Heading into Seniors Week, it's that time of year for the annual Seniors' Luncheon in Bentley - set to run June 1 at the Bentley Community Hall.
Those interested in attending the event, which runs from 12:30 to 2 p.m., are asked to RSVP for lunch by calling 403-748-2160 by May 29 at noon.
On the menu will be homemade soup, buns, and desserts, said Barb Carson, the town's community services manager, who also coordinates the luncheon.
For the afternoon's entertainment, The Muircats from Red Deer will be performing tunes from the 50s and 60s, along with an array of country songs as well.
The luncheon is certainly something of a collaboration among the Bentley Seventh Day Adventist Church (which provides the food and the volunteers), Bentley's Drop In, and the Town of Bentley FCSS/Community Services.
"It's a wonderful partnership," said Carson, adding the New Horizons Grant has been made available to help support the event as well.
"We usually average between 80 to 90 seniors. We have the musical entertainment, too, so dancing is encouraged!
"Or they can just sit, listen, and enjoy it. It's just a really fun afternoon," said Carson, adding she wished to give a huge shout-out to the church's team lead Karen Baumbach. "Without her, these events that we have put on for the past four or five years would not be possible, she said.
"So huge kudos to them - they are wonderful partners for me, too."
As to the lunch, guest come from here in the community to beyond.
"We get Bentley residents, and county residents; we also have people who have moved away from the community whose family members will bring them back (for the event) so that they can re-connect with friends, too," she said.
Seniors week runs from June 2 to 8, and Carson noted volunteers with the Bentley Boutique will be hosting a drop-in for seniors between 1 and 3 p;m. on Tuesday, June 3, for an ice-cold glass of iced tea and a cookie.
"And then on the Wednesday night, (June 4), we are taking the community van and will be going to Music in the Park in Lacombe," she said.
"Anyone who is interested in going can call me before noon that day, and we will head there for the event," she said, adding over the summer, more trips will be planned to Music in the Park as well.
"I like to say we are little but we are mighty, and we can pull stuff together for our community," she added with a laugh.
As to the luncheon, Carson said it's also an afternoon of watching people connect who may not have seen each other for some time.
"There are lots of smiles and laughter, and when I give my little talk, I say how when I moved here, my children were in Kindergarten. And I have had the privilege over the years of having multiple sets of grandparents in this community to help raise my kids, who are now in their 30s," she added with a chuckle.
"Some of those very seniors are still coming out to these kinds of things," she said, adding how meaningful it is to see them all.
"Comments we here are things like, those are some very delicious homemade soups that the Seventh Day Adventist ladies have created for them! We also get a lot of thanks for putting on an event that is free, and there is always the joke that there is indeed a free lunch in Bentley. There is such a thing as a free lunch!"
There is another similar event held at the beginning of December as well, she added.
Again, those interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP by calling 403-748-2160 by May 29 by noon.
