Westlock County contributed more than $12,000 to the Linaria Seniors’ Association last week, which will be used for renovations to the community’s seniors centre.
Westlock County reeve Lou Hall was on hand at the centre May 2 to announce the contribution totaling $12,155.19.
“There’s more to this cheque than just you guys getting money. There’s something behind this cheque,” Hall told about two dozen area residents who gathered for the weekly games night.
“There’s an organization that’s working really hard to promote the Linaria Senior Citizens Centre and a lot of hours are spent in promoting it and getting it into good shape.
“It’s also important to the county to make sure that the residents of the county have what they need and have someplace to go and get together and you don’t see that a lot anymore.”
Every year the county sets aside a fund for community enhancement grants which are available to non-profit societies and groups within the county. There were many applications from eligible groups this year, said Hall, and the seniors association was one of three to be accepted.
Judy Baggett is one of the area locals that frequents the drop-in centre on a regular basis. She said the money will be put to good use fixing up the building, which was once the Linaria School.
“It’s just a way to do the cosmetic repairs that need to be done, so that it’s used more within the community,” she said, pointing out it is a popular rental space for birthdays, weddings and other community events.
“When it’s really nice looking, it’ll bring more in and I’m sure that the word will spread and we will have it rented out even more.”
Linaria Seniors’ Association president Jeff Elder was one of the regulars who stopped their games of pool to hear the announcement.
“It’s awesome, it’s nice to have this,” he said afterward.
“It’s nice to have in the community for people to gather and get together. Us oldies play some games and we have crib and pool tournaments here. It’s just a good place to come,” said Baggett.
