I have been involved as a member of the Regional Implementation Committee for the Institute of Aging. The work shop was held on November 4th and 5th. Many recommendations have been made to the Federal Government and as I receive responses, they'll be included in The Voice.

The New Horizon Review Committee also met November 15, 16 & 17 to review and recommend New Horizon Grants to applicants. I hope that many of our clubs applied (and received) their grants.

Joyce Mitchell, the USCO 's 2nd vice president represents our national affiliate, The National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation and I represent the USCO. We have both voiced our opinion that this grant (or another) should provide operational funding for seniors clubs - we'll keep pushing this view forward.

Since gaming laws are so restrictive and create difficulties in fund-raising for our clubs, perhaps one of the ways that would help is a grant of some kind - so, let's keep trying - after all, it was continual reminders of how effective the "old" New Horizons program was that brought back the "new" New Horizons grant.

Social Development Canada has been quite responsive to senior requests. I'm still looking forward to the Federal Senior Secretariat that was announced in February, 2005.

There have been lots of club visits, rallies and parties through the entire fall (Lindsay celebrated its 40th anniversary on October 18th) and now the Christmas parties have started, what a lot of fun we seniors are! It's true - "Elderberries have more fun that younger berries!"

Please visit someone in a nursing home. So many residents have no one and as our physical and mental abilities are reduced, there sometimes is a tendency to see us as patients rather than people.

I am reminded of that old song I Am, I Said of Neil Diamond's:

I am, I said, to no one there,
And no one cared, not even the chair,
Leaving me lonely.

It is a very appropriate verse for frail, lonely seniors. Please share your care and affections with someone remembering they're still a somebody.

The National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation Conference in October was well attended by the USCO - Marie Smith, June Morden and myself contributed to the proceedings and when the reports are complete, they will be shared with you.

One of our colleagues, the Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 9th. The guest speaker was Carole Goar from The Toronto Star. Well done OCSCO and good luck in the future.

The USCO's 50th anniversary is fast approaching (2 ½ years). How about some suggestions on how we'll celebrate. Will each member club have a "do" or will we have an open house? Please think about it and let us know.

Keep the club news coming. Remember: Resolutions can come in all year - discuss yours at your next meeting but they must be in before the deadline of April 10, 2006.

Hang up your stockings with care, enjoy your family and friends throughout this festive season, reflect on those less fortunate than ourselves, do something for a stranger and may God bless you all.

Keep well and look after one another!