WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989, PAGE 15 j- PROFILES:'Mover and shaker'Thelma,trip organizer Homer By Debbie Luchuk Thelma Fries is another "mover and shaker" at the Whitby Seniors' Activity Centre, an outgoing "people person." Pries, however, was not always this sociable, outgoing and self confident. After raising eight daughters and widowed, Fries sat in her apartment "for 26 years," a vir- tual social recluse except for con- tact with two daughters living in Oshawa. Pries said it was difficult at first, but she realized that she needed to be involved with other seniors, and to get out of ber "four walls." Eventually she grew more and more involved as she left the shyness and inhibition of years alone behind. "The centre has brought a new look on life for me. I have a new outlook on life. I hadn't ever worn makeup. Now I do, and I dress up. I feel young, and I am doing more than I did before. My children don'thave to worry about me anymore," Pries said. Pries is involved with line dancing, the dance committee. helps out with bi-weekly lunches, opens the centre at night, pre- pares tea and coffee for evening gatherings and is the convener for the bimonthly birthday par- ties. She assists with the centre's newsletter, and even answers the phones in the office when things are hectic. Recognizing the needs of oth- ers, like herself, who could not go out either for health or other reasons, Pries has organized a cribbage night, Friday nights at Spring, fall overnight tours The Whitby Seniors' Centre is offering three "overnight tours" this spring and fall. There will be a three-day trip to Manitoulin Island and Sud- bury from July il to 13. The cost is $179 each, twin accommoda- tion. Registration will be held in June. Another three-day trip to the Thousand Islands wil be held from Sept. 11 to 14 at a cost of $296 each, twin accommodation. Registration will be held in July. A trip to the Poconos will be b held from Oct. 3 to 7 at a cost of $507 each, twin accommodation. Registration will be taken in June. 'Interest' lists are posted on the bulletin boards at the centre. Anyone interested can sign up or cali the centre at 668-1424 or 668-7919. I NOV ,rmo ýîcr-= Mvwugtoseadbehseen *5OFF Prsrption Glassesi her seniors' apartment building on Green St. "A lot of people don't know how to converse,and are not wil- ling to dress up to go out." "I never have time to watch the soaps anymore, and I actually appreciaté Sundays as a rest! 'You should go while you can, and make the best of these acti- vities while you can." THELMA FRIES For many seniors, retirement Organizing the tri means havng more time to tra- taking a surveyOf vel and see the world. Homer destination preferen Boke assists Whitby seniors who ing the best packa desire some road trippin' and at transportation, b the sane time Boke enriches his meals. own travel experiences. "We set the datE Boke organizes trips for collect the money. seniors through the Whitby lost money on a trip Seniors' Activity Centre. said. "I look after all the organized Trips are either a trips (at the centre)," be said. sion or several days. inplude attending theatre pro- .duortions out of town, race tr cks, h e withinsOneario. Longer tripssuch as the on s to a Sudbury an Manitoulin Isand, the Thousand Islands and the Poconos are usuafly several days to a week in lengtb. WWe're dealing with five or so travel agencies. We keep our HOMER eyes open fo r different tour BOKE offers. Day trips we handie our- selves," Boke said. IPs includes There are four seniors on the the seniors' tnpi committee. des andufind cty does Boke assume the Le deal for sometries harrying task of gng and rganizingtrips and accompany- toa them? e and then "I like dealing with people and We've neyer doing this kind of thing. It's very yet," Boke important for seniors to get out es ecially widows an Sday excur-wldowers,"he said. Short trips Snce joning the centre upon retirement from a sales career with Consumers' Gas eight years ago, Boke has also been involved in the dance committee, special events, and the twice weekly lunches. He is also active in the Masonic Order and the Order of the Eastern Star. Of the lunches, Boke said, "If it wasn't for that people would be lost. There's always someone here who wants to talk to you (if you are lonely). "I have no reason to be bored. TV makes me fall asleep. "You get really good meals and sociability of exchanging views. (Seniors) should come on down and play. It doesn't cost much!" Boke concluded. purchase one pr. opaque contact lenses & get one clearprfor only $50. Kendalwood Park Plaza 1801 Dundas St. E., Whitby 432-EYES Valid only with coupon. -- - - -n -n - -n -n -- as