Courtesy
From left to right: Andrew Phaneuf, Johanne Fradette, William Marsden, Paul-C Carignan, Brian Wharry, Constance Ramacieri, and mayor Pierre Martineau at the Christmas seniors’ meal organized in partnership with CAB Stanstead
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Stanstead Township’s annual Easter meal for seniors, organized in collaboration with the C.A.B. of Stanstead, is officially at capacity, with 44 participants expected at the town hall on April 17. The free event, which was promoted through the municipality’s Friday info letters and website, was designed to bring together local seniors for a festive and hearty noon-time gathering.
Kimberley Whitworth, who coordinated the event on behalf of the municipality, confirmed that registration is closed. “I gave the final numbers to C.A.B. on Thursday,” she said. “I’m actually waiting to hear if I can squeeze in three more people, but right now we’re full.” She noted that a few signups arrived after the deadline due to technical issues, but the overall response has been enthusiastic.
The meal itself will be delivered by C.A.B. and served in the town hall at 778 Sheldon Road. It includes ham with pineapple sauce, coleslaw, a vegetable side, and Texan-style breakfast potatoes with cheese. Dessert will feature maple syrup, and Whitworth is adding homemade devilled eggs, sliced cheeses, vegetables with dip, hummus, and cake slices. Guests will also enjoy coffee, tea, punch, and a few Easter-themed decorations to set the scene.
The gathering, scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., is more than just a meal. “It’s about community,” Whitworth explained. “The councillors help serve, and it gives seniors a chance to connect with each other and with their municipal representatives.” Five of the seven councillors, including the mayor, are expected to be present to assist.
During the meal, Whitworth will deliver a short talk about MADA (Municipalité amie des aînés), a province-wide initiative to foster age-friendly communities. “It’s a project we’re working on, and with everyone sitting together, it’s a great time to share information.”
The event will also include a draw for prizes donated by local merchants. “We’ll be pulling names out of a hat,” she said. Prizes include three hams from Dépanneur Marché de la Baie, free meal tickets for future C.A.B. deliveries, and tickets to a local $15 soup lunch.
The Easter event builds on the success of a similar Christmas gathering hosted last December, which drew 35 seniors. “The councillors really enjoyed it and asked me to do it again,” Whitworth said. “So here we are.”
Whitworth confirmed that although this Easter event is full, future events are in the works. “We’ll likely do something for Thanksgiving and definitely Christmas again,” she said. “We go according to what meals C.A.B. is offering at the time.”
In the meantime, she encouraged residents to watch for updates on the town’s website and info letters, adding that registration typically opens three to four weeks in advance. “People mean to sign up, but then life gets busy. I try to give them as much time as possible.”
While most attendees are from Stanstead Township, a handful from neighbouring areas have also signed up, paying a small fee to cover the cost of their meals. “It’s really about bringing people together,” Whitworth said. “That’s what matters most.”