The Sapperton Pensioners Association continues to pay tribute to members who have reached the age of 90-year milestone.
Each year, the association holds an "Over 90s" luncheon, which honours members who are 90 years or older. Bill Ward, Emily Crawford, Al Vernon, Joanna Zabinsky and Morgan McGrath were on hand for this year's celebration, while George Pearson, Alice Hazelwood and Olive Brass were unable to attend.
"It's to commemorate the people who live longer than we do," said Al Lambert, one of the event's organizers. "We do it to generate people to come to our club."
Of the five honourees in attendance for the Over 90s luncheon on June 5, Zabinsky, Vernon and Crawford were all born in New Westminster.
"Him and I go way back," Crawford said about Vernon. "His dad used to deliver our milk. It was by horse and cart. He worked for my husband at B.C. Hydro on the transit buses."
In 1945, Vernon started work as a conductor on the Interurban line that ran from New Westminster to Vancouver. When it ceased operations, he moved on to the buses.
Ward, 93, said he is still feeling pretty good.
"When you get older, you get this and you get that," he said. "I'm pretty good. I still drive."
Being able to drive is "very" important to the New Westminster resident, who refrains from night-time driving but likes being able to drive from his Sapperton residence to the mall uptown.
McGrath, 94, credited his longevity to staying active.
A native of Fort Langley, he's called New Westminster home for the past 20 years - but recalls riding the milk trains into the city as a youngster.
"It's a very compact city," said McGrath, who earned a living building houses. "The services are fabulous. The treatment the seniors get here is outstanding."
The Sapperton Pensioners Hall holds activities at its hall at 318 Keary St.
"They feel at home here. We are unconditional. We accept people for what they are," Lambert said. "We are a nonprofit. The people who come, we are here for them. We have Christmas dinner. Every Tuesday we have Games Day - Reno Keno and carpet bowling."
The Sapperton Pensioners Association also holds an annual fall fair and the "Over'90s" luncheon.
"We are trying to get other things going," Lambert said. "We carry on because they are happy."
Lambert said the group is "suffering from attrition" and always welcomes new members to join.
Coun. Bill Harper said the average life expectancy continues to rise, with the current average life expectancy being 81 years for men and 84 for women.
He said it's wonderful that people are living longer lives, which enables them to watch their children and grandchildren grow up and gives them more time with their families.
In recent times, the group has reached out to Richard McBride Elementary School and enjoyed visits from students who read with the seniors.
"It's intergenerational," Lambert said of the event. "We like to bring the community in."
For more information about the Sapperton Pensioners Association, call 604-724-9722. [email protected]
