THE BATTLEFORDS - Two Battleford residents are working together to start a new seniors' group in the area.
The group is called Battlefords Probus International Association of Retired People.
"It's something positive for the community," said Johanne Stolz, one of the organizers.
Gerald Walker, who is also spearheading the initiative, said he was part of a similar group when he lived on Vancouver Island, so he thought it would be good to start up one locally in the Battlefords to promote a group for seniors to socialize.
"I enjoyed it so much that when we [he and his wife] moved back here to be close to our daughter, we decided to see if we could get the club going here in this community," he said.
Walker said the organization actually started in the U.K. There are now many similar clubs right across Canada.
Stolz noted the initiative for the local group has been a few months in the planning stages.
"I first made contact with Gerald after he contacted the Saskatoon club. That was on July 12. Since then we have set the wheels in motion," she said.
The inaugural meeting is set for Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Don Ross Centre in Room 104.
The group will meet once a month, from September to June, and have a guest speaker at each meeting.
Plans are to also offer people with similar interests a chance to get together in sub-groups if they feel like going for walks, or taking part in a reading group, or for dining out, for example.
Stolz said so many seniors are on their own and would appreciate having a group to meet other seniors and socialize more. Couples would also enjoy time out to get to know other seniors in the area, and try out new activities.
People can learn more about the group by visiting the website: . The group can also be reached by email at: [email protected]
