How could the cold of winter dampen our spirits and enthusiasm at TAPS with the ongoing dedication of our staff and volunteers, warm soup from the kitchen and welcoming smiles…we embrace each day with friendship, laughter and even just being together over a cuppa or a game of crib. On Valentine’s day, for example, we were surprised by folks from the Cresteramics Society program who presented individually wrapped carnations to each of our seniors and volunteers…what a treat..thanks everyone. And then, after a hard day’s work at the dairy with the extra chores due to the cold, along comes Denise Harris from Kootenay Meadows Farm with milk for us.
We are wrapping up a successful year-long Multigenerational Music Program funded by Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) with a final and first-time collaboration with Yaqan Nukiy School with Ellie Reynolds, our passionate leader. We’performed together at Swan Valley this week. This has been a heartwarming program, sharing and learning with youth, and building memories. Our next New Horizons grant will support our “Seniors and Purpose” theme for the coming year. Meanwhile, our Healthy Aging program through The United Way continues with workshops, exercise programs, and presentations.
Heartfelt Gratitude for our awesome community
• We are very grateful for the collaborations in our community which continue to make a difference for us to serve our mandate for seniors through Valley Community Services and TAPS.
• Over the past year, these partnerships have all helped in broadening and deepening the experiences of our participants at TAPS and their families:
• Better at Home, Swan Valley, Creston Library, Harvest Share, Crest View Care Village, Columbia Basin Trust, Cresteramics Society, Nikkyl Place, Crest View, Mormon Hills School, Wildflower and Yaqan Nukiy Schools, Creston Museum, College of the Rockies and Creston and District Community Complex along with individual instructors. Thanks to all the financial support from: Gleaners, New Horizons for Seniors Program, United Way, BC Gaming Grant, Regional and Municipal grants through Community Initiatives, Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Club, Rotary Club of Creston Valley and Royal Canadian Legion as well as individual donors (financially and in-kind and fundraising by the Krafty Kronys.
• Our updated transportation resources were made possible through donors such as the Credit Union, Canadian Legion, Creston Valley Rotary Club, Kokanee Ford as well as individual donors, and are indeed serving us well in addition to partnering with BC Transit.
• This allows us to continue to support and address ongoing and changing needs in programming and resources for seniors in our community. (Our regular program plus: Living Well, Dementia Support, Multigenerational Music)
• Thanks to Creston Valley Advance for this column space.
• Thanks, Brian Pealow for monthly space at Pealow’s Store (4th Friday 12-6) for our Krafty Kronys to sell their handcrafted wares in support of TAPS. Also, the Krafty Kronies Korner is open at TAPS every Thursday 11-1pm and on request.
TAPS operates under the auspices of Valley Community Services. If you are considering making a donation or would like to contribute to our Legacy Endowment Fund please visit www.valley.services or contact the VCS office at 250-428-5547 for more information. For volunteer opportunities or program, inquiries call 250-428-5585 or taps@valley.services.