UNITY -- A call to a local car enthusiast resulted in miles of smiles for Unity’s seniors June 27 as others of the same mind brought their vehicles out for a mini car show for the enjoyment of seniors at several centres in town. What resulted next was unplanned yet couldn’t have played out more perfectly making for a memorable evening for both seniors and participating community members.
This reporter thought instantly of how easy this whole effort was and how much it resonated with all generations.
I noted from my experience with seniors both locally and family elsewhere how long summer can be for senior residents as many of their friends, family and neighbours are gone to the lake or away on vacation.
The concept of hosting an informal, free, fun activity in town was demonstrated to be an easy task.
What’s required? Come to a central space in your community — Kerrobert Pool Park, Luseland Legion Park, Unity Regional Park by the gazebo or the Parkview Place Keith Wilson Park behind the building or Wilkie’s Memorial Park. Bring something you can do or share with others.
I was part of a three-person planning group that had less than two weeks to turn a CTV Hometown Tour visit into an event in 2010. What everyone in our trio soon witnessed is the willingness of people to be creative or quickly jump on board with an idea. I am a firm believer in the Field of Dreams concept, “If you build it, they will come.” There is always an opportunity to turn an activity into an event.
Ideas I thought of that always seem to engage people were a bocce ball game that others can join in on. Gather your friends and family and have an impromptu talent show. Bring your pups and have a pet talent show because who doesn’t love dogs? Join some neighbours and distribute some freshly baked cookies or lemonade, just because, or set up an impromptu lemonade or cookie stand. Offer face painting or a sidewalk chalk opportunity. None of what is being offered has to be costly or time-consuming but the opportunity to create a community gathering and generate an option for residents of all ages to participate is sure to provide heartfelt memories.
The idea of not having one specific group or person to organize the event helps. This way the options are endless and can showcase fun and creativity. The true enjoyment comes from the opportunity to gather with other community members during a weekend in summer and either watch the various activities taking place or become part of them as a participant. And there is always the bonus of visiting others while enjoying summer in community places and spaces.
This can be an easy pay-it-forward gesture and trying it once might spark interest in making it an annual event. Or even if it brightens up people’s day by providing something simple on a weekend is worth the effort.
I ask readers to imagine being a senior or a single person, or a young family on a tight budget not able to head out of town for a summer experience. People who enjoy the busyness a community offers during the week but find the weekends rather long as summertime creates a quietness in town with community members travelling with events, activities and summer vacation time.
Now imagine contributing to one single gesture and combining that with several other people’s gestures thus creating an impromptu event in a community commonplace.
Think of it like hosting something in your yard. But instead, you’re doing it in a place or space in the community that others can attend.
Enlist the mindset of making an everyday moment into an extraordinary opportunity that will infuse smiles and create memories. Enact your insight, your community pride, your connection, and your willingness to strengthen community relationships. Help create a culture of caring and sharing.
Some of these community parks have horseshoe pits or grassy spaces for bocce ball or a crokinole game. That’s a start. Ask your family, friends, and neighbours to join you and brainstorm ideas. And simply dress up, show up and let the magic of community camaraderie and the willingness to pay it forward occur.
