That’s a wrap

East Prince Seniors Initiative recounts 2018

It’s been a busy year for organizers and members of the East Prince Seniors Initiative (EPSI).

“It was a good year. A big focus for us was working to reduce social isolation among our senior population and promote inclusion,” said Gloria Schurman, the executive director of the organization.

The East Prince Seniors Initiative is a non-profit organization that provides a place for seniors to learn new skills and socialize.

“Sometimes we act as a facilitator and connector for seniors. So, if someone comes into our office and is looking for help because a friend or a loved one is exhibiting signs of dementia, we’d say, ‘well this is what’s available’ and help them get started in a direction.”

Year round, EPSI offers recurring classes like the computer club, grandparents support group, reading pals, and more as well as a seminar series, workshops and other activities aiming to get seniors involved and socializing. “We also try to host workshops on what our members want. So, if someone comes in and says, ‘oh it’d be nice to learn about this’ then we try to facilitate that and get an expert in on that particular subject.” This year, the group ran a program with local organizations calling for nominees of seniors who volunteer and should be recognized for their hard work. “We had something like 274 nominations from organizations recognizing our senior volunteers.”

After the nominations were collected and recognition certificates were handed out, Schurman helped organize a “volunteer tour” for a bus-load of seniors where they explored sights in Eastern P.E.I., explored sights and attended a talk at the Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society.

Part of the trip’s purpose was to capture the stories of volunteers on film and share a video about their experiences.

“Why do I volunteer?” asked one man in the video.

He continued, “I feel that a lot of the skills I learned, I feel I can utilize within the volunteer community. How to get along with people who have different ideas than what you have.” afternoon as the low-pressure system moved away.

Islanders were told to expect to see additional snowfall amounts of two to four centimetres. The weather agency also predicts possible snow fall on Monday with a low of minus 11 and perhaps more snow fall on Wednesday with snow, blowing snow and windy conditions with a high of minus 1.

To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports to #PEStorm.