FCSS invites seniors to afternoon tea

Times Contributor  

 

Strathmore FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) invites seniors to an afternoon tea on Tuesday, March 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. The tea will be held in the Lambert Centre, 85 Lakeside Boulevard, which houses both the public library and the FCSS. 

The seniors will enjoy a tea made from local plants such as skullcap, a herb that’s been said to calm the nerves, aid in sleep and nourish the nervous system. Guest Brenda Holder, a Chartered Herbalist from Canmore, will also demonstrate how guests can use native plants to make salves. The seniors can then use their handmade salves as chest rubs, or to help heal arthritis, dry skin, and rashes.

But the program won’t stop with that. 

“The learning goes both ways,” said Catherine Walsh, FCSS Coordinator. While the seniors enjoy tea with friends, and learn new skills, or relearn forgotten ones, FCSS will encourage guests to express their needs, wants and opinions about future seniors’ programs in our community.

“They will learn some interesting facts on some of the plants indigenous to Strathmore,” Walsh said, “and we will learn a bit about what services we can offer to enhance their lives.”

When FCSS has received that information from seniors, Walsh said, “we will have a better understanding about the (needs) of our seniors and we can begin the process to implement more programs to meet their needs.”

The cost for making salves will be $15-$20, depending how many guests participate. 

“We hope to keep the cost to a minimum,” Walsh said, “so that all seniors can participate in and enjoy the program.” 

FCSS would prefer if seniors pre-register, Walsh said, but gave the assurance that “we will not turn anyone away at the door.”

Seniors who aren’t able to attend the tea, but would like to offer input, are encouraged to call the FCSS at (403) 934-9090 to talk about seniors’ programs they’d like the FCSS to develop. 

“We welcome their input,” said Walsh, “as they know best what their interests and needs are, and this will enable us to determine where the gaps are for seniors in Strathmore.”

As future seniors’ programs are developed, the FCSS plans to keep seniors informed through local newspapers and letters, Walsh said. Also, information will always be available at the FCSS office.