| Our General Meeting |
Today, 40 percent of our population on Prince Edward Island is age 55 or older. |
| General Meeting of the PEI Senior Citizens' Federation Informative and Entertaining |
The 2009 General Meeting of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation was
held on Wednesday November 25th at the Rodd Royalty in
Charlottetown. This annual event is attended by at least two
representatives from each of the Federation’s clubs, usually the club
President and another member of the Executive. In prior years, the
meeting was called “The President’s Meeting”.
“We were so pleased with the turn out,” said Federation President Eric
Hammill, “It was a great schedule and the entire day was entertaining,
informative and well planned.”
Registration began at 8:30 am and continued until 9:30 am when
President Eric Hammill introduced the Honourable Carolyn Bertram,
Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour.
Minister Betram brought greetings to the large group and spoke briefly
about the Learning Elders Arts Program (LEAP) - a project based
initiative designed to provide Island seniors with the opportunity to teach
various artistic disciplines. LEAP is funded by the PEI Department of
Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour and administered
through the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation.
Minister Bertram was thanked by Federation Board Member Richard
Larcheveque, who expressed the appreciation of the Federation for
having been selected to administer the LEAP program.
Executive Director Linda Jean Nicholson then introduced three speakers
who gave brief information presentations.
The first speaker was Catherine Freeze, Seniors Policy Advisor for the
PEI Seniors’ Secretariat. Catherine presented a brief summary of the
work the Seniors’ Secretariat does on behalf of Island seniors.
The second speaker was Maitland MacIsaac, Coordinator of the Passport
to Employment Program. This program is available to assist seniors in
returning to work.
A final presentation was given by Dave Currie, Instructor of the 55 Alive
Mature Driving Course. Information regarding the course was
distributed to club representatives at registration. Dave gave an
overview of the class and encouraged clubs to hold 55 Alive classes.
Island author and storyteller David Weale was the guest speaker for the
meeting. He gave an interesting and entertaining rendition of stories and
quotes by and about Islanders and the Island.
David Weale drew the winning ticket for the door prize and presented it to
Edna MacDonald, Secretary at the Rainbow Club in Bedeque.
A buffet lunch featuring roast beef was served to participants at noon.
Following lunch, President Eric Hammill called the General Meeting to
order and introduced the Board of Directors.
Director Steve Stephenson presented the roll call of clubs.
Federation subcommittees were asked to give reports to the general
membership.
Treasurer Roger King presented a report on the IRAC/Maritime Electric
subcommittee.
Director Sister Norma Gallant informed the membership of the activities
of the Housing Subcommittee.
And Secretary Susan Birt presented the report of the Health
Subcommittee.
A biography of Mary Ann Bernard was shared by Parkview President
Joyce McCardle. President Hammill had the honour of presenting Mary
Ann with a Lifetime Membership Award.
President Eric Hammill shared a brief report and the meeting was
adjourned.
“Everything went well,” said Executive Director Linda Jean Nicholson, “I
was pleased to notice so many leaving the meeting smiling.”
Evaluations were completed by 85% of attendees. One summarized his
experience, “Enjoyed it all! Keep the humour in all meetings. Laughter
is the best medicine!”
held on Wednesday November 25th at the Rodd Royalty in
Charlottetown. This annual event is attended by at least two
representatives from each of the Federation’s clubs, usually the club
President and another member of the Executive. In prior years, the
meeting was called “The President’s Meeting”.
“We were so pleased with the turn out,” said Federation President Eric
Hammill, “It was a great schedule and the entire day was entertaining,
informative and well planned.”
Registration began at 8:30 am and continued until 9:30 am when
President Eric Hammill introduced the Honourable Carolyn Bertram,
Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour.
Minister Betram brought greetings to the large group and spoke briefly
about the Learning Elders Arts Program (LEAP) - a project based
initiative designed to provide Island seniors with the opportunity to teach
various artistic disciplines. LEAP is funded by the PEI Department of
Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour and administered
through the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation.
Minister Bertram was thanked by Federation Board Member Richard
Larcheveque, who expressed the appreciation of the Federation for
having been selected to administer the LEAP program.
Executive Director Linda Jean Nicholson then introduced three speakers
who gave brief information presentations.
The first speaker was Catherine Freeze, Seniors Policy Advisor for the
PEI Seniors’ Secretariat. Catherine presented a brief summary of the
work the Seniors’ Secretariat does on behalf of Island seniors.
The second speaker was Maitland MacIsaac, Coordinator of the Passport
to Employment Program. This program is available to assist seniors in
returning to work.
A final presentation was given by Dave Currie, Instructor of the 55 Alive
Mature Driving Course. Information regarding the course was
distributed to club representatives at registration. Dave gave an
overview of the class and encouraged clubs to hold 55 Alive classes.
Island author and storyteller David Weale was the guest speaker for the
meeting. He gave an interesting and entertaining rendition of stories and
quotes by and about Islanders and the Island.
David Weale drew the winning ticket for the door prize and presented it to
Edna MacDonald, Secretary at the Rainbow Club in Bedeque.
A buffet lunch featuring roast beef was served to participants at noon.
Following lunch, President Eric Hammill called the General Meeting to
order and introduced the Board of Directors.
Director Steve Stephenson presented the roll call of clubs.
Federation subcommittees were asked to give reports to the general
membership.
Treasurer Roger King presented a report on the IRAC/Maritime Electric
subcommittee.
Director Sister Norma Gallant informed the membership of the activities
of the Housing Subcommittee.
And Secretary Susan Birt presented the report of the Health
Subcommittee.
A biography of Mary Ann Bernard was shared by Parkview President
Joyce McCardle. President Hammill had the honour of presenting Mary
Ann with a Lifetime Membership Award.
President Eric Hammill shared a brief report and the meeting was
adjourned.
“Everything went well,” said Executive Director Linda Jean Nicholson, “I
was pleased to notice so many leaving the meeting smiling.”
Evaluations were completed by 85% of attendees. One summarized his
experience, “Enjoyed it all! Keep the humour in all meetings. Laughter
is the best medicine!”
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