Seniors Advisory Committee holds public forum

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The Leamington Seniors Advisory Committee held its first public event on Wednesday, December 1 at the Half Century Centre.

About 15 interested seniors attended to hear updates on what the committee is doing to make life better for seniors in Leamington.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald, who sits on the committee, was present and spoke to the visitors about making sure they voice their opinions about things affecting seniors in the municipality.

The event opened with the UMEI Choir singing Christmas carols under the direction of Erin Armstrong.

Committee Chair Martin Girash introduced committee members who were present. Those included Linda Tiessen,Linda Thiessen-Belch, Councillor John Hammond and Christine Lehn. Mayor MacDonald is also on the committee and was in attendance.Committee members Melissa Bloomfield and Margaret Ingratta were unable to attend.

Martin Girash, left, and Linda Tiessen address the attendees at the Seniors Advisory Committee public forum last week.

SUN photo

One question posed for the committee was about the lack of accessibility at the marina patio. It was said that the only way to exit the patio to the marina promenade was to go down three or four steps and anyone with a wheelchair or walker would have difficulty getting down there.

Another resident brought up the lack of accessibility at the concerts at Sunset Amphitheatre.

The distance between the parking lots and the venue is too great for seniors with walkers or carrying lawn chairs.

Martin Girash turned that over to the Mayor, who promptly said that she would follow up on that.

“These are the types of things we want to hear about,” she said. “We need to address these things.”

Overall, the meeting was deemed a success and the committee came away with a renewed interest in helping their fellow seniors in the community.

The next public get-together is scheduled for January 5 and will follow on the first Wednesday of each month.