Transportation issues top the list of concerns for seniors in our community, and the Roundtable committee is looking to change that

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Although Riverview seniors have been active in the community since the town's amalgamation in 1973, their voices have never displayed such a prominence as this past year.

With the establishment of the Riverview Seniors Roundtable in February 2006, the elder generation has proven indispensable while providing support and assistance to seniors and community members of all ages.

While a small number of people, ten in total, maintain the group, members from a variety of organizations and individuals encourage the diversity of the collective.

"Everyone brings in different ideas to the venue," shares Cecile Cassista, co-founder and Chair of the committee, who adds that the eclecticism brings about new ideas.

"At the meetings we get to know the people and what they're interested in. I'm always surprised at what I hear."

The volunteer members consist of representatives from organizations such as the Albert County Food Bank, Riverview Lioness, and Riverview Veterans Association.

Members contribute on a volunteer basis and form their meetings under the accordance of their proposed mandate, from 2006, which promotes an enhanced community, improving the quality of life for those living in Riverview.

Commencing with a long list of barriers which impact seniors, the group targeted their number one priority for change in the Riverview area. Transportation topped the list.

"We are dealing with improving walkways and providing safer crosswalks," states Cecile. "The city is not wheelchair accessible and we need to see progress."

The committee is concerned that there are no full service gas stations in the area and admits that it is difficult for seniors to travel to Moncton to fill up their car.

"We are looking at bus transportation here in Riverview as well, and have been researching the cost of this in other cities," states the Chair. The Roundtable's concern over these barriers has involved a hefty load of research.

Cecile pulls out a binder filled with notes and from her records emerges a list of New Brunswick municipalities she has polled for her most pressing objective to address to Town Council, a seniors registry.

"What we are really focusing on is a seniors registry for those who live at home and do not have family nearby," she says.

"Emergency assistance is provided from having this service, which is already underway in Moncton."

The group has been relentless in gathering information to build from.

"I have called every municipality in the province asking if they had a seniors council or registry," explains the Chair.

Although many communities do not have a seniors roundtable, the idea of one, sparked from a single telephone call, may soon see them popping up all over New Brunswick.

"I was amazed at their response, as many did not have any services for seniors, and realized it sparked an interest in other communities," claims Cecile.

By calling the municipalities, the committee hopes to raise recognition in other communities to help support seniors everywhere.

"It is an enhancement to all municipalities," she says, "To continuously bringing forward immediate concerns from the community."

The group also hopes to provide information on basic services, which may be overlooked by seniors who do not have access to the internet.

"There are so many resources out there for seniors that they don't know about," admits Cecile. "It's about accessing the information and making it easier to put them in contact with the right services."

Although the roundtable is not appointed by the mayor, it is community driven and approved by the Town Council which offer space on their website.

"People can come in and listen to our meetings and are encouraged to speak. Our official contact person is Harold Gibson, who is a man eager on issues," laughs Cassista. "We enjoy having him and when we want something done, he's not shy."

To obtain more information regarding the Seniors Roundtable visit the Town of Riverview website at www.town.riverview.nb.ca and check out the What's New Section under Senior's Roundtable.