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April 25, 2012
â–ź LAKE COUNTRY SENIORS
Inside
Several goals in sight for seniors’ bus society BOBBI-SUE MENARD
Farmers’ Market Lake Country Farmers’ Market honours Glen Deacoff and looks forward to new location this summer. ..........................
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Digging in‌ Interior Heavy Equipment Operator School held an open house over the weekend to show how it trains students to take on lucrative jobs. ..........................
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New look for reno centre Lake Country Building Centre gets a new look to maximize its 6,000 sq ft of retail space for customers. ..........................
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Flyers â– Rona â– JYSK â– Home Depot
The Lake Country Seniors’ Bus Society has one main purpose: To get seniors, who are no longer able to drive themselves, out and about. To that end organizers
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WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE MORE RIDERS. WE PUT OUT SCHEDULES. ONCE PEOPLE COME, THEY’LL HAVE FUN. Margaret Fyfe
are trying to achieve several goals at once—raise enough money for a new bus, increase ridership while maintaining low costs for riders and create strong ties to the Lake Country community. Some of those goals can be tricky. Margaret Fyfe, president of the Seniors’ Bus Society, says right now the society is balancing those needs as best it can in the face of rising maintenance and operating costs for their 10year-old bus. “We had the air conditioning fixed last year and that was very expensive, about $3,500,� says Fyfe. In pursuing a grant from the District of Lake Country at its most recent council meeting, it was noted that the bus society has about $60,000 in the bank. Fyfe says every penny is needed, and then
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JERRY DEMONTIGNY has been a volunteer bus driver for seniors in Lake country for two years. some, for an anticipated replacement bus. The plan is to hopefully buy a reasonable second hand model with fewer costs. The district awarded the Seniors’ Bus Society a $1,500 grant-in-aid to help offset its bills. To help keep the organization viable, Fyfe is looking at different options. Advertising on the bus is a real possibility. “I would welcome any business looking to place advertising on the bus to call me,� says Fyfe.
“We are out and about in Lake Country constantly and support numerous local businesses.� The Seniors’ Bus Society picks up seniors at their home and takes them to a different event each day. A return trip costs the senior $3. The schedule includes Thursday shopping day, where the bus stops at grocery stores, the pharmacy and other services in Lake Country. On every trip day, the bus stops at a different
restaurant to help spread seniors’ shopping needs to different businesses. The effect on the lives of seniors who would otherwise be shut in is astounding. One senior calls it The Social Bus, as it literally provides much of her social life. Many studies show that keeping seniors supported in their homes enhances their quality of life and cuts down on health care costs in the long term.
“I feel we have a good service for people,� says Fyfe. The Seniors’ Bus Society operates with all volunteers, including the drivers. Fyfe says the drivers are invaluable and the society would be lost without them. Unlike handiDART in Kelowna, the Seniors’ Bus Society drivers help seniors to their doors and are willing to carry packages. Fyfe says the society
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has room for more seniors in Lake Country who are either uncomfortable driving or cannot drive. Many don’t yet know of the service. “We would love to have more riders. We put out schedules. Once people come, they’ll have fun,� she says. “The only thing we don’t do is one-on-one drives.� To discuss advertising opportunities call Margaret Fyfe at 250-7663227.