The theme has been picked and planned!  For the September 7th Fall Fair Parade, the WCA membership will celebrate the Stanley Cup of 1989, won by our Calgary Flames, 30 years ago!  With the 30th Agricultural Society celebration this year, the timing is perfect.  A special thank you for Nancy, Deb and the members of the planning committee.  To cover the costs of decorating, it is hoped the members can drop off donations at the WCA facility.  Be sure to attend the parade as President Michael Ball will be wearing a Flames Jersey!  A most rare event as Michael will tell you!

 Joining a senior's organization is sometimes seen as an admission of old age for some people.  Is being a senior a specific age, a state of mind, or an opportunity to give back to the community in which you live?  Depending on the retail store, you may be a senior at "retail" age 55, 60 or 65.  From a government perspective both provincially and federally, age 65 is the "legal" age to qualify for many benefits.  I am sure you have met people who were well younger than 65, but acted in a manner that made them appear much older.  Their thoughts even sounded older.  My high school guidance counselor told me that based on my interests, I was really 45, even though I had just turned 18!  If you are 55 or over,  you have already likely accomplished much.  High school and/or post secondary education are long over.  You have had a successful career or set of job experiences to envy.  You've fallen in love, had a long term relationship and maybe raised a family.  You've experienced the passing of parents, other relatives and friends.  You've celebrated the good and cried through the bad times.  You are a veteran at life itself!  So, what is next?  The average life expectancy in Canada is over 80 for both men and women.  We are healthier, have good medical care and support systems.  You have likely retired, so what do you do with your time?  Perhaps, being a part of a community of seniors, where you can add to the lives of others, share experiences and try out a few new things.  Sharing a coffee and the gift of experience may make a difference to others.  Maybe you are ready to contribute to the community in some way .  When are you a senior?  You have to decide for yourself.  Not only a decision but what to do with those years of living is your challenge.  Perhaps connecting with people at a seniors club may be a step in adding to your life. Whatever you decide, you are in control and responsible for those decisions, with a lifetime of wisdom to make successful choices.

With the days ticking by, it seems moving to a lease agreement vote may never come.  The good news is that the lawyer representing the CWA as recently provided a detailed analysis of the lease proposal for the CWA board members.  A number of edits have been suggested by the lawyer to improve the overall content of the lease agreement proposed.  It is expected that the board will meet to identify important edits and forward those to the CRCA for lease proposal edits.  Once this process is completed the membership will have the opportunity to vote on the proposal.

 Thursday, September 5th at 11:30 is the time that monthly Lunch and Learn sessions begin anew.  Kicking off a new year of sessions is Mark Ganden, Hearing Specialist from Oasis Medical Centre will make a presentation regarding hearing, how to protect it and how to improve it as well.  Lunch and be brought to the session which is also open to the public at large.  If you wish to have a prepared lunch, please contact Sonja to sign up or sign on the sheet in the entryway at the WCA centre.  Take a little time to listen to the experts about your hearing!  Sign up lunch is $5.

If it is fitness you are after, then be sure to join the WCA at the WCA facility.  Held currently on Fridays at 11:00, Julie provides an excellent stretching and flexibility fitness class for the 50 + 1 crowd!  This coming fall, Julie will be adding a new one hour class weekly to the Whitecappers schedule.  Although the time and day of the week are yet to be finalized, the focus will be a more rigorous workout to improve your strength and overall fitness.  This new session will add to the growing popularity  of overall wellness and health improvement for which the WCA whole heartedly supports!

  All those who love pie and ice cream will have a chance to enjoy their favorite treats, on Saturday, September 7th during the Fall Fair at the Whitecappers facility!  open from 11:00 to 3:00, pie, ice cream and coffee is all yours for the price of $5.  Ice cream cones can be purchase for a loonie!  This is a key annual fund raising event for the Whitecappers, so be sure to bring family, friends and anyone else who looks like they might enjoy ice cream and pie!