By Jennifer Gray, Volunteer Writer
As part of an ongoing commitment to engage and empower older adult community members, the Township of Tiny’s Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) will once again be hosting its annual Senior Symposium. This popular and information-packed event is a wonderful opportunity for seniors and caregivers to engage with others and learn about healthy-aging services and activities in the area. The Symposium will be held on Thursday June 12th from 9:30am to 2:30pm at the Township of Tiny Community Centre (91 Concession Road 8 East). A delicious catered lunch is included, and attendance is free with registration. The day’s program will include a variety of presentations from local service providers. The talks are informative, entertaining, and interactive. Featured topics will include:
- Grandpals Program led by Jenna Wickens, co-ordinator of the Mature Minds program with the Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County (CFFSC)
- Dementia Caring led by Tom Johnson, Director of TrustWell Senior Care
- Fostering Connection and Social Engagement led by Cindy Marshall, Recreation Therapist with the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Service
- Accessing Support and Ontario’s Psychotherapy Program led by Sam Taylor, Registered Social Worker with Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
- Musical Therapy Workshop led by Kelly Lefaive, Musical Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), performer, and music educator.
Throughout the day attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage with the presenters, mingle with others, and visit the many booths set up by local organizations in the area.
Also included in the program will be an award ceremony by the Township of Tiny for ‘Senior of the Year’. The Township recognizes the valuable contribution of its senior population, particularly from the volunteer communities. This award recognizes an outstanding senior who, during or after the age of 65, contributed to the enrichment of the social, cultural, or civic life of the Township of Tiny.
The Township will provide an update on the Local Aging Plan as well as provide attendees with a copy of the Directory of Senior Services; a valuable home-reference guide for senior-related services in the region. Last year’s event was highly successful, with full attendance and positive feedback of the day’s offerings. The SAC and the Senior Symposium are recognized as strong instruments in helping to build a successful healthy aging community:
“The Township of Tiny is committed to providing a variety of programs that cater to all ages,” said Mayor David Evans. “Our Senior Symposium event, in partnership with our Senior Advisory Committee, is a perfect opportunity for older adults to connect with one another and learn about the services and programs specifically tailored to them.”
Registration is now open and those interested are encouraged to sign up early. Space is limited to a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information or to register for the Senior Symposium, visit: www.tiny.ca/SeniorSymposium or contact Recreation and Special Events at recreation@tiny.ca or (705) 526-4204.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Township of Tiny Senior’s Advisory Committee. We invite and welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can make Senior Tiny Times a valuable information resource for our Seniors.