The past two months have been a steady time at TAPS with regular programming coordinating key events and successful projects.
TAPS turned into a ‘CASINO’ at our annual Volunteer Appreciation event as we showed our gratitude for our wonderful volunteers in true TAPS fashion. It was a time to have everyone come together, share experiences, do some training and provide updates about TAPS and Valley Community Services.
Casual staff member Cathy Chlopecki has been filling in for Wendy Garland’s maternity leave over the past year. Cathy was recently feted with a surprise ‘Dolly Parton’ party (and we have the photos to prove it!). Thanks, Cathy for being a great team member supporting the program for our seniors and bringing your skills, personality, and ideas to the staff and volunteers.
Welcome back to Wendy, great to have you back! Joining the team for the summer through the Federal Government Summer Student Program is Kaitlin Zolynsky. In a few short days, she has won the hearts of the seniors and is a natural addition to the team. Born and raised in Creston, Kaitlen is studying psychology and looking forward to this experience as part of her career. She will be helping with our summer ‘Staycation’ around town and helping in the program.
Two weeks ago, Ellie Reynolds wrote an article in the Advance about the Baby Goose Program at the library and in the community. She extolled the benefits of intergenerational music. We wholeheartedly agree with Ellie that singing and playing instruments with all ages, in local facilities and programs create a rich environment in which people of all ages thrive. Mary Jane Blackmore and the Mormon Hills School joined us for a successful 4-week Intergenerational Song Exchange. We will be continuing work with other groups in the next few months.
On another note, Signe Miller through CBAL (Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy) has been working with 6-8 seniors and students from Wildflower School on an interviewing and storytelling project. More to come on this project in future articles.
The most frequently asked question these days is, “So, do you have a new TAPS van yet?” The answer is yes, as the required vehicle has been ordered as a result of the generous response of the community and successful grants. We are awaiting delivery of the new van and will need some time to modify the interior to meet the needs of participants. Celebrating the event and acknowledgment of donors happen at this time. Hopefully, we will see it this summer!
In April we welcomed Michelle Mungall, MLA, and her staff who visit our program on her tours to Creston. We surprised her this time with a gift for her new baby. In May, Ian Currie presented a cheque from the Legion from their poppy fund. Thanks, Ian for the Legion’s ongoing support of our program. The free lunch is not a bribe…really it isn’t…but you know where we are!
The second most frequently asked question is, “How do people join TAPS?” Anyone who wants to know what the program offers for their particular needs or for a family member can contact TAPS at 250-428-5585 and have a conversation with Bridget or Wendy. We have no ‘membership’, it is a freely available program. We have brochures at doctors’ offices and at TAPS in the Lower Level of Rotacrest, additional contact and program information can be found at www.valley.services.
News from the Krafty Kronys is that their on-location store at TAPS is now open every Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm and they thank you for your support as all funds raised go to TAPS.
The Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors is a day program run by staff and volunteers Monday to Friday in Creston under the auspices of Valley Community Services.