Staff
Mike Bird, one of the founding members of the local Seniors and Law Enforcement Working Together (S.A.L.T.), was honoured at their meeting yesterday for the work he’s done as he soon will be moving away.
“My wife and I are going to live on Vancouver Island,” he explained, noting they have a son who lives in Vancouver.
“We just want to get away from the harsh winters and be in a more moderate climate that will enable us to enjoy the outdoors a little bit more in the winter,” he added.
Bird said it’s been an interesting two or three years working on S.A.L.T.
“I think we started to raise issues that are important to seniors in our community and I think you’ll see that in the response to the assisted living survey,” he remarked.
I think it’s going to be important information for the local council and provincial policies used to understand that there’s going to be a greater need for facility for the aging.”
Bird knows the group will do fine after he has moved on, saying, “I think they’re going to do great, I really do.”
“I think there’s some very committed people to address the issues that need to be addressed,” he stressed.
Fort Frances OPP Cst. Anne McCoy, meanwhile, noted the recent survey by the Assisted Living Action Group (A.L.A.G.) is now completed.
“Ian Simpson is helping us put all the documentation together and correlate it,” she said.
“We’re [also] planning our fall awards gala, which will be volunteer appreciation for individuals, businesses, and organizations supporting seniors in our district,” Cst. McCoy added.
She urged residents to check the website ffsalt.com often because it is frequently updated.
In addition, S.A.L.T. is encouraging seniors, along with anyone else who wants to join, to come out and walk with the ‘Eager Bs’ every Monday at 2 p.m. at The Harbourage.
The group walks along the waterfront when the weather is nice, and has coffee inside if it is poor.
Due to a grant received last year, they were able to try activities, such as yoga and Zumba, at Energy Fitness so they could remain active throughout the winter.
While always open to new ideas, they’re hoping to bring Zumba back since that activity proved to be quite popular.
