INSIDE AURORA: I’m Not Ready

August 21, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Scott Johnston

I have more than a few years to go before I will become a senior citizen, which is a good thing in a way, as I don’t think I’m ready to be one in Aurora.
As we advance in years, we all start to slow down a bit, and take it easy, both mentally and physically.
At least, that’s the theory.
Well, from what I can see of our seniors by reading the weekly Senior Scape column in The Auroran, that’s not what’s happening.
Despite earning some well-deserved down time, our seniors are not collectively sitting around on the porch in rocking chairs watching the world go by.
On the contrary, they’re dancing, playing pickle ball, going on trips, singing, playing bocce, woodworking, and hosting BBQs.
It’s exhausting just trying to follow it all.
Sometimes I feel like I need a break after just bringing the groceries in from the car. I’m not sure I could handle all the stuff they do over there on John West Way.
Speaking of their local haunt, they even helped to finance it. Through a series of events several years ago that they developed and ran themselves, they raised a big chunk of the funds that went towards building the Seniors’ Centre. At the time, it seemed like every other week they were handing over another cheque to Council.
If the town’s kids had half as much energy, we’d have a completely built Youth Centre, and maybe a skateboard park or two by now.
As for their obvious organizational skills, I’m not sure I could juggle the dozens of activities the seniors have on offer over at the Centre. I’m usually pleased if I can tackle one item on my weekend “to do” list.
Not that all of Aurora’s seniors participate in billiards, power walking, chess tournaments, computer clubs, knitting, euchre, movie nights, badminton, book clubs, photography and theatrical work. At least, not every week.
But it’s obvious from their evident interest in all these things that they’re a lively and creative bunch.
And they don’t restrict their activities to the Centre. You’ll see them manning booths at the Farmers’ Market, Street Fest, and other special events in town. The always creative floats they build and participate in at the Canada Day and Santa Claus parades every year usually result in a prize or other nod of recognition.
And they regularly bring home a bunch of medals from various Seniors’ Games and other regional and provincial tournaments in which they compete.
Their woodworkers have also produced for the town everything from nesting boxes to props for the Haunted Forest at Halloween.
For several years they have even written a weekly column in The Auroran.
At least by writing every other week I’m halfway to keeping up with them.
Sometimes they even invite the town to see them, such as when the Centre plays host to the town’s annual Easter Egg hunt.
I’m not sure where they get all this collective energy. If it’s something in the town’s water, I’m not feeling a similar boost.
Although a ways off, it is an exciting prospect to anticipate being able to participate in so much evident camaraderie and in so many interesting activities, which by the time I’m ready to join them will probably include bungee jumping, advanced calculus and rock climbing.
So, if I’m going to become a senior one day in Aurora, and want to try to keep up with my fellows, it’s obvious I’m going to have to start working now to get in better shape, improve my mental acuity and increase my energy levels.
Otherwise, I’m going to be the only one out there on the porch in a rocking chair.