One-day event aims to create linkages between generations

The Aidants Naturels du Haut-Saint-Laurent, in collaboration with the Haut-Saint-Laurent Seniors’ Committee and the New Frontiers School Board, proudly announced the schedule of events for the second edition of the Haut-Saint-Laurent Seniors’ Fair during a press conference and 5 à 7 on Thursday, September 13, in Saint-Chrysostome. The Salon will take place on October 6, from 10 am to 3 pm, at the Chateauguay Valley Regional High School in Ormstown. With the theme of “creating friendships between generations,” this year’s fair is expected to be a dynamic and interactive event with an emphasis on intergenerational exchange and activities. Following the success of the first Seniors’ Fair, which was held in 2010, organizers are hoping this year’s edition will bring out over 250 individuals and families. In fact, many of the activities are geared toward families spending the day out with grandparents. A photographer will even be on hand to capture intergenerational photos with family members. The Salon is free of charge for everyone in the Haut-Saint-Laurent and surrounding region. The fair will feature a full schedule of conferences, workshops and activities for the entire family. Activities will include Lifeline Bingo, chair yoga sessions, a collaborative painting with artist Cari Jones that will later be exhibited throughout the MRC, giant mandala, and a games room. Conferences and workshops will include a presentation by Marie-Claudel Vincent entitled “Oser éclater de rire,” a conference by Don Rosenbaum on the importance of intergenerational activities and projects, and a “Max laugh for seniors”workshop led by Linda Leclerc, from the Canadian School of Laughter Yoga. Finally, the keynote address will be delivered by André Bienvenue, a healthy living specialist, who will present his talk “Le bénévolat rend heureux peu importe son âge.” The fair will also offer visitors a unique opportunity to discover new products, such as adapted clothing, as well as the many services and recreational activities offered by a variety of exhibitors with the shared goal of improving the lives of seniors in the region. “As an organizer, I keep thinking I wish there was an event such as this where my father lives in eastern Ontario,” admits Event Organizer Lorelei Muller. “It would be great to be able to connect with so many non-profit and governmental service providers with one outing, as well as to find out more about leisure opportunities in his area,” she says of the type of information visitors will be able to find during the fair. “The valley is lucky to have this event.” The goal of the fair is to create linkages and bonds between generations while promoting wellbeing for seniors in the area. The Caisse Desjardins du Haut-Saint-Laurent has committed to providing financial assistance that will be used to provide transportation assistance to those within the MRC who would like to attend the event. Those interested in making use of this service are encouraged to contact Les Aidants Naturels du Haut-Saint-Laurent at 450-826-1243. The event is also financed in large part by the Government of Canada through the New Horizons for Seniors program. “Whether it is sharing their skills, their experience, or their wisdom, seniors make remarkable contributions to our country. We are pleased to contribute to an event which is focused on the wellbeing of seniors,” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, the federal Minister of Seniors.