Veiner transition on tap for new SCAC

By Gillian Slade on February 22, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

At least 100 people attended the annual general meeting for the Senior Citizens Advisory Council Wednesday and talk of transition to the Veiner Centre, still under construction, was a hot topic.

After Mayor Ted Clugston addressed the gathering and mentioned possibly opening the Veiner Centre “five years to the day” of it being flooded, nobody would let him forget it.

Any talk of an official opening late summer or fall suddenly zoomed forward to “spring”, said LaVerne Noble, chair SCAC, to much good-natured laughter from the audience.

There was a photographic journey of work on the Veiner Centre restoration in a presentation by Scott Woodside, facilities project co-ordinator for the City of Medicine Hat.

Among the familiar trusted faces on the SCAC are some new ones elected at the meeting.

One of the newly elected members is Les Pearson, former councillor, who was not able to attend due to being out of town but promised to advocate for seniors in the way he did while serving on council.

Pat Dietrich was elected to return after a short absence from SCAC. She is excited about the opportunity to be involved in the transition back to the Veiner Centre this year, she said.

Jim Hillson, who has been a church minister for 50 years, said he is willing to listen and to be an informed voice at the table for seniors.

Rachelle Bistretzan, a registered nurse currently working in Home Care, said there are some areas in need of improvement including the need to book special transit 48 hours in advance and the need to address the extent of elder abuse even in families.

Barbara Stoesz, who brings years of business experience, is involved at the seniors’ centre as a volunteer and is president of the dance club. Several members were obliged to take a step back from the council after having served for six years. Noble paid tribute to Arlette Spencer for always being well organized with information at her finger tips.

Paul Nederveen, who has served as treasurer, leaves the council but will be serving in a “special project” still to be announced, said Noble.

Gordon Nott, who for four years of his six served as chair, has also taken on a new challenge with the Alberta Council on Aging.

Noble also thanked Arne Handley and Rod Sommerfeld for their contribution.

SCAC members who will continue to serve include Noble, Linda Hygard who was unable to attend Wednesday, Sandy Seifert, Allan Bloomfield and Sue Masterman.

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