Seniors College Hosts Summer Strawberry Social

July 10, 2025

Seniors College of PEI Board of Directors recently hosted an appreciation Strawberry Social at Stratford Town Hall for members and their invited guests, facilitators, and sponsor representatives. 

Peter Benson, Board President, extended a welcome to all and introduced afternoon speakers.

Minister of Social Development and Seniors, Barb Ramsay spoke of the ongoing commitment of the province to Seniors College and the benefits of Seniors College programs.

Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden welcomed everyone and brought greetings from the Town of Stratford.

Melanie Melanson spoke on the role of the provincial Seniors Navigator who helps Island seniors navigate programs, supports and services through municipal, provincial and federal government departments, nonprofit and private sector organizations.

Sydney Wheatley spoke of the free summer TechNTalk sessions offered for seniors by the Province during July and August across PEI. Sessions focus on everyday technology like cellphones, tablets, and laptops and offer tips on using the internet.

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/social-development-and-seniors/techntalk

Judy Rose, Program Committee chair, and Tory Kennedy, Coordinator, gave an extensive overview of Seniors College courses planned during the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms of the upcoming2025-2026 college year. Many long time favourites will again be offered as well as interesting new additions to the course schedule. They noted an important date to mark on your calendar -  Registration opens Wednesday, September 3 at 9:00 am!

Marketing committee and Sponsor advocate Steve Connolly gave details about the Seniors College Sponsorship Program where local businesses can offer Gold, Silver, or Bronze sponsorship to assist Seniors College fund program offerings, and have an option to present a course in their area of expertise. 

Steve referenced the six current Sponsors: Rotary Club of Charlottetown, Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors, Lawtons Drugs, Provincial Credit Union, Cox & Palmer, and PEI Audiology.

https://www.seniorscollege.ca/sponsors.aspx

Rotary Club of Charlottetown past president Della Parker then spoke about the fundraising efforts of their Club and commitment to supporting other deserving community organizations.

Bob Pierce, Chair, SDU Board of Governors, spoke of that organization’s commitment to funding education initiatives.

The afternoon was complete with those present socializing and enjoying a dish of strawberries and ice cream – along with a cookie or two…