Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors members have been treated to weekly yoga sessions for over three years with the leadership skills of Cathleen McCarthy. They have learned movements and postures to improve their balance, breathing, relaxation and strength. Cathleen will be taking time off from TAPS to participate in the new yoga studio recently opened on Canyon Street and we will all miss her. We will not forget how good yoga makes us feel and how kind Cathleen has been to all of us at TAPS. Good luck, Cathleen.
Continuing to be productive members of the community is one of the goals of TAPS seniors. I have written about the many projects that keep us busy and happy, and now I am really proud to tell you about how TAPS seniors have been able to help out their program financially. The Telus Ambassadors from Cranbrook invited TAPS seniors and volunteers to assist them with the projects the ambassadors were involved in. From August to November yarn from the community was collected at TAPS. The yarn was sorted, color matched, and then knitted or crocheted by the seniors into lap blankets. These blankets were given to the Telus Community Ambassadors for sharing with chemo and dialysis patients at the hospitals in Creston and Cranbrook, and Crest View Village residents. The fun the ladies had was matched by the delight of those who received the blankets. Thank you to Anne Miller, our master knitter, who dug into the bins of yarn to come up with color combinations and help keep the mayhem under control. Last week, TAPS received a cheque from the Telus ambassadors that rewarded them for their contribution to their community. We are proud and grateful.
On the same topic, our Krafty Kronys also received funds from Telus ambassadors for the hours they put into designing and producing sensory aprons for dementia patients in Creston and Cranbrook. Telus generously supports communities through the Telus ambassadors project.
The Creston Lions Club will be holding their signature breakfast at TAPS (402 22nd Ave. S.) on March 17 starting at 8 a.m. — two eggs, two sausages and two pancakes, all for $5. This has become a popular and fun morning with visiting and entertainment along with the good food. Please join us.
Do you remember the Tarts and Tunes party we held last February? It was so well received that we are doing it again. This year, on March 23, Jessy Cress will lead a sing-along of all the old favorites at Rotacrest Hall. Jessy is a professional singer and one of our very own Krafty Kronys. She will be accompanied by Joanna Wilson. There will be great refreshments, probably some tarts, valuable door prizes and an afternoon of singing. Tickets are available at Black Bear Books, Kingfisher Used Books, Cresteramics and TAPS. Come and welcome spring with songs!
We have been busy at TAPS and it looks like it is just getting busier. We are grateful for all the support our community gives us that allows us to be healthy, productive and involved.
Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.