It was on May 6, 1960 that the Aldergrove Old Age Pensioners Organization branch #71 was founded in a building which used to house the Aldergrove Volunteer Fire Department.
Over those years the OAP Hall, with its kitchen and wooden dance floor, has hosted a wide variety of events and activities. The hall serves as the base for OAPO activities such as luncheons and dances, crib and whist parties and carpet bowling, but also has hosted a plethora of community events such as rock and gem club shows, art club meetings and shows, parties and weddings, and the like.
On Monday, April 20, the vice president of the B.C. OAPO, Jerry Gosling, recognized the 55 year mark by presenting a certificate to the executive and members of the Aldergrove OAPO.
Gosling, who is also president of the neighboring Matsqui OAPO #69, complimented the 110 members of the Aldergrove OAPO for keeping the organization alive and thriving here.
Hank Vankestern, president of the Aldergrove OAPO, reported that a government grant of $25,000 enabled the group to pay for extensive renovations to the hall's kitchen, washrooms and plumbing, to bring the facility up to date. He said they hope to also have enough funding left over to do some minor renovations inside the hall, such as new drapes and a refinished floor.
The building's exterior is in good shape, including a new roof installed just five years ago.
Gosling also presented two outstanding members of the Aldergrove OAPO with life memberships.
Maudie MacPherson, 97, and Freida Reid, 96, were present and pleased with the honours.
MacPherson, who joined the Aldergrove OAPO 33 years ago, was also the Aldergrove Star's seniors' columnist for 22 years. Reid joined the Aldergrove OAPO about a year after MacPherson, and the two are good friends.
The only sad note was the observance of Alice Fletcher's passing on Sunday, April 19, in a Langley seniors' care facility.
"Alice was one of our best workers, she did everything and never complained," said MacPherson.
The Aldergrove OAPO members observed a minute of silence in memory of Fletcher at the meeting. A celebration of her life is planned for the Aldergrove Legion Hall on May 11.
Jerry Gosling, vice president of the B.C. Old Age Pensioners Organization presented life membership to Aldergrove OAPO member Freida Reid.
Jerry Gosling, vice president of the B.C. Old Age Pensioners Organization presented the 55 year certificate to the Aldergrove OAPO branch 71 on Monday, April 20. Hank Vankestern, president of the Aldergrove OAPO (at left) received the certificate on behalf of the membership.