over from Dan Ross. A special thank you to Dan and we wish him well. Classes will start with Yvonne on April 24, still Mondays at noon. Cost is by donation. Welcome Yvonne.
Iron and Silk has been another popular class at the 50 + Activity Centre. Kay Muir leads this group. This class involves gentle stretching and movements to music using scarves, small hand weights, and a chair.
Abby has added another class on Fridays. Aerobics and more from Wednesdays is now called 50 + fitness and will be Wednesdays from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. and Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m. starting April 21. Abby says Get Fit, Stay Fit and have some Fun! The 50 + fit class will help you increase your cardiovascular health, improve your strength, balance, core strength, coordination, and increase your flexibility.
Yoga classes are continuing Monday, Wednesday, Thursday at 8 a.m. and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. even though Taryn is away. We wish her a speedy recovery and thank Tricia, Abby, and Tessa for filling in.
The Peachland 50 + Activity Centre will be hosting Mahjong on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. If you are interested in taking a beginner art class please call Roberta Farrelly at 250 767-2054. It is worth a trip into the 50 + Activity Centre to see some of the amazing pieces the art club has on display.
Mark your calendars now for a return of Stars on Stage. Six local performers, Syd Kendrick, Melita Ree, Bryan Feagan, Gary Jesperson, Grant Eisworth, and Laverne Prosny are hosting a show, Sunday, May 7 at 2 p.m. at the 50 + Activity Centre. Tickets $10. Also coming up are the annual spring bus trip June 2 and the over 80 member appreciation luncheon on June 9.
We wish everyone a very Happy Easter. Our office will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday.