Coaldale Celebrates Seniors Seniors’ Week June 2-8

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

The Town of Coaldale is joining communities across the province this week, celebrating seniors in the cities, towns and villages where they live.

Seniors’ Week has been recognized since 1986 to celebrate and recognize the contributions seniors make to enhance the quality of life in Alberta. Seniors’ Week was inspired by the vision of the late Alice Modin, began a campaign to start a seniors’ day in Strathcona County, almost 40 years ago, that helped pave the way for this annual event.  

Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn said seniors play an integral role in the town and are the heart of the community. 

“Their contributions span generations, from building the foundations of the town we enjoy today to actively volunteering, mentoring youth, and continuing to support local initiatives,” said Van Rijn. “Many of Coaldale’s most cherished institutions and programs were shaped by the dedication and leadership of our senior residents.” 

He noted how seniors also serve as the backbone of many local boards and committees, and contribute their wisdom, experience, and steady guidance to help shape important decisions impacting everything from recreation and health care to culture and accessibility.

“Their continued civic engagement ensures that Coaldale remains a welcoming and forward-thinking place to live for people of all ages,” he added. “Whether it’s helping organize community events, sharing knowledge and skills, or simply offering a friendly smile and conversation, our seniors enrich the lives of everyone around them.”

To help celebrate Seniors’ Week, the town is holding several events between June 2-8, including the launch of the Pages of the Past photographic retrospective, curated by the Gem of the West Museum, where they will open the Millennium Time Capsule on June 2, there’s a free indoor walking hour for seniors on June 4, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Shift Community Recreation Centre, with coffee, tea and snacks provided. Van Rijn noted that due to some grant funding, this program will be continuing on Wednesdays throughout June, July and August. 

Also on Wed. June 4, Family Community Support Services (FCSS) will be hosting a Seniors’ Week event at the Coaldale Senior Centre from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. that includes crafts, games, dessert and a visit and conversations with the mayor and members of council in attendance.  

On June 5 from 2:30 – 4 p.m., the Coaldale Public Library is hosting a special viewing for seniors of their Pages of the Past, with snacks and refreshments from the Coaldale Bakery and Coaldale Tim Hortons. Transportation from Sunny South Lodge will be provided by the Coaldale and District Handi-ride, and finally, on Sat. June 7, the Coaldale Public Library will be hosting their 80th anniversary party from 1- 4 p.m. The event is open to all and will include cake and refreshments, crafts, door prizes, face painting, sparkle tattoos, balloon art and more.  

“Seniors Week is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the immense value older adults bring to our communities … recognizing seniors during this week and throughout the year, is our way of saying thank you for the wisdom, leadership, and generosity they continue to share,” said Van Rijn. “It’s also a chance to celebrate the legacy they’ve built and ensure we continue fostering a community that respects, includes, and supports our aging population. In Coaldale, we don’t just honour seniors, we listen to them, we learn from them, and we grow stronger because of them.”